Yosemite Photos, Video and News

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Yosemite Forum - Tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010 - Noon to 1:00pm -
Auditorium at Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Dr. Steve Martin, Professor,
Humboldt State University will be presenting: Updating the Yosemite
Overnight Wilderness Visitor Travel Simulation Model.Data on travel
patterns was collected from wilderness visitors via a 2010 survey using
Extend travel simulation software.  The resulting model will show how
wilderness visitor travel patterns have changed.  This data will help
wilderness managers understand the implications of those changes on
resources and social conditions, when making decisions about wilderness
use. (K.Dera-12-13-10)
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YOSEMITE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES COURSE INFORMATION- #60 Moonlight snowshoe with
Pete Devine. Yosemite Conservancy is offering a
Moonlight Snowshoe Trek lead by our own Pete Devine. Here’s your
opportunity to enjoy the luster of the full moon in an evening snowshoe at
Badger Pass. Join us on Saturday, December 18 at Badger Pass A-frame at
3:00pm to meet group and get snowshoes. During your trek, Pete will discuss
various aspects of winter ecology, as well as relate some fascinating
stories of Yosemite’s history. No snowshoe experience is necessary.  This
is open and free to all NPS and Park Partners. Call Holly at 1 800 469 7275
for more information.(H.Kuehn-12-13-10)
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The California/Nevada Amphibian Population Task Force 2011 Meeting will be
held at the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, Cliff/Falls Room, January 6-7,
2011. Topic areas include: Active management of populations or habitat,
agency programs and perspectives, chemical contamination effects, disease
and malformations, ecology, invasive species effects and management, land
management effects, legal actions, new methods and tools, population
genetics and phylogeography, population status and distribution. A field
trip is scheduled for January 8. The field trip will include a discussion
on addressing amphibian and reptile issues associated with management of
impounded waters.  If you have any questions please contact Heather McKenny
at 379-1438. (N.S.Nicholas-12-13-10)
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Volunteer Leadership Team Open House - Tuesday, December 14, 2pm to 3pm
The Yosemite Volunteer Leadership Team (VoLT) cordially invites you to an
open house on Tuesday, December 14, at 2pm in the Auditorium in the Valley.
The VoLT is comprised of your representatives from park divisions and
partners, coming together to provide guidance for the Yosemite Volunteer
Program.  For this open house we are specifically hoping to generate ideas
on volunteer positions that would appeal to local/commuter volunteers.
The agenda:
* Short presentation on the accomplishments of the Volunteer program in
2010 and the role of the Volunteer Leadership Team (VoLT)
* Discussion about local/commuter volunteer positions and recruitment
* Open forum for questions and discussion on what the Volunteer Program can
do for you.
The Open House will be followed at 3pm by our regular VoLT meeting until
4pm.
Join us!  Questions?  Call 379-1850 or email yose_volunteers@nps.gov
(H.Boothe-12-13-10)
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We need your socks!  Old socks spilling out of your dresser? Want to make a
contribution to science? The Yosemite Fisher crew wants your (clean) socks!
We can use any style, size, or color; ancient ragwool hiking socks and
little running socks are equally appreciated. Your socks will be used at
bait stations over the winter as we study the rare Pacific Fisher! Please
contact Andy Steele at 379-1196 with any questions or to arrange a
donation. (A. Steele - 12/13/10)

Acting Designations

Heather Cave will be Acting Emergency Communications Center Manager Dec
14-21.
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Jeremy Brown will be acting Trails Supervisor 12/13-1/3 (D. Kari - 12/10)
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Rachel Lewis  (Bravo 10) will be  acting Wilderness Patrol Supervisor  from
12/11-12/26.  Rachel can be reached at the Wilderness Patrol Office at
372-0360, the Wawona Ranger Station 375-9520, or through Dispatch. (D. Abbe
12/10/2010).
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Kevin McCardle (379-1418) will be Acting Branch Chief for History,
Architecture & Landscapes (HAL) from 12/9-12/14 (D. Humphrey - 12/9)
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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
call 379-1282 or 379-1104. (J. Bayless - 6/3/10)
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Lisa Acree (379-2177) will be Acting Branch Chief for Vegetation and
Ecological Restoration on Dec. 13-15.
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David Pettebone (209-379-1433) will be Acting Branch Chief for Visitor Use
and Social Sciences for the week of December 13.  He can also be reached on
his cell throughout the week.
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Scott Jackson is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology December 13 - 16;
Steve Thompson is Acting Branch Chief on Friday December 17.
Paul DePascale is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology December 20 - 24.
Jennifer Hardin is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology December 27 - 31.
(L.Kirn-12-13-10))
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Jana Friesen McCabe will be Acting Branch Chief for Public Outreach and
Engagement until December 30. (D.Sisson-12/14/10)
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Mike Yochim will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division
Dec. 14--Dec. 23.  Mike is available by phone in his El Portal office at
379-1441.  If unavailable you may leave a message with Doyle Harrison at
379-1110.  (D.Harrison 12/13)

Employee News

I am pleased to announce that Daniel Boughter has accepted a term GS-8
position as a Biological Science Technician with the Branch of Vegetation
and Ecological Restoration in the Division of Resources Management and
Science. Dan has a B.S. in Environmental Science from Northern Arizona
University (NAU)and a Master's in Biology from NAU.  Dan currently works
for CalTrans as an Environmental Planner/Biologist.   Previously Dan has
worked for the  National Park Service as the California Exotic Plant
Management Team Leader based at Point Reyes and for USDA-Agricultural
Research Service as a Research Technician.   Dan's new job here at Yosemite
will include being the RMS point person for all roadside revegation
projects.   Please join me in welcoming Dan to Yosemite.
(N.S.Nicholas-12/13/10)
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I am pleased to announce that John Leonard has accepted a term GS-8
position as a Biological Science Technician with the Branch of Vegetation
and Ecological Restoration in the Division of Resources Management and
Science. John has a Bachelor's degree in Forestry from Humboldt State
University.  John has worked here at Yosemite for the past eight years in
ecological restoration and before that worked as a consulting utility
forester at PG&E for seven years.   He has also worked in the Peace Corps
as a Forestry Extensionst in Ecuador for two years.
Please join me in congratulating John on his promotion. (N.S.Nicholas
-12-13-10)

Construction Update

Update - El Portal Complex Photovoltaic (PV) System (July 22, 2010 -
January 2011)
Paragon Industrial Applications (PIA) [contractor] began work at the El
Portal Complex area on July 22, 2010. Contractors will be working Monday -
Thursday, beginning December 6, 2010.
           Last Week's Progress, Parking, and more:
                       The PV contractor ran conduit and conductor in
                       carports 9, 10, and 11, and on the upper parking
                       deck carports (6, 7, and 8).
                       Four of the concrete pads for the PV transformer
                       and the larger inverters were poured.
                       Suntrek worked to put up more panels on the upper
                       parking deck carport (#7).
                       There is a total of panel count of approximately
                       1900 installed at this point.
                       Because the contractors are now working Monday -
                       Thursday, there are many more government employees
                       around the work site. Please use extreme caution
                       when you are near the construction areas. Please do
                       not cross through the barrier tape or enter the
                       "hard hat only" zones without your hard hat.

Overall, the Design/Build Install Renewable Energy Equipment at the El
Portal Complex  is proceeding on schedule.  (M. Ortiz - 12/13/10)

Community News

You're Invited--Yosemite Employee Association presents the 9th Annual
Semi-formal Winter Social, Friday, December 17th from 5pm to 10pm at the
Cedar Lodge in El Portal. Music by The Adam Burns Band, hors d'oeuvers by
CrabCakes and host bar by YEA. Members $20, non-members $25. Enjoy a
child-free evening or even stay the night (ask Cedar Lodge for the discount
for Winter Social attendees). For more information stop by the bar at Sal's
this Thursday or contact any YEA Board member. We're looking forward to
seeing you there. (M.Dale-12/14/10)
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For Rent-  3 bedroom/2 bathroom, unfurnished home on Silva Road (near
Highway 49S).  $1,000/month plus utilities + $1,000 cleaning deposit.
Contact Glen @ 209 626-6335. (Y.Rradanovich-12/14/10)
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For Rent  Adjoining duplex to main house.  One bedroom/one bathroom; shared
laundry room.  1100 square feet; very clean.  $650 month.  Bootjack area.
Call Chet at 742-5933 or email:  chet@sti.net.(Y.Rradanovich-12/14/10)
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For Rent:  3bd/2ba mobile w/deck and carport - available on December 15th.
$850/month; $850 rent deposit. Preferably no dogs or cats; however one cat
is ok.  Quiet occupants preferred.  Call Kristi at (cell) 559-696-2284.
(Y.Rradanovich-12/14/10)
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Small furnished room in Old El Portal  available January thru July only.
$300 per month, plus utilities.  Share large and lovely 3-bdr, 2 bath house
with 2 female roomates. House has nice ambiance, view, decks, wireless
Internet. Call Karen Dera at 916-705-0152 or kdera@surewest.net. (K. Dera -
12/10)