Yosemite Photos, Video and News

************************
Archives Closure This Week: The Yosemite Archives will be closed the week
of August 16-20.  For emergency access, please contact Jonathan Bayless
(379-0282) or Barbara Beroza (372-0297). (B. Lissoway - 8/16/10)
******************************************************
Helicopter Use in Hetch Hetchy This Week A helicopter will be working in
the Hetch Hetchy area Monday, August 16th through Thursday, August 19th
assisting in the removal of the old USGS Falls Creek stream gage from
Yosemite Wilderness. Flight coordination will be through Yosemite Dispatch
and the Crane Flat Helibase. There will be a total of 6-8 flights between
the helipad near the backpacker camp and the work site near the top of
Wapama Falls. Questions or concerns can be addressed to Jim Roche at
379-1446. (J. Roche - 8/13/10)

Construction Update
Tioga Road - Culvert Work with Minimal Delays (August 18 - September 2,
2010)
A contractor will begin work cleaning out culverts along Tioga Road this
week on Wednesday, August 18th. Work will likely begin at Crane Flat and
move east. This project will continue through September 2, 2010. Work will
occur Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm. Expect up to 15 minute delays
along the Tioga Road during this project. (M. Ortiz - 8/13/10)
******************************************************
Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station Improvements (August 16 - November 2010)
Abide International (contractor) will begin work Monday, August 16 to
upgrade the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station. Work will last approximately
three months. Expect slight delays at the kiosk during this time. The
entrance will be upgraded with new area lighting, a new security camera
system, new doors and reconditioned windows, and new HVAC system along with
other improvements that will bring the entrance station up to date in
energy efficiency and security.  (M. Ortiz - 8/17/10)
******************************************************
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:  Work continued this past week on walls 3, 4
        and 5 (south of the Machine Shop) for the base for the modules.
        Work continued on top of building J (Open storage/Archives) and
        also on the excavation for power and transformer/inverters in
        carport 2, 3 and 4 area around the Planning Trailer.
        This Week (Thursday - Sunday): Baja Construction will be onsite to
        start work on the parking structures in carport 2, 3, and 4 areas
        (to the west/left of the Planning Trailer). Work will also
        continue on the top of Building J (Open storage/Archives) and the
        wall just south of the Machine Shop. Work will consist of setting
        the base for the modules. Work to begin installing the modules
        will occur on Aug 19 or 20.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.
        Parking: From Thursday - Sunday, parking will be restricted south
        of Machine Shop and in the area of the Planning Trailer. The
        restricted parking areas will be clearly marked with "No Parking -
        Thursday - Sunday" signs.

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: This new source of renewable energy will result
in savings of nearly 12% on electricity purchased off the grid. At 13 cents
per kilowatt hour, the park is projecting a savings of up to $104,000 per
year!  (M. Ortiz - 8/16/10)
******************************************************
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 17, 18 & 19 contractors will be paving the first
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.
Note: Throughout the project area, as contractors begin paving the second
layer there will be uneven traffic lanes in some areas- please drive
carefully.

     *Today's locations of work (8/17): Contractors will be pouring
     concrete curbing in the area between the Wawona Campground and just
     north of South Entrance. Work to reset culvert headwalls will also be
     occurring in the area that runs six miles north of the Wawona
     Campground.
     *Tonight's locations of work: In addition to the paving operation
     listed above, contractors will be grading the newly pulverized road
     between Bridalveil Fall and the  Wawona Tunnel. 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 be ongoing through September 17).  There will also be work to
     complete the water system improvements at the Glacier Point Road
     intersection (Chinquapin). Work on the water system is anticipated to
     be complete by the end of this week.  *Tomorrow's locations of work
     (8/18): Contractors will be pouring concrete curbing in the area
     between the Wawona Campground and just north of South Entrance.

-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 - 8/13/10)
******************************************************
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.

This 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 - 8/16/10)
******************************************************
Wawona Tunnel (ongoing)
Candelaria Construction (contractor) is continuing the installation of the
new ventilation and fire alarm systems throughout the tunnel. (M. Ortiz -
8/3/10)
******************************************************
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
Celebration of Life for Sharron Law
A Celebration of Life for our dear friend and coworker, Sharron Law, will
take place at 11:00am, Friday, August 20, at the Cedar Lodge banquet hall.
Lunch will follow the celebration. For more information please contact
Christine L. at 559-760-5915. (T. King 8/17/10)
******************************************************
Volunteers Rock!
Who are those masked Volunteers?
Are you seeing wetsuit-clad and snorkle-masked kids and adults all over the
river? It's the Breakwater group! Throughout this week over 50 volunteers
will be floating, walking, snorkling, and swimming their way from Curry
Villae to Pohono Bridge along the Merced River, cleaning up trash as they
go. From plastic bottles to diapers to old chairs, we never know what
they'll find, but its' all stuff that doesn't belong in the river!
Last week was big for volunteers, with the "Yosemite Lovers", Camp
Campbell, Walden West, and scout groups all volunteering for several days,
cleaning up campgrounds, painting the Volunteer Field Office, preparing for
Big Time and so much more.  It was also the last week for many of our
college interns, with the Yosemite Leadership Program and Visitor Use and
Social Sciences interns heading back to school -- that's 33 volunteers each
of whom worked full time for at least 10 weeks --- more than 13,000 hours
of service! (H. Boothe - 8/17/10)
******************************************************
YOSEMITE CONSERVANCY OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
#46 Tuolumne Meadows Birds With Michael Ross

DATE: Sunday, August 29, 2010

MEETING PLACE:  Lembert Dome Parking

MEETING TIME:  7:30 AM

HIKING INFORMATION: Moderate hiking; 3-5 miles, at 8,600’.

ONLY 2 spots left --Join Michael Ross for a day of birding during the
beginning of fall migration in the Yosemite High Country. The group will
survey a variety of habitats, meadow, forests, and riparian zones in search
of both summer resident birds and those that are passing through on their
way to wintering grounds.  This is an exciting time of year to bird with
opportunities to see migrating raptors and upslope migrant songbirds.
Please call Holly at 209-379-2317 x17 (H. Kuehn - 8/16/10)
******************************************************
Yosemite Fires – Update #12 – August 16, 2010
The lightning caused fires of July and August 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.

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).  There has
been no significant growth and the acreage remains at approximately 600
acres. Smoke may continue to be visible along Tioga Rd, White Wolf area,
O’Shaughnessy Dam of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Rancheria trail area, and
in the Tuolumne Meadows area. The fire remains a creeping surface fire
through duff and other down vegetation. The most active part of the fire is
to the east, and northeast, with some unburned islands of fuel burning. 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.
Fire resources have been reduced to 9 fire monitors.

All trails in the Harden Lake area are now open.  The immediate Harden lake
area is open to hikers for day use only. Hikers are reminded to stay on
trails through the fire area.

Air dispersion slowly deteriorated over the weekend with temperatures
rising to normal or higher by early next week.  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.

New Fires:
Vernon:  (37 59.813 x 119 43.618); approximately 7000’ el., Tuolumne Co.
–This fire is at 30 acres, and is the result of a single tree being struck
by lightning August 8, 2010.  The most active part of the fire is to the
south, backing downhill, with 2 foot flame lengths.  This fire is in
designated wilderness, and will be managed for multiple objectives
primarily forest restoration. It is approximately three miles north of
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and one half mile south of Lake Vernon.  There is
significant lightning caused fire history near this fire; the most recent
being the 2006 Frog and the 2005 Wapama fires. The fire is in a
predominately red fir and Jeffery pine forest.  Fuels burning are needle
litter and other down and dead vegetation.

Clark Fire:  (37 40.925 x 119 29.873): approximately 7,000’ el., Mariposa
Co. - This fire is contained to 11 acres.  Although in designated
wilderness, it is being suppressed (put-out) as it was determined to be
human caused. This fire is in patrol status.

Other fires:
The Tuolumne and the Wildcat fires are both inactive.

“The National Park Service manages wildland fire to protect the public,
communities and infrastructure, conserve natural and cultural resources and
restore and maintain ecological health.”

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 -
8/16/10)

Acting Designations
Niki Nicholas, RMS Division Chief, will be Acting  Deputy Superintendent
August 16 through August 31.  You may reach her at 372-0332. (K. Dera -
8/17/10)
****************************************************
Jim Donovan will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division on
August 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)
****************************************************
Russ Kish will be acting Trails Supervisor Aug. 4 - 18.  Russ can be
reached at 209-742-3540.(S. Baudaux - 8/4/10)
****************************************************
The following staff will be Acting A.O. while Katariina is out of the park
from July 29 -  August 17, 2010. Dayna Jackson, August 16-17 (379-1872).
(P. Lendvay Humphrey - 7/29/10)
****************************************************
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)
****************************************************
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.
****************************************************
Until further notice, Ed Dunlavey will be the acting Operations Branch
Chief and Deputy Chief Ranger.
****************************************************
Until further notice, Cindy Whitten will be the acting Human Resources
Officer - 209/379-1878.

Employee News

 Farewell Party: A friendly reminder - Sueann Brown, the park's Historical
 Architect, is leaving Yosemite to join the staff at Mt. Rainier.  We are
 going to show her our appreciation for all of her hard work by celebrating
 this exciting new opportunity with her!  RMS-HAL is hosting a potluck
 gathering.  Please bring a munchable to share.  Cake and beverages will be
 provided by RMS.  BYOB is okay too!
 What:  Potluck Get-Together
 When: August 19th, 6 p.m.
 Where: Indian Flat Campground (between the road  and the river), El
 Portal. (D. Humphrey - 8/16/10)
 ******************************************************
 Purchasing Cut-Off Dates
 Just a reminder of the upcoming cut-off dates for purchasing. We
 appreciate the feedback regarding the confusion around purchasing cut-off
 dates, so in order to streamline and simplify the process we are adjusting
 the requirements and dates as follows:

 8/20/2010   Cut-off for purchases from warehouse, by charge cards, and
 Third Party Drafts.
            Only emergency purchases will be allowed after this date.
 Incident numbers or written approval (email ok)  from Division Chiefs will
 be required and must be on file.

            Cut-off for Simplified Acquisitions (NTE $3K and requires
 property number).
            Complete Purchase Request (PR) packages must be submitted to
 Contracting.

 We understand that there will be instances of costs appearing on charge
 cards after 8/20 due to employees being in travel status, and we will
 continue to pay the Park's bills, i.e., cell phones, PG&E, etc.

 The intent of cut-off dates for the purchasing of supplies/materials is to
 more effectively manage the Park's commitments.
 Our planning efforts ought to address needs through the end of the fiscal
 year and allow us to make those purchases before the cut-off dates.

 If you have any questions please contact me. (D. Jackson - 8/16/10)
 ******************************************************
 FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING:  The Fire Prevention Office will be conducting
 Fire Extinguisher/Fire Prevention Training at the Big Oak Flat Campground
 on Monday August 23rd @ 1530 hours. Training is open to all NPS employees.
 For Additional Information contact: Jack Alviso, Fire Prevention Officer:
 209-375-9541

 As a reminder; the following course on fire extinguishers/Employee Roles
 and Responsibilities for Fire Safety was due to be completed by all
 employees per Superintendents Memo dated 6/7/10.  It is directed that
 supervisors shall Develop an Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plan for
 their respective workplace(s). Managers and Supervisors are to review the
 Yosemite Fire Prevention Safety Policy and communicate the Fire Safety
 requirements to their employees. Managers shall ensure that supervisors
 have assumed or delegated a Safety and Fire Coordinator for every
 workplace.

 Fire Extinguisher Training can be obtained through DOI Learn, by CDs
 available through the Fire Prevention Office or scheduled live training.
 The DOI course is informative and takes about 30 minutes. They 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 reoccurring training every year
 for every employee required to meet Superintendent and OSHA mandates.

 If you have any questions please contact the Fire Prevention Office. (J.
 Alviso - 8/16/10)

Community News
DNC Employee House Fire - Donations Appreciated
As you may be aware, there was a fire in DNC employee housing last week.
Jackie Massaro, Village Store Asst. Manager and her daughter Keirsten were
not injured but they lost all of their belongings in the fire.

Our community has always been very generous in helping out at times like
this, so If you would like to donate any clothing (women's size 5 and kids
size 7/8), shoes (women's size 7 1/2 to 8 and kids size 13 or 1), pots and
pans, silverware/kitchen utensils, blankets/bedding, furniture, appliances,
games, or whatever you think will help them get back on their feet, you can
drop your items off at the Village Store or the DNC Executive Office.
Larger items may be dropped at the DNC warehouse, or you may contact the
Housing Office at 372-1451 for pick-up within Yosemite Valley.

We are thankful for everyone's safety and grateful for our community
support. (L.. Niles-Sheetz - 8/17/10)
******************************************************
Looking for an inexpensive (under $2k), yet reliable, vehicle that will fit
a large toolbox (not a truck toolbox) in it. If you have any leads, please
email brenna.eagle@yahoo.com. Thanks! (B. Eagle - 8/16/10)
******************************************************
OPEN HOUSE TO SHOWCASE MERCED RIVER CENTER
Contributed by the Upper Merced River Watershed Council

The Upper Merced River Watershed Council and the Bureau of Land Management
invite the community to celebrate the newly renovated Merced River Center
at Briceburg.

When: August 20, 2010
           1 pm – 3 pm Book signing hosted by local authors
           3 pm – 4 pm Program and snacks

The historic granite building located on Highway 140 at Briceburg, along
the Merced River, has been restored and renovated.  Improvements include
fresh paint, new floors and cabinetry, a permanent year-round restroom, and
a stunning mural created by Mariposa County High School art students
depicting life in the Merced River. The building, currently staffed by the
Bureau of Land Management and Yosemite National Park, will accommodate
training and presentations by the Bureau of Land Management and the
Watershed Council as well as other community groups.

Funding for this project was provided by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, an
agency of the State of California. The Upper Merced River Watershed Council
is a project of the Mariposa County Resource Conservation District. (A.
Steed - 8/16/10)
******************************************************
FOR RENT:  New 1 bedroom cottage in Midpines.  Spacious and light.  Jacuzzi
tub, swamp cooler, laundry room.  No smoking.  $1000/month.  966-5402. (Y.
Radanovich - 8/16/10)