Yosemite Photos, Video and News

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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: TONIGHT! August 19th, 6 p.m.
Where: Indian Flat Campground (between the road  and the river), El Portal.
(D. Humphrey - 8/19/10)
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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)
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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 through mid-
September, 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 for approximately 3-4
weeks. 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 -
8/19/10)
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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.
        (Today - 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.
     *Tonight's locations of work:  Tonight, there will be paving in the
     area that runs from the Glacier Point Road intersection (Chinquapin)
     to the Wawona Tunnel. 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.

-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 - 8/19/10)
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UPDATE: Integrated Utility Master Plan [IUMP] (to be completed by the end
of 2010)
River Crossing Work to Begin Soon - Removal of Old, Abandoned Utilities
Embedded in the River
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.

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 Ventilation Repairs (ongoing)
Candelaria Construction (contractor) is continuing the installation of the
new ventilation and fire alarm systems throughout the tunnel. They are
approximately 90% complete. (M. Ortiz - 8/19/10)
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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, tomorrow, 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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Yosemite Fires – Update #13 – August 18, 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).  The Slope
fire has grown to approximately 619 acres, with the most movement to the
east.  Light 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 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 7 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.

Vernon:  (37 59.813 x 119 43.618); approximately 7000’ el., Tuolumne Co.
–This fire is at 47 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
southwest and southeast, with 75% of the perimeter active.  It is 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. Five fire monitors are assigned.

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

A south to southeast air flow will aid in smoke dispersion through the rest
of the week.  Early morning smoke may be present down the Grand Canyon of
the Tuolumne.

Clark Fire:  (37 40.925 x 119 29.873): approximately 7,000’ el., Mariposa
Co. - This 11 acre fire is out and in is in patrol status.

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

New Fire:  Pohono:  This fire was reported by a tourist seeing smoke near
the Pohono Bridge in Yosemite Valley, August 17. The 50’x20’ fire burning
in oak litter and was determined to human caused and was put out.  This
fire is a reminder to all to be diligent with camp fires and smoking and
being sure all fires are out.

“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 -
8/19/10)
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Tuolumne River Plan Public Meetings in Tuolumne Meadows - First One
Tomorrow! 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)

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

 OPENINGS-WFR-Recert Course Aug 24-26
 We've had last minute openings in the WMI/NOLS Wilderness First
 Responder-Recertification course, being taught next Tuesday-Thursday,
 8/24-8/26. Call Yosemite Institute: 379-9514 x10. Cost $275.00. (P.
 Lovegreen Schmidt - 8/19/10)
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 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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 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
TONIGHT - 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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GRAND PARTY AND FUNDRAISER FOR EL PORTAL SCHOOLS -- Friday, August 27 at
5:30 p.m.  at the El Portal Community Hall.  Say “GOODBYE” to Phyllis Weber
and “HELLO” to Sean Jacobs, the new teaching principal.  Food | Drink |
LIVE Music | Fun --  donated by --  DNC, YEA, and the Adam Burns Band.
Dinner & Remarks – 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. -- Adults $10 | Children $5.  ADAM
BURNS BAND – 7:30 p.m. -- $10 donation requested.  Students, friends,
family and community WELCOME!  SUPPORT EL PORTAL SCHOOLS!!! (I. Guy -
8/19/10)
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Groveland This Week
08/19 Sierra Club hike for Thursday, August 19th to Conness Lakes and
Glacier. Meet at 8am at Mary Laveroni Community Park to carpool to
trailhead.

08/20 Green Machine at Evergreen Lodge. Join us in the tavern as we welcome
from Sonoma County, the Green String Farm Band  For more information, call
(209)­ 379-2606.

08/21 For Your Musical Enjoyment Pine Mountain Lake 19th Hole Lounge is
pleased to present "Fabulous Blue Notes" OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!  8 pm to
Midnight! Admission is free.

08/21 Pine Mountain Lake Airport Historical Aircraft Display. Over a dozen
participating rare airplanes on display. Come share the joy of these
classics! Admission is Free.

08/21 Farmers Market every Saturday at Mountain Sage with great local
produce, homemade treats, artisans, crafts, impromptu music and more.
Starts 8am.

08/21 Tuolumne County's 2010 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE EVENTS:
Groveland/Big Oak Flat Road Operations Maintenance Yard Please follow the
signs - take Hwy 120 to Catholic Cemetery Road, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM For more
information contact:  Solid Waste Division at 209-533-5588 or visit
www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov

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.

08/23 Card Stamping Party with Stamp'n up Cindini Charlotte Hotel at 10
a.m. Celebrate your craftiness with us at our monthly card stamping party.
Good for cards, scrap booking and general decorating. $25 includes supplies
for 3 finished cards, instruction and a 3-course lunch, beverages, tax and
tip included.

08/25 Mad Hatter Theme Night! at Evergreen Lodge. What hat would you wear
to the Mad Hatter’s tea party? Well, put it on and head to the tavern for a
night of music and fun. Wear your favorite, biggest, cutest or most unusual
hat, or be creative and make one if you don’t have any headwear. DJ Steve
Truempy will be providing entertainment for the evening - all you have to
do is show up in a hat! For more information, call (209)­ 379-2606

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 (Hotel Charlotte -
8/19/10)
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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)