Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Friday, May 9, 2008
Weather
Yosemite: TODAY...SUNNY...BREEZY. HIGHS 66 TO 76 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...46 TO
56 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TONIGHT...CLEAR. LOWS 29 TO 39 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...20 TO 30 IN THE HIGH
COUNTRY.
SATURDAY...SUNNY. HIGHS 70 TO 80 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...50 TO 60 IN THE HIGH
COUNTRY.
SATURDAY NIGHT...CLEAR. LOWS 33 TO 43 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...23 TO 33 IN THE
HIGH COUNTRY.
SUNDAY...SUNNY. HIGHS 68 TO 78 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...49 TO 59 IN THE HIGH
COUNTRY.
SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY...MOSTLY CLEAR. BREEZY. LOWS 31 TO 41 IN YOSEMITE
VALLEY...24 TO 34 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY. HIGHS 65 TO 75 IN YOSEMITE
VALLEY...44 TO 54 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
El Portal: Today: Sunny, with a high near 78. East northeast wind 6 to 14
mph becoming west.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 36. North northwest wind between 8 and 10
mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Calm wind becoming west southwest
between 7 and 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 40. Northwest wind at 8 mph
becoming east northeast.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 79. East wind 6 to 11 mph becoming west
southwest.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Happening Today/This Weekend (Check the Community News section for other
events)
UPDATE - Highway 140 Bridge Construction Schedule - A meeting was held
today with CalTrans and the following construction schedule was determined
for the new bridges on Highway 140.
Daytime operations will remain as they have been with stop light or
flagging operations directing traffic. The night time closures for
construction will occur on the following schedule: Sunday through
Thursday, beginning May 11 and continuing through the beginning of July.
The hours of closure will be: 11:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m. with openings each
hour on the hour. There will be no closures, other than the normal stop
light, on Fridays and Saturdays and for the entire Memorial Weekend.
Emergency traffic will be accommodated. (Yose Superintendent - 5/9/08)
*************************************************
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)
*************************************************
DNC plans to start shuttle service between the Wawona Store and the
Mariposa Grove of Big Trees on Friday, May 9 for the season. Hours of
operation will be 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The Big Trees Tram Tour operation
is scheduled to start for the season on Saturday, May 10. For further
information on the tram tour, contact 209.372.1621 (A. Catamec - 5/9/08)
*************************************************
Reminder: Utility meter replacement will be occuring this week in Wawona;
Thrusday 5/8 and Friday 5/9. For any questions, please contact Katie
Bablitch at 379-1055 or Paul Laymon at 379-1077. (K. Bablitch - 5/5/08)
*************************************************
YOSEMITE VALLEY SCHOOL HAMBURGER LUNCH
On May 10th, 2008 from 11:30-2:00 Yosemite Valley School will be putting on
a hamburger lunch to fund the 6th-7th grade trip to Scotland this summer.
The cost is $6.00 for a burger, salad, and chips. Veggie burgers will also
be available. This will be near the Visitors Center in the Valley. If you
are in the area please stop by have lunch. Thank you for your continued
support of our school! (S. Pence - 5/1/08)
*************************************************
Please join us for Mother's Day at the Mountain Room Restaurant (5/11/08)
featuring a Special Mother's Day Brunch from 8:30 am - Noon
and a Special Prix Fixe Menu for Dinner from 5:30 to 9:00 pm
(including a flower for the first 100 Mothers) or enjoy one of our entrees
from our New Spring Menu. (K. Erikson/L. A. Rowe - 5/8/08)
New Today
The John Muir Trail from Clark's Point to Nevada Fall is open for the
season. (M. Fincher - 5/9/08)
*************************************************
National Be Bear Aware and Wildlife Stewardship Month
Did you know?
Black bears have what is called embryonic delay or delayed implantation.
Mating occurs in the summer, but actual implantation of the embryo in the
uterus does not occur until the female has acquired enough body fat in fall
to ensure she can survive hibernation and suckle cubs. (T. Seher - 5/9/08)
*************************************************
Please join us for this month's Yosemite Forum, Tuesday May 13th, 12 - 1
p.m. in the Yosemite Valley Auditorium.
Matt Brooks from the USGS Yosemite Field Station will present Changes at
the USGS Yosemite Field Station: a New Lead Scientist and Expanded
Capabilities.
Matt Brooks will be taking over as the lead Research Scientist for the USGS
Yosemite Field Station, replacing outgoing lead research scientist Jan van
Wagtendonk who will be retiring at the end of this year. Dr Brooks is
coming from the USGS Las Vegas Field Station where, as a research botanist,
he conducted research in the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and western
Colorado Plateau. Matt has been studying the ecology and management of
invasive plants and fire in western North America for approximately 20
years. He will talk about his background and his plans for research at the
Yosemite Field Station. (B. Kuhn - 5/9/08)
*************************************************
Comprehensive Interpretive Plan - Workshop - May 20, 2008
Yes, we just wrapped up our first workshop, but the next is just around the
corner!
We will address Audiences, Critical Issues facing Interpretation/Education,
and Delivery of Interpretive Services in the Yosemite region. Please use
the attached link to review our 2005 Visitor Study for some background. I
will be forwarding an agenda next week.
http://www.nps.gov/archive/yose/planning/documents/2005survey.pdf
Please RSVP by Friday, May 16th for this workshop. More soon! (T. Medema -
5/9/08)
*************************************************
Yosemite News Release
May 8, 2008
For Immediate Release
School Bus Collision Causes Minor to Moderate Injuries in Yosemite National
Park
Two school busses headed toward Yosemite Valley from the Yellow Middle
School in Newman, California collided today in a rear end collision. The
collision occurred at about 10:55 am approximately 1 mile north of the Big
Oak Flat/ El Portal Road intersection along the Big Oak Flat Road. 40
children total were on board the two busses. Injuries are reported as being
minor to moderate.
Children are being transported by ground ambulance to John C. Fremont
Hospital in Mariposa, California. The cause of the collision is under
investigation. (-NPS-)
*************************************************
6th STREET CINEMA is a non-profit theater located in downtown Mariposa,
atop the historic Masonic Lodge on 6th Street. It is the presentation arm
of the Rural Media Arts and Education Project, a 501(c)(3) corporation,
and is supported by the California Arts Council, SierraTel, the James
Irvine
Foundation, Mariposa County, and the Geoff and Josie Fox Family Foundation,
a Donor Advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. We are
also generously supported by Iron Mountain Systems and Stonecutter.com.
The views expressed by the films, in print materials, or by discussion
facilitators are not necessarily those of these funders. This activity is
funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, and the
National Endowment for the Arts, a national agency. 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
Saturday, May 10, 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. PANGEA DAY. (FREE
ADMISSION).Pangea was the super continent that existed about 250 million
years ago, before each of the component continents were separated, and
drifted into their current configuration.
In a world where people are often divided by borders, difference, and
conflict, it's easy to lose sight of what we all have in common. Pangea Day
is a global event to bring the world together through film. Pangea Day
seeks to help people see themselves in others – through the power of film.
Locations in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Rio de
Janeiro will be linked for a live program of powerful films, live music,
and visionary speakers. The entire program will be broadcast – in seven
languages – to millions of people worldwide through the internet,
television, and mobile phones. The 24 short films to be featured have been
selected based on their ability to inspire, transform, and allow us see
the world through another person's eyes. For more information, go to the
official Pangea Day site: http://www.pangeaday.org/
Saturday, May 10, 7:30 p.m. THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY. (Rated
PG-13; 112 min. In French with English subtitles.) In 1995, Elle France
editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, suffered a stroke that paralyzed his entire
body, except his left eye. Using that eye to blink out his memoir, Bauby
eloquently describes the aspects of his interior world, from the
psychological torment of being trapped inside his body to his imagined
stories from lands he'd only visited in his mind. (T. Arfsten - 5/9/08)
*************************************************
Room for rent in downtown Mariposa. Two bedroom and one bath apartment
with large kitchen and living room; shared washer and dryer; lots and lots
of storage; empty bedroom needs to be furnished; remainder of the house is
furnished; 25 y/o professional single male looking for a male or female
roommate of comparable age. Outside smoking ok. Great views of town and
two blocks from YARTS. This apartment is being rented through a property
management company in Mariposa, so a credit check, security deposit and
month-to-month lease will be required by them. $400 per month includes all
utilities and cable. Contact Brandon at off2tahoe@gmail.com for more
information.(B. Sanders - 5/9/08)
Park News
POSTPONED: Merced River Plan - May, 10, 2008 - Public Planning Workshop
To all parties interested in the Merced River Comprehensive Management Plan
The new Merced River Plan public planning workshop scheduled for Saturday,
May 10, 2008, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm in Yosemite Valley has been
POSTPONED. Park management continues to consult with the National Park
Service Pacific West Regional Director, Interior Department attorneys, and
the Department of Justice on the implications of the 9th Circuit Court of
Appeals ruling on the 2005 Revised Merced River Plan. In order to honor the
time, energy and costs borne by participants, park management wants to have
clear direction on the scope, process, and substance of the next version of
the plan before convening another workshop. The park is working hard to
stay on schedule and will have more information to the public soon.
Please check our web site for updates:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/newmrp.htm
Information will be distributed once a new date for the next public
planning workshop has been determined. Thank you for your understanding. If
you have any questions, please feel free to contact Elexis Mayer, Project
Manager by phone at 209-379-1377, or by email at elexis_mayer@nps.gov, or
Linda Dahl, Yosemite National Park Chief of Planning via email at
linda_dahl@nps.gov.
The aforementioned ruling can be found at:
http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/ca9/newopinions.nsf/BCABDF4F5FB5568488257
80082FA48/$file/0715124.pdf?openelement
and on the Yosemite National Park website at:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/litigation.htm (E. Mayer - 5/5/08)
Announcements
2009 Albright-Wirth Grant Program - New Deadline extension date - !!! May
16, 2008 !!!
The Albright-Wirth Grant program has recently experienced computer
technical problems that may have prevented or delayed applicants from
receiving supervisory approvals. As a result the deadline date for
accepting applications is extended to May 16, 2008. Those employees who
previously submitted applications need not reapply and supervisors of grant
applicants will be able to access the application for endorsement after the
May 16th deadline date.
Albright-Wirth Grant applications now accepted thru May 16, 2008
!!!! Don’t delay, Apply today!!!!
Go to the web link to read the announcement and start your application
today!
http://mylearning.nps.gov/awgrant
Grants are available up to $5,000 for individuals and $15,000 for groups of
3 or more qualifying employees.
Do you need technical assistance? Email nps_helpms@nps.gov or contact
Grant Administrator at lonnie_lowe@nps.gov or call Lonnie Lowe at
202-354-1487.
The Albright-Wirth Grant Program is managed by the Supervision, Management
& Leadership Programs, Capital Training Center, 1201 Eye St. NW,
Washington, DC 20005. Sandy Taylor, Program Manager, 202-354-1413 and
Lonnie Lowe, Employee Development Officer-202-354-1487
*************************************************
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)
HR Corner
DETAIL / TEMPORARY PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY
The Project Management Division, Environmental Planning and Compliance
Branch is offering an opportunity for a 120 day detail / temporary
promotion (if qualified) to Environmental Compliance Specialist, GS-09/11.
This opportunity will provide the opportunity to learn about the practices
and procedures used nationally by the NPS to conduct and facilitate
planning and compliance activities. The position would allow an employee to
gain experience in elements of both the National Environmental Policy Act
and the National Historic Preservation Act.
This opportunity is open to permanent career/career-conditional employees
of Yosemite National Park. This is an interdisciplinary position that can
be filled by: Geographer, GS-150, Ecologist, GS-0408 or Resource Management
Specialist, GS-0401.
If interested, please obtain your supervisor's approval, and submit a
resume to Irma Keheley, Human Resource Office, El Portal, no later than May
12, 2008. (I. Keheley - 4/30/08)
Community News
Lisa Domingues: Many of you may know Lisa, she has worked at the Yosemite
Valley day care for nearly 20-years. She is raising her 10-year old son
and currently lives in Midpines. Lisa was born and raised in Yosemite, has
many relatives and friends who love and appreciate her kind spirit,
gorgeous smile, and for taking excellent care of our children from diapers
through the grade school years. Lisa has recently been diagnosed with
terminal cancer (which has yet to slow her down or stop her from smiling).
She is, however, preparing for her son's future. A bank account has been
set up in her son's name at the Yosemite Bank in Mariposa. All donations
are appreciated and Lisa thanks you in advance for your kindness.
Donations can be made to: Chaska Colvin, Yosemite Bank Account number
#307005140. Contact Charity at the Yosemite Day care center for ways to
assist, 372-4819. (V. McMichael - 5/7/08)
*************************************************
Attention High School Seniors
The Yosemite Scholarship Commission would like to announce the availability
of three schlarships for seniors graduating in June 2008. The Yosemite
Community Scholarships are sponsored by the Yosemite Employees Association,
the Yosemite Rotary Club, the Yosemite Lions Club, and the Yosemite Winter
Club. Two of the scholarships are for $2,000 over two years for attending a
four-year college or university. The third scholarship is $1,000 over two
years at a community college. In existence since 1934, the Yosemite
Scholarship Commission is supported by the Yosemite and El Portal
communities. Only one application is necessary to apply for all three
scholarships.
Students eligible for the scholarships are any high school graduating
senior whose parent or guardian is employed on a year round basis in
Yosemite National Park or the El Portal Administrative Site. Employment
must be for no less than six months per calendar year and for at least one
year prior to the time application is made. More than just an academic
scholarship, the following items are taken into account in making the
selection: scholastic ability, financial need, leadership ability,
community participation, and general apptitude. There is no particular
significance in the order nor does one qualification have any special
weight.
Further information and applications may be obtained from Mariposa County
High School, Yosemite High School, Tioga High School, or from Jan van
Wagtendonk, or Linda Eade. Applicants must attach a copy of their current
high school transcripts to their application and send the application and
the transcripts to the Yosemite Scholarship Commission at PO Box 313, El
Portal, CA 95318. Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2008.
Jan van Wagtendonk (209) 379-2668
Linda Eade (209) 372-0280 (L. Eade - 4/23/08)
Acting Designation
Starting Monday, May 12th, Marshall "Glen" Taylor will be acting Sign Shop
Supervisor until further notice. He can be reached @ 379-1286 or email:
marshall_taylor@nps.gov.
Thanks to Erin Anders for holding down the Sign Shop fort for the last four
months. (B.Benitag 5/8/08)
*************************************************
Acting Chief of Resource Management and Science - Bret Meldrum (379-1216)
on May 9. (N. Nicholas - 5/7/08)
*************************************************
Katy Warner will be acting RMS Division Liaison/Mgt Asst. May 5-9, she can
be reached at 379-1421 (C. Knipper - 5/5/08)
*************************************************
HR Specialist Charlotte Randolph will be out of the park from May 2 through
May 19, 2008. If you have any employee relations, classification, or
employee development issues or questions, please contact Heather Whitman
in her absence. (H. Whitman - 5/2/08)
*************************************************
For the month of May, Mike and Kevin have asked me to backfill for Kevin
while he is on leave. I will continue my duties as AO from the Valley and
you can contact me there as needed. However, there will be times when I
may not be available to address some issues in Admin. During those times
please feel free to contact the following administration branch chiefs for
assistance. They have authority to make decisions and adjust
administration resources to meet your needs when I'm not available.
May 5th - 9th Dayna Jackson 379-1874
May 12th - 15th Dan Sohn 379-1173
May 18th - 22nd Lorene Schafer 379-1873
May 26th - 30th Skip Sheets 379-1195 (L. Harris - 5/1/08)
*************************************************
Ansley Rothell will be the Acting Emergency Communications Center Manager
May 1-9. (N. Bissmeyer - 4/30/08)
_______________________________
