Daily Report - Yosemite National Park Thursday, July 5, 2012

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Thursday, July 5, 2012

WEATHER

Yosemite Valley
Today: Sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming
southwest 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 52. West southwest wind 8 to 13
mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Light and variable wind becoming west
southwest 9 to 14 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Light and variable wind becoming west
9 to 14 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

El Portal
Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Light and variable wind becoming
west southwest 6 to 11 mph in the morning.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 56. West southwest wind 5 to 9 mph
becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Calm wind becoming west
southwest 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Light and variable wind
becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Wawona
Today: Sunny, with a high near 84. Light south wind becoming southwest 9 to
14 mph in the morning.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 48. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming
light and variable in the evening.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Light and variable wind becoming
southwest 6 to 11 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Light and variable wind becoming west
8 to 13 mph in the afternoon.

Tuolumne Meadows
Today: Sunny, with a high near 67. Light south wind becoming southwest 11
to 16 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 35. South southwest wind 5 to 15
mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 70. Light south wind becoming southwest 8
to 13 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Light and variable wind becoming west
southwest 8 to 13 mph in the afternoon.

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NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY

Yosemite Child Care Center BBQ Fundraiser
Please join us today from 11:30am to 1:30pm in front of the Indian Museum
for a tasty lunch! On the menu are hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers,
chips, salad and lemonade--all for only $10 for adults and $5 for children!
Baked goods and soda will also be available for purchase if you need a
little extra sugar in your body to get you through the afternoon. All
proceeds benefit the children of the Yosemite Child Care Centers. One of
our recent projects included a safety upgrade to our Valley Center Tire
Swing to add some padding to the supports. Thanks for your much-needed
support! (J. Modrak-Killian)

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RECENT NEWS

Cascade Fire Update
Yosemite firefighters hiked into the remote Cascade fire to map, monitor
and obtain fuel moistures today. This fire began from a lightning ignition
on June 19, 2012. The fire is at the 7,800’ elevation and in two weeks it
has slowly grown to approximately 13 acres. Today the fire is active on
the northeast and southern perimeters, burning in duff, needle litter and
brush within a predominately red fir forest. Fuels are patchy, and six to
12 inch flame lengths were observed in brush patches. Most of the fire
activity is smoldering and creeping through ground fuels. The immediate
area has no fire history; however, it is surrounded by previous fire
footprints and considerable granite. Light smoke may be visible. (G.
Wuchner)
____________________________

2012 Yosemite Forum: Adaptation and Speciation in California Monkeyflowers
Tuesday, July 10, 2012, Noon to 1 pm, Auditorium, Yosemite Valley
Doug Schemske, PhD, Plant Biology Professor, Michigan State

Our research team investigates adaptation and speciation in two closely
related species of California monkeyflowers (Mimulus) that differ in their
mode of pollination. Mimulus lewisii is found at high elevation in the
Sierra Nevada and is pollinated by bees, while its close relative, Mimulus
cardinalis, is found at low elevation, and is pollinated by hummingbirds.
Our team has employed field experiments and molecular genetic techniques to
identify the adaptive steps in the evolutionary trajectory from bee to
hummingbird pollination. We find strong evidence that large genetic changes
have contributed to the evolution of the pollination system, a view
consistent with new theoretical insights into the mechanisms of adaptive
evolution. (D. Smith)
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Young Wildlife Update
Please do not touch or pick up baby birds, fawns or other young wildlife.
This time of year, many baby birds, fawns, and other young wildlife can be
found on the ground. These animals may appear to be in trouble, but are NOT
orphaned, sick, or injured. These animals should be left alone. They should
not be moved or handled. Otherwise, their parents will not be able to find
them and continue to care for them.

When birds first leave the nest, they are often not yet able to fly. They
will remain on the ground or in low bushes, and the parents will continue
to come back and feed them. Leaving a baby bird where you find it is the
best way to ensure that it continues to get the care it needs to survive.

Deer fawns are born relatively scentless, and are brown with white spots.
These characteristics are adaptations that allow the fawn to conceal itself
from predators. The mother deer do not always remain close to their fawns
in order to prevent drawing attention to them, but they will return
throughout the day to check on them, and to nurse. Even when approached by
humans, these fawns will remain still and silent. When people are around, a
mother deer may either become aggressive in order to protect her young, or
stay away for longer periods of time, which will prevent the fawn from
nursing regularly.

During this vulnerable time in the life cycles of various wildlife species,
dogs, cats and even people can pose a serious danger. Please help these
baby animals survive by keeping pets on-leash or indoors, and leaving the
area immediately when you find one so the parents can continue to care for
their young safely. Young animals “rescued” and brought to Wildlife
Management often do not survive because they can no longer be cared for by
their parents. If you have concerns about an animal in the park, contact a
ranger and describe the situation, but please do not touch the animal, pick
it up, or move it! (C. Lee-Roney)
____________________________

GSA Auction
The General Services Administration is conducting an internet auction of
Yosemite personal property, consisting of a 1996 Case Backhoe. The auction
closes at various times on 07/05/2012. The sale is number 91QSCI12314302..
This item is available for inspection in the warehouse covered storage
building or in the yard adjacent to the warehouse in El Portal, and are
marked with yellow item number cards. Park employees are allowed to
participate in the sale, with the exception of any employee with unfair
(nonpublic) detailed knowledge or prior use of an item offered for sale.
Such employees are prohibited from bidding on that item, and the
prohibition includes their immediate family as well. Employees must view
the items and bid on their own time. For further information regarding the
sale items or to register to bid, go to the website gsaauctions.gov. (D.
Perry)
Bringing National Parks to Communities: Yosemite Outreach Makes the News
National Parks are not only some of the most beautiful places in the world,
but they're also an important part of our cultural heritage. Yosemite
outreach teams have been busy bringing this message to diverse communities
around the park. Take a look at our recent media coverage:
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=8711548

In June Yosemite outreach teams attended two events in Fresno. The team of
John Jackson, Wawona Interpretation and Jesus Dolores, UC Merced student
ranger with the Education Branch represented Yosemite at Fresno's
Juneteenth Festival, an event commemorating African American freedom.

Another great team helped make National Parks Family Day an incredible
success. Coordinated by Jesse Chakrin, Wilderness and Chris Raines,
Education, this Yosemite team included student rangers Daniel Martinez and
Jesus Dolores working with Education as well as Bee Xiong and Morgan Runyan
working with the Wilderness Education Center on UC Merced's campus. YLP
interns Camila Vega, DNC, and Jasmine Marquez, ARC also assisted with the
event. For both events the teams collaborated with representatives from
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to contact hundreds of families and
Fresno community members and share the opportunities available to them in
their National Parks. (D. Sisson)
________________________________

Fire Station Hosts Pancake Breakfast
Mount Bullion Fire Station 25 in partnership with the Experimental Aircraft
Association will host a pancake breakfast on July 7th at the Mariposa
County Airport from 8:00 am to 11 am. Open to everyone. Come and enjoy
pancakes, sausage, eggs, orange juice, and coffee, all for a $5.00
donation. Come and enjoy the airplanes on display while supporting your
local community. For further information, contact Station 25 Captain Kevin
Keheley at 209-769-4751 or Rob Binder at 209-742-5135. (K Keheley)
__________________________________

Safety Message
Employees: Possession or use of fireworks within the boundaries of a
National Park Service site is prohibited, as provided for in 36 CFR 2.38
(b). However, the superintendent may provide a special use permit, such as
for a professional display during a special event. Visitors and employees
living in the parks should not possess or use fireworks. When celebrating
with fireworks outside your park, remember to be prepared, be safe and be
responsible.
Park Leadership: Are your park employees and visitors aware of the
regulations? Do environmental conditions such as high fire danger warrant
additional staffing for fire response? If your park staffs an engine
company, are they aware of the differences in consumer fireworks from
homemade explosive devices? Ensure that all visitors to the park are aware
of the regulations and report violations to proper law enforcement.
You have an opportunity every week to make a difference! Don't let historic
ashes be your legacy.(J. Alviso)
__________________________________

New EMS Program Manager
Dov Bock has accepted the position of Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Program Manager, responsible for overseeing the Yosemite Medical Clinic and
parkwide ambulance and medical services under the Emergency Services
Program. Please congratulate her when you see her on the new position. (L.
Hendy)
__________________________________

Yosemite National Park Seeking Volunteers for Habitat Protector Program -
news release
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

Yosemite National Park is seeking volunteers to become a Habitat Protector
of Yosemite (HaPY) Volunteer. The park’s Resources Management and Science
Division and Facilities Management Division is seeking help from the
interested people to assist in preserving, restoring, and enjoying the
natural resources in Yosemite Valley. Volunteers will be working alongside
experienced Park Rangers and explore some of the park’s most precious
resources in Yosemite Valley. No experience is required and all ages and
abilities are welcome to participate in the program.

Every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday until Labor Day, Monday,
Sept. 3, volunteers are invited to meet park staff in front of the Yosemite
Valley Visitor Center in Yosemite Village at 9:00 a.m. The program lasts
from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are asked to come prepared with
closed-toe shoes, long pants, long sleeves, snacks, and water. Gloves,
tools, and other safety gear will be provided.

People wishing to volunteer with the HaPY program should fill out the
Volunteer Services Agreement prior to arriving in the park to participate
in the program. No pre-registration is required for individuals. Groups of
10 or more are asked to call ahead to reserve their spot. Individuals under
the age of 18, must have the Volunteer Services Agreement form signed by a
parent or guardian. Children under the age of 14- years old need to be
accompanied by an adult. Volunteers with children younger than 7- years
old, are encouraged to call ahead of time to ensure that the day’s
volunteer work is appropriate and safe for children.

HaPY projects will include clearing litter from trails, paths and
recreational areas, and removing invasive plants in various areas
throughout the Valley.

Volunteers wishing to participate in the HaPY project may contact
Yosemite’s Volunteer Program Office at 209-379-1850.

For more information please visit,
http://www.nps.gov/yose/supportyourpark/dropinvolunteer.htm.(K. Cobb)
____________________________________

Good Bye and Thank You
This is a bitter sweet day for me because it is my last day working for the
National Park Service. I want to thank everyone that has supported me and
the Mounted Patrol over the years. You are truly a blessing. I am proud
to call so many of you friends and to be park of the larger NPS family.
Each and everyone of you has inspired me to be a better person and a good
ranger. Its been a great ride! I will really miss each and every one of
you and especially this place I have called home for 30 years. Its been a
great ride. Happy Trails. Please keep in touch my email is
just4bp@yahoo.com (B. Patrick)
____________________________________

Wawona Community Emergency Services Day
Thursday, July 26, 2012 from 2-5pm at the Wawona Community Center. Come and
learn about the emergency services that Yosemite National Park offers and
meet those who serve the community. There will be presentations and
exhibits about law enforcement, medical emergencies, search and rescue,
structure and wildland fire, and more. Participants include: Mariposa
County Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, Yosemite Team Intercept, US
Forest Service Law Enforcement, Sierra Ambulance, Yosemite Clinic, YOSAR,
Yosemite Fire, Mountain Crisis Center, and more. Free and open to all. (C.
Horrigan)
____________________________________

Summer Schedule for El Portal Branch of the Mariposa County Library
Librarians: Andrea Canapary, Mara Dale, Mary Bayless, Bethany Gediman &
Patti Carlson
Open Mondays and Thursdays 10:00-6:30 p.m.
Closed for a break from 3:30-4:30 p.m. except on Sal's Thursdays. The
following Sal's Thursdays: June 28th, July 12th, July 26th, and August 9th
the break will be from noon to 1:00. We have 4 computers with internet,
books, DVDs, CDs, magazines such as Rock & Ice, Yoga, Utne Reader, and many
more. Seasonals welcome! Come in and enjoy the library services. We are
located on the ground floor of the El Portal School on Rancheria Flat Road,
facing the swimming pool. Our telephone number is 379-2401. (M. Dale)
________________________________

Consumer Confidence Reports
The 2011 community water system Consumer Confidence Reports for El Portal,
Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona and Yosemite Valley are available at:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/annualreports.htm (K. Brown)
________________________________

Updating Your DOI Access Card
Correction to Sharepoint site posting: All current DOI Access Card guidance
is consolidated in the October 2011 DOI Access Card Guidance Memo which may
found on the HR Sharepoint site under Shared Documents.(T. Hawkins)
________________________________

Safety Message - Fireworks Safety
The American traditions of parades, cookouts, and fireworks help us
celebrate the summer season, especially our nation's birthday on the Fourth
of July. However, fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a painful
memory when children and adults are injured while using fireworks. Although
legal consumer fireworks that comply with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) regulations can be relatively safe, all fireworks are
hazardous and can cause injuries. Fireworks are classified as hazardous
substances under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Some fireworks, such
as illegal firecracker-type devices (M-80s, quarter sticks) and
professional display fireworks, should never be used or handled by
consumers due to the risk of serious injuries and deaths.

Before using fireworks, make sure they are permitted in your state or local
area. Many states and local governments prohibit or limit consumer
fireworks, formerly known as class C fireworks, which are common fireworks,
and firecrackers sold for consumer use. Consumer fireworks include shells
and mortars, multiple tube devices, Roman candles, rockets, sparklers,
firecrackers with no more than 50 milligrams of powder, and novelty items,
such as snakes, airplanes, ground spinners, helicopters, fountains, and
party poppers.

To help consumers use fireworks more safely, the CPSC offers these
recommendations:
-Do not allow young children to play with fire-works under any
circumstances. Sparklers, consid-ered by many to be the ideal “safe”
firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily
ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved with
fireworks and may not act appropriately in case of emergency.
-Older children should be permitted to use fireworks only under close adult
supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
-Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves,
or grass and other flammable materials.
-Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks
that fail to ignite or explode.
-Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with
water and throw them away.
-Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
-Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal
container.
-Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
-Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
-Check instructions for special storage directions.
-Observe local laws.
-Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while
lighting.
-Do not experiment with homemade fireworks. Make your own fireworks are
prohibited by law. (J Alviso)
_______________________________

Hodgdon Prescribed Fire Update:
The Hodgdon Fire is in patrol status and crews will continue to lightly
mop-up along the perimeter of the 234 acre project. Smoke may be visible
over the next few weeks from continued smoldering and burn down of logs and
stump holes. Fire patrols will continue. The light smoke will be local in
extent to the Hodgdon community, Big Oak Flat entrance station, Evergreen
Road and the Carlon Road. The Carlon Falls trail and Carlon Road are open.
Hikers and those that fish are urged to stay on the trail and not walk into
the fire area. Weakened green trees and snags may fall, and stump holes
with hot ash are safety hazards. (G. Wuchner)
_____________________________

Campground Update
Bridalveil Creek Campground has opened for the season. (M. Carter)

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CONSTRUCTION AND TRAFFIC DELAYS

Wawona Road-Area Pavement Preservation (June-September)
Starting Tuesday, June 19th crews will begin pavement preservation work on
the Wawona Road and secondary Roads (Chilnualna Falls Road--Forest Drive)
in the Wawona Area. The road preservation work includes, crack seals, chip
seals, microseals, and thin overlays, along with preparatory patching work.
Crews will be working both day and night with traffic control and up to 15
minute delays with a pilot car operations. Crews will be working all day
Monday thru Friday and nights Sunday thru Thursday 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. This
work will continue over the next 3-months. (M. Pieper)

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ACTING DESIGNATIONS

Mae Frantz will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division on
July 5th through July 9th. Mae can be reached in her El Portal office at
379-1218. If unavailable you may leave a message or for immediate help you
may phone Doyle Harrison at 379-1110.

Monica Buhler (379-3293) will be acting Branch Chief for Vegetation and
Ecological Restoration July 5 and 6.

Caitlin Lee-Roney will be acting Branch Chief of Wildlife Management On
Thursday, July 5. On Friday, July 6, Nalani Ludington will assume this
post.

Julie Byerly will be Acting Chief Ranger on Thursday, July 5

Gretchen Stromberg will be Acting Division Chief for Project Management
beginning Thursday, July 5, through Friday, July 6. Gretchen can be
reached at 379-1006 or you may leave a message with Cheri Murdock at
379-1138.

Tara Riggs is the Acting Chief of Business and Revenue Management for 60
days starting July 2.

Dean "Woody" Mullis will be acting Machine Shop Supervisor from July 3 to
August 30.

Matt Stark will be the Acting Crane Flat Sub District Ranger in Mather. He
may be reached at 379-1885 or 379-1926. This acting assignment will
continue until November 2012.

Matthew Weinburke will be acting Safety Officer from July 2-13 while Roger
Farmer is on leave. He can be reached at 209-379-1209

Laura Kirn will be the Acting Chief for History, Architecture & Landscapes
(HAL) Branch starting July 2 until further notice. She may be reached at
379-1314.

Lou Summerfield will be Acting Chief of Facilities Management from July
2-6. He may be reached at 379-1075.

Jesse McGahey will be acting Wilderness Patrol Supervisor from Sunday July
1 through Sunday July 22. Jesse can be reached at the Wilderness Patrol
Office at 372-0360.

Donna Sisson is the Acting Chief of Staff from June 28-July 9. Her number
is: 209-372-0249.

Kevin Killian will be the Acting Chief Ranger while Charles is away from
the park on a fire assignment.

Paul Ollig is Acting Chief of Interpretation & Education June 27 - July 8.

Gretchen Stromberg will be Acting Branch Chief of Design for the Project
Management Division from June 28 through July 6. Gretchen can be reached at
379-1006, or you may leave a message with Ashley Wilde at 379-1221.

Russ Kish will be acting Trails Supervisor until further notice. Please
contact him at 372-0576 for day to day operational functions..

Dave Kari is in a temporary detail for the Roads & Trails Branch through
the summer. He can be reached at 379-1243 in El Portal.

Sue Clark will be Acting Environmental Planning and Compliance Program
Manager from June 17 through July 14. She can be reached at 379-1115; or
contact Jessica Zeek (379-1002), Administrative Support Assistant for
Environmental Planning and Compliance with questions.

Ron Watson will be the Acting Supervisory Information Technology Specialist
until further notice. He may be reached at 379-1173.

Brenna Lissoway (379-1282) is on a detail as the Park Archivist. If you
have need to access the Archives, or have archive related questions, you
can call 379-1283 or 379-1104.