Yosemite Photos, Video and News

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Wawona Road Rehabilitation (June 1 - November 2010):
**Please use caution when driving along the Wawona Road - there are many
locations of unpaved surfaces.

Paving work has begun on the Wawona Road. Contractors started north of
Wawona Campground, and they will be alternating lanes every night going
north. Just south of Chinquapin, the waterline is being placed so there is
no pavement there.

     *Today's locations of work:  Today, there will be grading for
     placement of curb in the area that runs a half mile north of the
     South Entrance to approximately a mile north of the Wawona
     Campground.  There will also be placement of curb in the area that is
     approximately 3 miles south of the Wawona Tunnel.
     *Tonight's locations of work: Tonight, there will be paving in the 6
     mile section that runs north of the Glacier Point Road intersection
     (Chinquapin), as well as work on the high-voltage electrical system
     that runs a mile south of the Wawona Tunnel (this work contains
     approximately 3,000 feet and will take about 6 weeks to complete).
     There will also be work on inlets and grading in the area that runs a
     mile north of the Wawona Campground to the Glacier Point Road
     intersection (Chinquapin).

-For all Yosemite road construction information and updates, visit the
park's website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/roadwork.htm

-For daily traffic control updates, call the park information line at (209)
372-0200 (then press 1, and 1 again). (M. Ortiz - 8/9/10)
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Integrated Utility Master Plan [IUMP] (to be completed by the end of 2010)
Mozingo Construction (contractor) is currently working on the new sewer
lift station at the Ahwahnee Hotel as well as some of the fire hydrants and
valving on Ahwahnee Drive. Further work on the abandonment of old utilities
has been put on hold.

Allison Sierra (ASI) was awarded the contract for the new North Pines sewer
lift station project that is to start shortly before the campground closes
for the season. Stay tuned for more information as the project time nears.
(M. Ortiz - 8/9/10)
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Wawona Tunnel (ongoing)
Candelaria Construction (contractor) is continuing the installation of the
new venitlation and fire alarm systems throughout the tunnel. (M. Ortiz -
8/3/10)
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Tecoya Housing (to be completed by October 1, 2010)
Allison Sierra (ASI) [contractor] will be working in the Lower Tecoya area
to replace old and failing water, sewer, and power lines and remove them
from sensitive ecological areas. This contractor (ASI) was also awarded the
contract for the new North Pines sewer lift station project that is to
start shortly.  (M. Ortiz - 7/26/10)

Park and Partner News
Lightning Caused Fire in Yosemite National Park Continues to Burn in the
Northern Area of the Park, Near Harden Lake
Fire Being Managed for Ecological Purposes
A lightning caused fire in Yosemite National Park continues to burn in the
area of Harden Lake.  The fire, known as the Slope Fire, was spotted on
July 25th.  Total acreage of the Slope Fire is 530 acres and continues to
spread moderately.  Yosemite Fire Crews are continuing to manage the Slope
Fire for the purpose of ecological objectives.

Moderate smoke from the Slope Fire is visible along the Tioga Road, the
O’Shaughnessy Dam at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Tuolumne Meadows, and
surrounding communities near the Big Oak Flat Entrance.

The Harden Lake area and the trail to Pate Valley from Harden Lake are
closed due to fire activity.  The White Wolf trailhead to Pate Valley and
Lukens Lake remain open.  Cooperating agencies in the managed fire include
the San Francisco Water Quality and Public Utilities Commission at Hetch
Hetchy and the Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control District.

For more information on fire please visit www.nps.gov/yose/fire or call
209-372-0480. (K. Cobb - 8/9/10)
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Yosemite Fires – Update #8 – August 6, 2010
The lightning caused fires of July continue to burn in Yosemite wilderness
and are being managed for multiple objectives.  This means fire managers
and firefighters may use less aggressive or minimal actions where the fire
is accomplishing benefits on the land.  For example, the fire may burn the
understory of trees, ridding the area of accumulations of dead and down
vegetation and accumulations of needle and leaf litter.

All fires listed are being monitored and data is being collected (fuel
moistures and weather) to determine what actions will be taken.  In
wilderness areas Minimum Impact Management Tactics (MIMT) are utilized by
using natural barriers of rock and lakes, or utilizing trails and past
fires thereby lessening the use of aggressive hand tools, i.e. chain saws.
Utilizing the minimal tool and natural features further reduces the work
needed to rehabilitate the fire area.  Firefighters do this without
diverting their attention from the safety of themselves or the public.
These adjustments firefighters make to effect minimum resource impacts are
essential if the spirit of wilderness and National Parks is to be
maintained.

Slope fire: (37 54.572 x 119 40.924; 6900’ el., Tuolumne Co).  This fire is
now at approximately 546 acres. The blacklining operation is complete on
the west end of the fire, which was done to reduce fuels and moderate smoke
production and improve air quality.  Combined with sparse vegetation on
steep slopes and coinciding with favorable smoke dispersion and air quality
the “firing” operation is all the more successful in transporting the smoke
out of the area.  Smoke is visible along Tioga Rd, White Wolf area,
O’Shaughnessy Dam of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Rancheria trail area, and
in the Tuolumne Meadows area.  Firefighters will continue to utilize light
on the land Minimum Impact Management Tactics on their mentoring efforts.
The fire remains a surface fire.  Low to moderate rates of spread was
observed by firefighters yesterday. The most active part of the fire is to
the east, and southeast.  The mixed conifer forest is on a north aspect,
with cedar and white fir trees, down tree limbs and compacted short needles
as the predominate vegetation.  Some helicopter water bucket work may
continue to cool the west perimeter.

The Harden lake area and the trial to Pate Valley from Harden Lake are
closed.  The White Wolf campground area trailhead to Pate Valley and Lukens
Lake remain open.    The trail closure is in effect today August 5, 2010.
Wilderness and Interpretive rangers and fire information personnel will be
in the area to help direct hikers and backpackers and answer questions.

The National Weather Service is predicting unseasonably favorable air smoke
dispersion for the Slope fire, with no long term stagnation in the forecast
through next week. A trough will be overhead with transport winds from the
southwest .Temperatures will be below normal with high humidities and
possible thunderstorms over Mono County.   Early morning smoke may be
present down the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, with clearing by late
morning.

Cooperators include the San Francisco Water Quality and Public Utilities
Commission at Hetch Hetchy, and the Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control
District.

For Additional Information:
  Fire Information and Education Office:  (209) 372-0480
  Yosemite Online:     www.nps.gov/yose/fire
  Firenews:  http://www.nps.gov/fire/public/pub_firenews.cfm
  Inciweb California:  http://www.inciweb.org/state/5/
  NASA satellite images of smoke:
     http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/subsets/index.php?subset=AERONET_Fresno.2010208.aqu
  USGS regional webcam images of smoke movement:
  http://sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov/swifers/pages/WebCam.htm (G. Wuchner -
  8/9/10)
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Bear Facts July 25th-July 31st, 2010

Weekly Total

                |  # of         |  Damage
                |  Incidents    |
 ----------------+---------------+------------
  Parking Lots  |  4            |  $1,200
 ----------------+---------------+------------
  Campgrounds   |  8            |  $260
 ----------------+---------------+------------
  Other Areas   |  2            |  $1,200
 ----------------+---------------+------------
  Backcountry   |  0            |  $0
 ----------------+---------------+------------
  Total         |  14           |  $2,660

Yearly Total

                |  # of         |  Damage
                |  Incidents    |
 ----------------+---------------+------------
  Parking Lots  |  98           |  $38,848
 ----------------+---------------+------------
  Campgrounds   |  58           |  $5,677
 ----------------+---------------+------------
  Other Areas   |  101          |  $29,301
 ----------------+---------------+------------
  Backcountry   |  11           |  $1,909
 ----------------+---------------+------------
  Total         |  268          |  $75,535

*Additionally there have been 40 bear incidents where a bear obtained trash
that was left out or from trash cans or dumpsters that were not secure.
Year to Date Comparisons for the Week of July 25th-July 31st

            |  1998     |  2010     |  Percent     |  2009     |  2010     |  Percent
            |           |           |  Change      |           |           |  Change
 ------------+-----------+-----------+--------------+-----------+-----------+--------------
  Incidents |  388      |  268      |  -30.93%     |  283      |  268      |  -5.3%
 ------------+-----------+-----------+--------------+-----------+-----------+--------------
  Damage    |  $178,741 |  $75,735  |  -57.63%     |  $26,246  |  $75,735  |  +188.56%

There have already been 14 bears hit, and 6 killed by vehicles this year.
Please obey speed limits and pay attention while driving!

WEEKLY INCIDENTS BY LOCATION

                       |  # of
                       |  Incidents
 -----------------------+----------------
  Yosemite Valley      |       11
 -----------------------+----------------
  White Wolf           |        1
 -----------------------+----------------
  Crane Flat           |        1
 -----------------------+----------------
  Tuolumne             |        1

BEAR ACTIVITY SUMMARY
It has been very warm lately and we are all looking for ways to keep cool
at home.  Do not forget to close all windows when you leave your house.  Do
not let your guard down because it’s hot. Bears have historically entered
houses during this time of year via open windows and found refrigerators
full of food to gorge themselves upon.  When bears learn to associate
houses with food it is a very difficult temptation to break which often has
disastrous results for residents and the bears.

If you are visiting Yosemite, be aware that bears are extremely clever and
opportunistic.  It is your responsibility as a visitor to ensure that bears
do not get your food.  Please keep these animals wild by diligently
following all park laws.  If you see a bear during your visit please report
it to the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322.

INTERESTING BEAR FACT
White-colored American black bears exist in parts of North America.  These
bears, which are different from blonde or even albino bears, are genetic
anomalies known commonly as Kermode bears. (R. Leahy - 8/6/10)
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Yosemite National Park Announces Public Meetings Regarding the Tuolumne
River Plan
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher announces several
public meetings regarding the Comprehensive Management Plan for the
Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River (Tuolumne River Plan).  The public meetings
will take place at Parsons Memorial Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows on August 20,
September 10, September 11, September 17, and September 18, 2010.  All
meetings will occur from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

In 1984, the Tuolumne River became a federally protected Wild and Scenic
River.  Yosemite National Park is currently drafting a management plan for
the 54 miles of the Tuolumne River that flows through the park.  The
Tuolumne River Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be
released for public comment in late 2010 or early 2011.

Visitors attending the public meetings will learn what makes the Tuolumne
River a Wild and Scenic River and why it stands out from other rivers.
Visitors will also learn ways in which to protect and enhance river values
for the future.  Attendees at the meetings are encouraged to share ideas
regarding the planning effort.  There are also special activities planned
for kids.

The meetings will include a slideshow presentation, followed by a short
walk to the Tuolumne River.  Attendees are advised to bring water,
sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes.  Visitors should allow 30 minutes to
walk to Parsons Memorial Lodge from the Tioga Road.

To learn more about the Tuolumne River Plan, please visit
www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm. (K. Cobb - 8/6/10)
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Please join us! Yosemite Forum - Sponsored by Resources Management and
Science, Yosemite National Park
Tuesday August 10, 2010
Auditorium, Yosemite Valley
Noon to 1 p.m.

The Hydroecology and Restoration of Meadows in the Sierra Nevada - Dr.
Steven Loheide, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin
Meadows are critical components of the Sierra Nevadan landscape providing
local productivity, biodiversity, and hydrologic buffering of watershed
processes. However, overgrazing, logging, and road/railroad construction
have impaired the ecologic and hydrologic function of meadow systems
altering the ecosystem services they provide. This presentation will focus
on the interrelationships between groundwater and soil water availability,
plant water use, and vegetation patterning in pristine, degraded and
restored meadow ecosystems.

Yosemite Forum is a partnership among:
The Yosemite Fund
USGS, Western Ecological Research Center, Yosemite Field Station
University of California, Sierra Nevada Research Institute
USFS, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Sierra Nevada Research Center (M.
Thornley - 8/6/10)

Acting Designations
Niki Nicholas, Chief of Resource Management, will be acting Superintendent
from August 6-August 15. (D. Neubacher - 8/2/10)
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Jessica Middleton is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology & Archeology 8/9
through 8/13. (L. Kirn - 8/9/10)
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Gretchen Stromberg will be Acting Branch Chief for the Design Branch of
Project Management Division from Monday, August 9 through and including
Wednesday, August 11, 2010.  She can be reached at 379-1006.  If on Monday
August 9, 2010 Gretchen in not available you may also leave a message with
Sarah Henderson at 379-1202.  On Tuesday or Wednesday, August 10 & 11 you
may then leave a message with Tricia Radmacher at 379-1221. (T. Radmacher -
8/5/10)
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Russ Kish will be acting Trails Supervisor Aug. 4 - 18.  Russ can be
reached at 209-742-3540.(S. Baudaux - 8/4/10)
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The following staff will be Acting A.O. while Katariina is out of the park
from July 29 -  August 17, 2010. Lorene Schafer, August 9 - 13, (379-1873),
Dayna Jackson, August 16-17 (379-1872).  (P. Lendvay Humphrey - 7/29/10)
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Historical Architect Sueann Brown (379-1222) will be acting Branch Chief
for History, Architecture & Landscapes from Tuesday, Aug. 3 thru Monday,
Aug. 9, 2010.
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Until further notice, Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) will be the Acting Park
Archivist while Paul Rogers is on a detail as the Acting Regional Archivist
(PWR). If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related
questions, you can also try calling at 379-1282 or 379-1104. (J. Bayless -
6/3/10)
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Until further notice, Lorene Schafer (379-1873) will be the Acting Chief
for Contracting and Procurement . If you have contracting related questions
and don't already have a point of contact, please call Helli Tucker at
379-1368. Please continue to route purchase request (PR) packages to Lorene
for Acquisition Approval in IDEAS.
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Until further notice, Ed Dunlavey will be the acting Operations Branch
Chief and Deputy Chief Ranger.
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Until further notice, Cindy Whitten will be the acting Human Resources
Officer - 209/379-1878.

Employee News
Resume Workshop - Thursday, August 19, 2010 from 9 am to 11 am - in the EP
Administrative Building; Large Breakroom.  This is your opportunity to hear
about the latest tips in creating excellent applications for employment
with the federal government.  Hardcopy documents and information CDs will
be provided.  Paul Sheehan, Human Resources Specialist for SEKI will be
presenting the workshop.  Please contact your supervisor for prior approval
to attend this workshop.  Any questions, please call the Human Resources
Office at 379-1805. (C. Whitten - 8/9/10)
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Farewell Potluck for Brindeiros: The Brindeiros are leaving Yosemite and
going to Pinnacles National Monument! Come and say “Goodbye” or “See you
later”
     WHEN: Tuesday August 10, 2010
     WHERE: Wawona Community Center
     TIME: 6:00 PM
POTLUCK SANDWICHES PROVIDED, BYOB (M. Brindeiro - 8/9/10)
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Availability of Contracting Officer Walt Schmidt
While the Contracting Office is closed from 7-9 am and 3:30-4:30 daily
through 1 Oct, Walt will be available throughout the workday. If you need
assistance during the hours noted above please call, email or visit Walt.
His number is 379-1195 and email address is walter_schmidt@nps.gov. (L.
Schafer - 8/6/10)