Yosemite Photos, Video and News

************************
Road Maintenance: The Mather road crew will be conducting road maintenance
in the Tuolumne Meadows area, expect short traffic delays. (B. Brantley -
8/31/10)

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)
******************************************************
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)
******************************************************
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 week
        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)
******************************************************
Wawona Road Rehabilitation (May 3 - November 2010):
**Please use caution when driving along the Wawona Road - there are many
locations of unpaved surfaces.

     *Today's locations of work (9/3): Today there will be no construction
along the roadway. Work will resume Monday (9/6/10) night at 9:00pm.

-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 - 9/3/10)
******************************************************
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:
     Areas within 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 - 9/2/10)
******************************************************
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)
******************************************************
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
Yosemite Medical Clinic
As many staff are aware the Yosemite Medical Clinic contract expires at the
end of the year. As with any concessions contract a prospectus was
developed and solicitation sought for a future operator.  That process has
not resulted in any successful vendors bidding for the contract and
therefore the solicitation was withdrawn. BRM and Visitor and Resource
Protection staff continue to collaborate to look at alternatives to a
concessions contract.  The park is committed to maintaining a clinic in the
park after the current contract expires and to that end has entered into a
dialogue with future providers under other types of agreements.  The who,
what , and how parts of a clinic operation are uncertain. Generally
speaking health services encompass emergency trauma and medical response,
occupational health, general practice, public health, and behavior health.
The current clinic supports all these elements of health care.
Additionally those services are available 24 hours a day through the year.
The current team is on an aggressive schedule to identify a solution
considering the continuity of care an individual needs while accepting
financial realities and the current state of health care in America.  We
recognize that the future level of service and the operating hours of the
clinic may change in order to meet the current health care environment
however we remain focused on identification of a solution.  The Executive
Leadership Team has been briefed and continues to be engaged in discussions
and decisions regarding current and future clinic operations.  (C.
Cuvelier, Chief Ranger - 9/3/10)
******************************************************
YOSEMITE CONSERVANCY LABOR DAY WEEKEND SALE
All Yosemite Conservancy visitor center retail stores throughout the park
(except the Wilderness Centers) will conduct a storewide sale from Friday,
September 4th through Monday September 7th, in celebration of the Labor Day
holiday. All items will be on sale for 10% off list price, with current
Yosemite Conservancy Donors earning a 20% discount. (Theater Programs,
Donations, Permits, and Seminars are excluded. Discounts may not be
combined.) In this historic year of the merger of Yosemite Fund and
Yosemite Association, there is no better time to donate to Yosemite
Conservancy in order to “Provide for Yosemite’s Future”. (T. Arfsten -
9/3/10)
******************************************************
Yosemite Fires – Update #20 – September 3, 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: (37 54.572 x 119 40.924; 6900’ el., Tuolumne Co).  The Slope fire is
at 1045 acres.  The fire activity was low in spread, and growth, due to
much cooler temperatures and higher humidities. Fifty percent of the
perimeter is active, most to the northeast.  It continues to burn in brush,
timber and heavy accumulations of dead and down vegetation, through an area
with no recorded fire history.  This lightning caused fire began July 25.
Smoke was rising to 700’ above the ground and dispersing to the northeast.
Light smoke may 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. Six firefighters are assigned.

The fire has crossed the trail from Harden Lake to Pate Valley and is
adjacent to all other trails to Pate Valley.   Consequently the decision
was made by Wilderness and Fire Management officers to close all trails in
the area to Pate Valley from White Wolf for safety to hikers and
backpackers.

Vernon:  (37 59.813 x 119 43.618; approximately 7000’ el., Tuolumne Co.)
The acreage has been revised downward to 382 acres.  It is creeping through
brush and timber, with flanking and backing movement to the southeast and
northeast. One foot flame lengths were observed by fire monitors. Light
smoke was dispersing to the northeast at 600’ above the ground. This
lightning caused 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. Three
firefighters are assigned.

The fire has crossed the trail to Lake Vernon from the Tiltill Valley
Junction from the south and the trail is closed.

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

Other park fires:  The Cloud human caused fire near Clouds Rest is out and
in patrol status.  The Tuolumne and Wildcat 2 fires are inactive and in
patrol status.

Weather:  A stable high pressure ridge has developed and dispersion of
smoke will worsen until Sunday August 5.  However the smoke production off
both active fires is so minimal, they are not being detected by satellite
images. According to Tuolumne Co APCD, the Pinecrest fire on the Stanislaus
N.F.,  produced smoke on the western flanks which is visible.

“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
  Current Yosemite Fire Activity Online:
     http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/currentfire.htm
  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 -
     9/3/10)

Acting Designations
Monica Buhler (375-9573) will be acting Branch Chief for Vegetation and
Ecological Restoration on Sept. 3. (J. Weaser - 9/3/10)
****************************************************
Tom Medema, Chief of Interpretation and Education, will be acting
Superintendent September 3-6.  On Friday, Sept 3, Niki Nicholas, Chief of
Resources Management and Science, will be acting Deputy Superintendent.
Between September 4-6, Charles Cuvelier, Chief Ranger, will be acting
Deputy Superintendent. (D. Neubacher - 9/3/10)
****************************************************
On Friday September 3, Travis Espinoza will be acting Branch Chief of
Wildlife Management.  He can be reached at 379-1457. (S. Thompson - 9/3/10)
****************************************************
Anthropology Branch Chief Laura Kirn (379-1314) will be acting Branch Chief
for HAL) on Friday, Sept. 3.
Historical Landscape Architect Amy Hoke (379-1425) will be acting Branch
Chief for History, Architecture & Landscapes (HAL) from Tuesday, Sept. 7
thru Friday, Sept. 10.
Historical Landscape Architect Kevin McCardle (379-1418) will be acting
Branch Chief for History, Architecture & Landscapes (HAL) on Mon. Sept. 13,
2010.
While attending/presenting at the Preserving Historic Roads Conference in
Washington, D.C. I will generally be available by cell phone at
330.715.4926. (D. Humphrey - 9/3/10)
****************************************************
Kristina Rylands will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning
Division from August 31 - September 3.  Kristina may be reached by
telephone at 379-1175 or if unavailable you may leave a message with Doyle
Harrison at 379-1110. (D. Harrison - 8/31/10)
****************************************************
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)
****************************************************
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)
****************************************************
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)
****************************************************
Tom Medema, Interpretation and Education Division Chief, will be Acting
Deputy Superintendent  September 7 through 30.  You may reach him at
372-0332. (K. Dera - 9/1/10)
****************************************************
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.

Employee News

 Training Announcement - NPS Special Park Use Training
 November  1-5, 2010

 WASO Special Park Uses Program Manager Lee Dickenson will be visiting
 Yosemite NP to present the “Fundamentals of Special Park Uses” training.
 The 36-hour course covers all aspects of Special Park Uses from First
 Amendment to Commercial Filming and Photography to Wireless
 Telecommunication Sites. Class includes a field exercise. Also included is
 a component on temporary food services and other health and safety issues
 related to Special Park Uses. DO-53/RM-53 is covered in depth, as well as
 36 CFR and NPS Management Policies 2006.

 There are a limited number of spaces available for this class.  The
 majority of the class spaces are being held for Yosemite NP staff and
 management.  Those individuals on the park staff and management who have
 been identified for full or part time participation in the course have
 been notified by email.

 Travel will be paid for by the benefitting account.  There will be no
 tuition charge.  A block of rooms is being held for this course at the
 Cedar Lodge in El Portal.  Cedar Lodge is approximately 3 miles from the
 class location.  The course will take place in the large break room in the
 El Portal Warehouse.

 Cedar Lodge
 9966 Highway 140
 El Portal, CA 95318
 Toll Free 888 742-4371 or 209 379-2612

 NPS Special Park Use Program
 http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=185&lv=3

 If you have questions please contact Sean McCabe by email at
 sean_mccabe@nps.gov or by telephone on 209-379-1856. (S. McCabe - 9/3/10)
 ****************************************************
 Peter Gavette is heading west! Peter has accepted a promotion at Golden
 Gate National Recreation Area.
 Please join us for a potluck picnic to wish him farewell on Wednesday,
 September 8, 5:30 pm, at McClendon's Beach in El Portal. (L. Kirn -
 9/2/10)

Community News
Thank You From the Carlsons
A year ago our peace was shattered when Leah was diagnosed with Acute
Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The toughest part of the journey is behind us. Leah
is in remission, although her chemotherapy will continue until December
2011. We want to thank the communities of Yosemite and El Portal for all
their support this past year as we put the pieces back together. We would
also like to thank Delaware North Parks and Resorts in Yosemite for their
contributions to the fundraisers for Leah and El Portal Market for their
help.

A year has passed; Leah is back in school and playing soccer. She enjoys
being out among her friends again. We want to send a heartfelt thank you
for all the love, support and assistance we have been given this year.
THANK YOU! (Leah, Patti, David, Ian and Nic - 9/3/10)
******************************************************
The Friends of the Bassett Memorial Library in Wawona - News
The 14th Annual Book, Bake, and Craft Sale will be held on Labor Day
Saturday, September 4, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Wawona Bassett
Memorial Library parking lot.  ( Wawona Community Center if it rains)  Dave
Sischo birdhouses and carved birds will be available.  We will be accepting
handmade craft items until the day of the sale.  They may be dropped off at
the library in Wawona or you can call Pat at 209-375-6273 to make
arrangements to have them picked up.  Many great titles, both hardcover and
paperback, have been donated for the sale.  Paperbacks will sell for 3 for
$1 and hardcover books will sell for $1 each.  After two p.m. you may fill
a bag of books for only $1!  What a bargain!  Donated baked items may be
dropped off at the library the day before the sale or after 8 a.m. the
morning of the sale.  Wawona has the best bakers in the park!  Buy some
books and a baked treat for that quiet afternoon or evening of reading and
snacking.  We look forward to seeing you Saturday, September 4th  at the
Bassett Memorial Library in Wawona Book, Bake, and Craft Sale. (P. Sischo -
9/3/10)
******************************************************
TONIGHT - ART HOP - Look for the gold balloons!
Friday Sep 3rd from 5 to 8 PM - downtown Mariposa
Meet local artists, view their creations, mingle with friends, enjoy music
and refreshment!
For more information, please visit www.mariposaarthop.com (L. Leao -
9/2/10)
******************************************************
Do you want to learn how to play the guitar? Can you already play but would
like to get better? Adam Burns is now offering guitar lessons at the
Community Hall in El Portal and Cousin Jack’s Music Store in Mariposa.
These are individual, 30 minute lessons tailored to your musical style and
goals. You’ll learn by playing songs you love and get an MP3 recording of
your lesson so that you can play it back later. All ages and abilities are
welcome. Contact Adam today to get started at 209 379 4344 or
adam@adamburnsband.com. (A. Burns - 9/2/10)
******************************************************
STILL LOOKING!
El Portal Community Hall Association is looking for people who want to give
back to the community.
Our mission is to encourage, support, and provide opportunities for
community involvement and cohesion through our community center.  We exist
to allow, manage, and encourage the responsible use, and proper maintenance
of the Carrol Clark Community Hall.  We work to facilitate the improvement
of the Community Hall.
Our role is to manage and to maintain in cooperation with the NPS, a
Community Center that provides a positive, healthy, and safe environment
for social gatherings, and for arts, culture, education, wellness, and
spiritual programs, for all members of the El Portal, Yosemite, and Merced
River Canyon Community.
If you are interested please contact Todd at 379-2096 or Holly at 379-2042.
It is a great way to volunteer your time by giving back to the community
you live.
Please call with any questions or concerns.  The CC Community Hall looks
forward to some fresh ideas and new people that will continue to honor and
preserve the heritage, the history, and the people of our community, past,
present, and future.  Thanks! (H. Kuehn - 9/2/10)
******************************************************
Wanted: Housing to Rent--Studio, Apartment, Private Room, or Share House in
El Portal. Permanent NPS Employee, Single, No pets, but will care for yours
if you have them. References available. Please call Karen Dera at (916)
705-0152 (cell) or (209) 372-0286 (work). (K. Dera - 9/2/10)
******************************************************
Groveland Events This Week and Weekend
9/2-9/6 Strawberry Music Festival (Memorial Day Weekend) Camp Mather
(Evergreen Road), near Yosemite Varies StrawberryMusic.com 209-984-8630
This festival has run for decades, Groveland children are brought up on
Bluegrass & Jazz and have a passion for outdoor music venues! Tickets are
often available at the event for single day or the series.
09/03 Karaoke with Shirley, the hill's most talented spinner. Pine Mountain
Lake 19th Hole Lounge. Shirley keeps the music flowing! This is one of the
most popular nights out, singing, dancing and enjoying friends and
neighbors while meeting new people too. Great venue! Admission is free.
pinemountainlake.com

9/03 Green String Farm Band at Evergreen Lodge. Join us in the tavern as we
welcome from Sonoma County, the Green String Farm Band returns. For more
information, call (209) ­ 379-2606 or visit evergreenlodge.com

9/04 Yosemite Chamber of Commerce will hold a Flea Market at Mary Laveroni
Park in Groveland September 4, starting at 7:00 a.m.  Bring your treasures
and extra stuff to sell.  The Flea Market will be held in the upper park
parking lot.  For spaces, call Laurie 962-0323, or Tony 962-0824.  Spaces
are $10.00 each. Bring some shade. YosemiteChamberofCommerce.com

9/04 Farmer's Market at Mountain Sage every Saturday. www.mtnsage.com

9/04 Pine Mountain Lake 19th Hole Lounge is pleased to present "Dyna-Mo"
Admission is free pinemountainlake.com

9/04 Kate Gaffney at Evergreen Lodge. Join us in the tavern as we welcome
for the first time to the Evergreen, Singer-songwriter Kate Gaffney. For
more information, call (209) ­ 379-2606 or visit
evergreenlodge.com

9/05 Rebekah's pancake breakfast at the community hall is the first Sunday
of each month @ 7 a.m.

9/05 STCHS 2nd Annual Labor Day Country Barbeque. On Sunday, September 5th
at the Pine Mountain Lake Stables. Tickets available at Yosemite Bank,
Groveland Museum and at the door. grovelandmuseum.org/STCHS.html

9/06 FREE FISHING EVERYWHERE! No license required. Lakes and rivers.
For more events and details, see www.HotelCharlotte.com (Hotel Charlotte -
9/2/10)