Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Weather
Yosemite: TODAY...SUNNY...BREEZY. HIGHS 84 TO 94 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...61 TO
71 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TONIGHT...CLEAR. LOWS 44 TO 54 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...33 TO 43 IN THE HIGH
COUNTRY.
FRIDAY...SUNNY. HIGHS 85 TO 95 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...63 TO 73 IN THE HIGH
COUNTRY.
FRIDAY NIGHT...CLEAR. LOWS 44 TO 54 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...33 TO 43 IN THE
HIGH COUNTRY.
SATURDAY...SUNNY...BREEZY. HIGHS 85 TO 95 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY... 63 TO 73 IN
THE HIGH COUNTRY.
El Portal: Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming
west southwest between 12 and 15 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 50. Light wind becoming east northeast
between 12 and 15 mph.
Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. East northeast wind 7 to 15 mph
becoming west.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 50. North northeast wind between 7
and 17 mph.
Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. East northeast wind 13 to 17
mph becoming west. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.
Happening Today/This Week (Check the Community News section for other
events)
The Research Library will be closed Thursday, June 19th. (L. Eade -
6/19/08)
*************************************************
Yosemite National Park - Safety Awareness for Everyone
SAFETY WEEK ACTIVITIES
Thursday June 19 – Safety Stand-Down Cont.
• Stand-Down day activities continue through-out park
• Executive safety summary at SQUAD and YESC
• Safety training in east auditorium 9 - 12 Asbestos and Lead awareness
• El Portal Fitness center orientation 10am - 11am & 13:00 – 14:00
Paperwork will be available to sign-up or go here:
http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/EPFitness/default.htm
Monday - Friday – Safety & Health Hazard Hunt
• Who: All employees
• Where: Your work station or work area/environment
• How: Use the Safety Hazard Abatement Reporting Program S.H.A.R.P. See
the instructions on the safety website here:
http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/safety/incentive.htm
• Why: To help reduce safety & health hazards in your work area, (MOST
IMPORTANT).... AND...If reported through the SHARP process you will be
eligible for a limited edition safety coin
"Stand Down" to Stand Up for Saftey
Visit the safety website for materials to help you accomplish a productive
safety stand-down day. http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/safety/default.htm
(R. Farmer - 6/16/08)
*************************************************
Thursday June 19th, 2008 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
PG&E will be temporarily interrupting electric service in order to safely
perfom repair of equipment. The following area will be affected: Hodgdon
Meadows, Harden Flat Rd., Dogwood Dr, Meadow View Lane, Aspen Way and Hwy
120 in Groveland, CA
For general questions about this outage, please contact
Heather Gonzales
(209) 726-5588
Planned Outage Coordinator (K. Bablitch - 6/17/08)
*************************************************
Big Time Gathering: The local community and general public are invited to
attend the 35th annual Yosemite Indian Big Time being held June 21 & 22,
2008. This event takes place in the Village of Ahwahnee located behind the
Yosemite Museum and Visitor Center. The songs and dances of Native
Californian dance groups will be presented both days. Local vendors and
others will display/sell their arts and crafts in the employee parking area
across from the Village. As a request, employee and gov't vehicles need to
be moved from the employee parking
area by 5:30pm, Friday, June 20, 2008 to prepare for these activities. This
is a good opportunity to enjoy, learn and support the heritage
of Native Californian Peoples. (P. Johnson - 6/17/08)
New Today
DOI Training Requirements DUE DATE JUNE 30, 2008
Federal Information Systems Security Awareness course (FISSA) on DOILearn
NPS's "Responsibilities For Computer use" (RCU)
All employees are required to complete the Federal Information Systems
Security Awareness course (FISSA) on DOILearn every year by June 30.
Anyone who has not completed this course since June 30, 2007 must do so by
June 30, 2008 or they may be subject to having their access to the NPS LAN
disabled.
Since the entire NPS is attempting to complete the FISSA by June 30 we
typically see extremely poor performance before mid afternoon when most of
those east of us are still using it. Try DOILearn midafternoon for best
results.
Starting in 2008 there is also a second requirement, previously only
required for new Employees, of annually reading and agreeing to the
standards set forth in NPS's "Responsibilities For Computer use" (RCU).
There is a copy of the RCU (current version is 2007-1) on DOILearn that
everyone is automatically registered for just as they are for FISSA. If
you have not read and signed the Acknowledgement Form for RCU Version
2007-1 since it was released in January 2008 you must do so prior to June
30 2008. (the former version was 2003-3)
The DOILearn version of the RCU lacks some necessary programmatic
components and has frequently been exceedingly frustrating. It is usually
much faster to simply read the paper version available from the Park's IT
Help Desk or on InsideNPS at
http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=572&id=4710. Simply sign
the Acknowledgement Form available on the same page of InsideNPS and submit
a copy to your Supervisor and the IT Help Desk.
Please contact Dan Sohn or the IT Help desk if you have any questions.
Thanks (L. Harris - 6/19/08)
*************************************************
Hodgdon Meadow Duplex Installation - The contractor has completed work on
the concrete foundation, floor framing, and wall framing. Electrical work,
roofing, and insulation will begin the week of 06/23/08 and continue
through the next few weeks. Construction is scheduled to continue through
the spring and summer and be completed in September. (J. Chisum - 6/19/08)
*************************************************
Travel preparers:
Please, send your travel documents in the proper order with ONE staple in
the upper left corner. We have to disassemble what's sent to us in order
to audit it, as well as to scan/email it to AOC.
The proper order for the documents is as follows:
Travel Voucher on top.
Receipts--arranged in the order of the corresponding charges in the
voucher, and TAPED (not stapled--the scanner responds negatively to
staples) onto 8.5 x 11 paper--under the Travel Voucher.
Corresponding Travel Authorization on the bottom.
All of the above must be attached by one staple in the upper left corner
(please, not one per TV, receipts, and TA---just one). (Sorry if this
sounds nitpicky, but we're getting documents with staples up and down the
sides and across the top. We're looking for a document that has a shot at
making it through a metal detector.)
This will really help us accelerate the processing of your payments.
Thanks to all of you who have already been doing this for us. (A. Kunz -
6/19/08)
*************************************************
Water Leak at the Community Hall
A water leak was discovered in the water main at the Carroll N. Clark
Community Hall this week. The leak was in the main water line that
unfortunately runs under the concrete patio in the back of the Hall. The
NPS El Portal Utiliites crew has been working on a solution to this all
week. They have opted to re-route a new water line around the cocrete
patio instead of tearing out the concrete to repair the broken line.
This means that there is currently a significant amount of trenching in the
Community Hall yard. The Utilities crew is going to work as hard as
possible to get the trenches filled in by Sal's Taco tonight, but of course
they might not be successful.
So, parents with children and folks with pets! Please be extra viligant
tonight at the Community Hall! Please keep children and pets away from
construction areas! If there are any trenches left unfilled by tonight,
they will be thoroughly barricaded, taped and hopefully covered, but it
will be the community's responsibility to keep youngsters and dogs away
from the holes. Thanks! (S. Good Morning - 6/19/08)
Construction News
Ferguson Rockslide notice (Highway 140): June 24, 2008 - Expect a 6 hour
delay (road closure) between 11:00 pm and 5:00 am.
*************************************************
Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvements
West Yosemite Village Utility Corridor
The National Park Service has contracted with Allison Sierra Inc. to
construct the West Yosemite Village Utility Corridor and to correct several
deficiencies in the sewer collection system in the Lost Arrow Housing and
Ranger Club areas. This work is necessary to replace deteriorated sewer
lines and to avoid sensitive resource areas. Work is expected to begin in
July and may continue for up to 8 months. Every effort will be made to
minimize impacts to the residents as well as the school and day care
center. The contractor is limited to working between the hours of 9:00
a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No work is permitted on Federal
holidays or during Christmas week.
Areas of construction activity will include:
From the school basketball court east along the south side of the school
to the gap between the Day Care Center and Res.62 to Oak Lane then
South to the bike path.
From the teacherage garage (638) north of the school southeast to the
gap between the day Care Center and Res. 62.
The west side of Res.18.
The North, East and South sides of the storage building behind Res. 21.
From the Southeast corner of the Ranger Club to Northside Drive.
Residents of these areas are asked to avoid stacking wood or other goods in
areas slated for construction. The contractor is required to repair any
damage to patios, paths and roads. In an effort to minimize impacts to
trees and other features the contract calls for a great deal of trenchless
construction meaning they will be drilling many of the new lines into
place.
Please contact Jim Reynolds at 372-0437 or Glen Rothell at 372-0429 if you
have further questions about this project. (G. Rothell - 6/18/08)
Park News
Congratulations go to Ed "the Welder" on being named the recipient of the
Barry Hance Memorial Award for 2008.
*************************************************
Yosemite National Park Invites Public To Open House
The National Park Service welcomes those interested to attend an Open House
in Yosemite Valley on
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in the Yosemite Valley
Visitor Center Auditorium.
The public is invited to the Open House to:
Talk to park staff and listen to presentations given throughout the
day
Review newly released documents and reports
Submit comments on proposed projects and ongoing implementation
efforts
Planning efforts and projects that will be represented at this Open House
are:
Invasive Plant Management Plan
The public comment period for the Invasive Plant Management Plan
Environmental Assessment
runs from Friday, June 13, 2008 through Sunday, July 13, 2008.
High-Elevation Aquatic Resources Management Plan
The public scoping comment period for this plan runs from June 23
through July 25, 2008.
Parkwide Vegetation Map
Find out about the parkwide vegetation map and how park managers are
utilizing it.
Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan
Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan
Environmental Education Campus
Construction and Project Updates (P. Meierding - 6/18/08)
*************************************************
TUOLUMNE RIVER PLAN NEWS
Yosemite's Division of Planning is pleased to announce the summer public
events listed below highlighting the Tuolumne River and Tuolumne planning
process. Please plan for an additional 30 minutes to walk from the parking
area to Parsons Lodge. Arrangements can be made to accommodate those
requiring accessibility assistance (call Kristina Rylands at 209-379-1175).
For public comment. In early July, the 2008 Tuolumne Planning Workbook
will be released for public review and comment through September 15. The
purpose of the workbook is to update members of the public on the status of
the Tuolumne River Plan, including unveiling early alternatives and
planning concepts for Tuolumne Meadows. Last year's workbook was
enthusiastically received and led to changes in the range of alternatives.
Comments on the 2008 edition will be considered by the planning team during
the preparation of the Draft Tuolumne River Plan and Environmental Impact
Statement, scheduled to be released for public comment in summer 2009.
Copies will be available throughout the Tuolumne Meadows area. To have a
copy of the 2008 workbook mailed to you, phone 209-379-1365 (leave a
message) or email yose_planning@nps.gov.
June 21
PLANNER-FOR-A-DAY Workshop 10am-2pm
Parsons Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows
The purpose of this workshop is to provide an update on the Tuolumne River
Plan. The NPS will unveil and discuss the range of draft alternatives
(including the preferred alternative), and give a preview of preliminary
concepts for actions being considered in Tuolumne Meadows. All of this will
be documented in the 2008 Tuolumne Planning Workbook.
July 18
PLANNER-FOR-A-DAY Workshop 1-5pm
Parsons Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows
Roll up your sleeves and participate in a Planner-for-a-Day Workshop
devoted to discussing site concepts in Tuolumne Meadows. The planning team
will be looking for your feedback on the range of early preliminary
concepts. This input will be considered as the team enters into the
Tuolumne Meadows site planning phase of the project this fall.
August 9
Slideshow 2-3:30pm
Parsons Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows
As part of the Parsons Lodge Summer Series and in celebration of the 40th
anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, NPS planner, Kristina
Rylands, will be give a slideshow and informational presentation on
Yosemite's rivers and the nation's Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Detailed agendas for the June and July workshops will be posted to the
park's website in the coming weeks at www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm.
(K. Rylands - 6/5/08)
Announcements
Yosemite Campground Opening Update!
Crane Flat, White Wolf, Tuolumne Meadows, and Yosemite Creek Campgrounds
are scheduled to open for the season on Friday, June 20, 2008.
Tamarack Flat Campground will open for the season on Tuesday, June 24,
2008.
Porcupine Flat Campground will open for the season on July 3, 2008.
Bridalveil Creek Campground will tentatively open for the season on July 3,
2008. (M. Carter - 6/18/08)
*************************************************
Updated air quality site and haze from regional fires:
The Yosenet "website" (
http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/AirQuality/default.htm) has been updated
with information on haze from the regional fires currently impacting
Yosemite air quality.
Note also that direct links to current air quality measurements of ozone
and fine particles in the Yosemite Valley, at Turtleback Dome, and other
less permanent sites are also linked from this page in the right-hand
column. I'll continue to post descriptions and, to the extent possible,
explanations of the major events that impact the Park's air quality as they
occur throughout the rest of the year on this page. As always, basic
information and background on air quality is linked in the tables at the
bottom of the page. (L. Tarnay - 6/18/08)
*************************************************
Drop in program: Come join the Habitat Protectors of Yosemite (HaPY)
program! Program runs Fridays from May2- October 31st. Work with park
staff to remove invasive plants and learn basic ecological principles. All
volunteers are required to wear pants and closed-toe shoes. Long sleeves,
sunscreen, water, and snacks are recommended. Meet in front of Yosemite
Valley Visitor Center at 9am. Bring a lunch and join us! (M. DeBree -
5/1/08)
*************************************************
The following Yosemite National Park employees have been approved for
participation in the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program:
Shari Baudoux
Kevin Bowman
Kimberly Cunningham-Summerfield
Linda Kelly
If you are interested in contributing annual leave to any of the above
individuals, please do so by completing a Request to donate Annual Leave to
Leave Recipient (Within Agency) Under the Leave Transfer Program, Optional
Form 630-A (OF 639-A).
Please forward your OF 630-A to:
Human Resources Office
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 700
El Portal, CA 95318
or fax to (209) 379-1800
Click HERE for more Information on the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program.
(H. Whitman - 6/9/08)
HR Corner
Yosemite National Park
Current Vacancy Announcements
UPDATED: June 12, 2008
Please check the links below for latest listings:
http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/intp/daily.htm (intranet) or
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/upload/daily.pdf (internet)
Community News
6th STREET CINEMA is a non-profit theater located in downtown Mariposa,
atop the historic Masonic Lodge on 6th Street. We are the presentation arm
of the Rural Media Arts and Education Project, a 501(c)(3) corporation,
and are supported by the California Arts Council, the National Endowment
for the Arts, SierraTel, the James Irvine Foundation, Mariposa County, and
the Geoff and Josie Fox Family Foundation, a Donor Advised fund of the
Silicon Valley Community Foundation. We are also generously supported by
Iron Mountain Systems and Stonecutter.com. The views expressed by the
films, in print materials, or by discussion facilitators are not
necessarily those of these funders.
Monthly membership is $12, allowing film entry for $3 each; non-members pay
$7 per film, and non-member students pay $5. Recorded Information: (209)
966-1333. Staff: 209 742-6666. http://www.sixthstreetcinema.org. E-mail us:
sixthstreetcinema@sti.net
This week - Friday-Saturday, June 20-21, 7:30 p.m.: THE SAVAGES. (Rated R;
113 minutes). Two siblings who have spent their adult years trying to
recover from the abuse of their abusive father, Lenny Savage, suddenly get
a call that his girlfriend has died, he cannot care for himself with his
dementia, and her family is dumping him on his children. Despite the fact
Jon and Wendy have not spoken to Lenny for twenty years, and he is even
more loathsome than ever, the Savage siblings feel obliged to take care of
him. Now together, brother and sister must come to terms with the new and
painful responsibilities with their father now affecting their lives even
as they struggle with their own personal demons that Lenny helped create.
Twice Oscar nominated, the brutally funny script is taut and honest, the
dialogue sharp and witty, and the performances spot-on.
UPCOMING EVENTS (at 7:30 unless otherwise noted):
"Blade Runner," (Director's Cut) June 27-28
July: musical month! (T. Arfsten - 6/18/08)
*************************************************
Don't miss Robb Hirsch - Robb returns as the upcoming featured artisan in
the "Artisan at the Ahwahnee" series at The Ahwahnee Hotel. Robb is a well
known local photographer residing in Groveland. He will be exhibiting from
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2008 and Sunday, June 22, 2008.
A variety of photographs will be available for purchase. (P. Burgess -
6/17/08)
*************************************************
The Seventh Annual Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua is coming right up June
20-22nd. Based out of Lee Vining, California, the Bird Chautauqua is a
weekend festival of birds, science, art, music, field trips, and workshops.
The event concludes on Sunday the 22nd at the Mono Lake County Park with a
free concert featuring special bluegrass musical guests Rita Hosking and
Cousin Jack. The concert begins at 12:30 pm. Please carpool to the County
Park since parking will be difficult.
For information and registration visit: www.birdchautauqua.org The Bird
Chautauqua partners include the National Park Service, US Forest Service,
California State Parks, Mono Lake Committee, Friends of the Inyo, Eastern
Sierra Audubon, Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association, and PRBO
Conservation Science.
Not your ordinary bird festival! (D. Marquart - 6/13/08)
Acting Designation
Dean Glenn will be Acting Chief of Facilities Management on June 19, 2008.
He can be reached at 379-1075 or you can call Rhonda Soden at 379-1059. (R.
Soden - 6/19/08)
*************************************************
Steve Shackelton in Bay Area Thursday, June 19. Charles Cuvelier acting.
(S. Shackelton - 6/19/08)
*************************************************
Bret Meldrum, 379-1216 is Acting Division Chief, Resources Management and
Science on Thursday, June 19, 2008. (K. Hughes - 6/19/08)
*************************************************
Kent van Wagtendonk will be the acting Branch Chief for Phyiscal Science
and Landscape Ecology (PhySLE) on Friday, June 20. Kent can be reached at
379-1046.
Lee Tarnay will be the acting Branch Chief for Phyiscal Science and
Landscape Ecology (PhySLE) on Monday, June 23. Lee can be reached at
379-1422. (J. Meyer - 6/19/08)
*************************************************
Kristina Rylands will act as Chief of Planning Wednesday through Friday of
this week. Kristina can be reached at 379-1175 (L. Dahl - 6/16/08)
*************************************************
Jim Allen will be Acting Utilities Branch Chief starting June 16th through
June 27th. He can be reached at 379-1039 or leave a message with Katie
Bablitch at 379-1055. (K. Bablitch - 6/13/08)
*************************************************
While Jen Nersesian is on an international assignment, Calvin Liu will be
acting branch chief of Public Involvement and Outreach in the Division of
Interpretation until June 24th. (C. Liu - 6/2/08)
*************************************************
Rodney Raines is now acting Wawona Utilities supervisor until further
notice. He can be reached at 375-9510 or leave a message with Shawnessy.
(K. Bablitch - 5/28/08)
