Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Monday, June 30, 2008
Weather
Yosemite: TODAY...PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS. AREAS OF SMOKE. HIGHS 83 TO 93 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...62 TO 72
IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
.TONIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY IN THE EVENING THEN CLEARING. LOWS 44 TO 54 IN
YOSEMITE VALLEY...37 TO 47 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
.TUESDAY...SUNNY. HIGHS 82 TO 92 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...62 TO 72 IN THE HIGH
COUNTRY.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...CLEAR. LOWS 45 TO 55 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...36 TO 46 IN THE
HIGH COUNTRY.
.WEDNESDAY...SUNNY. HIGHS 83 TO 93 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...62 TO 72 IN THE
HIGH COUNTRY.
El Portal: Today: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Northeast wind
5 to 14 mph becoming west southwest.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 55. West wind at 11 mph becoming east
northeast.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 94. East northeast wind 7 to 14 mph
becoming west southwest.
Tuesday Night: Clear, with a low around 54. West southwest wind 6 to 10 mph
becoming east northeast.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming west southwest
between 11 and 14 mph.
Happening Today/This Week (Check the Community News section for other
events)
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)
*************************************************
Safety, Health & Environmental Office Training Announcement
Date: July 1, 2008
Time: 07:30 - 16:30
Location: Large Break Room, El Portal complex
Topics and intended audience:
Basic Safety Awareness Training 07:30 – 12:00
All Yosemite Seasonal employees should receive this safety awareness
training. Target Divisions: Administration, Business & Revenue
Management, Interpretation & Education, Resource Management & Science
and Facility Management.
Safety Awareness Training continued 12:30 – 16:30
Seasonal employees in the Divisions of Facility Maintenance &
Resource Management & Science will continue with more specific safety
awareness training to finish out the day.
Awareness Topics will include: Incident Reporting, JHA, Hazcom, Hantavirus,
Heat Stress, Poison Oak, PPE, Back safety awareness, Ergonomics, and
Hearing Conservation.
Call Claudine Ronay at 379-1072 to register for training (R. Farmer -
6/30/08)
*************************************************
The Chowchilla Mountain Road is closed from the Wawona Golf Course to the
Yosemite NP boundary due to the wild fires in Mariposa County. (M. Dowdle -
6/24/08)
New Today
Fires near Yosemite National Park
Updated fire information is available on the web:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/stanislaus/conditions/index.shtml
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/conditions/2008-fires.shtml
The following link really shows the amount of fire (and smoke) that the
state is experiencing
http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/subsets/index.php?subset=AERONET_Fres...
(Thanks to Deb Schweizer in SEKI for that tidbit and for doing the math!)
(A. Freeman - 6/30/08)
*************************************************
Information from: http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/#
Fire Information Report for North Mountain
Wildland Fire Incident
Report Date: 30-JUN-08
Burnt Area:|2,697 Acres (49% increase from yesterday)
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Location:|Tuolumne County, CA (North Mountain 7mi NE of
|Groveland)
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Cause:|Lightning
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Incident Team Type:|IMT Type 2
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Team Leader:|Ron Woychak
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Containment Status:|35% contained
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Expected|Unknown
Containment:|
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Fuels:|Heavy Brush and Timber Extreme 2900000.00 974PRIM
Fire report information is based on the most recent Incident Management
Situation Report (IMSR) provided by the National Interagency Fire Center
and is subject to change. The USDA Forest Service Remote Sensing
Applications Center is not responsible for the accuracy of this
information.
Fire Information Report for Oliver
Wildland Fire Incident
Report Date: 30-JUN-08
Burnt Area:|2,603 Acres (13% increase from yesterday)
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Location:|Mariposa County, CA (NORTH OF PONDEROSA BASIN)
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Cause:|Lightning
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Incident Team Type:|IMT Type D
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Team Leader:|BILL HODSON ICT #6
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Containment Status:|45% contained
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Expected|05-JUL-08
Containment:|
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Fuels:|Mixed timber, heavy brush, jackpots of h 0.00
|2621PRIM
Fire Information Report for Silver Complex
Wildland Fire Incident
Report Date: 30-JUN-08
Burnt Area:|1,081 Acres (2% increase from yesterday)
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Location:|Madera And Mariposa County, CA (FISH CAMP TO THE
|MERCED RIVER)
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Cause:|Lightning
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Incident Team Type:|IMT Type 1
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Team Leader:|TOM CABLE, NIMO TEAM
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Containment Status:|85% contained
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Expected|Unknown
Containment:|
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Fuels:|Mixed timber, heavy brush, 0.00 1027
Fire Information Report for Oliver Complex
Wildland Fire Incident
Report Date: 27-JUN-08
Burnt Area:|1,000 Acres
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Location:|Madera & Mariposa County, CA (OAKHURST EAST TO
|FISHCAMP AND NORTH TO MERCED RIVER CANYON)
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Cause:|Lightning
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Incident Team Type:|IMT Type D
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Team Leader:|TOM CABLE, NIMO IC
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Containment Status:|5% contained
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Expected|Unknown
Containment:|
-------------------+-----------------------------------------------------
Fuels:|M 0.00 618PRIM
*************************************************
Oliver and Star Fire Updates - The Oliver Fire, located near Ponderosa
Basin and Chowchilla Mountain, is 2789 acres and 60% contained. It is
surrounded by fire lines and is not expected to grow significantly. Full
containment is expected on 7/5. All other fires in the Oliver Complex have
been fully contained.
The Star Fire, located east of Wawona near Star Lakes and Mt. Raymond, is
~400 acres. It is not in the park. Over 100 firefighters are on-scene and
it is not expected to grow significantly. All other fires in the Silver
Complex have been fully contained. (J. Meyer - 6/30/08)
*************************************************
North and Southside Drive Rehabilitation
*June 29th(Sunday Night) thru July 3rd at 12:00 Noon*
-Southside Drive between Pohono Bridge and Wawona Road---Crews scheduled to
begin striping, continue shoulder backfilling and work around culvert
inlets and outlets.
-Southside Drive between Wawona Road and El Capitan Crossover-- During the
day crews will be intermittently working in one lane as traffic flows in
the other. During the night crews will be closing Southside Drive between
Wawona Road and El Capitan Crossover between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Traffic
will be detoured with pilot car operations. The work includes excavation
and grading for the curb installation.
-Northside Drive between El Capitan Picnic Area and Pohono Bridge--During
the day crews will be intermittently working in one lane as traffic flows
in the other while they complete headwalls/curb work.
*July 6th (Sunday Night) thru August 31st*
-Southside Drive between Wawona Road and El Capitan Crossover-- During the
day crews will be intermittently working in one lane as traffic flows in
the other. During the night crews will be closing Southside Drive between
Wawona Road and El Capitan Crossover between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Traffic
will be detoured with pilot car operations. The work includes pulverizing
the mainline road, grading and curb installation and then paving.
Starting the night of July 6th there will be another period of time when
daytime traffic will be driving on nonpavement, so please slow down while
driving thru these areas.
-Northside Drive between El Capitan Picnic Area and Pohono Bridge--During
the day crews will be intermittently working in one lane as traffic flows
in the other while they complete headwall/curb work.
Big Oak Flat Road Sealing
June 27th thru July 15th crews will be working nights (8:00 PM and 6:00 AM,
with one-way traffic and up to 15-minute delays) grinding, striping,
microseal patch repairs, and placement of centerline markers on the Big Oak
Flat Road between El Portal Road and Hodgdon Meadows Entrance. There will
be intermittent 5-minute delays during the day with some of the striping
work. (M. Pieper - 6/30/08)
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Fw: Selection of GS9/11 Historian: P. R. Chapin - I am very pleased to
announce that Patrick R. Chapin has accepted a term position as a GS 9/11
Historian working in the History Architecture & Landscapes Branch in the
Division of Resources Management and Science. He has a PhD in American,
British and Canadian History from the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg,
Manitoba; a Master's Degree in History from Lakehead University, Thunder
Bay, Ontario; and a BA in History from the University of Montana. Pat has
been a self employed consultant and researcher, an employee of the NPS at
six different units (Nez Perce, Klondike Goldrush, Katmai, San Juan
Islands, Jean Lafitte, and Olympic) and is a former member of the US Army
Military Police Corps. Pat will be starting work in Yosemite in early
August. Please join me in welcoming Pat to the park. (N. Nicholas -
6/30/08)
*************************************************
Fire Ecologist position filled - I am pleased to announce that Gus Smith
has accepted the Fire Ecologist position here at Yosemite National Park!
Gus has an extensive background in natural resource management and is
currently an Associate Professor at Northland College in Ashland, WI. Gus
has spent the last several years working with the National Park Service and
US Forest Service agencies on fire history studies and fire ecology in
support of fire and land management plans. I am thrilled to have his
superb skills and expertise and very much look forward to him joining our
team. His tentative EOD is August 17th.
He is also an accomplished marathon skier and paddler. Please join me in
congratulating Gus. He can be reached at dsmith@northland.edu (K. Martin -
6/30/08)
*************************************************
Administrative Assistant GS-5: M. A.. Walk - I am very pleased to announce
that Mary Alice Walk has joined the Division Chief's Office in Resources
Management and Science as a GS-5 term Administrative Assistant. Mary
Alice has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder
and a Master's of Public Administration from the University of Colorado at
Denver. Mary Alice has extensive experience working for a number of
social services and educational agencies. About a year ago she joined
the National Park Service at Yellowstone and moved to Yosemite recently.
Please join me in welcoming Mary Alice to her new assignment! (N. Nicholas
- 6/30/08)
*************************************************
This year is Yosemite’s 29th year of summer sign language interpretation
for Deaf visitors. If you see any Deaf visitors in the park, please assist
the Deaf Services Coordinator in keeping statistics by calling 372-0296.
Feel free to encourage Deaf visitors to contact the sign language
interpreter through the visitor center. (On behalf of Kara Stella, Deaf
Services Coordinator S. Dunham - 6/30/08)
*************************************************
Scrap Metal Bins: Just a Reminder - The Scrap Metal Bins are for metal not
wood,cement, plastic, or any other type of material. We have been getting
alot of complaints from the contractor about the type of material he has
been seeing, in the bins. So please if you would take the time to seperate
your materials and don't use the large container as a catch all. Thank
you. (D. Miller - 6/30/08)
*************************************************
Would you like the work in Yosemite and work on your degree? Then, mark
your calendars - July 16 from 4- 8PM, there will be several colleges here
to share information about their Distance Learning Programs. Come to the
Valley Elementary school basketball courts and visit with the school
representatives. So far there will be Western Governor’s University, Taft
College, University of Phoenix, Rio Hondo, CSU-Dominguez Hills, and more
have been inquiring. A BBQ Dinner will be available for $3.00. For more
information contact J. Barker @ 372-1115. (W. Kearns - 6/30/08)
*************************************************
Balanced Rock a foundation for inspired learning
Summer Yoga Class Schedule
Balanced Rock Community Yoga classes have been wonderfully attended and we
will continue to offer classes this summer. We are responding to community
interest by offering an additional class (Wednesday) that starts at a later
time (6pm). Our Monday night classes will continue at the regular time
(5:45pm). We look forward to practicing with you.
Time: Monday 5:45pm-7:00pm Wednesday 6:00pm to 7:15pm
Day: Monday and Wednesday Nights New Night Added!
Location: El Portal Elementary School
Cost: Free. Donations accepted. All donations support the Community Yoga
Class Program and our Scholarship Fund.
JULY
Mon 7, 14, 21, 28 (all classes taught by Jen Meno) 5:45 pm – 7:00 pm
Wed 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (all classes taught by Heather Sullivan)
6:00pm-7:15pm
AUGUST
Mon 4, 11, 18 (classes taught by Schuyler Greenleaf) 5:45pm-7:00pm
Mon 25 (class taught by Eliza Kerr) 5:45pm-7:00pm
Wed 6, 13, 20 (classes taught by Heather Sullivan) 6:00pm-7:15pm
Wed 27 (class taught by Jen Meno) 6:00pm-7:15pm
Note: instructors are subject to change
Please visit our blog for up to date information on classes and courses:
www.balancedrockfoundation.blogspot.com
Contact us:
Web: www.balancedrockfoundation.org Email:
info@balancedrockfoundation.org Phone: 209.379.9453 (H. Sullivan -
6/30/08)
Construction News
Reconstruct El Portal Road at the “narrows”
There will be construction activity causing delays at night which will be
coordinated with the Valley Loop Road project.
Final paving is delayed until electrical repairs are completed (G. Rothell
- 6/30/08)
*************************************************
Tunnel View
Walkway and drainage work is underway in the lower end of the North lot.
Work will move to the South lot the week of June 30.
NPS Trails has completed the construction of the new Pohono Trailhead.
The paving contract will be awarded on June 27, 2008.
Replace Gas Chlorination Systems at 5 Utility Plants
Demolition work at the Tuolumne Plant is underway.
Work at White Wolf as soon as containment pond is pumped down to suitable
level.
Work at the Hodgdon wastewater treatment plant is underway. The plant is
now capable of automatic and or timed run. Plant is using liquid chlorine.
Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvements (CIP 2)
Cleanup at North end of Lower Pines CG is ongoing.
Replacement of damaged sewer line on west side of the Ranger club will
begin on June 23rd and continue thru July 1st. (G. Rothell - 6/30/08)
*************************************************
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
late June 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 - 6/20/08)
*************************************************
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)
Park News
New Website Empowers National Park Visitors To Address Global Warming -
www.doyourpartparks.org/yose
You can help Yosemite reach its carbon footprint goal! The National Park
Service in cooperation with the National Park Conservation Association have
developed a new website, www.doyourpartparks.org, which empowers national
park visitors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help national parks
become leaders in combating global warming. It’s simple. Go to the website
and pick a park to create a personal profile that will be linked to your
carbon footprint and the park of your choice—Yosemite is one of 15 parks
currently participating in the project. Calculate your carbon footprint by
entering basic information about your household’s energy usage and pledge
to reduce your carbon footprint. Explore the website and learn more about
climate change and other information about what you can do to help. Join an
on-line community of people committing to reduce their carbon footprint. By
focusing your efforts with your pledge to Yosemite you will be able to see
how every effort you take adds up. Our collective effort will help protect
Yosemite’s glaciers, plants, wildlife and air. Sign up today!
Did you know? If only 5% of national park users substituted 10% of their
current electricity use with greener sources of power, they would save 11
billion lbs. of CO2 per year! (P. Meierding - 6/24/08)
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Announcing scoping period for the Yosemite National Park High-Elevation
Aquatic Resources Management Plan
Yosemite National Park is preparing a High-Elevation Aquatic Resources
Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) to guide management
actions by the National Park Service to protect Yosemite’s diverse
high-elevation aquatic ecosystems and to restore natural composition,
structure and function to systems that have been disturbed by past or
ongoing human activities.
The plan will include the lakes, ponds, wet meadows and streams located in
the high country above Yosemite Valley and the diverse plants and animals
that inhabit these environments. The EA will consider:
Removal of non-native fish from selected areas of the park to restore
natural biodiversity in critical basins. Chemical removal of non-native
fish is not currently being considered in this plan.
High-quality recreational fishing opportunities would continue to be
available in diverse habitats throughout the park.
Restoration of Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frogs, Yosemite toads, and
other species to suitable locations within their historic range that are
strategically important to survival of these species.
The development of Best Management Practices for recreational and
administrative activities within high-elevation aquatic ecosystems to
ensure that park resources and values remain unimpaired. This includes:
preventative measures to avoid the introduction or spread of
non-native species or pathogens that may threaten native species or
their habitats.
evaluation of human use within aquatic environments in order to
ensure that human use does not result in loss of ecological function
(e.g., campsites, pack stock use, trails).
The National Park Service is requesting public input on the scope of the
Aquatic Plan EA from June 23, 2008 through July 25, 2008. Two public
meetings are currently scheduled. An Open House will take place on June 25,
2008 in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium from 1:00-5:00 pm and
a public meeting will be held on July 12, 2008 at Parson’s Lodge in
Tuolumne Meadows from 1:00-4:00pm.
Written scoping comments should be postmarked no later than July 25, 2008.
A draft document is expected to be available for public review in summer
2009. To request a hard copy or CD ROM version of the EA and to submit
written comments, contact the National Park Service in person or by any of
the means listed below:
Mail: Superintendent
Attn: High-Elevation Aquatic Resources Management Plan
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
Phone: 209/379-1365; Fax: 209/379-1294
E-mail: Yose_Planning@nps.gov
PEPC: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/
Visit online: www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/aquatic.htm (T. Tucker - 6/11/08)
*************************************************
June 4, 2008
For Immediate Release
Yosemite National Park Announces the Public Comment Period for the Invasive
Plant Management Plan Environmental Assessment
Invasive plants are one of the greatest threats to the integrity of
National Park Service lands. Non-native plants invade an estimated 4,600
acres of federal land in the United States every day, and already infest
millions of acres in the national parks. Fortunately, Yosemite National
Park is at the early stages of invasion. Unfortunately, 177 non-native
plant taxa have already established within Park borders, many with the
potential to spread rapidly.
The purpose of this Invasive Plant Management Plan Environmental Assessment
for Yosemite National Park is to evaluate a range of alternatives to
prevent the establishment and spread of invasive plants into uninfested
areas of the park, and quickly and effectively eradicate new infestations.
The public comment period for the Invasive Plant Management Plan
Environmental Assessment will open on Friday, June 13, 2008 and will run
through Sunday, July 13, 2008. The plan is available on the park's website
at http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/invasive.htm. A public meeting will
take place on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. during
the monthly Open House in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium.
Additionally, park representatives will be available at the El Portal
Planning Advisory Meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 7pm in the Clark
Community Hall.
Written review comments should be postmarked no later than July 13, 2008.
Comments can be submitted at public meetings, by mail, fax, email, and
through the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) commenting
system. To request a hard copy or CD ROM version of the EA and to submit
written comments:
Mail: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park
Attn: Invasive Plant Management Plan
PO Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
Fax: 209/379-1294
Email: YOSE_planning@nps.gov
PEPC: http://parkplanning.nps.gov
For more information on park planning efforts, visit the website at
www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt.htm. (-NPS-)
*************************************************
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.
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)
*************************************************
2008 Tuolumne Planning Workbook AVAILABLE ONLINE
On behalf of our Tuolumne River Plan core team, I am pleased to announce
that the 2008 Tuolumne Planning Workbook is available online in PDF format
by going to http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/2008wrkbk.htm (Printed
versions of the workbook will be available July 4th.)
The purpose of the Tuolumne Planning Workbook is to provide an update onwhere we are in the Tuolumne River Plan process and give the public and
park staff an opportunity to review and comment on early planning ideas.
The 2008 edition builds on the work presented in the 2007 Workbook and was
developed in response to the nearly 300 workbook mail-back comment forms,
letters, faxes, and emails received last summer. The latest workbook
contains the following:
An update on the planning process, including how the Merced River Plan
litigation affects this planning effort
Changes as a result of public comments on the 2007 workbook's
preliminary alternative concepts
The latest range of draft management alternatives for the Tuolumne
River, including the NPS preferred alternative
Early alternative site plan concepts for Tuolumne Meadows
A mail-back comment form (all comments accepted through September 15)
This summer the NPS is hosting PUBLIC WORKSHOPS in Tuolumne Meadows at
Parsons Lodge to discuss the Tuolumne River Plan and accept public
comments:
July 18, 1-5pm
August (date to be determined)
Public input received on the 2008 workbook will be accepted through
SEPTEMBER 15 and will be considered in the preparation of the Draft
Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan and
Environmental Impact Statement (Draft Tuolumne River Plan/EIS), scheduled
for release in summer 2009.
To receive a printed copy of the 2008 Tuolumne Planning Workbook, send an
email to YOSE_Planning@nps.gov, fax 209-379-1294, leave a phone message at
209-379-1365, or write to Superintendent, attn: Tuolumne Workbook, P.O. Box
577, Yosemite, CA 95389. (K. Rylands - 6/23/08)
Announcements
A good deal of speeding has been observed lately on Foresta Road in El
Portal, by both private and government vehicles. This road has a 25
miles-per-hour speed limit, and is heavily used by your neighbors and
co-workers for walking, biking, and jogging. Pedestrians and speeding
vehicles don't go well together! Beginning Friday, June 27, traffic
enforcement will be intensified on Foresta Road, from the warehouse through
old El Portal. Please drive slowly and always keep an eye out for
pedestrians. (B. Bonner - 6/27/08)
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YARTS Vouchers: While I'm on leave June 27-July 4 Wendy Malone will have
the YARTS vouchers. Please contact her for the July vouchers. When I
return on July 7 I will send the applications for new riders (for August)
to Department of Transportation. (S. Grin - 6/27/08)
*************************************************
Arrow Glass will be here Wednesday, July 9 at 8:00 am to repair/replace any
vehicle windshield/glass needs.
Please park your vehicle in front of the machine shop facing the parking
lot with the doors unlocked and the keys in the vehicle.
Because of lack of parking spaces please do not park the vehicles in any
other area.
If you need to be added to the list between now and then please call me at
the Machine Shop (379-1150) or Sharon at Arrow Glass (533-3700) so supplies
for your vehicle can be obtained. (W. Tilley - 6/26/08)
*************************************************
Contracting Office Closure - Please be advised that the Contracting and
Procurement office will be closed for internal administrative operations
every Wednesday beginning 25 June through the end of the fiscal year. If
you experience an unexpected, urgent situation, please contact Dan Sohn at
379-1173. (L. Schafer - 6/20/08)
*************************************************
The Yosemite Research Library will only be open Tuesdays and Thursdays
until July 10th. (L. Eade - 6/25/08)
*************************************************
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)
*************************************************
The time has come for another year's cycle of The Yosemite Fund's grant
proposal process!
The park benefits enormously from this partnership; in fact, The Yosemite
Fund has donated over $40 million to Yosemite since 1988. This process is
the mechanism by which Yosemite National Park requests funding from The
Yosemite Fund and its donors to further the park's mission and accomplish
important work for which other funding sources may not be available. The
grants for approved proposals from this process will go into effect in
January 2009.
Anyone affiliated with Yosemite, including non-NPS employees such as a
concessioner, can submit a proposal, although it must be submitted through
a Division Chief. The first deadline is several weeks away to allow for
collaboration in developing proposals. Notifying and working with the
appropriate division chief well in advance of the deadline is strongly
encouraged.
Four files are necessary to guide you in this process. The first is a
timeline and explanation of the steps from here.
The next is a copy of The Fund's "Guidelines for Project Selection." These
newly revised guidelines and policies have two purposes: to assist park
employees in preparing Fund project proposals, and to assist The Fund's
Project Review Committee in assessing those proposals for recommendation to
the Board of Trustees for funding. Please utilize these guidelines when
writing your proposals as it will certainly make them stronger.
The last two files are the proposal and budget forms, which need to be
fully completed for each proposal. The forms are very similar to last year
except the file sizes are smaller. Please remember if you are submitting a
multi-year proposal the budget form must have a completed tab for each
year. If graphics or maps are available, it is recommended you include
them with the proposal - such visuals are helpful to the Project Review
Committee in evaluating the proposals. Lastly, be sure to save a copy of
both files locally prior to submitting them to your division chief. Last
year, some forms had to be re-typed because only hard copies were retained.
Proposals are due to Division Chiefs by July 14th, 2008.
To get these files, or if you have any questions in the meantime, please
contact Jennifer Treutelaar at 209-372-0238 or Jennifer_Treutelaar@nps.gov.
(J. Treutelaar - 5/28/08)
*************************************************
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)
*************************************************
Reminder: For all Maintenance repair requests in Yosemite, please contact
the Customer Service Center. Maintenance repair requests include: Park
Housing, Buildings, Grounds, Utilities, Roads, Trails and Forestry issues.
It is especially important to remember to contact the Customer Service
Center before any requests for Sign Shop fabrications. You may do so by
phone, e-mail or fax.
Please note that the Customer Service Center staff phone numbers have
changed:
Phone:
Tiffany Jordan...................................379-1058
Lauren Mendez.................................379-1144
Bri Summerlin....................................379-1428
Katie Brown........................................379-1210
Sunshine Good Morning................379-1065
E-Mail:
YOSE_FMD_Customer_Service_Center@nps.gov
Fax:
(209) 379-1066 (S. Goodmorning - 06/12/08)
*************************************************
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
Detail/Temporary Promotion or Critical Need Hire Opportunity: Legal
Instruments Examiner, GS-06
An opportunity exists in the Division of Visitor Protection, Law
Enforcement Office for a detail/temporary promotion (if qualified) up to
120 days or if currently a non-status applicant (critical need hire not to
exceed 30 days with a 30 day extension possible).
The incumbent will provide primary support services to the Prosecutor/legal
officer of the Law Enforcement Office (LEO) and as such, will work with
legal and technical documents which support the criminal processes for
Yosemite cases.
Duties will include:
Examining legal documents for accuracy, facial errors and sufficiency of
probably cause, documents may include criminal complaints, criminal
citations, criminal reports, interrogatory responses, affidavits, etc.
Completing required electronic and/or direct filing. May recommend
appropriate disposition action;
Preparing Discovery for prosecution of cases in accordance with Federal
Criminal Procedure and Rules. Preparing reports on the status and final
disposition of all appearance violations, misdemeanor, and felony court
cases processed. Recording case adjudication information, continuances,
pleadings and submit final fingerprint cards to CA Department of
Justice/FBI records.
Preparing a variety of legal documents, verifying legal case citations,
references and providing legal technician services to the Prosecutor;
Coordinating the recording and transmittal of legal documents with support
staff, various Federal Courts, Solicitors, and U.S. Attorney offices
engaged in Yosemite case litigation;
Preparing correspondence for the YNP Legal office to other legal offices
and courts;
Maintaining central files for all warrants, records of probation, and
service requests including subpoenas and proof of service documents, and
returns completed proof-of-service forms to the issuing jurisdiction;
Maintaining a statistical data gathering and retrieval system.
Interested candidates should submit their resume and SF-50 (if currently a
YOSE employee) to Irma Keheley in Human Resources, by close of business
July 2. For additional information regarding this position contact:
Charles Cuvelier or Jodi Gover at 372-0245. (I. Keheley - 6/26/08)
*************************************************
Yosemite National Park -- Current Vacancy Announcements
UPDATED: June 24, 2008
The following is a summary of current vacancy announcements at Yosemite
National Park. Most vacancy announcements will be posted on
http://www.usajobs.gov. This website is the Office of Personnel
Management's USAJOBS internet site. If you have any questions or cannot
find the announcement on USAJOBS, please call the Park’s Human Resources
Office at (209) 379-1805.
PERMANENT – GOVERNMENTWIDE ALL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES
Maintenance Worker/Maintenance Mechanic
Vacancy Ann.#: |YP 174261DR
---------------+-------------
Who May Apply: |Status
|Candidates
---------------+-------------
Pay Plan: |WG-4749-07/09
---------------+-------------
Appointment |Permanent
Term: |
---------------+-------------
Job Status: |Full-Time
Opening Date: |06/24/08
---------------+-------------
Closing Date: |7/14/2008
TERM -- STATUS NOT REQUIRED -- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Civil Engineer
Vacancy Ann.#: |YP-185664
|(DS)
---------------+-----------
Who May Apply: |Public
---------------+-----------
Pay Plan: |GS-0810-12
---------------+-----------
Appointment |Term
Term: |
---------------+-----------
Job Status: |Full-Time
---------------+-----------
Opening Date: |6/24/2008
Closing Date: |7/8/2008
(I. Keheley - 6/25/08)
Community News
Granite Frontiers
The Yosemite Climbing Association is hosting its second exhibit in the
valley museum. Over the last six months we have been working very hard in
conjunction with Park Service to put together this show, which focuses on
the last 140 years of Yosemite's climbing history. Through much support
from The Yosemite Fund and Royal Robbins, Inc. we have been able to achieve
success in putting this project together.
It's been a long road with many bumps and detours but we've come out with
much to show for it and we hope you can all share this with us. So, please
come ready to learn learn a little history and share in the celebration!The
exhibit is open 10-Noon and 1-4 from June 7th - October 27th in the
Yosemite Valley Museum Gallery. (K. Yager - 6/10/08)
*************************************************
1st Aid and CPR classes are still available through the Yosemite Medical
Clinic(372-4637). We have 1st aid with CPR classes at the clinic on July
3rd, and July 15th. 1st Aid with CPR classes are available in El Portal on
June 26th, July 10th, and July 30th. Healthcare Providers can renew their
certification at the Clinic on July 11th at 1600 or take thier initial
class on July 25th. Brian Shoor will be on vacation until June 24th and can
be contacted at shoors@sti.net. (B. Shoor - 6/10/08)
*************************************************
64th Anniversary of the Port Chicago Explosion
Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10:00 a.m. to noon
During World War II, on July 17, 1944, 320 military and civilian men gave
their lives in service to America when the munitions ships they were
loading mysteriously exploded. Today, we reflect on the memories of loss,
struggle, and lessons evoked by the 1944 explosion. Mr. Spencer Sikes Jr.,
a son of one of the survivors, will be the keynote speaker. Participants
will board a shuttle bus to attend the program held within the Military
Ocean Terminal Concord and which includes a visit to the Port Chicago Naval
Magazine National Memorial.
To attend this free event, please RSVP with your name, phone number, the
number of people in your party, and any special needs to:
(925) 228-3396 x 23 or poch_interpretation@nps.gov (E. Tucker - 6/24/08)
*************************************************
WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER RECERTIFICATION CLASS:
Yosemite Institute is sponsoring a WFR-Recertification course though
NOLS/WMI.
DATES: August 26-28, 2008
COST: $250.00
LOCATION: YI Crane Flat Campus, Dining Hall
Register in advance by calling Peggy at YI, 379-9511. Check in the first
day of the course is at 7:45am. Course days run from 8:00am to 5:00pm. BYO
lunch. (P. Schmidt - 6/13/08)
*************************************************
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 sponsors.
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's film: (Please note: due to unforeseen theatrical rights
regulations, we will not be able to screen the Director's Cut of "Blade
Runner" this weekend. as announced. No one is more disappointed than we
are. However, we are pleased to announce as replacement "Red Rocks West,"
a film from the director of "You Kill Me" and "The Last Seduction." )
Upcoming Films: July is Musical Month!
NO FILM July 4-5 (Happy Independence Day)
Bride and Prejudice, July 11-12 (A Bollywood adaptation)
Across the Universe, July 18-19 (Redux...due to popular demand)
Sweeney Todd, July 25-26 (Barberian?) (T. Arfsten - 6/25/08)
Acting Designation
Leslie Reynolds will be the acting Operations Branch Chief Sun-Thurs
(6/27-7/3) while I am on detail at DEPO. An alternate number where I can
be reached if necessary is 760-934-8100. (C. Cuvelier - 6/30/08)
*************************************************
Bret Meldrum (379-1216) will be Acting Chief of Resources Management and
Science for the week of June 30. (N. Nicholas - 6/30/08)
*************************************************
Lisa Acree (379-2177) will be acting branch chief for Vegetation and
Restoration on June 30; Sue Beatty (379-3290) will be acting July 1-3. (J.
Weaser - 6/30/08)
*************************************************
Sue Clark will be acting as Permits Program Manager for the branch of
Special Park Uses while Chris Jefferson is out of the park on fire (approx.
7-10 days starting 6/27/08). (W. Malone - 6/27/08)
*************************************************
Sueann Brown (379-1222) will be acting Branch Chief for History,
Architecture & Landscapes on Monday June 30th. (D. Humphrey - 6/27/08)
*************************************************
Bernadette Barthelenghi will be Acting Branch Chief of Design for Project
Management July 1st. You may phone Bernadette at 379-1025 or you may leave
a message with Tricia Radmacher at 379-1221. Mark Husbands will be Acting
Branch Chief of Design for Project Management June 30th. You may phone
Mark at 379-1364 or you may leave a message with Tricia Radmacher at
379-1221. (D.Harrison - 6/20/08)
*************************************************
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)
_______________________________
