Daily Report - Yosemite National Park Monday, August 30, 2010
Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Monday, August 30, 2010
Weather
Yosemite Valley
Today: Sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming west southwest
between 12 and 15 mph. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 42. West wind between 8 and 11 mph
becoming calm.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 83. East northeast wind at 10 mph becoming
west.
El Portal
Today: Sunny, with a high near 81. East wind at 11 mph becoming west
southwest.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 46. North northwest wind at 9 mph
becoming east northeast.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 87. East northeast wind 6 to 10 mph
becoming west.
Wawona
Today: Sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming west southwest
between 10 and 13 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 42. North northwest wind at 10 mph
becoming east northeast.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 84. East northeast wind at 9 mph becoming
west.
Tuolumne Area
Today: Sunny, with a high near 60. West southwest wind 5 to 8 mph
increasing to between 15 and 18 mph. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 26. West southwest wind between 13
and 16 mph becoming calm. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph.
Happening Today (see Community News below for other events happening today)
Construction Update
Tioga Road - Culvert Work with Minimal Delays (August 18 through mid-
September, 2010)
A contractor began work cleaning out culverts along Tioga Road on
Wednesday, August 18th. Work began at Crane Flat and is moving 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 - 8/30/10)
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Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station Improvements (August 16 - November 2010)
Abide International (contractor) began 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 - 8/30/10)
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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: Contractors (PIA and Suntrek) started
mounting 240 watt solar modules this weekend on wall 5 (south of
the Machine Shop). The park received over a thousand modules
(solar panels) on Saturday, August 28. The contractor is working
quickly to install modules before the next shipment of 1000
modules comes in 2 weeks. There is only so much room in the
lockable warehouse, therefore the ones that are in there now have
to move out fast.
(Thursday - Sunday): This week September 2-5 - Work will continue
on wall 2 (Machine Shop) for solar racking. Modules (solar panels)
will continue this week to be mounted on roof 1 (Warehouse area)
and wall 2 (Machine Shop). Work will continue near the Planning
Trailer on carports 2,3 and 4. A new drill rig is due this
Thursday to try again to drill the pier footings for the carport
columns.
Parking: Parking will be restricted to "No Parking" on Thursday -
Sunday in the area near the Planning Trailer for work on the
carports. Appropriate signage will be in place indicating which
spaces are closed to parking.
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: Renewable Solar Energy generated by this project
will support the operations of the Wastewater Treatment facility which
plays a vital role in effectively treating wastewater that is generated by
park facilities. (M. Ortiz - 8/30/10)
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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.
*Today's locations of work (8/30): Today there will be placement of
rip rap in the area between the Glacier Point Road intersection
(Chinquapin) and the Wawona Tunnel.
*Tonight's locations of work: Tonight, there will be placement of
base on shoulders in the area that runs from approximately a mile north of
the Wawona Campground to the Glacier Point Road intersection
(Chinquapin), and work will continue on the Wawona Tunnel Primary
Electrical System Replacement.
-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 - 8/27/10)
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UPDATE: Integrated Utility Master Plan [IUMP] (to be completed by the end
of 2010)
River Crossing Work Underway - Removal of Old, Abandoned Utilities Embedded
in the River
Mozingo Construction (contractor) is currently mobilizing for and working
on the river crossing - related portions of the project this week. You are
likely to see work near the Stoneman Bridge area (across from Curry
Village). 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.
Other Areas of Work (both current and upcoming) include:
The east end of Ahwahnee Meadow.
Areas within Stoneman Meadow.
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 - 8/23/10)
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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
Volunteers Rock! The Habitat Protectors of Yosemite (HaPY) program is
wrapping up its busy summer season on Wednesday, September 1. This is the
only available drop-in volunteer program in the park, which allows visitors
the opportunity to volunteer for three hours on a Wednesday morning with a
Ranger from RMS. They meet in front of the Valley Visitor Center at 9 am
and typically work on invasive plant removal projects that are within
walking distance. Please spread the word so that we have a great turn-out
for HaPY's final day of 2010! The Volunteer Field Office in Yosemite Valley
has been taking shape this summer through the hard work and dedication of
John and Ruth Heine, volunteers extraordinaire. They have facilitated
numerous groups to paint the interior and exterior of the building and work
on renovations along the way. The Volunteer Field Office is located in the
annex of the Yosemite Lodge along the bike path near the river. Yosemite is
grateful for John and Ruth and all of the other exceptional volunteers who
serve every day!
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YOSEMITE CONSERVANCY AWARD - Please submit nominations by August 31, 2010
The Yosemite Fund Award was created in 1991 to recognize annually the
efforts of an individual in the Yosemite community who has done exemplary
work to significantly enhance the value of Yosemite National Park or the
visitor experience. This tradition continues in 2010 as the Yosemite
Conservancy Award. The 2010 Yosemite Conservancy Award will be presented at
a special reception in the Park along with a certificate of commendation
and $2,500.
Nomination Process:
A one page nomination should include: Name of nominee, reasons for
nomination, list of accomplishments of nominee, and name, phone number and
address of person submitting nomination.
When nominating an individual, please remember the following guidelines:
The nominee must be a member of the Yosemite community, must not have
previously received the award, and must be living.
The award is made to a single individual and members of the Award
Committee and Yosemite Conservancy staff are not eligible.
If the nominee’s contribution is performed on the job, his or her
efforts must be above and beyond what is required by that job.
Please submit nominations in writing by August 31, 2010 to Schuyler
Greenleaf, PO Box 99, El Portal, CA 95318, or by email to
schuyler_greenleaf@contractor.nps.gov. (S. Greenleaf - 8/30/10)
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Yosemite News Release
August 26, 2010
For Immediate Release
Media Contacts:
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529
Yosemite National Park Eradicates Mature Marijuana Site
El Portal Site Contained Over 3,600 Mature Plants
With information obtained from a joint investigation with the United States
Forest Service and the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, Yosemite National
Park Rangers raided a large marijuana cultivation site in El Portal early
Tuesday morning, August 24th, and seized 3,657 plants. The site was on
land in both Yosemite National Park and the Sierra National Forest. The
park worked with Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Detectives,
an Officer from Mariposa County Probation, and Park Rangers from Point
Reyes National Seashore. The total estimated worth of the seized marijuana
is $14.6 million.
Two Mexican National males, who were in the United States illegally, were
taken into custody while working the cultivation site during the raid. One
of the men was armed with a loaded .45 caliber pistol concealed under his
clothing. Both subjects were wearing camouflage clothing at the time of
their arrest.
The marijuana plants growing in the site ranged in size from one plot of
young one foot tall plants, to a mature plot that was in the process of
being harvested with plants ranging from five to ten feet tall. In
addition to seizing the 3,657 plants, several pounds of processed marijuana
ready to be moved out of the site were also confiscated.
The grow site suffered extensive resource damage, including damage to the
native vegetation and landscape. There were hose lines, fertilizers, trash
and human waste throughout the area.
“We want these growers to know that we will not tolerate this type of
activity on public lands and we will continue to aggressively seek out and
eradicate illegal marijuana growing operations,” said Yosemite National
Park Superintendent Don Neubacher.
The operation concluded safely with only a few minor injuries to officers.
Both suspects are currently in custody awaiting charges to be filed. (Kari
Cobb - 8/27/10)
Acting Designations
Jay Shields will be acting Mather District Ranger from 8/29-9/4
Chris Smith will be acting Canyon Ranch Subdistrict Ranger from 8/29-9/6
(K. Killian - 8/30/10)
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Sue Clark will be Acting Environmental Planning and Compliance Program
Manager beginning Monday, August 30, 2010, through Friday, September 10,
2010. Sue can be reached at 379-1115 or you may leave a message with Sarah
Henderson at 379-1202. (S. Henderson - 8/30/10)
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Andy Fristensky (372-0599) will be acting Branch Chief for Interpretive
Field Operations August 27-September 7.
Carol Blaney (372-0445) will be acting Branch Chief for Interpretive Field
Operations September 8-10. (V. Mates - 8/27/10)
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Sue Beatty (379-3290) will be acting Branch Chief for Vegetation and
Ecological Restoration August 30. (J. Weaser - 8/20/10)
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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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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
Attention all employees who dispense diesel fuel at the El Portal
government fuel pumps. There has been some recent vandalism to the diesel
pumps at the El Portal government fueling site. Please look at the fuel
hose closely before turning on the pump. We have been finding the nozzle
and/or hose loosened, resulting in fuel spraying out once the pump is
turned on. If you observe any problems with the pumps, do not dispense
any fuel and report the problem to Dan at 379-1260. (D. Clingenpeel -
8/30/10)
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Congratulations!
I am very pleased to announce that Cindy Whitten will be the new permanent
Human Resources Officer for Yosemite National Park.
Cindy is an outstanding public servant with over 32 years of experience in
human resources. She started her Federal career with US Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS) as a Processing Clerk at their Regional
Office in San Pedro, CA. She later became the Lead Processing Clerk and
was responsible for the training and development of 10 Personnel Clerks
who handled personnel actions for over 4,000 employees throughout the INS'
Western Region. Cindy then transferred to the San Diego District Office
to provide HR support during the implementation of the Immigration Reform
Act. During this time, Cindy helped establish a Human Resources Office,
where she performed all functions of HR including staffing,
classification, employee relations, employee benefits, training and
workers comp. Cindy has been at Yosemite now for 22 years, where she has
served in the Human Resources Office in a variety of positions. Cindy was
our Processing/Benefits and Payroll Supervisor for approximately 6 years
and has served as the Workers Comp Program Manager for the past 13 years.
She has become recognized as the Workers Comp subject matter expert for
the National Park Service. Cindy has received recognition for her
accomplishments from not just our park, but from the Washington Office and
other Agencies. We are excited about the talent and energy Cindy will
bring to her new role.
Please join me in welcoming Cindy as the new HRO! (K. Tuovinen - 8/30/10)
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Farewell Party: Please join the Mather District Rangers in wishing Greg
Moore, Canyon Ranch Subdistrict Ranger, a fond farewell as he prepares to
move to Great Basin National Park. A farewell party for Greg will be
held in the Hodgdon Meadow Housing Area on Friday, September 10th.
Festivities start at 6:30 pm at 9003 Aspen Way, it will be a BBQ with meat
and vegetarian options provided, please bring a side dish and/or dessert
to share. (K. Killian - 8/30/10)
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Uniform Ordering Deadline - August 31, 2010
Please reference the items noted below regarding both FY 2010 year end and
FY 2011 new year NPS uniform procedures.
The last date to process the Uniform Account (UA) for Employee form for
FY 2010 through the Fiscal Office is close of business August 12, 2010.
Review your uniform account by August 12 as this is the last day of FY
2010 that I am able to access the UA system for any necessary
modifications.
The last day to order uniform items is August 31, 2010 6:00 PM EST.
Order now to alleviate potential problems. Unspent UA balances are not
carried over to the new fiscal year for all uniformed employees. Note
that back-orders for seasonal and temporary employees are cancelled at
the end of each fiscal year. Therefore, seasonal or temporary
employees are encouraged to attempt an exchange for an item that is
available rather than have the money returned to WASO in a cancelled
back-order. Permanent employees' back-orders are not cancelled.
NPS uniform ordering website: www.uniformsolutions.com/lma
To obtain lost of missing password: Employees with access to NPS email
may email VFSolutions at nps@vfc.com to obtain this information.
Employees without access to an NPS computer are to contact their
supervisors.
Call VFSolutions customer service @ 800-448-7968 to address any
ordering concerns, including status of back-order(s) for the
seasonal and temporary employee. Employees without access to an NPS
computer are to contact their supervisors.
FY 2011: October 1, 2010 NPS uniform ordering for FY 2011 begins.
Uniform log-in account numbers and passwords will not change.
Supervisors are required to submit the UA form for the first period of
FY 2011 in order to reactivate each uniformed seasonal or temporary
employee yet on the rolls. Also submit the UA form for any uniformed
employee that may have entered on board after August 12, 2010.
Permanent and term employees' uniform allowances are automatically
advanced and will be reflected in the uniform account on October 1,
2010.
As always, contact me if you have any questions. (M. De Boer - 8/30/10)
Community News
Housing Wanted. Looking for a small house with at least 2 bedrooms (or
more) and 1 (or 2 ) bathrooms located within 50 minutes of the El Portal
Admin building. I am a non-smoker with 2 senior cats who are litter box
trained and would appreciate heating and cooling, stove, refrigerator and
water. My contact info is: Jody Auerbach, Work: (209) 379-1227 CELL:
(209) 617-1119. (J. Auerbach - 8/27/10)
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FOR RENT: 4 bedroom, 1-3/4 bath house, 50 minutes from El Portal.
Available fully furnished (even dishes!) for $1550/month or empty for
$1250/month, includes satellite TV. Freshly painted, new carpet in almost
entire house, very clean! Garage with opener, pool, woodstove, fireplace,
forced-air heat, evaporative cooler. Secluded setting off good paved
road. No smoking; pets considered with increased deposit/rent. Great for
family or several room-mates. 209-966-6644 or e-mail house@shearwalls.com
(C. Baker - 8/26/10)
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