Yosemite Photos, Video and News

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UPDATE - El Portal Complex Photovoltaic (PV) System (July 22, 2010 -
December 2010)
Paragon Industrial Applications (PIA) [contractor] started moving material
and equipment into the El Portal Complex area on July 22, 2010. To minimize
potential traffic and parking problems, PIA has agreed to work Thursday -
Sunday.  The contractor's staging area is located by the Wastewater
Treatment Plant, where they will keep their material, equipment and tools.
        Last week - Update:   Working continued prepping for the module
        structures on Building J (Open storage/Archives) and excavation
        for conduit runs near the Planning Trailer. PIA/Suntrek also
        started work (drilling the wall anchors for module structures) on
        the wall surrounding the warehouse, and the uncovered storage area
        south of the Machine Shop.
        Today and Tomorrow - Impacted areas (Thursday - Sunday): Everyone
        parking government vehicles near the Machine Shop side of the
        wall, please park elsewhere or at the very least, park your
        vehicle 20 feet back from the wall during the days of
        construction. The affected areas will be signed "No Parking" for
        those days. A small area near the Planning Trailer will also be
        signed "No Parking" during work days due to construction.
        Coming soon: Trenching for the new PV systems and work on the
        carports will continue through August. Work to begin setting the
        Photovoltaic panels will most likely not start until later in the
        month.

IMPORTANT - Get Creative to Avoid Extra Cars at the EP Complex : During
contracted work days (Thursday - Sunday) El Portal Complex employees are
strongly encouraged to carpool, use the bus, ride your bike or walk to work
during construction days as there will be a noticeable decrease in parking
during construction. Specific locations of work will be posted throughout
the project. NOTE:    Please remember to park Government vehicles in
appropriate locations and avoid taking over the limited parking available
for personal vehicles (perimeter of complex).

INTERESTING PROJECT FACT:   All products including solar panels, inverters,
racking, conduit, wiring, combiner boxes, and metering equipment are
manufactured in the U.S.A.  (M. Ortiz - 8/12/10)
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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.

UPCOMING PAVING SCHEDULE:
*The nights of August 11, 12, 15 and 16, contractors will be paving the 2nd
layer of asphalt between Wawona Campground and the Glacier Point Road
intersection (Chinquapin). They will also be pulverizing and grading  on
August 11, and 12 between Chinquapin and the area just south of the Wawona
Tunnel (Rostrum).
*The night of August 15, contractors will be pulverizing asphalt between
Bridalveil Fall and the Wawona Tunnel. This area will remain unpaved for
one week.
*The nights of August 17, 18 & 19 contractors will be paving the first lift
layer of asphalt between Chinquapin and the Rostrum.
*The nights of August 22 and 23 the first layer of asphalt will be placed
between Bridalveil Fall and the Wawona Tunnel.

     *Today's locations of work:  Today, there will be 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.  This will cause
     the bulk of traffic delays during the day.
     *Tonight's locations of work: Tonight, they will be paving the 2nd
     layer of asphalt between Wawona Campground and the Glacier Point Road
     intersection (Chinquapin). As they begin paving the second layer
     there will be uneven traffic lanes - please drive carefully. Work
     will also continue 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  the water system improvements at the Glacier Point Road
     intersection (Chinquapin). Contractors are at their final couple
     hundred feet of completion for the water line.

-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 - 8/12/10)
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UPDATE: Integrated Utility Master Plan [IUMP] (to be completed by the end
of 2010)
Mozingo Construction (contractor) is currently working on the removal of
abandoned and old utilities south of Superintendent's Bridge (between the
river and Southside Drive) near the bicycle path. The bike path will be
closed intermittently due to work utilizing heavy equipment.

Next week: Contractors will be mobilizing for the river crossing - related
portions of the project next week. Stay tuned for exact locations and
timeline.

The removal of abandoned utilities is a large part of the IUMP  work in
Yosemite. IUMP utility replacement work involves the relocation of old
failing utilities (water, power, sewer) from sensitive environmental areas
and relocating the new utilities into new integrated utility corridors
underneath roads and pathways. This allows meadow and wetland habitat to
revert back to pristine conditions.

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 - 8/12/10)
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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
Save the date! Sierra Nevada Research Institute 2010 Summer Student
Symposium
On Friday, August 13th, 2010, from 8:50 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the UC Merced
Yosemite Leadership Program (YLP) interns and the Research Experience for
Undergraduates (REU) students will be presenting their findings and final
projects after spending the summer living and working with various
divisions and branches in Yosemite National Park. Presentations include a
wide range of interesting topics that support both the park's resources and
the park's visitors.

YLP interns will present from 8:50 until 12:45, REU students will present
from 1:30 - 4:30; there will be a break mid-morning and a break for lunch
at 12:45.

Please come and show your support for these incredible young people. This
event is free and open to the public. (K. Hutchinson - 8/12/10)
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Yosemite National Park Announces the Completion of Ecological Restoration
Projects
Projects Include Habitat Restoration, Meadow Restoration, and Boardwalks
Over Sensitive Meadows
In the past several years, Yosemite National Park has completed a wide
variety of ecological restoration projects throughout the park.  These
projects are designed to protect the ecosystem while still providing
visitor access and enjoyment.  Several projects are ongoing in the park and
include a wide variety of park ecosystems such as meadows, invasive plants,
social trails, and wetlands.

“Yosemite National Park is known throughout the world for its stunning
beauty and diverse ecosystems. It is important to preserve these qualities
and reduce the impacts that people have had on Yosemite National Park over
the years.  These restoration projects restore functioning ecosystems while
still providing access to visitors.  We are proud of the work that has been
accomplished and will continue to focus heavily on restoration projects in
the future,” said Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher.

Several examples of recently completed ecological restoration projects
include:
     Lukens Meadow Restoration (2008): The primary goal of this project
     was to restore natural ecological and hydrological processes at
     Lukens Meadow and enhance wilderness character by removing 2,000 feet
     of human caused impacts in the meadow, redirect foot traffic from the
     meadow to a pre-existing forest trail, and restore the nearly 3,000
     square feet of bare ground at the far end of the lake.
     Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias (2007): Restoration and protection
     of the giant sequoias included mitigating trampling on the sequoia
     roots and other vegetation, as well as reducing soil erosion.
     Placement of mulch and downed branches and logs helps the soil to
     absorb water making it available for sequoias and other vegetation,
     decreasing soil erosion and soil compaction and keeping visitors from
     impacting natural resources by discouraging off-trail use.
     Happy Isles Dam Removal (2006): The purpose of this project was to
     restore the free-flowing character and pool-riffle morphology of this
     reach of the Merced River through the removal of Happy Isles Dam and
     associated diversion structures.

Examples of ecological restoration projects completed over ten years ago
include:
     Tenaya Lake Walk-in Campground Restoration (1998): The walk-in
     campground was closed in 1990 due to water and sewage system issues.
     Restoration of the campground area included removing campground
     infrastructure, revegetation and soil decompaction.
     Mirror Lake (1997): The objective of this project was to consolidate
     multiple social trails, improve ADA access, decompact soils,
     revegetate denuded areas, protect cultural resources, provide
     interpretive information and improve visitor services.
     Stoneman Meadow Boardwalk (1994): This project restored and protected
     Stoneman Meadow through the removal of social trails, the
     construction of a boardwalk across the meadow and fencing to protect
     the meadow from continued impacts.

Various ongoing ecological restoration projects in Yosemite National Park
include:
     Wawona Meadow Ecological Restoration: The purpose of this project was
     to restore wetland hydrology by filling in ditches constructed by the
     CCC in 1936. Asphalt removal on the Wawona Meadow Loop trail will
     help facilitate water conveyance into the meadow.
     Cathedral Peak Route Delineation: This project will mitigate and
     reduce the ecological and wilderness impacts from multiple social
     trails that lead up to the popular climbing peak by delineating a
     single trail.
     Harden Road Removing and Restoration: This project will remove 1.5
     miles of abandoned road near Harden Lake, allowing the park to
     recommend designation of 38 acres of potential wilderness to
     Wilderness status. This project connects with the 2009 Yosemite Fund
     project, Re-wilding Harden Spur Road, which reduced ¼ mile of the old
     road to a single-track trail and removed non-historic debris from the
     area. Together, the two projects will re-establish natural topography
     where possible, improve hydrologic function, restore wilderness
     character and improve the wilderness experience of visitors hiking
     out of the White Wolf area.

Yosemite National Park strives to maintain the park’s ecosystem and let
natural processes prevail.  As human impacts have occurred since the park
was established, these restoration projects seek to restore the natural
balance of the park.  Yosemite National Park will continue to conduct these
restoration projects with the goal of resource protection while still
providing for visitor access and enjoyment.

For more information about restoration efforts in Yosemite National Park
please visit:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/environmentalfactors.htm or
http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/research-and-studies.htm.(K. Cobb -
8/11/10)

Acting Designations
Historical Architect Sueann Brown (379-1222) will be acting Branch Chief
for History, Architecture & Landscapes the balance of Thursday, Aug. 12,
2010.  Dave will be in the office from 7:00 am to 8:15 am before departing.
He will be back in the office on Friday, Aug. 13, 2010. (D. Humphrey -
8/12/10)
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Tolley Gorham will be acting Communications Branch Chief while I am on
annual leave 11-13AUG10. (D. Thorpe - 8/11/10)
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Jim Donovan will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division
August 13th, 16th and 17th.  Jim may be reached by telephone at 379-1450 or
if unavailable you may leave a message with Doyle Harrison at 379-1110. (D.
Harrison - 8/11/10)
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Randy Fong will be Acting Division Chief of Project Management from
Thursday, August 12, 2010, through Friday, August 13, 2010.  Randy can be
reached at 379-1022, or you may leave a message with Sarah Henderson at
379-1202. (S. Henderson - 8/10/10)
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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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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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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
Required Fire Extinguisher Training
As a reminder to all, the Fire Extinguisher Education Course is available
on DOI Learn and should be completed by 9/30/2010.  This course is due to
be completed by all employees as per the Superintendents Memo dated 6/7/10.
This course is also available on CD from the Fire Prevention Office at
372-0413 or 375-9541 for those employees without access.  This course is
informative and takes about 30 minutes to complete. Employees will need to
login to DOI LEARN and review their "My Required Courses" section to see
the assignment. You can find it at the DOI learn site after searching for
"Extinguisher" and the "2010 NPS Annual Fire Extinguisher Education" will
appear on the list. This will be a recurring requirement each year to meet
Superintendent and OSHA mandates.

To obtain additional information or to schedule hands-on training, call Don
Coffman at 372-0413 or Jack Alviso at 375-9541.  Thank you for your support
of this fire prevention effort. (D. Mills - 8/12/10)
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DETAIL/TEMPORARY PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY (Permanent NPS Yose Employees)
The Division of Facilities Management / Utilities Branch has an opportunity
for a detail/temporary promotion (if qualified) to Administrative Support
Assistant, GS-0303-05 at the El Portal Waste Water Treatment Plant
(EPWWTP).

This opportunity requires that you can type 40 words per minute (wpm).

To be considered, you are required to have your current supervisor's
approval.

The employee selected for this detail/temporary promotion opportunity will
provide support and assistance to the EPWWTP supervisor and staff.
Knowledge in written and verbal communication is essential. Primary tasks
include receiving and appropriately processing phone calls, scheduling
appointments/maintaining calendar for supervisor, receive and process
incoming correspondence, take and transcribe notes at meetings and
maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times.  Knowledge of
a number of programs utilized in the Park, as they relate to the clerical
and administrative support functions, is a key part of the duties of this
position (for example Quicktime, Federal Personnel/Payroll system (FPPS),
GovTrip, Operations Formulation System (OFS), Project Management
Information System (PMIS), Facility Management Software System (FMSS)).
Skill in computer use and programs and the ability to use a variety of
office equipment and associated software are a necessity.  You are required
to type at least 40 words per minute.

If interested in being considered for a detail or temporary promotion (if
qualified) for the Administrative Support Assistant, GS-0303-05, please
submit your complete resume to Roxanne Zirkle in the Human Resources Office
no later than COB Tuesday, 08/20/10.  Please be sure to have your
supervisor's approval.  Don't forget to indicate your typing speed in your
resume.

Questions about this position?  Call George Harders, Supervisor, at
379-1828 or Paul Laymon at 379-1077.  Questions about how to apply, call
Roxanne Zirkle at (209) 379-1816. (R. Zirkle - 8/12/10)
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PARKING ADVISORY FOR BIG TIME GATHERING - AUG. 13-15
The park is excited about the upcoming Yosemite Indian Big Time Gathering,
August 13 - 15, 2010.

Please be advised that all government and personal vehicles and equipment
must be removed from the Yosemite Valley Maintenance Building's parking lot
(east of the SAR Cache and south of the fueling pumps) by COB Thursday,
August 12, 2010.

 Additionally, please remove all personal vehicles from the area due west
of the Village of Ahwahnee (along the fence) to allow for event staging.

Thank you, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping to clear these
locations, so that event participants may begin gathering to set up by
Friday afternoon, August 13, 2010.

Eric Gabriel, Yosemite Valley District Ranger, is the primary logistical
point of contact for this event should you need to discuss questions or
concerns.
Phone: 209-201-6573 or through park dispatch 209-379-1992.
(Superintendent's Office - 8/11/10)

Community News
Groveland this week
08/12 The Grill at Pine Mountain Lake Wine Tasting & Hawaiian Dinner
Buffet. Thursday, August 12 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Serving Calypso Roasted
Pork and Banana Cake for dessert. Wear your Hawaiian shirt!! Only $22 per
person plus tax. Reservations required, so call early 209-962-8638.

08/14 String Singers at Evergreen Lodge. The String Slingers play their
very own blend bluegrass, old-time and rowdy, original material. The
Slingers perform a dancey mix of old-time duets, by Ella and Meghan,
rockin' acoustic originals by David, and songs from Buckingham Mountain by
Andy. They have played together since the winter of 2008 and have toured
packed venues all over California. The Slingers are best known for stompin’
boots and slingin’ strings! Admission is free. For more information, call
(209)­ 379-2606.

08/14 For Your Musical Enjoyment Pine Mountain Lake 19th Hole Lounge is
pleased to present "Highway 99 Band" OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! 8 pm to Midnight!
Admission is free.

08/14 Shrimp Fest 2010 – All you can eat. Louisiana-Style Shrimp Boil
and/or Sausage w/ all the Trimmings, Served Family Style. Live Auction and
Raffle Prizes Galore. Live Music. Saturday, August 14, 2010. Refreshments @
5:00 p.m., Dinner at 6:00p.m. PML Equestrian Center. $25 adults; $10 kids
12 and under. For more information call Jim Thayer @ 962-5007 or Barry
Scales @ 962-7156.

08/14 Movies in the Park: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs in Lower Mary
Laveroni Community Park. Weekly movies in the park sponsored by the
Yosemite Chamber of Commerce. Great family fun, bring a blanket and buy
your popcorn, candy, hotdogs and soda at the park. Great prices!

08/14 Farmers Market every Saturday at Mountain Sage with great local
produce, homemade treats, artisans, crafts, impromptu music and more.
Starts 8am.

08/14-15 Stuff the Buss From: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Where: Mary Laveroni
Park. Make a difference in your community. Please bring your donations of
school supplies. For further information, call Wynette at 962-5225.
Presented by the Tenaya Parent Club for the Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified
School District.

08/21 Blacks In The Gold Rush with Sylvia Alden Roberts Sylvia Alden
Roberts, author of “Mining for freedom: Black History Meets the California
Gold Rush” will discuss her book and The Sugg-McDonald Project at the STCHS
program on August 21, 7 pm at the Groveland Community Hall. $500 cash prize
drawing at 6 pm tickets available at Yosemite Bank, Groveland Museum and at
the door.

Hotel Charlotte hosts an early bird special Sunday-Thursday nights through
September 16th. Guests who are seated before 6:15 pm and mention they saw
our Early Bird Special will receive a "Chef's Choice" complimentary
dessert....just for dining early.

Dori’s Tea Cottage is now open until 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
nights, serving fine wines, champagne and hors d'oeuvres in our courtyard.

The Iron Door Saloon offers a kids eat free on Tuesdays, a pool tournament
on Wednesdays, Karaoke on Thursdays and live bands on Friday and Saturday
night.

For more events and details, see www.HotelCharlotte.com/events.html (Hotel
Charolotte - 8/12/10)
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FOR RENT:  3 Bedroom / 2 bath home.  Stove and refrig.  Two story /outside
storage building.  Located on Highway 140 in Midpines.  $825 /month +
utilities.  209 377-8450; (cell) 209 564-6546. (Y. Radanovich - 8/11/10)