Yosemite Photos, Video and News

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Friday, September 24, 2010

Weather

Yosemite Valley
Today: Sunny, with a high near 86. East southeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming
west.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 50. West wind 5 to 9 mph becoming east.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 92. East southeast wind at 9 mph becoming
west.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 50. West wind around 7 mph
becoming east southeast.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 94. East southeast wind around 7 mph
becoming west southwest.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 53.

El Portal
Today: Sunny, with a high near 92. East wind around 8 mph becoming west
southwest.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 53. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming east
northeast.
Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. East wind 5 to 9 mph becoming
west southwest.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 53. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming
east.
Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. East wind around 7 mph becoming
southwest.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 54.

Wawona
Today: Sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 8 mph becoming west.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 42. West wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east
northeast.
Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. East wind around 8 mph
becoming west.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 43. West wind around 7 mph
becoming east.
Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. East wind around 9 mph becoming
west southwest.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 43.

Tuolumne Area
Today: Sunny, with a high near 72. Southwest wind between 6 and 8 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 35. West wind 6 to 9 mph becoming east.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Southeast wind at 10 mph becoming
west southwest.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 35. West southwest wind 6 to 9 mph
becoming east northeast.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 76. South southwest wind between 6 and 11
mph.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 38.

Happening Today/This Weekend
Yosemite News Release
September 23, 2010
For Immediate Release

Media Contacts:
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

Yosemite National Park to Celebrate National Public Lands Day
Park Entrance Fees Waived for the Day

On Saturday, September 25, 2010 Yosemite National Park will celebrate
National Public Lands Day. In commemoration of this special day, the park
will waive park entrance fees for all park visitors.

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort
to improve and enhance the public lands American’s enjoy. In 2009, 150,000
volunteers built trails and bridges, and removed trash and invasive plants
on public lands across the country.

Yosemite National Park’s major emphasis for the day will be the Yosemite
Facelift. This volunteer effort begins Wednesday, September 22, and
continues through Sunday, September 26. Last year, this massive cleanup
effort yielded over 60,000 pounds of trash collected throughout the park.
Over 1,200 volunteers donated 16,488 hours to the effort. Additionally,
more than 100 miles of roadway were cleaned, as well as over 120 miles of
trails. For more information on the Yosemite Facelift, please visit
www.yosemiteclimbing.org.

Fees being waived for National Public Lands Day include the park entrance
only. All other fees associated with camping, lodging, or activities
within the park are not waived. The fee waiver is good for National Public
Lands Day only.

Other federal agencies participating in National Public Lands Day include
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the
Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S.
Forest Service. (K. Cobb - 9/24/10)
****************************************************
Our Fabulous Volunteers: From groups who clean up rivers to individuals who
have been volunteering well over a decade, the volunteers described in
nominations to the Yosemite Volunteer Awards were truly inspiring. On
Tuesday, September 14 your Yosemite Volunteer Leadership Team met to select
the award recipients; the winners will be notified this week, and will be
announced publicly on Saturday, September 25, 4:30pm in front of the
Valley Visitor Center. Please join us!

In the meantime, please congratulate all our nominees for a job well done!
Individual Volunteer:
Gayle and Ken Brown - BRM - Camp Hosts - Valley
Lois Orr - Interp- Visitor Information - Valley
George and Charlotte O'Hare - BRM/PROT/Interp - Camp Host, Visitor
Information - Glacier Pt, Badger Pass, Tuolumne
Youth Individual Volunteer:
Brina Mocsny - RMS- SCA Mines Intern - park-wide
Laura Patten - Interp - SCA Archives Intern - El Portal / Valley
Jake Blankenship - FM - YCC Program Assistant - Badger Pass
Enduring Individual Volunteer:
Bill Sonka - PROT - Desk Office Supervisor - Valley
Jack Phinney - Interp - all-around Volunteer - Valley
Ann Hardeman - Yosemite Conservancy (RMS and Interp) - Work Weeks and
Information Assistant - park-wide
Group Volunteers:
Planet Granite - FM - Buildings and Grounds work - Park-wide
AAA - FM - Ash/litter cleanup - Park-wide
Backcountry Brigade - RMS - Wilderness Restoration - Tuolumne
Youth Group Volunteers:
Breakwater - FM - Merced River Cleanup - Valley
Boy Scout Troop 135 - Interp/PROT - Indian Village Cleanup, Leave No Trace
education - Valley
SCA High School Wilderness Crew - RMS - Wilderness Restoration - Park-wide
Supervisor of Volunteers:
Laura Elze - RMS - Volunteer Coordinator
Carol Blaney - Interp - BOF Supervisor
Suzy Hasty - Yosemite Conservancy - Volunteer Program Manager
Volunteer Program:
Yosemite Leadership Program - Interp/Protection/RMS, etc. - internships -
Park-wide
Yosemite Conservancy - Interp/RMS/FM - Visitor Information Assistants, Work
Weeks, Corporate Program - Park-wide
Bear Team - RMS/Interp/BRM - Wildlife protection and education - park-wide
(H. Boothe - 9/24/2010)
****************************************************
Contractor PBS&J will be surveying and mapping floodplains in the El Portal
and Wawona areas from September 20th to October 8th. This work is being
done in support of the Merced River Planning effort. (J. Roche - 9/21/2010)
****************************************************
The Mather and Valley road crews will be performing road maintenance on
Tioga Road from ghost forest working west, expect short traffic delays.
(B. Brantley - 9/21/2010)

Construction Update
NEW PROJECT - Wawona Utility River Crossing Replacement (September 13
through November 30, 2010)
Candelaria will be replacing utilities under the South Fork of the Merced
River in Wawona (near the Wawona Fire Station). Work consists of in-kind
replacement of two 10-inch water mains and electrical conduit that was
damaged in the 1997 flood. Construction within the river bed shall be
completed by October 15, 2010 (low water flow). (D. Engelstad - 9/24/10)
******************************************************
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)
******************************************************
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: All of the 9-foot deep column footing drilling
was finished last weekend. The contractor also worked on the
carports 1,2,3, and 4 area - concreted the columns and put the
purlins across the beams. The 240-watt panels will go on top of
these purlins.
(Thursday - Sunday): This week September 23 -26 - A massive
amount of construction activity is planned for this week,
beginning Thursday. Work has increased on the carports in the
Planning trailer area (carports 1,2,3,4,and 5). Fire crews helped
to complete much needed brushing in the area yesterday which
allowed worked to progress even more quickly. Work continues on
welding beams onto columns and then welding the purlins to the
beams in carport 2 area. The columns for caport 5 were concretred
in yesterday and are now ready for beams. Conduit and conductor
runs to the inverters off of roof 1 are continuing this week. Wall
2 (front of Machine Shop) is almost through with the installation
of panels and the inverters are being installed. Work will
continue on installing the last panels on walls 3 and 4.
Parking will be restricted in the Planning Trailer area this week.

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. Please remember to park Government vehicles in appropriate
locations and avoid taking over the limited parking available for personal
vehicles (perimeter of complex). (M. Ortiz - 9/24/10)
******************************************************
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.

-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 - 9/23/10)
******************************************************
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 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 continues.
(M. Ortiz - 9/24/10)
******************************************************
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)
******************************************************
Wawona Meadow Restoration (through November 2010)
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. (A. Freeman -
9/8/2010)

Park and Partner News
Invasive Blackberry Control in Rancheria - Beginning 9/27
Himalayan blackberry control operations will be taking place beginning
Monday Sept. 27thwest of El Portal Road to Foresta Bridge including
Rancheria and the trailer village. Crews will be gridding and mapping all
blackberry encountered. If blackberry occurs in the yards of residences a
poster will be hung up at the residence giving notice of our intention to
treat the blackberry in the week beginning 4 October. Away from residences
the treatments will be concurrent with the survey and mapping operations.

Himalayan blackberry is an introduced exotic pest that infests our creeks
and displaces our native vegetation. More than 100 acres of valuable native
plant habitat in Yosemite have already been impacted. The berries also
attract bears, and bring them closer to human habitat. The removal of
Himalayan blackberry is a HIGH priority in Yosemite.

Crews will treat plants with a dilute concentration of glyphosate
(Round-Up) that will be noticeable with blue dye. Sprayed areas will be
noted by a CAUTION sign. The blue dye will be visible for a few days. The
plants will take a few weeks to die back and should not be cut or clipped
until completely dead. If you have questions or concerns, please contact
the invasive plant crew leader Heather Smith (209) 742-3825, and/or
invasive plant program lead Martin Hutten at (209) 379-2006. (M. Hutten -
9/24/10)
******************************************************
Yosemite News Release
September 23, 2010
For Immediate Release

Media Contacts:
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

Great Gray Owls in Yosemite National Park Believed to be a Unique
Subspecies
Research on Raptor Population Shows Distinct Genetic Differences
Yosemite National Park is home to more than 400 species of animals,
including 165 resident and migratory birds. The abundant diversity in
wildlife is due to the park’s natural habitats and ecosystems that remain
largely intact. Yosemite’s rich habitats range from thick wooded foothills
to expanses of meadows and alpine terrain found in the park’s higher
elevations.

Among the 167 species of resident and migratory birds, Yosemite National
Park is home to approximately 150 great gray owls, which is estimated to be
65% of the great gray owl population in California. The great gray owl is
a California State Endangered Species and is a large-bodied raptor that is
also found in Asia and Europe. Great gray owl research in Yosemite
National Park has become a top priority for scientists because new evidence
shows that the Sierra Nevada is home to a genetically distinct population
of great gray owls, compared to other great gray owls found in North
America, Asia, and Europe. Prior scientific research on great gray owls
shows that only two other subspecies have been recognized: Strix nebulosa
nebulosa in North America and Strix nebulosa lapponica in Europe and Asia.

Based on recent genetic research on great gray owls in the Sierra Nevada
area, and specifically in Yosemite National Park, a new subspecies has been
named: Strix nebulosa yosemitensis. The recent scientific research has
shown that the great gray owls found in and around Yosemite National Park
are genetically distinct from other populations of great gray owls.

In addition to genetic differences, scientists have also observed
behavioral differences in the Yosemite subspecies of great gray owls.
These include differences in migration patterns, prey preference, and nest
site selection. Each of these characteristics show that the Sierra Nevada
population of great gray owls has been isolated from other populations for
an extensive period of time.

“Future research in Yosemite National Park will allow us to identify
specific characteristics of the great gray owls in the park, and to further
study their habitat. National parks like Yosemite, that provide nearly
intact ecosystems, are critically important to both identify new species of
plants and animals and to provide a laboratory in which to conduct
scientific study,” stated Chief of Resources Management and Science Niki
Nicholas.

Future research on the great gray owl in Yosemite would help develop a
genetic technique to identify individual owls from their molted feathers.
This non-invasive research method would allow scientists to study survival
rates, reproduction patterns, and other important information through the
DNA found in the collected feathers. Additionally, this research method
would mitigate negative impacts on the sensitive great gray owl population
in the park. (K. Cobb - 9/24/10)
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Job Announcements: Please visit www.usajob.gov for a copy of the current
vacancies OR visit us on sharepoint at:
http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/admn/hr/default.aspx (I. Keheley -
9/23/2010)
Jobs Expires

Fire Mgmt Specialist (Fire/Fuels), GS-0401-09, HRF 10-301F(Embedded image
moved to file: pic23699.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
10/21/2010
Fire Mgmt Specialist (Fire/Fuels), GS-0401-09, HRF 10-302F(Embedded image
moved to file: pic23188.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
10/21/2010
Clerk (OA)(Embedded image moved to file: pic20178.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to
open the menu (new window).
10/8/2010
Forestry Technician (Eng Op), GS-0462-05-06 (HRF 10-297F)(Embedded image
moved to file: pic04042.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
10/1/2010
Forestry Technician (Eng Op) GS-0462-05-06 (HRF 10-296F) 10/1/2010
Equipment Specialist(Embedded image moved to file: pic31357.gif)Use
SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
9/29/2010
Supervisory Park Ranger (LE), GS-0025-11, (HRF 10-298)(Embedded image moved
to file: pic23941.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
9/28/2010
Supervisory Park Ranger (LE), GS-0025-12/13, (HRF 10-317) 9/28/2010
******************************************************
Yosemite Fires – Update #25– September 22, 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 surface areas of accumulations of
dead and down vegetation.

The Slope and Vernon fires have been burning for nearly seven weeks in
areas with little or no fire history. Both of these fires have aided
significantly in restoring forest health by the return of fire to the
landscape. The fires have been managed and monitored with little
intervention by firefighters, allowing the fires to move in natural
directions and filling in key pieces of the fire mosaic. Both of these
fires are showing smaller increases in acreage due to cooler temperatures
and shorter daylight hours.

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
approximately 1561 acres. Other than acreage changes, there is little new
information to report. This lightning caused fire began July 25. The fire
activity continues to be low in growth and spread due to cooler
temperatures and higher humidities. Fifty percent of the perimeter is
active, mostly to the south. It is burning in brush, timber and heavy
accumulations of dead and down vegetation. The fire has continues to move
toward the Harden road from White Wolf. Light smoke was visible and rising
to 800’ 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 Yosemite Crew 7 firefighters are assigned. All trails to Pate Valley
from the White Wolf campground area are closed due to safety concerns to
hikers and backpackers

Vernon: (37 59.813 x 119 43.618; approximately 7000’ el., Tuolumne Co.)
The acreage is at 756. It is creeping through brush and timber. The most
active perimeters are to the northeast and west. Low fire activity has been
observed by fire monitors through the week. Light smoke was dispersing to
the northeast at 600’ above the ground. 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 Yosemite Crew 6
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 Tuolumne and Wildcat 2 fires are inactive and in
patrol status.

Weather: A slight warming trend is developing through the week, and then
a return of cooler temperatures is forecasted for the weekend.

Other fires affecting the Yosemite area: The Buckhorn fire (Sierra N.F.)
and Pinecrest fire (Stanislaus N.F.) are producing localized thin smoke
immediately to the south and the north of the park. Smoke from the Sheep
fire (Sequoia and Kings Canyon N.P. and Sequoia N.F., and the Canyon fire,
(Sequoia N.F.), continue to be visible along the Sierra Nevada Crest.

“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/current_fire.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 -
9/23/10)
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The Park Archives in El Portal (379-1282) now have new open hours
available for researchers and users of its record collections:
Tuesday Noon - 4:30pm;
Wednesday 8:00 am - Noon / 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm;
Thursday 8:30 am - Noon.
Special appointments for urgent access may be possible upon request. These
hours are in effect until May 27, 2011. (J. Bayless - 9/23/10)
******************************************************
7th Annual Yosemite Facelift
September 22 -26
It's that time of year again. It's time to clean up the trash from the busy
summer months before the winter rains hit. The Yosemite Facelift is a
volunteer park-wide cleanup. Show up early to help with special projects or
enjoy a special place in the Park taking some time to clean up some
trash. Participants must register at a check-in station in order to
participate. We will provide trash bags, litter sticks and safety vests.
All volunteers receive a raffle ticket for the daily 5:00pm raffle. There
are evening programs every night starting September 21st through the 26th
at the East Auditorium.Check-in stations are in the following locations;
Yosemite Valley: In front of the Visitor Center - 8:00am to 5:00pm,
9/22-9/26
Crane Flat: South end of Tuolumne Grove parking lot - 8:00am to 5:00pm,
9/24-9/26
Tuolumne Meadows: Lembert Dome parking lot - 8:00am to 5:00pm, 9/24-9/26
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.yosemiteclimbing.org. (K. Yager - 9/21/2010)
******************************************************
Temporary Gas Station Closures. DNC vendor, Banks & Co., will perform
annual Air Pollution Control Department testing with Mariposa and Tuolumne
Counties on all four service stations. There will be short closures
required at each station with the following closing schedules. Note that
the listed times are estimates only.
Wawona - Sept. 27 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Oct. 4 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Crane Flat - Oct. 5 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Tuolumne - Sept. 24 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Valley Fuel - Oct. 7 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. (Excerpted from DNC email
messages.)
This information will be kept available for review on the BRM/Concessions
Management Sharepoint Site until the testing is completed.(W.Malone -
9/10/10)

Acting Designations
Judi Weaser (379-3296) will be Acting Chief of Resources Management and
Science from September 24-27. (N. Nicholas - 9/24/10)
****************************************************
Trudy Hawkins (379-1802) wll be Acting Human Resources Officer from
September 23 through October 1, 2010 (C.Whitten - 9/20/10)
****************************************************
From September 19-October 3, Ed Dunlavey will be the Acting Chief Ranger
while I'm out on annual leave. (C. Cuvelier - 9/17/2010)
****************************************************
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)
****************************************************
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
Block Party - Mike Siler is Leaving the Valley
Please join the Valley Shift as we say goodbye to the Siler Family as they
travel to the beautiful Brunswick Georgia and the Federal Law Enforcement
Training Center so Mike can shape young impressionable minds into Super
Rangers.
Where: Lower Housing, Oaklane,
When: September 30, 2010 from 5:30 to ?
What: Potluck, bring a dish to share, we'll provide the meat. BYOB and
plenty of stories about Mike, Andrea and the kids. (M. Stark - 9/24/10)
******************************************************
Volunteer Hours due by October 15 COB
While we ask for volunteer hours to be reported monthly throughout the
year, we know that people get busy and may not send them in each month.
Now it's crunch time. We must report our fiscal year volunteer hours by
the end of October, and since we typically get more than half the hours
turned in to us during October, there's a lot of data entry and math to do
before then. As our funding is determined based on the number of volunteers
we have and the hours they work, it is critical for us to get these hours
turned in.

Please report your FY10 volunteer hours that have not been previously
reported to the volunteer office by COB on Friday, October 10.

How:
ONLY if your volunteer is getting reimbursement: an original timesheet
filled out in pen/computer and signed by the supervisor must be sent to the
VIP office.
All other volunteers, the supervisor can mail, fax, or email the
volunteer's (or list of VIPs) name(s) and hours total for the year (or, if
you have them, by the month).
Email: yose_volunteers@nps.gov
Fax: Attn: Volunteer Office, 379-1853 (please sign the fax)
interoffice mail: Volunteer Office, El Portal (please sign the timesheet(s)

Please feel free to call either Heather or Lindsey at 379-1850 with any
questions. (H. Boothe - 9/24/10)
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NPS Employees and Facelift
Just a quick reminder about federal policies for NPS employees who wish to
volunteer during Facelift...
1) You may not volunteer for the same work for which you are paid.
2) You may not wear any identifiable part of your NPS uniform while
volunteering
3) As long as you follow #1 and #2, you may volunteer on your own time
(days off, before or after work, lunch breaks), but you must sign up as a
volunteer.
4) Only those signed up as volunteers for Facelift will receive water
bottles, raffle tickets, and other recognition items provided by YCA or
sponsors.
Keeping those thoughts in mind, all employees of all park employers are
invited to come when you have free time to help during Facelift. Let's
help keep Yosemite clean!
Facelift runs Sept 22-26, and volunteers may sign up at the Valley Visitor
Center 8-5 Wed-Sun, or at Tuolumne Meadows and Crane Flat 8-4 Fri-Sun. (H.
Boothe - 9/23/10)
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Congratulations! I am very pleased to announce that Victor Goldman has
accepted a term GS 8 Biological Technician position with the Branch of
Vegetation and Ecological Restoration in the Division of Resources
Management and Science. Victor has a degree in Greenhouse Management
from Ohio State University and has worked at Yosemite National Park in the
RMS Division for more than 20 years. Please join me in congratulating
Victor on his promotion! (N. Nicholas - 9/23/10)