Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Monday, March 24, 2008
Weather
Yosemite: TODAY...MOSTLY SUNNY. BREEZY. HIGHS 65 TO 70 IN YOSEMITE
VALLEY... 46 TO 52 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY. BREEZY. LOWS 39 TO 49 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY... 23 TO
33 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TUESDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 57 TO 67 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...34 TO 44 IN
THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TUESDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS. VERY
WINDY. COLDER. SNOW LEVEL 6000 FEET. LOWS 39 TO 44 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...18
TO 28 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY. GUSTS UP TO 60 MPH OVER THE CREST AFTER
MIDNIGHT.
WEDNESDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW SHOWERS. STRONG
WINDS. SNOW LEVEL 5000 FEET. HIGHS 55 TO 60 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...35 TO 43
IN THE HIGH COUNTRY. WEST WINDS AROUND 50 MPH OVER THE CREST IN THE
AFTERNOON. GUSTS UP TO 70 MPH OVER THE CREST.
El Portal: Today: Sunny, with a high near 75. East wind 7 to 11 mph
becoming west southwest.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. West southwest wind between 6
and 9 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming west
southwest between 7 and 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. West southwest wind
between 7 and 10 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near
63. Calm wind becoming west southwest between 6 and 9 mph.
Happening Today/This Week (Check the Community News section for other
events)
Just a reminder that the Yosemite Art & Education Center, operated by the
Yosemite Association, will open for the 2008 season on Monday, March 24th.
The first volunteer artist instructor is Carol Earle and she will be
teaching free art classes Monday through Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Go to
www.yosemite.org visitor information for the complete 2008 class schedule.
(M. Hansen - 3/24/08)
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YOSEMITE ART AND EDUCATION CENTER – Beginning March 24, Yosemite
Association (YA) is pleased to announce the start of the 25thseason of free
art courses at the Yosemite Art and Education Center. Visitors to Yosemite
National Park may sign up (space permitting) for these daily classes taught
by distinguished volunteer art instructors. The free classes are offered
Mondays through Saturdays to students of all artistic levels (including
beginners, and children under 12, when escorted by a parent). Each week, a
new artist offers different techniques and media. Each 4-hour course begins
at 10:00 a.m. at the Art and Education Center (located alongside the
Village Store/Sports Shop mall), where some fundamentals are covered, and
then the class is led to a scenic location in Yosemite Valley to show off
their creative skills. Students keep their artwork for vacation bragging
rights.
Even if you don’t enroll, the Art and Education Center has a full array of
reasonably priced art supplies. So if you don’t have your own materials,
stock up here! For simplicity, each week the Center features the supplies
best suited for that week’s course. Class sizes are limited, so it is best
to stop in to the Center to sign up before the class begins. The Art and
Education Center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and
you may stop by to sign up, and/or purchase supplies, any day of the week.
The YA web site lists the 2008 artists’ schedules, their media and the
course descriptions: just go to this direct link:
http://yosemite.org/visitor/AAC08.html
We are unable to accept phone or email reservations, but if you have
questions the Center may be reached at: 209 372-1442 or through email at
yosemiteartcenter@sbcglobal.net
And please remember, the program is offered by the nonprofit Yosemite
Association, so your purchases help directly benefit Yosemite. If you are a
Yosemite Association member, or if you join when you visit, you also
qualify for discounts on your purchases at all YA facilities. And you may
also want to purchase the wonderful consignment art offered from the many
talented art instructors. Make this a visit to remember through art! (T.
Arfsten - 3/24/08)
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The Yosemite National Park Fire Management Program, the Division of
Resources Management and Science, and the USGS Yosemite Field Station are
sponsoring the 2nd Yosemite Fire Science Symposium Tuesday March 25th and
Wednesday 26th at the Cliff Room in the Yosemite Valley. The purpose of the
Fire Science Symposium is to share research and information on issues
related to fire and smoke management in the Sierra Nevada, including
Yosemite National Park. This is an opportunity for Park and National Forest
fire managers, along with regional and local airshed managers, to interact
with researchers and discuss the latest information on the latest issues,
including climate change, fire ecology, and smoke management.
The Yosemite Fire Science Symposium will be open to the public and free of
charge, however RSVP will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Leland
Tarnay, Air Resources Specialist (209-379-1422, Leland_Tarnay@nps.gov) or
Kent van Wagtendonk, Fire GIS Specialist, (209 379 1046,
kent_van_wagtendonk@nps.gov) to RSVP or for further information. (P.
Meierding - 3/20/08)
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The next Open House will be on FRIDAY March 28 instead of a Wednesday.
Friday, March 28, 2008 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor
Center Auditorium.
Planning efforts and projects that will be represented at this Open House
are:
New Zealand Mud Snails
Find out how to avoid bringing this invasive species into the park.
Greening the operations of the park
Find out about the sustainable practices the park uses in its daily
operations
Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan
Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan
Invasive Plant Management Plan
Environmental Education Campus
Construction and Project Updates (P. Meierding - 3/21/08)
New Today
North and Southside Drive Rehabilitation
*April 7th thru April 17th>>Southside Drive will be closed between
Sentinel Bridge and the west end of Housekeeping. (Access to Housekeeping,
Leconte Memorial, Curry Village, and Campgrounds will be via Northside
Drive.) Northside Drive between Camp-6 Intersection and Curry Village will
become 2-way traffic during this 10-day detour. Also, Southside Drive will
remain open between Curry Village and Housekeeping with 2-way traffic.
During this closure crews will be placing culverts on this segment of
Southside Drive.
*March 24th thru April 4th---There will be intermittent one lane traffic
control on Southside Drive between Housekeeping and Pohono Bridge as crews
are surveying and placing rock (Less than 15-minute delays).
*Crews on Northside Drive are placing culverts and today they will begin
grinding up the existing asphalt in preparation for paving.
Big Oak Flat Road Slide Repair
*March 24th thru March 28th crews will complete placing the rock slope
stabilization.
*March 31st thru April 4th weather permitting crews will complete repaving
and cleanup.
Yosemite Creek Pedestrian Bridge
*March 24th thru March 28th crews should complete setting the new bridge
beams and begin placing the new wood decking.
*March 31st thru April 25th continue placing the wood decking, railing and
work on the approaches. (M. Pieper - 3/24/08)
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Badger Pass Winter Conditions Update: as of March 23, 2008
Weather: March 17 – March 23, 2008
High Temp: 54 (3/19)
Low Temp: 13 (3/17)
New Snow: 0”
Total settled snow depth: ~78” - Top of Eagle Lift; ~39”- A-frame
Badger Pass Ski Area: The downhill ski area is 100% open with lifts
operating from 9 am to 4 pm daily. The slopes still have excellent
coverage on groomed runs.
Nordic Trail Conditions: Spring has arrived. Expect ice in the mornings
and softening in the afternoons. All trails are broken, Glacier Point Road
is groomed. Be careful on stream crossings as the temperatures rise,
otherwise great spring conditions.
Special Note: Badger Pass ski area will close on March 30th, 2008.
Weather permitting - the road will remain open from Chinquapin to the
Badger Pass parking lot until April 13th. The gate at Chinquapin will be
closed to all traffic for snowplow operations to begin April 14th on the
Glacier Point road
Events: Badger Pass Spring Fling (Closing Day) March 30, 2008
Dummy Race and other activities
Avalanche Conditions: Although no avalanche forecasting is conducted
within Yosemite National Park, the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center posts
avalanche advisories for the High Sierra. Go to www.esavalanche.org for
the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center and click on advisory. The ESAC site
is updated several times a week and more often during weather events.
Activities: Ranger guided snowshoe walks are offered daily at 10:30 a.m.
Meet in front of the A-Frame. Snow shoes are provided; a $5 donation is
requested for wear and tear on the snowshoes. The walk is generally two
hours long and is moderately strenuous (travel approximately two miles).
NO reservations required.
Questions: For weather, nordic ski-related questions, or overnight
wilderness permits you may call the Badger Pass Ranger Station from 8:00
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 209-372-0409.
Other useful information:
DNC Badger Pass Activities Desk: 372-8430
DNC Snow Phone: 209-372-1000, then press 5
YA/Ostrander Reservations: 209-372-0740 (A. Hammond - 3/24/08)
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Selection of GS5 Administrative Assistant: K. L. Karlsson - I am very
pleased to announce that Karen Karlsson has accepted a GS5 term position as
an Administrative Support Assistant in the Branch of Vegetation and
Ecological Restoration in the Division of Resources Management and Science.
Karen has attended Aims Community College in Colorado and Des Moines Area
Community College in Iowa. She has served in the U.S. Navy for eight
years and has held various administrative professional positions in the Air
Force in Nevada and California.
Please join me in welcoming Karen to the National Park Service and
Yosemite! (N. Nicholas - 3/24/08)
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Detail/Temporary Promotion Opportunity:
Parkwide Custodial and Grounds is looking for a permanent career or
career-conditional Yosemite National Park employee interested in a
temporary promotion (if qualified and eligible) or detail (if not
qualified) for up to 120 days to perform the duties of Maintenance Worker
Leader, WL-4749-05. The duties would include leading VIP groups, performing
buildings and grounds maintenance work and would require working weekends.
If you are interested please submit your resume to Irma Keheley in Human
Resources Office, El Portal, no later than close of business March 31,
2008. Please make sure to have your supervisors approval. For additional
information about the position, please contact Brian Martin at (209)
375-9508. (I. Keheley - 3/24/08)
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March 24th-28th, YNP and Yosemite Institute will be hosting this fine
group:
Miller Middle School, Cupertino, 8th grade
Discovery Charter School, San Jose, 7th grade
Woodside Elementary School, Woodside, 6th grade
Roseville School, Roseville, 10th -12th grades
The Asia Foundation, San Francisco
Upland High School, Upland, 10th - 12th grades
If you are a graduate of any of this school or have any other connection to
the school or neighborhood, and you have any interest in speaking
informally with students from one of these schools, please contact John
DiDiego at 379-9514 ext 12, or jdidiego@yni.org to arrange a time and
place. (C. Hastings - 3/24/08)
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Travel Series:
Disaster, Development, Aid & Sustainability in the Peace Corps: Learning
from tribal people
Tuesday, April 1 at 7pm in the El Portal Community Hall
This month's Travel Series, hosted by Pam Meierding, features her 2+ years
experience in Peace Corps living and working with tribal "Igorots" in the
Philippine mountains of Luzon, and living for 3 months on the island of
Leyte in the aftermath of a landslide that created many orphans and a
refuge community. After a 30 minute video clip and slide show of her
experience, participate in an organic discussion about effective
development and aid strategies based on the United Nations Millenium
Development Goals and what we can learn from tribal Igorots who have lived
sustainably off the land for hundreds of years--share your thoughts and
experiences! (P. Meierding - 3/24/08)
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COMING SOON: MERCED RIVER CENTER
The Upper Merced River Watershed Council was recently awarded a grant from
the Sierra Nevada Conservancy for the creation of the Merced River Center,
which will occupy the historic building adjacent to the river at Briceberg.
This project is a collaboration between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
and the Upper Merced River Watershed Council/Mariposa County Resource
Conservation District. The visitor center at Briceburg, owned and managed
by the BLM, will serve as an ideal setting for introducing visitors and
residents to the watershed, its natural and human history, and its diverse
ecosystem. The existing building will be renovated and equipped to provide
river and watershed education and interpretation, as well as meeting space
for watershed and community gatherings. For more information about the
Upper Merced River Watershed Council visit online at www.merced-river.org
or call 966-2221. (K. Rylands - 3/24/08)
Construction News
Reconstruct El Portal Road at the "Narrows" (a 1/4 mile section of road
upstream of the Big Oak Flat Road (with connections to Highway 120)/El
Portal Road intersection) Please note the following update on the
contractor's construction schedule for the El Portal Road reconstruction at
the "narrows":
The following schedule is in effect:
Monday through Saturday - 30 minute delays from 6 am until 10 pm
Sunday through Thursday nights - closure from 10 pm until 6 am with one
opening at 11 pm
Call 372-0200.1.1.2 for last minute updates on the status of the
closure/opening of this road.(G. Rothell - 3/11/08)
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Wawona Tunnel Ventilation Repairs
Design is ongoing.
Valley Trail Repaving and Maintenance
Work will not start until weather permits. (M. Pieper - 3/7/08)
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Hodgdon Meadow Duplex Installation - The contractor is scheduled to begin
mobilizing more equipment the week of 02/18/08. Construction is scheduled
to begin on Wednesday 02/20/08 and shall continue through winter and spring
as weather allows. (J. Chisum - 02/20/08)
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Ranger Club project: The interior component of the Seismic Rehabilitation
of the Rangers' Club Project has been satisfactorily completed as of Feb.
28, 2008. Work on the exterior that includes the chimneys and the
remainder of the site clean up is anticipated to be completed prior to the
contract completion date of May 24, 2008. Other interior work that is
being handled under separate contracts and administered by Facilities
Management staff (painting and flooring replacement in the kitchen and
adjacent hall) are now satisfactorily complete. The remainder of the
exterior work under the Seismic Rehabilitation contract will not prevent
the building from being reoccupied. Cindy Baker has verified that
residents will be able to reoccupy the building today. (D. Humphrey -
3/17/08)
Park News
The Tuolumne public planning workshop Saturday, April 12. It will take
place from 9am to 4pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center auditorium.
The purpose of this workshop is to share with members of the public the
preferred alternative for the Tuolumne River Plan and to begin considering
concepts for the Tuolumne Meadows Plan.
Prior to the workshop, the latest Tuolumne River Plan
alternatives--including the new preferred alternative--and related workshop
materials will be posted on the park's website at
www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to
project manager Kristina Rylands at (209) 379-1175 or email
kristina_rylands@nps.gov. (K. Rylands - 3/7/08)
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Saturday, May 10, 2008: Merced River Plan - Public Planning Workshop
Please join the National Park Service on Saturday, May 10, 2008, from 9:30
a.m to 3:30 p.m. in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium for the
next Public Planning Workshop for the new Merced River Plan. (NOTE: The
Saturday, April 5, 2008, Public Planning Workshop has been COMBINED with
this workshop to accommodate those who must travel long distances to
attend; Therefore, no workshop will be held on April 5).
During the March 7, 2008, Public Planning Workshop, participants began to
create desired condition statements for the river's Outstandingly
Remarkable Values (ORVs). Desired conditions lay the groundwork for
developing management prescriptions, which are combinations of ORV desired
conditions. Management prescriptions prescribe what future natural and
cultural resources conditions, and visitor experiences are to be achieved.
Additionally, management prescriptions articulate the types and extent of
management activities and/or facilities that would be required to achieve
the desired resource and visitor experience conditions.
On May 10, 2008, draft management prescriptions will be presented.
Participants will review and revise those as necessary, and then apply the
different management prescriptions to the river corridor on maps, thereby
creating different management zoning concepts. These management zoning
concepts will then be circulated for public review and comment. Once
refined, they will form the basis for the alternatives to be analyzed in
the draft plan/environmental impact statement for the new Merced River
Plan.
For more information about these planning elements and how to get involved
in Public Planning Workshops, please visit our web site at
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/newmrp.htm. Please RSVP to Elexis Mayer by
phone at 209/379-1377, or by email: elexis_mayer@nps.gov, no later than
Wednesday, May 7, 2008. (P. Meierding - 3/20/08)
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TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE
March 19, 2008
Weather: (March 12 to March 18)
High temp: 53° (March 17 and 18)
Low temp: 6° (March 16)
New Snow: 3”
Total settled snow depth: 50” as of March 19
Ski Conditions and Weather: Winter made a brief appearance in Tuolumne over
the weekend, dropping 3 inches of new snow and bringing cold winds out of
the north. That storm cleared out fast however, and we are now back to
spring-like weather with afternoon highs in the fifties and overnight lows
in the teens the past few days. The forecast is for this warm and dry trend
to continue for the next week. The snow has firmed up, providing great
touring conditions. Be prepared for soft-to-slushy snow by the middle of
the afternoon. We are beginning to see patches of bare ground open up for
the first time, as well as stretches of open water along the river.
Caltrans has plowed the road from the road closure gate outside of Lee
Vining up to the Warren Fork of Lee Vining Creek, so skiers coming in from
the east side should be prepared to walk the first 3-4 miles of road above
the gate before you hit the solid snow where you can begin to ski.
Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions: For the latest avalanche advisory for
this area go to www.esavalanche.org for the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
and click on advisory. The ESAC site is updated several times a week and
more often during weather events.
Wildlife: Our first bird of the spring has finally arrived- a male Robin
was spotted on the south side of Lembert Dome yesterday. Other birds seen
in the past week include Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, Brown Creeper,
White-breasted Nuthatch, Townsend’s Solitaire, and Clark’s Nutcracker.
Animal tracks seen in the past week include coyote, pine marten, chickaree,
mice/vole, and hare. No sign of any bears yet.
Questions: If you have any ski related or weather questions feel free to
call 209-372-0450 between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. If we are out skiing, leave
a message and a phone number so we can return your call. Please don’t call
us with questions about road conditions, as we live 20 miles from the
nearest plowed road and don’t do any driving this time of year. For current
park road conditions call 209-372-0200. (Jeff and Kathi, the Tuolumne
winter rangers - 3/20/08)
Announcements
Please be advised that in order to prepare for an AMR CAP Status review,
the Contracting Office will be closed onThursday 3 April 2008. (L. Sheetz -
3/21/08)
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Selection of GS11 Aquatic Ecologist: H. McKenny - I am very pleased to
announce that Heather McKenny has accepted a GS11 permanent Aquatic
Ecologist position with the Branch of Wildlife Management in the Division
of Resources Management and Science (RMS). This position has been
possible by the recent base increase that RMS received this fiscal year.
Heather has a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Master's degree in Forestry,
both from the University of Vermont. She has worked as a Chemist for both
private industry and state government and has held several positions as a
Wildlife Biologist for the Bureau of Land Management in several California
locations. Currently Heather is working as an Environmental Compliance
Specialist for Yosemite's Division of Project Management.
Please join me in congratulating Heather on her new position as the park's
first permanent Aquatic Ecologist. (N. Nicholas - 3/21/08)
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Selection of GS9/11 Botanist: M. A. B. Hutten - I am very pleased to
announce that Martin Hutten has accepted a permanent GS9/11 Botanist
position with the Branch of Vegetation and Ecological Restoration in the
Division of Resources Management and Science. This Invasives Botanist
position was funded by the recent OFS increase to Insure Protection and
Management of Imperiled Resources at Yosemite.
Martin has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Forest and Nature Management
from the Larenstein International Agricultural College in the Netherlands
and a Master's of Science in Forest Science from Oregon State University.
Martin has years of experience working as a botanist at a number of federal
land management units including quite a number of National Park units.
Most recently he has been working as the team leader of the Craters of the
Moon National Monument unit of the Northern Rocky Mountain Exotic Plant
Management Team in Arco, Idaho. Martin brings to this new position a great
deal of experience in taxonomy, sampling design, communications skills, and
team leadership skills.
Please join me in welcoming Martin to Yosemite National Park. (N. Nicholas
- 3/20/08)
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The Yosemite Training Center has scheduled 1st Aid and CPR classes through
the first week of June. Sign up by calling The Clinic at 372-4637. If your
unit has a lot of seasonal workers or full time employees who need training
before the summer, call us and let's schedule a class at your workplace.
After the first week of June classes will be difficult to arrange unless
you hike to May Lake H.S.C. (B. Shoor - 3/19/08)
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National Weather Service SkyWarn class - Anyone with an interest in the
weather can become a volunteer Weather Spotter for the National Weather
Service (NWS)!
The Hanford office of the NWS has numerous weather spotters throughout the
San Joaquin Valley, southern Sierra Nevada, and Mojave desert. The training
takes about two hours and will familiarize you with the identification of
hazardous weather for the purpose of reporting these observations to the
forecasters at the NWS office in Hanford. The contribution of Weather
Spotters is significant and can make a huge difference during severe
weather by giving the forecasters eyes and ears in local areas that may
have a lack of quality ground reports. The purpose is the same as the whole
purpose of the NWS as an agency: to save lives and property and enhance the
US economy.
Two training sessions will be held in Yosemite National Park on Thursday,
April 3: at 10:00 am in the El Portal Maintenance and Administration
complex (large break room) and at 2:30 pm in the auditorium behind the
Yosemite Valley visitor center. Spotters that have previously had the
training are reminded that NWS policy is for you to have a refresher
training course every two years to be a renewed spotter.
The training is open to the public. However, due to space limitations, you
must RSVP via e-mail at henk_parson@nps.gov or via phone at 209-379-1140.
(J. Meyer - 3/18/08)
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2008 TIOGA ROAD SPRING OPENING - AVALANCHE TRAINING
This avalanche awareness and rescue training is mandatory for anyone who
will be working in, or traveling through the Tioga Road corridor after
plowing operations begin April 15 2008, until it is opened to
administrative traffic (at this point it's impossible to know when that
will be).
Space is limited, and supervisors are urged to send only personnel who will
need to be on the road before it is opened for administrative traffic. All
training requests must be submitted to Erin Anders via email (or hard copy
memo) sent or forwarded by your supervisor, no later than March 28, 2008.
We are scheduled for two 8 hour (one day) avalanche training refreshers,
and one 16 hour (two day) initial avalanche training.
Employees who have never attended the basic 16 hour training and employees
who have attended the16 hour training prior to spring 2005, but have not
attended a refresher since that date will be required to attend the 16 hour
initial avalanche training in order to be permitted on the road between
Tioga Pass and Crane Flat.
Employees who have attended either the 16 hour initial, or the 8 hour
refresher training in the past three years (2005, 2006, 2007), are only
required to attend the 8 hour refresher to be permitted on the road between
Tioga Pass and Crane Flat. Additionally any employee that in the last three
years has successfully completed a Level I Avalanche course, taught by a
qualified instructor will only be required to attend the refresher
(documentation required).
Training Dates/Location
Basic 16 hour (2 day) Avalanche Awareness and Rescue training
Date: Monday April 7 and Tuesday April 8, 2008
Place: Monday will be spent in The East Auditorium, Tuesday will be
spent in the field, either at Badger Pass or Crane Flat. The training will
be held from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM on both days.
8 hour (1 day) Refresher
Date: Wednesday April 9 or Thursday April 10, 2008. The training will be
held from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM on both days.
Place: Both days will start with classroom work from 8:00 am until
Noon in the East Auditorium, then meet back at either Badger Pass or Crane
Flat for the fieldwork.
The Classroom portion consists of lectures, video, and power point.
The fieldwork includes: practicing search techniques, and participating in
rescue scenarios.
The fieldwork involves walking and working on/in the snow, and continues
regardless of weather, so bring warm, water resistant footwear and foul
weather gear. Bring lunch, water, sun glasses, sun block, a hat, gloves,
etc. There is no cost for this training.
If you have any questions please contact Erin Anders at 379-1233 Or by
email: erin_anders@nps.gov (E. Anders - 2/25/08)
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We are pleased to be offering a Resource Advisor Course here at Yosemite
May 6th and 7th, 2008!
DESCRIPTION: This course is intended to provide employees with the
background to serve as Resource Advisors (READ) during fire management
actions. Resource Advisors generally work with fire managers to convey
concerns about natural, cultural and wilderness resources. The course will
focus on issues and challenges of the Central Sierra region, but will
provide participants with strategies and tools that can be applied
anywhere. Information will be presented in sufficient detail to serve as a
refresher for present resource advisors and general enough to be useful for
those who have never served in this capacity.
PARTICIPANTS: Employees that frequently serve as resource advisors include
fire managers, botanists, ecologists, biologists, hydrologists, geologists,
foresters, GIS specialists and cultural resource specialists. The local
Fire Management Officer (FMO) will determine qualifications for the
resource advisor position. A fireline-qualified Resource Advisor however,
will hold a valid Red Card and pass the physical test at the arduous level.
The local FMO will authorize the inclusion of "READ" as a qualification on
the Red Card. Completion of these tasks is not required prior to
participating in this course. The course is also valuable for those
managing resources on public lands, but with no interest in serving as
resource advisors, to become familiar with fire management organization and
the types and formats of resources data that benefit the resource advisor
during the course of his or her duties.
While the course has no tuition fee, the participant's home unit(s) must
cover travel expenses.
COURSE DATES AND LOCATION: The course will be held from May 6th and 7th,
2008, in El Portal, California, near Yosemite National Park.
APPLICATION: All interested persons should e-mail Jun Kinoshita,
(jun_r_kinoshita@nps.gov), or 209.379.1317 or Kent van Wagtendonk
(kent_van_wagtendonk@nps.gov) at 209.379.1046. (J. Kinoshita - 12/12/07)
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Leave Share Participants
Currently, YOSE leave share participants are:
Shari Baudoux
Kevin Bowman
Kimberly Cunningham-Summerfield
You can find leave share participants Servicewide on InsideNPS at:
http://insidenps.gov/index.cfm?handler=leaveshare
If you are interested in contributing annual leave, please do so by
completing a Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient (Within
Agency) Under the Leave Transfer Program, OPM Form 630-A. A fillable PDF
version of the OPM 630-A may be found at:
http://opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm630a.pdf (T. Hawkins - 1/31/07)
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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:
Sunshine Good Morning................379-1065
Katie Brown........................................379-1058
Tiffany Jordan...................................379-1210
E-Mail:
YOSE_FMD_Customer_Service_Center@nps.gov
Fax:
(209) 379-1066 (S. Goodmorning - 11/6/07)
HR Corner
Yosemite National Park
Current Vacancy Announcements
UPDATED: March 13, 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
Contract Specialist
Closing Date: 3/25/2008
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 155631 NMH 08
Pay Plan: GS-1102-07/09
TERM PROMOTION –YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – PERM EMPLOYEES -
Facility Operations Specialist
Closing Date: 3/25/2008Vacancy Ann.#: YP173535 DR
Pay Plan: GS-1640-11
TEMPORARY – STATUS NOT REQUIRED – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Wildland Firefighter (Range or Forestry Aid/Technician)
Closing Date: 4/30/2008
Vacancy Ann.#: DOI-FIRE-2008-006
Pay Plan: GS-0455,0462-02/05 (H. Whitman/I. Keheley - 3/13/08)
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, County Bank, Sierra Tel, the
James Irvine Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and Mariposa
County. We are also generously supported by Iron Mountain Systems and
Stonecutter.com. Monthly membership is $12, allowing film entry for $3
each; non-members pay $7, and non-member students pay only $5. Film/theater
information: (209)966-1333 or http://www.sixthstreetcinema.org Staff:
209 742-6666. E-mail us: sixthstreetcinema@sti.net
Upcoming Programs:
March 27 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. LIVE FROM THE NYPL: THERE YOU GO AGAIN.(FREE
ADMISSION). - Sixth Street Cinema has partnered with the New York Public
Library to broadcast exciting, thought provoking discussions of topics
relevant to our times. 60 years ago, George Orwell published "Politics and
the English Language", in which he described political speech as consisting
"largely of euphemism, question-begging and sheer cloudy vagueness." Today,
many symptoms of manipulation and propaganda diagnosed by Orwell persist on
the American political landscape, along with new disinformation techniques
enabled by modern technology. Historians, scientists, philosophers,
linguists, cognitive experts, journalists, image-makers, and public figures
will debate in three separate sessions the current state of political
discourse — and journalism's response to it — on the dawn of a bitterly
contested presidential campaign. This month, we will be screening Part I:
Propaganda Then and Now: What Orwell Did and Didn't Know, with a panel
including George Soros.
March 29 (Saturday) 7:30 p.m. TED: Technology, Education and Design... and
beer and wine. (FREE ADMISSION). - TED (which stands for Technology,
Entertainment, Design) began in 1984 as a bringing together of people from
those three worlds, but since then its scope has expanded to include
science, business, the arts and the global issues facing our world. It also
has expanded to global venues and conferences. The "main" Monterey annual
conference brings together 40 of the world's most fascinating thinkers and
doers, over four days, each of whom fill an 18-minute slot, interspersed
with many shorter pieces of music, performance and comedy. "Just be
profound" is the technical advice offered to presenters. TED attendees can
normally expect to pay upwards of $6,000, but Sixth Street Cinema (in
partnership with TED) is offering the best of the best program selections
for free, as a thank you to the community. Come and be prepared to be
wowed! Then enjoy stimulating conversations with your neighbors over a
beverage. (T. Arfsten - 3/11/08)
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Ahwahnee Artisan of the Month - Don't miss Blanche Rogers -The upcoming
featured artisan in the "Artisan at the Ahwahnee" series at The Ahwahnee
Hotel. Blanche has developed and refined the art of dying ostrich, goose,
and rhea eggs using natural
botanical images and dye. She will be exhibiting from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00
p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2008 through Sunday, March 16, 2008. A variety of
Paz Eggs will be available for purchase. (P. Burgess - 3/7/08)
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Katherine “Katie” Sheetz is 13 years old, a daughter of two NPS employees,
an active 8th grader at Mariposa Middle School, and a participant in this
year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life at Mariposa. The relay is
held to celebrate those who have survived cancer, remember the people we've
lost, and support the lifesaving mission of the American Cancer Society.
This year’s event will begin on Friday May 17th 2008 at the Mariposa County
Fairgrounds. Katie and her fellow MMS Club Live team will be running laps
to raise money for this wonderful organization, and Katie is looking for
supporting sponsors. If you would be willing to make a donation and be a
sponsor, please check her Relay For Life Personal Page to find out how to
do so. The web address is:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeCaliforniaDivision?pg=personal&fr_id=4651&fr_id=4651&px=5123978
.
She can also be contacted at Katie_RelayForLife@yahoo.com Katie will be
grateful for any support you can give her. Thank you! (L. Niles-Sheetz -
3/10/08)
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Spring Fling - Spring is right around the corner and we have an awesome
community event to plan! The spring fling will be held on Saturday April
26, 2008, at the Carroll Clark Community Hall in El Portal. The events
will include but are not limited to:
A pancake breakfast sponsored by the Yosemite Lions Club
The 3rd Annual El Portal PTG Spring Run-off
Many local vendors with arts, crafts and services
Angel and Norma Ortiz = fabulous Mexican lunch
Joella's Famous Indian Fry Bread for Dinner
An amazing musical line up for the evening
If you would like vendor information or to sign up for a booth please
contact Rosemary McCallum 379-2665
If you are interested in designing this years Run-off shirt please contact
Claudine Ronay 379-2967 (C. Ronay - 2/25/08)
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YOGA JAMBALAYA
Sunday April 6th, 2008
An incredible day and fun to say. Join us for a delightful medley of yoga
classes at the beautiful yoga studio and spa at the Yosemite Bug Hostel in
Midpines, CA.
Balanced Rock Foundation and the Yosemite Bug Hostel will host this full
day event.
Schedule:
8:00 am Registration for classes opens at spa front desk. If attending
later classes, please arrive 15 minutes before class to insure a spot.
9:00-10:15 Invigorating Vinyasa with Schuyler Greenleaf (sun salutations,
flow, enlivening music)
10:45-12:00 Backbending Anna Landauer (based on Anusara style)
12:00-1:30 lunch break
1:30-2:45 Intro To Yoga with Iyengar base….Marya Carr (focusing on proper
alignment)
3:00-4:30 Restorative Yoga with Heather Sullivan (focusing on deep
relaxing and restoration)
5:00-5:45 Abhyanga with Jon-Paul (Ayervedic practice of self-oil
massage.)
6:00-7:30 Jon-Paul’s weekly Sunday night yoga class
Pick and choose the classes you would like to attend and complement the
teachings with use of the spa facilities, staff of body-workers, and meals.
Yoga students may sit in on classes if not practicing to take notes and
learn. $10 fee applies
Cost: $10/class $10 for use of spa Delicious bistro meals not
included in cost.
Yoga class proceeds support Balanced Rock scholarship fund.
Please bring: yoga mat, 2 blankets, (blocks, bolsters, and belts if you
have them), journal, water bottle, swimsuit if using spa.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before class to insure a spot. Space is
limited.
Contact: Heather Sullivan heather@balancedrockfoundation.org
209.379.9453
www.balancedrockfoundation.org
www.yosemitebug.com 209.966.6666 (H. Sullivan - 3/18/08)
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YOSEMITE RENAISSANCE XXIII ART EXHIBIT open at the Yosemite Museum Gallery
through May 4, 2008. (Fridays through Mondays, 10 to Noon and 1 to 4 PM).
This year, from a near-record number of 465 entries, 38 paintings,
photographs, sculptures and drawings by 34 artists from across the
country were selected. On the evening of the opening reception,
photographer Ted Orland and print-maker Tom Killion (both former
Yosemite Renaissance award-winners) will select the artists who will
receive the $4000 in cash awards.
This year's exhibit is unquestionably one of the best ever mounted by
Yosemite Renaissance, including a broad range of works from the
representational to the abstract to the conceptual. Local artists in the
exhibit include: Linda R. Abbott, Susan Bolen, Elizabeth Carmel, Michael
Frye, Marian Gault, Peggy Hansen, Mark Heliger, William Neill, Penny
Otwell, Jon Shiu, and Carol Rae Shockley. (B. Beroza - 2/26/08)
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Job announcement - Need some extra cash? The Yosemite Association is
looking for an outside contractor to clean the Art and Education Center
once a week on Sundays between 10:00am and 3:00pm. The job shouldn’t take
more than an hour, and we will pay $30 per cleaning. Please contact
Carolyn King, Administrative Coordinator, for information at 379-2646. (C.
King – YA, 03/13/08)
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Mountain Crisis Services, Mariposa County’s local non-profit domestic
violence and sexual assault program, is seeking an Executive Director.
Resumes will be accepted until March 27th, 2008. For more information and
a full position description, please email mcs4you@sti.net or call
209-742-5865. (Chevon - 3/4/08)
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Available immediately For Rent: two bedroom/two bathroom completely
furnished (including linens and dishes) modular home. Very spacious (1450
sq. ft.) home with living room, den, formal dining room, kitchen with large
eating area, laundry facilities PLUS l0' x 40' enclosed sun porch and
attached carport. Rental rate: Weekly - $500 Monthly - $1800
Location: Midpines/Mariposa East Whitlock Road/Crystal Aire Drive Phone:
209-742-6273 (L. Kirn - 3/10/08)
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Rental: 2 BR/1BA Mobile Home located in vicinity of Triangle & Carleton
Rds., Mariposa. One of the BR is very small and would be fine for office
or small child. Avail. April 1st. $500 month, plus deposit. 742-6302
(N. Carroll - 3/10/08)
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Rental: Studio apartment with full kitchen, bath, washer and dryer. Prefer
non-smoker and no pets. $450 monthly and available April 1st. For
additional information contact (209)966-3750. (C. Baker - 3/5/09)
Acting Designation
Jim Allen will be acting Utilities Branch chief today, Monday, March 24th.
He can be reached at 379-1039 or leave a message with Katie at 379-1055.
(K. Bablitch - 3/24/08)
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In my absence during the week of March 24, Paul DePascale is acting Branch
Chief for Anthropology and Archeology. (L. Kirn - 3/24/08)
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Jonathan Bayless will be Acting Chief of I&E Mon-Wed, March 24-26
Scott Gediman will be Acting Chief I&E Thu-Fri, March 27-28 (T. Medema -
3/24/08)
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Tim Messick will be acting Valley Utilities Supervisor on Monday 3/24/08
through Thursday 3/28/08. He can be reached at 372-0560 or cell 742-8725
or Katie Bablitch at 379-1055. (K. Bablitch - 3/24/08)
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On the following days the designated employees will be acting Branch Chief
of Wildlife Management until my return
Monday, March 24 - Thursday March 27, Sarah Stock (379-1435)
Friday, March 28, Ryan Leahy (372-0476) (S. Thompson - 3/21/08
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Craig Anthony will be acting Safety Officer while Roger Farmer is on
Special Assignment through March 28. He can be reached at 379-1064, or you
can contact Claudine Ronay 379-1072. (C. Ronay - 3/20/08)
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Brian Martin will be the acting Buildings and Grounds Facility Manager
while Tom Darcy is out of the office from 3/24/08 thru 3/28/08. He can be
reached at either 379-1076 or 375-9508, or you may leave a message withTara
Hawksley at 379-1054. (T. Hawksley - 3/19/08)
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Dan Benitag will be acting PCO supervisor March 20th-30th while Alan
Hawksley is out of the park. Please call 209-372-0533 with any problems.(C.
Gonzales - 3/19/08)
