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) continued
        mounting 240 watt solar modules this weekend on wall 5 (south of
        the Machine Shop). Work was also concentrated on roof 1 (Warehouse
        area) for conduit and other electrical work. In addtion, work
        continued on the steel structure work on walls 3 and 4 (Machine
        Shop). Suntrek also started to install panels on the south wall of
        the Machine Shop. PIA also started excavation work on the street
        corssing and core drilling south of the Planning Trailer for
        carports.
        (Thursday - Sunday): This week September 9-12 -  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 - 9/7/10)
******************************************************
Wawona Road Rehabilitation (May 3 - November 2010):
**Please use caution when driving along the Wawona Road - there are a
number of locations with unpaved surfaces.
CHANGE IN SCHEDULE:
Wawona Road Construction Delays Extended to Include Friday and Saturday
Nights. Work is scheduled to occur between Sunday nights at 9:00 pm and
Saturday mornings at 6:00 am. Additionally, work will occur on Saturday
from 9:00 pm - Sunday morning at 6:00 am. 60-minute delays are scheduled
nightly from 11:00 pm - 6:00 am.  Although wait times are scheduled, expect
overall slow travel times through the construction zone (due to following a
pilot car, driving over unpaved areas, and waiting in lines of traffic) to
increase beyond what is scheduled.

     *Today's locations of work (9/7): Today, there will be pulverizing in
the area 2 miles south of the Wawona Tunnel.  There will also be placement
of rip rap in the area that runs from a mile    north of the Wawona
Campground to the Wawona Tunnel, and forming of inlets in the area that
runs from approximately 3 miles north of the South Entrance to a mile past
the Wawona        Campground.
     *Tonight's locations of work: Tonight, there will be paving in the
section that runs from a mile north of the Wawona Campground to the Glacier
Point Road intersection (Chinquapin).
     *Tomorrow's locations of work (9/8): Tomorrow, there will be
placement of rip rap in the area that runs from a mile north of the Wawona
Campground to the Wawona Tunnel, forming of inlets    in the area that runs
from approximately 3 miles north of the South Entrance to a mile past the
Wawona Campground, and pulverizing in the area that begins a mile north of
the South Entrance to a       mile north of 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 - 9/7/10)
******************************************************
Integrated Utility Master Plan [IUMP] (to be completed by the end of 2010)
River Crossing and Meadow Work Underway - Removal of Old, Abandoned
Utilities Embedded in the River and Within Meadows
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 Fires – Update #21 – September 6, 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 1100 acres.  The fire activity was low to moderate in growth and spread
over the Labor Day weekend.  Fifty percent of the perimeter is active,
mostly to the south.  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.
Five 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 fire acreage is at 405.  It is creeping through brush and timber, with
flanking and backing movement with the most active perimeter to the
northeast. One foot flame lengths and low fire activity 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. Four 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, a human caused fire near Clouds Rest, is out
and in patrol status.  The Tuolumne and Wildcat 2 fires are inactive and in
patrol status.

The high pressure ridge will begin to break down on Tuesday, September 7,
with cooler temperatures and higher humidities.  There is a slight
possibility of precipitation by Wednesday.  Smoke production was minimal
for both fires.

“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/
  NOAA satellite images of smoke:
     http://www.firedetect.noaa.gov/viewer.htm
  USGS regional webcam images of smoke movement:
     http://sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov/swifers/pages/WebCam.htm (G. Wuchner -
     9/7/10)
****************************************************
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 - 9/7/10)

Acting Designations
David Pettebone will be Acting Branch Chief for Visitor Use and Social
Sciences from Tuesday, September 7th through Thursday, September 9th.  He
can be reached at 209-379-1433. I will also have cell reception throughout
that time. (B. Meldrum - 9/7/10)
****************************************************
Scott Jackson is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology from September 7
through 10. Scott can be reached at 379-1316. (L. Kirn - 9/7/10)
****************************************************
Ed Dunlavey will be the Acting Chief Ranger 9/7-9/9 while I am out of the
park at the Ranger Advisory Committee meeting in Oakland.  (C. Cuvelier -
9/7/10)
****************************************************
Contracting Update:  Walt Schmidt will be the Acting Branch Chief for
Contracting & Procurement through 5 November 2010.  If you have contracting
related questions, don't already have a point of contact, and aren't able
to find the information you need at our SharePoint site (
http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/admn/contract/default.aspx) please call Tom
Tobin at 379-1040. (L. Schafer - 9/7/2010)
****************************************************
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)
****************************************************
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, Ed Dunlavey will be the acting Operations Branch
Chief and Deputy Chief Ranger.

Employee News

 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 -
 9/7/10)
 ****************************************************
 THANK YOU: A special thanks to everyone who accompanied and/or
 orchestrated their staff to help inform the design team for the permanent
 traffic counter installation project during the week of August 23rd.  With
 busy schedules to contend with, it was a fantastic showing.  Such
 collective knowledge of the park and the utility of these counters will
 further ensure the usability of this equipment. (B. Meldrum - 9/7/10)
 ****************************************************
 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)

Community News
El Portal Market - Hours of Operation: Fall hours are 8am - 8pm. (K. Kari -
9/7/10)
****************************************************
For Rent: Midpines - One bedroom house.  Private drive.  Pets OK.  $550 a
month plus utilities.  Available now.  209-966-4976. (K. Isaac - 9/7/10)
****************************************************
Upcoming WFR Course at the Bug Hostel
November 16th - 24th.  We close registration 1 month prior to the course.
Tuition = $580
Tuition with lunch = 645
Dorm lodging includes tuition, and 3 meals a day = $980.00

We offer lodging starting the night prior, until check out the last day of
the course.  There is a 30 day cancelation policy prior to the course, if
you cancel within the 30 days of the course the deposit is
non refundable, canceling within 2 weeks of the course, the full amount of
tuition is non refundable.

We require a credit card to reserve your spot, there is a $300.00 deposit
due 1 month out prior to the course, you can always send in a check or
money order for the deposit, the final amount minus your
deposit is due prior to the class start date.  Any credit card deposit will
be done on that 30 day mark.  In order to reserve you will need to contact
me directly.

I work Tuesday-Friday 7am-5pm , you can contact me at the numbers below.
(C. Kidwell - 9/7/10)
****************************************************
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)