Yosemite Photos, Video and News

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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) 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)
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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 (9/9):  There will be repairs to rip rap
in the 6 mile section that runs south of the Glacier Point Road
intersection (Chinquapin).

-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)
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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)
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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)
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Wawona Meadow Restoration
The south side of the Wawona Meadow Loop trail will be closed from 7:00am
to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday during meadow restoration. This temporary
closure is likely to be in effect through November, 2010.

The Wawona Meadow has been utilized and manipulated by humans for many
years, including the construction of two ditches in 1936 by the Civilian
Conservation Corp (CCC) that divert water to the edges of the meadow. These
ditches alter meadow hydrology by diverting and concentrating surface flow
and draining groundwater from the sides, drying out the adjacent areas and
changing plant communities.

Today, 165 acres above the golf course are the focus of current restoration
efforts. The diversion ditches (now deepened  by erosion to up to 10 feet
in some places) will be filled with native soil and replanted with native
plants salvaged from the surrounding area. This project, funded in part by
the Yosemite Conservancy, will include long-term monitoring of meadow
plants and animals.

The Wawona Meadow Loop is one of a handful of multiple-use trails in the
park, welcoming leashed pets, bicyclists, and horseback riders as well as
hikers. Spectacular in every season, the restoration of the Wawona Meadow
will  provide generations of park users a glimpse of the wildlife and
wildflowers that exist here naturally. (A. Freeman, 9/8/2010)

Park and Partner News
Tuolumne River Plan Public Meetings in Tuolumne Meadows. Join project
manager and planner, Kristina Rylands, for an update on the Tuolumne River
Plan's progress. After nearly 6 years of research and study, as well as
involvement from the tribes, public, gateway communities, and other federal
agencies, the Tuolumne River Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement
will be released for public comment in late 2010 or early 2011. Come and
learn  what makes the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River stand apart from other
rivers in the nation, and the actions the National Park Service is
considering to help protect and enhance river values into the future.

All presentations take place at Parsons Memorial Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows
from 1:00-3:00pm on August 20, September 10, 11, 17, and 18. There will be
a slide presentation followed by a short stroll by the river. Bring water,
sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes. Allow 30 minutes to walk to the Lodge
from parking areas or shuttle stops. All participants will receive a free
Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River postcard, and kids of all ages can spread
the word for how to protect the river as part of the "Tuolumne River Giver"
coloring contest. (Everybody--and the river--wins!) To learn more about the
Tuolumne River Plan, visit online at www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm. (K.
Rylands - 9/9/10)
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Windshield Replacement and Repairs. We have a couple of vehicles needing
windshield replacements and repairs.  If anyone else within the Park needs
to have a government vehicle or personal vehicle repaired  please notify
the Machine Shop at 379-1150 or call Sharon of Arrow Glass at 533-3700.
(G.Tilley-9/9/10)
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Yosemite Forum on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 - Dr. Amy Angert, Assistant
Professor, Colorado State University will be this months guest at the
Yosemite Forum on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 from noon to 1pm in the East
Auditorium. She will be giving a presention on Population dynamics of
Monkeyflowers; Another signature of Climate change? (M.Thornley-9/9/10)

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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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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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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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)
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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, Ed Dunlavey will be the acting Operations Branch
Chief and Deputy Chief Ranger.

Employee News

 Yosemite Area Returned Peace Corps Volunteers: Have you served in the
 Peace Corps and are now part of the Yosemite community? This is your
 opportunity to stay connected and meet the Director of Peace Corps! On
 September 12 Director Aaron Williams will be visiting the park and would
 like to meet with RPCVs. This is also a great opportunity for RPCVs to
 reconnect as we look forward to celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the
 Peace Corps in 2011. For more information please contact Jim Bacon (RPCV
 Guatemala 03-05) at  jim_bacon@nps.gov, (209) 379-1375. (J. Bacon -
 9/9/10)

Community News
Come to Sal's tonight in El Portal 5PM-10PM. YEA provides bar service as a
fundraiser to give money back to the local communities, schools, and
non-profits. Your support is appreciated.

Mark your calendar's for YEA's 20th annual Oktoberfest on Sept. 25th. Chefs
Heidi Pusina and Mary Britt will prepare a delicious meal served by local
community members. Watch your local community boards for more details.
(M.Dale-9/9/10)
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For Rent:  Clean 2 bedroom, 1 bath mobile with new appliances.  Triangle
Road area.  Small pet negotiable.  $600 per month with $600 deposit.  Call
after 6 p.m. at 742-7899. (C. Murdock 09/09/10)
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El Portal's Potluck Preschool will start the 2010-11 year on Monday Sept.
13th.  We meet every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon at the preschool room
located at the Community Hall.  All ages 0-5 are welcome!!  A parent or
caregiver must attend with the child(ren).  Come join us for Circle Time,
Discovery activities, Art, Music, P.E. and Story.  All activities are
created and presented by our parents.  No experience necessary!!  The main
focus is to give the children the opportunity to have fun together and, in
the process, to learn to love learning.  If you would like more details or
have any questions, please call Bethany Gediman at 379-2960. (S. Gediman -
9/9/10)