Yosemite Photos, Video and News

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Serra Webber Benefit Fundraiser
The Yosemite Valley School is hosting a Give-What-You-Can Fundraiser for
Serra Webber, the little girl injured in a rock fall incident last week.
This will take place at the Yosemite Valley School on Thursday, October 14
th from 5-6:30pm. A pasta dinner will be served thanks to a generous
donation by DNC. If you have any questions you can contact YVS at 372-4791.
Donations can also be mailed to YVS at PO 485, Yosemite, CA 95389. Checks
Payable to YVS PTG. Thank you. (C. Archer, 10/13)
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Beginning October 13th Lamcon-Mear with be painting El Portal apartment
buildings 741 and 742. Each day the will be covering any vehicles parked in
the parking lots in front of 740, 741 and 742 in order to prevent any over
spray from occurring. This project is expected to last until October 22nd
and will be preformed Monday thru Friday from 7:00am until 4:30pm. If you
have any questions or concerns you may contact Brian Martin or Tara
Hawksley at 209-379-1061. (T.Hawksley - 10/14)

Construction Update

Tioga Trailheads Project (Beginning October 4, weather dependent)
Allison Sierra Inc. (contractor) will begin work when possible (weather
dependent) at the Yosemite Creek/Ten Lakes Trailhead. At that time they
plan to close off the whole parking lot to rehabilitate these areas. Hikers
will be directed to the nearest parking areas which are very close by.

The purpose of this project is to address site maintenance and design needs
that improve visitor safety and experience while protecting natural and
cultural resources.

There are eight formal trailheads included in this project: Gaylor Lakes at
Tioga Pass, Mono Pass, Snow Creek, May Lake/Weston Pond, Porcupine,
Yosemite Creek/Ten Lakes, Lukens Lake, and Tamarack Flat/Aspen Valley. This
effort does not include Sunrise or Murphy Creek trailheads (Tenaya Lake
Area Plan), nor Dog Lake and Cathedral Lakes (Tuolumne River Plan) as these
are addressed in other planning efforts.

This year work will occur on the following trailhead areas. Work will
continue this fall until they complete all of the following locations or
until weather forces an end to the work. Next year's work will include the
remaining trailhead segments within this project as listed above.

2010
1.) Yosemite Creek/Ten Lakes(Beginning October 4, 2010)
2.) Gaylor Lakes
3.) Snow Creek
4.) May Lake Turnoff
5.) Tamarack Flat/Aspen Valley
(M. Ortiz -10 /7/10)
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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). (M. Ortiz - 10/14/10)
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Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station Improvements (August 16 - November 2010)
Abide International (contractor) began work Monday, August 16 to upgrade
the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station. Work will last approximately three
months. Expect slight delays at the kiosk during this time. The entrance
will be upgraded with new area lighting, a new security camera system, new
doors and reconditioned windows, and new HVAC system along with other
improvements that will bring the entrance station up to date in energy
efficiency and security.  (M. Ortiz - 8/30/10)
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El Portal Complex Photovoltaic (PV) System ( July 22, 2010 - December 2010)

Paragon Industrial Applications (PIA) [contractor] began work at the El
Portal Complex area on July 22, 2010. To minimize potential traffic and
parking problems, PIA is working Thursday - Sunday.

Parking: Between Thursday, October 14th and Sunday, October 17th, the
parking area on top of the garage/parking structure will need to be cleared
of vehicles so that the Contractor can continue painting  the adjacent
overhead structures. In addition, please do not park in the areas where the
contractor has set up yellow caution tape with "no parking" signs for the
same period.

There have been over 700 panels installed so far with over 2,000 to go!
 (M. Ortiz - 10/7/10)
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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.

**Today's locations of work:  There will be placement of concrete curb in
the area that begins approximately a half mile north of the South Entrance
to a mile north of the Wawona Campground.  There will also be grading in
the bus turnout at Wawona as well as in turnouts that begin a mile north of
the Wawona Campground to the Glacier Point Road intersection (Chinquapin).
Tomorrow, there will be grading of turnouts in the same area.

**Tonight's locations of work: There will be paving in the area that begins
approximately a mile south of Wawona and runs to a mile north of the Wawona
Campground, as well as paving turnouts in the area that begins 6 miles
south of the Glacier Point Road intersection (Chinquapin) to the Wawona
Tunnel.

**Tomorrow's locations of work: There will be grading in the same areas
described above.

-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 - 10/14/10)
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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 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.

Other Areas of Work (both current and upcoming) include:
           Areas within Ahwahnee Meadow
           Areas within Stoneman Meadow
(M. Ortiz - 10/7/10)
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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. (M.Ortiz 10/07/10)

Park and Partner News

The Yosemite Archives will be closed to researchers October 18-22 as staff
host the inaugural NPS "Effective Oral History" course at Yosemite.  The
Archives will resume regular research hours October 26.  All employees are
welcome to attend the course brown-bag session on Monday October 18 from
Noon-1pm in the El Portal Large Break Room.  Historian and YOSE Ranger,
Jeff Pappas, will provide an overview of Yosemite's more recent past and
discuss how oral history can play a critical role in furthering our
understanding of park history. (B.Lissoway - 10/14)
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Bear Canisters. Just a reminder!  Employees who have checked out a bear
canister for the season should return it to the wilderness center before
the end of the month.  Supervisors please pass this information on to your
employees who do not have internet access. (G. Nespor - 10/14)
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The Yosemite Research Library will be closed Monday, October 18th - Monday,
October 25th. (L.Eade - 10/14)
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Anyone having information about 10" X 4" silver bricks that are duct taped
and being held in place by rocks located along the  PCT near Soda Springs
please call me. The information will be passed to the rangers in the area
who are being asked by visitors  what the silver bricks are for. Thank you.
(D. Smith, 10/13)
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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 15.

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 (email from Supv. counts as certification of
hours)
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, 10/13).

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OCTOBER IS FIRE PREVENTION MONTH IN YOSEMITE.

Throughout the month of October, Yosemite Fire Management will be
distributing fire safety information and providing local programs to focus
on family and worksite fire safety.  Each week will focus on a particular
topic with the goal of having every worksite complete the task assigned.

OCTOBER 10-16  PARK-WIDE FOCUS ON FIRE EXTINGUISHER USE AND MONTHLY FIRE
EXTINGUISHER INSPECTION

Due to the potential hazards associated with extinguishing fires, fire
extinguishers should only to be used by employees having received proper
education within the past 12 months.  For the week of October 10 - 16, all
park employees should have completed one of the following:

     All employees YET TO COMPLETE the DOILearn NPS Annual Fire
     Extinguisher Education course, DOILearn CD version of the course, or
     a Fire Prevention Office fire extinguisher education program within
     the past 12 months should complete one of the following by end of
     week, October 16, 2010:

        Login to DOILearn and enroll and complete the 2010 NPS Annual Fire
        Extinguisher Education course and exam by COB October 16, 2010.
        Provide a copy of course certificate to your supervisor.

        OR

        For employees without access to DOILearn - Request a loan of the
        NPS Annual Fire Extinguisher Education CD by email at
        YOSE_Fire_Prevention@nps.gov by COB October 16, 2010.  Complete
        the CD and provide printed verification to your supervisor showing
        your passing the exam by November 30, 2010.  COPIES OF THE CD CAN
        BE PERMANENTLY ISSUED TO YOUR BRANCH BY REQUEST.

        OR

        E-mail request to YOSE_Fire_Prevention@nps.gov by COB October 16,
        2010 for a hands-on fire extinguisher education program instructed
        by the Fire Prevention Office at your worksite.  Encouraged
        minimum attendance of 10 persons, maximum 25 persons.

     All employees HAVING completed the DOILearn NPS Annual Fire
     Extinguisher Education course, DOILearn CD version of the course, or
     a Fire Prevention Office fire extinguisher education program within
     the past 12 months are required to complete one of the above
     education programs in the 2011 Calendar year (within 1 year of last
     receiving  fire extinguisher education).

        All employees having met the above education requirements within
        past 12 months should at minimum have refreshed their knowledge of
        fire extinguisher use and monthly visual inspection at their
        worksite documented by COB October 16, 2010.

By completion of one of the education programs above you shall be able to
demonstrate when it is, and is not safe to use an extinguisher, proper
extinguisher selection and use, and the basics of monthly visual
inspections completed by you or other employees at your worksite.
(D.Coffman - 10/14)
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ROCK FALL SAFETY REMINDER. Rock falls are a natural and dynamic geologic
process. Due to the steep mountainous terrain, exfoliating granite and
glacially steepened cliffs of the park, rock fall potential is omnipresent.
Natural processes like rock fall help to create the beautiful and changing
scenery in Yosemite National Park, but they also present potential hazards.

Rock fall can be caused by a variety of triggering mechanisms like water,
ice, heat, earthquakes, and vegetation.  Unstable rock is influenced by
numerous factors such as rock type, exposure, slope angle, and fracturing
or jointing.  There is still much uncertainty about exactly what triggers
rock fall; historical records indicate that more than half of all
documented rock falls were not associated with a recognizable trigger.

Most rock falls in Yosemite occur in the winter and early spring, during
periods of intense rainfall, snow melt, and/or freeze-thaw conditions, but
large rock falls have also occurred during periods of warm, stable weather.

What Should I Do in the Event of a Rock Fall?

  Be aware of your surroundings. Rock-fall hazard zones occur throughout
     the park near any cliff faces. If you witness a rock fall from the
     Valley floor, quickly move away from the cliff toward the center of
     the Valley. If you are near the base of a cliff or talus slope when a
     rock fall occurs above, immediately seek shelter behind the largest
     nearby boulder or large tree. After rocks have stopped falling, move
     quickly away from the cliff toward the center of the Valley. Be aware
     that rock falls are inherently unpredictable and may happen at any
     time. Pay attention to warning signs, stay off of closed trails, and,
     if unsure, keep away from the cliffs.

  Inform park staff if you witness a rock fall. If you witness or hear a
     rock fall of any size, please report it by calling 209/379-1992 or
     911.  This information is useful for assessing rock-fall hazards and
     adds to the growing knowledge base of rock-fall activity in the park.

  Understand this dynamic natural process. Remember that Yosemite is a
     wild place. Rock fall is the most powerful geologic agent acting
     today in Yosemite. The dramatic cliffs of Yosemite are constantly
     being shaped by this potent natural force.

What should I do in the event of Rock on the road?

Be  aware  of your surroundings. If you come across rocks in the roadway be
aware  of  where  you  stopped  your car if the road is impassable.  Do not
linger  in  areas  of rock fall hazard, and, if unsure, do not proceed.  If
you get out of your vehicle be sure to stay situationally aware, as you may
be in harm’s way of additional rock fall.  Report rocks in the road to park
dispatch  at  209-379-1992.   Be  prepared  to  pass along the location and
relative size of the rocks and/or debris.

Be  safety  conscious!   Brought to you in collaboration between Facilities
Management,  Resource  Management  and  Science  and  Visitor  and Resource
Protection. (E.Gabriel - 10/14)

Acting Designations

Sue Beatty (379-3290) will be acting Branch Chief for Vegetation and
Ecological Restoration on Oct. 14-15. (J.Weaser - 10/14)
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Adrienne Freeman will be the acting Branch Chief for Interpretive Services
from Oct. 13-22. (M. Kline, 10/13)
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While Dave Humphrey is out for shoulder surgery and the associated
recuperation - Oct. 13 thru Oct. 18, 2010; Historical Landscape Architect
Daniel Schaible (379-1295) will be acting Branch Chief for History,
Architecture & Landscapes (HAL).
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Jay Shields will be Acting Mather District Ranger from 10/12 until sometime
the week of October 18th. (K.Killian 10/12/10)
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Bret Meldrum (379-1216) will be Acting Chief of Resources Management and
Science October 12 to 15.(N.S. Nicholas 10/12/10)
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Elexis Mayer will be Acting Division Chief of Project Management beginning
Tuesday, October 12, 2010, through Friday, October 15, 2010.  Elexis may be
reached at 379-1377 or if she is unavailable, you may leave a message with
Cheri Murdock at 379-1138.(S.J.Henderson)
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Jun Kinoshita is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology beginning Friday
October 1 through October 15. (L. Kirn - 10/1/10)
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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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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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Ed Dunlavey will be the acting Operations Branch Chief and Deputy Chief
Ranger until further notice. (C.Cuvelier 09/07/10)

Employee News

Compost Dumpster Now Available!!!!!!
Have you ever wanted to compost your biodegradable trash? Does it disturb
you to toss biodegradable items into a plastic bag that ends up in the
landfill? There is now a more environmentally friendly option. Through a
collaboration between NPS and DNC, we are placing a dumpster  for
biodegradable materials in the Valley lower housing area. The  contents
will be taken to the composting facility in Mariposa. Please take advantage
of this opportunity and be sure to maintain  support for the dumpster and
waste reduction.

WHEN will it be available?
     October 18. Start gathering your items in a paper or compostable bag
that can be tied or closed, right away!
WHERE is it located?
     On Lost Arrow Road, at the trash/recycling collection site on the
western portion of the loop. It is labeled and painted a tan color to
differentiate it from the other dumpsters.
WHO can use it?
     Employees, Volunteers, Park partners, School/Daycare, Residents,
Anyone that uses it correctly!
WHAT can I put in the compost dumpster?
     Items that are biodegradable and collected in a paper/compostable
bag:
     -Food waste items including vegetables, fruits, meats, breads,
cheeses, and dairy. Basically if it is edible or a waste item from
something edible (like a stem, peel, or bone), you can put it in this
dumpster
     -Compostable utensils and containers made from corn or other
vegetable products
     -Paper products such as plates, cups, and napkins
     -Yard waste, such as small bags of leaves and weeds
HOW should I gather items for composting?
     -Collect your organic waste separately in a compostable bag
(available at the Village Store) or a brown paper bag. When full of organic
waste, tightly close or tie off the top of the paper bag or compostable bag
and take it             to the dumpster. If you are hosting a meeting in
the Valley, consider gathering food waste separately from non-biodegradable
items.
WHY use it?
     -In 2009, Although Yosemite recycled 496 tons of trash, 1446 tons
still went to the landfill. Approximately 49% of the trash from the
residential area is compostable. By composting, you are doing your part to
reduce waste.  (V.Mates - 10/14)

Community News

6TH STREET CINEMA is located upstairs in the historic Old Masonic Lodge
(under historic renovation) on 6th Street in downtown Mariposa. Entrance is
$7 per film for non-members; non-member students pay $5. Monthly membership
is $12 allowing film entry for $3 each. Special performances and broadcasts
have alternate pricing structures. Recorded Information: 209 966-1333.
Staff: 209 742-6666. Visit our website: http://www.sixthstreetcinema.org or
e-mail us: sixthstreetcinema@sti.net

October 15 - 16 (Friday - Saturday) 7:30 P.M.: I AM LOVE. (In Italian,
Russian and English, with English subtitles.)
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 GARDENING WITH NATIVE PLANTS. Go native this fall. Planting California
natives saves water and work while helping wildlife. Birds, bees and
beneficial insects love native gardens especially when they boast a variety
of flowers and seeds. Because they're native to our climate, these plants
adapt easily to new gardens. They like hot, dry summers and can deal with
wet winters, too. Native plants offer lots of color and texture when
compared to traditional monocultures of all grass or thirsty ornamentals.

Natives also allow gardeners to "Be a Friend to Nature.” Your garden not
only beautifies your home, but it provides homes for astonishing creatures;
creatures that rely on one another and on which the environmental health of
our region depends.

Native plants provide a place for native wildlife and are critical to
maintaining insect diversity. Insects are the base of our ecosystem's food
chain that supports other creatures. Without insects, there would be no
birds and other wildlife.

Many natives make beautiful garden plants, but beauty and nature are not
the only reasons why to plant natives. Once established, these sustainable
flower beds use up to 75 percent less water than conventional lawns. They
also require a fraction of the work and are pesticide-free. That saves time
and money, too.

Fall is ideal for planting native perennials and shrubs. The soil is still
warm enough to encourage healthy root growth before the plants die back
from frost. Winter rains will further encourage root development, too. This
gives the transplant a big head start. In the spring, they'll be ready to
explode with fresh, new growth and abundant flowers.

The following three opportunities give you a chance to “go native” this
fall!

Gardening with Natives Workshop

When: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday October 23, 2010

Host organizations: Upper Merced River Watershed Council and Mariposa
Master Gardeners

Where: Ag Building, Mariposa Fairgrounds

Details: Attend this seminar on gardening with native plants in the
foothills of the Sierras. The keynote speaker, Bonnie Bladen operates
Intermountain Nursery in Auberry and is a native gardening expert. Kris
Randal, Master Gardener coordinator and project manager of the Sierra
Nevada Foothills Native Plant Demonstration Garden, will lead a tour of
that garden at the fairgrounds. Upper Merced River Watershed Council staff
and Master Gardeners will be on hand to advise you with your own native
garden design. Native plant stock will be available for purchase. Free
Admission, pre-registration required. Call (209) 966-2221 or visit
www.merced-river.org to register or for details.

Mariposa Creek Parkway Demonstration Garden Extravaganza!

When: Saturday, October 16, 2010

Host Organization: Mariposa Master Gardeners

Where: Mariposa Creek Parkway, Demonstration Garden, Stroming Road

Details: Six informational and hands-on booths will be available to the
public providing gardening know-how on plant identification; tool
sharpening; composting; drip irrigation; gophers; native plants, as well as
activities for kids. The 4-H will provide food and beverages.

Fall Tree, Shrub, and Wildflower Seed Sale

When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. October 30, 2010

Host Organization: Mariposa County Resource Conservation District

Where: Parking area, Mariposa Fairgrounds in front of the Ag Building

Details: Locally grown native trees, shrubs and wildflower seeds are
available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the Mariposa County Resource
Conservation District. Cash or check only. Call (209) 966-3431 for
information. (C.Nielson - 10/14)