Yosemite Photos, Video and News

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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 beginning today, 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)
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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)
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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:  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)
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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 18 & 19 contractors will most likely 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 (8/18): Today, there will be placement of
     curb in the area that runs a half mile north of the South Entrance to
     a mile past the Wawona Campground, as well as in the 2 mile section
     south of the Wawona Tunnel.
     *Tonight's locations of work:  Work will 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).
     *Tomorrow's locations of work (8/19):  There will be placement of
     curb in the area that runs a half mile north of the South Entrance to
     a mile past the Wawona Campground, as well as in the 2 mile section
     south of the Wawona Tunnel.

-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 - 8/18/10)
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UPDATE: Integrated Utility Master Plan [IUMP] (to be completed by the end
of 2010)
River Crossing Work to Begin Soon
Mozingo Construction (contractor) is currently mobilizing for the river
crossing - related portions of the project this week. Work with heavy
machinery will begin each day at 9:00am - and travel through areas such as
Lower Pines Campground, North Pines Campground, Housekeeping Camp will be
essential in accessing the river during certain portions of this project.

Contractors will be mobilizing for the river crossing - related portions of
the project next week. There are 8 different areas through the river
corridor where contractors will be removing abandoned utilities pipes and
materials. These pipes are embedded into the river, therefore it is a
delicate process to remove them. Contractors will work to minimize
turbidity in the river during this process and will be monitoring turbidity
levels. Work will occur over the next 2 months through mid-October.

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)
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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)
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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
Celebration of Life for Sharron Law and Memorial Account
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.

A memorial account to assist the family of Sharron has been set up at
Yosemite Bank named, “Funds for Sharron Law’s Family,” account number
307010298. Contributions can be made in person or by mail (Yosemite Bank,
Attn: Funds for Sharron Law's Family, P.O. Box 1267, Mariposa, CA 95338).
The family has requested contributions please be made in lieu of flowers or
gifts. (T. King - 8/18/10)
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Tuolumne River Plan Public Meetings in Tuolumne Meadows. Join project
manager and planner, Kristina Rylands, for an update on the Tuolumne River
Plan's progress. After nearly 6 years of research and study, as well as
involvement from the tribes, public, gateway communities, and other federal
agencies, the Tuolumne River Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement
will be released for public comment in late 2010 or early 2011. Come and
learn  what makes the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River stand apart from other
rivers in the nation, and the actions the National Park Service is
considering to help protect and enhance river values into the future.

All presentations take place at Parsons Memorial Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows
from 1:00-3:00pm on August 20, September 10, 11, 17, and 18. There will be
a slide presentation followed by a short stroll by the river. Bring water,
sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes. Allow 30 minutes to walk to the Lodge
from parking areas or shuttle stops. All participants will receive a free
Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River postcard, and kids of all ages can spread
the word for how to protect the river as part of the "Tuolumne River Giver"
coloring contest. (Everybody--and the river--wins!) To learn more about the
Tuolumne River Plan, visit online at www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm. (K.
Rylands - 8/18/10)
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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)

Acting Designations
Mark Fincher 372-0219 will be Acting Wilderness Manager from 8/18- 8/26
while Mark Marschall is on annual leave. (M. Marschall - 8/18/10)
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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)
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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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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

 Current Fire Vacancies in Yosemite
 Yosemite National Park, Office of Fire and Aviation Management is seeking
 several highly motivated individuals to join our team. The fire and
 aviation program at Yosemite is highly complex and very diverse. Our fire
 season can begin as early as April and will progress into our active
 summer wildland fire management program. Yosemite has a very strong
 program managing lightning fires and prescribed fires on a large landscape
 level. The branch of fire and aviation is also charged with providing
 structure fire protection to many irreplaceable historical buildings,
 lodges and residential structures within the park.
 The National Park Service is implementing the Interagency Fire Program
 Management standards.
 GS-9 Prescribed Fire Specialist: Job Announcement Number: HRF 10-302F
 (SR368080) Requires RXB2 and ENGB or CRWB qualifications  [Closes 8/25/10]
 GS-9 Fire Operations Specialist: Requires TFLD and ICT3 or RXB2
 qualifications
 GS-5/6 Senior Firefighter: Requires FFT1 and S-290  [3 positions]
 These positions will be advertised on USAJobs. All five positions are
 considered for required occupancy. The Yosemite fire program employs
 roughly 90 firefighters who work on handcrews, fire effects monitoring,
 engines, helitack, prevention, education and information.
 Yosemite National Park is known worldwide for its spectacular natural
 beauty and is the backdrop for these positions. The park covers 1,182
 square miles of varied wilderness ecosystems, from river valleys to alpine
 meadows to lofty 13,000 foot high peaks. Yosemite Valley is located 208
 miles from San Francisco, 81 miles from Merced, and 94 miles from Fresno.
 Shopping, dental, medical, postal and laundry services are available in
 the park. For more information on our fire program check out our website
 at http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/firemanagement.htm
 Prescribed Fire Specialist contact Deputy Fire Chief of Prescribed Fire
 and Fuels, Taro Pusina at 209-770-5247 taro_pusina@nps.gov
 Fire Operations Specialist contact Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, Deron
 Mills at 209-379-1902 deron_mills@nps.gov
 Senior Firefighter positions contact Battalion Chief Bernard Spielman at
 209-372-0504 bernard_spielman@nps.gov
 (T. Pusina - 8/18/10)
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 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 which is open to all
 NPS staff and park partners. Please contact your supervisor for prior
 approval to attend this workshop.  Any questions, please call the Human
 Resources Office at 379-1805. (C. Whitten - 8/18/10)
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 Mark Your Calendars!
 Come join us for the 2010 NPS Employee Celebration
 When: Wednesday, September 1, 2010 - 4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
 Where: At the El Portal Community Hall
 What:  A delicious Mexican feast will be served courtesy of Sal’s Mexican
 Restaurant. A “no host” adult beverage bar will be provided by
 YEA......and there will also be a band providing us with some great music!
 SEE YA THERE! (C. Mattiuzzi - 8/18/10)

Community News
TIRED OF COOKING?  Come eat our delicous BBQ burgers on Thursday, August
19th, at the El Portal Community Hall at about 5 PM. While you're at it,
share your talent during our open-mic opportunity!  Still not convinced?
How would you like buying tickets for the world's best raffle?  You could
win a Penny Otwell painting, a $50 certificate to Savoury's, a Mountain
Hardwear backpack, a Mountian Hardwear sleeping bag, a dinner for 2 at the
Mountain Room, and so much more!  Call or email Sarah for more info:  379.
2860 or elportalchildcare@gmail.com (S. Steele - 8/18/10)
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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)