Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Weather
Yosemite: TODAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY IN THE MORNING THEN BECOMING MOSTLY CLOUDY.
HIGHS 54 TO 64 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...36 TO 46 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TONIGHT...CLOUDY WITH A 50 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW AND RAIN. WINDY. SNOW
LEVEL 6000 FEET. LOWS 27 TO 37 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...17 TO 25 IN THE HIGH
COUNTRY. GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH OVER THE CREST IN THE EVENING.
WEDNESDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW SHOWERS EARLY IN
THE MORNING. WINDY. SNOW LEVEL 5500 FEET. HIGHS 47 TO 57 IN YOSEMITE
VALLEY... 30 TO 40 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY. GUSTS UP TO 65 MPH OVER THE CREST
DECREASING TO 50 MPH OVER THE CREST IN THE AFTERNOON.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY. BREEZY. LOWS 23 TO 33 IN YOSEMITE
VALLEY...13 TO 23 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
.THURSDAY...SUNNY. NOT AS COOL. HIGHS 55 TO 65 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY... 37 TO
47 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
El Portal: Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Northeast wind 5 to
14 mph becoming west.
Tonight: A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 35. West
wind 6 to 10 mph becoming east northeast.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 61. East wind 5 to 10 mph
becoming west southwest.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. North northwest wind
between 5 and 13 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 68. North northeast wind between 10 and
13 mph becoming calm.
Happening Today/This Week (Check the Community News section for other
events)
There will be a meeting on Wednesday, April 23 at 5 pm at the El Portal
Community Hall regarding the El Portal Market.Superintendent Michael
Tollefson will discuss the National Park Service's initial thoughts and
comments and possible direction for a future store. Everyone is welcome
to attend. (N. Nicholas - 4/22/08)
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The bike trial from the Lower Yosemite Falls Shuttle Bus Stop to the Camp
Six Intersection will be scheduled to be paved starting 4/21 to 5/9. 4/21
- 4/22 Segment of bike path between Camp 6 and Bank 3-way will be closed. A
detour will be available and marked. The operation will include temporary
trail closures/signed re-route detours and a temporary shuttle bus closure
in front of the Visitor Center/Administration Building (with signed
detours) to allow the hot asphalt to cool and cure. (D. Tucker - 4/21/08)
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Earthdance Film Festival Returns - Presented by the National Park Service,
Yosemite Association, and EarthDance, the EarthDance Short Attention Span
Environmental Film Festival heralds sustainability with its juried
compilation of short comedies, documentaries, mockumentaries, animations,
thrillers, and family-friendly films that invite you to celebrate your
relationship to the natural world. Last year's event was standing room
only, so arrive early as the event will sell out. No advance ticket sales.
$5/person, children 12 and under are free. Join us Earth Day, Tuesday,
April 22, Doors open at 6:30, films begin at 7:00pm, Yosemite Valley
Visitor Center Theater. (T. Medema - 4/10/08)
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April 22nd is EARTH DAY what a great opportunity to stop for a moment and
think about what you can do for the environment.
PLEASE Check out the Do Your Part Parks web site at
www.doyourpartparks.org This is a great site to learn about what you can
do to be climate friendly and to learn what Yosemite and other park sites
are doing. Log on to the Yosemite NP site and answer the questionnaire and
make your pledge to reduce your carbon footprint. If you have already done
this, Thank You. If you've been meaning to then please take the time this
week to find out more about it and make your pledge. (C. Knipper - 4/22/08)
Earth Day 2008 Schedule of Events
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 –Earth Day, 2008!
9:00am – 11:00am Stewardship Project, Join Yosemite Resources Management
and Science staff for an Earth Day work party. Assist in the restoration
of the majestic meadows and open spaces of Yosemite Valley by removing
non-native Himalayan blackberry to allow native plants and animals to
reclaim the areas. Meet in front of the Visitor Center and we’ll provide
all tools and gloves. Closed-toe shoes required.
2:00pm – 5:00pm Pedal, Play and Protect Bike Ride, Join Park staff for this
fun and educational scavenger hunt by bike to Valley sites to learn about
earth-friendly projects and initiatives in Yosemite. Cost is $5/person,
which includes bike rental (participants may also use their own bike).
Advance reservations required. Info/tickets at any tour desk.
7:00-9:00p EarthDance Film Festival, Presented by the Oakland Museum of
California, EarthDance is the largest collection of environmental shorts in
the United States. Join us for films recounting personal stories that
invite you to celebrate and explore your multifaceted relationship to the
natural world. Donations will be accepted as admission; Visitor Center
Theatre, Stop #9 (J. Graves - 4/17/08)
New Today
There will be a meeting on Wednesday, April 23 at 5 pm at the El Portal
Community Hall regarding the El Portal Market.Superintendent Michael
Tollefson will discuss the National Park Service's initial thoughts and
comments and possible direction for a future store. Everyone is welcome
to attend. (N. Nicholas - 4/22/08)
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Bear Facts April 13-April 19, 2008
Yosemite Valley Incidents this week
Campgrounds | 2 | $155
------------------------------+------------+--------------
Parking lots | 0 | $0
------------------------------+------------+--------------
Other(concession facilities | 1 | $600
and residential areas) | |
------------------------------+------------+--------------
Total | 3 | $755
Yosemite Valley Incidents Year to date
Campgrounds | 5 | $251
------------------------------+------------+--------------
Parking lots | 11 | $2,955
------------------------------+------------+--------------
Other(concession facilities | 4 | $726
and residential areas) | |
------------------------------+------------+--------------
Total | 16 | 3,932
* There have been 9 incidents involving bears obtaining food from
overflowing trashcans or unclipped dumpsters in addition to the incidents
listed above.
Comparisons Year to Date April 13 - 19, 2008
| 1998 | 2008 | Percent | 2007 | 2008 | Percent
| | | Change | | | Change
--------------+------------+-----------+------------+-----------+-----------+------------
Incidents | 177 | 16 | -90.96% | 43 | 16 | -62.79%
--------------+------------+-----------+------------+-----------+-----------+------------
Damage | $88,368 | $3,932 | -95.55% | $7,822 | $3,932 | -56.64%
Bears are becoming more active in the campgrounds with most sightings in
the Pines campgrounds this week. A bear got into an unoccupied tent cabin
at Curry Village that had food stored inside. Vehicle break-ins seem to
have slowed down this week but always remember to remove food and scented
items from your vehicle.
All incidents this year have been in Yosemite Valley. There have numerous
bear sightings this week, including sightings near Bridalveil Falls and at
Crane Flat. Please remember to obey speed limits within the park to avoid
hitting bears and other wildlife that may be trying to cross the road in
front of your car. (V. Seher - 4/22/08)
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Rattlesnake protocol: With the warming temperatures of spring and the
colorful wildflowers comes a time for us to be cautious of the emergence of
rattlesnakes. Over the weekend and El Portal resident was bitten in the
Merced River Canyon, bringing this risk close to home. Some simple
precautions will help us to safely coexist with the species.
A general rule is to not put your foot or hand where you cannot first
see.
If you think you hear a rattlesnake (a buzzing sound) stand still until
you’ve located the snake, then move away.
Don’t rely on the rattle to warn you – baby rattlesnakes don’t have
rattles, but are just as venomous as adults, the rattle of adult
snakes can break off, and a snake may not always rattle.
Wear protective clothing such as long heavy pants and high boots.
Wear gloves when moving rocks, logs, brush, or lumber.
Ledges, cracks, or holes are common areas where rattlesnakes could be
resting.
If snakebite occurs, the most important thing is to get the victim to
medical attention as quickly as possible. Other actions include:
DO keep the victim calm
DO immobilize and gently wash the bite with soap and water, and keep it
lower than the heart.
DO remove any watches, rings, etc., that could constrict swelling
IF the victim is unable to reach medical attention within 30 minutes, a
bandage wrapped two to four inches above the bite may slow the venom. The
band should be loose enough that a finger can slip under it. Also, a
suction device, as is often found in snakebite kits, can be used to draw
venom out of the wound without making any cuts.
DON’T apply a tourniquet
DON’T apply ice or ice water to the bite area
DON’T cut the would with a knife or razor
DON’T try to suck venom out by mouth. Infection can occur.
DON’T let the victim drink alcohol
Other, harmless species of snakes are much more abundant than rattlesnakes,
so please don’t kill any snakes. If a rattlesnake is found in a developed
area, where contact with humans is possible, contact Wildlife Management or
Visitor Protection to capture and relocate the rattlesnake to a safer area.
(S, Thompson - 4/22/08)
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Glacier National Park is currently advertising for a Park Ranger
(Protection), GL-0025-07 target GL-09. Position is open to the public.
Permanent less than full-time working full-time a minimum of 13 pay periods
and a maximum of 25 pay periods. The announcement is currently on USAJOBS:
Announcement Number: CK183634BB Closing: Friday, April 25, 2008 (I.
Keheley - 4/22/08)
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Open Mic Night at Sal's: Come hear a variety of community musicians and
artists perform at an open mic event this Thursday, April 24, at the El
Portal Community Hall - hosted by The Adam Burns Band. Advance sign-ups
have almost filled the schedule, but there is still a little bit of room to
squeeze in last-minute performers. Music begins at 6:30, and The Adam
Burns Band will play a set starting at 9pm to close the evening. Proceeds
from the tip jar will be donated to No More Victims, a non-profit
organization who arrange medical care for Iraqi children injured in the
war. (nomorevictims.org). We hope to see you there! Thanks so much! (V.
McMichael - 4/22/08)
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ELEVEN TOP-TEN CENTRAL SERIES FINISHES FOR YOSEMITE SKI TEAM
Yosemite, CA -- The Yosemite Winter Club ski team garnered an impressive
eleven, top-ten medals for overall placement in the 2007/2008 Far West
Central Series, USSA ski racing division. More than 160 junior ski racers
from Bear Valley, Dodge Ridge, Sierra Summit and the Yosemite Winter Club
compete in slalom, giant slalom and super giant slalom events hosted at the
various ski areas throughout the Central Sierra. A final championship race
is held in the Tahoe area.
"The Yosemite Winter Club ski team is a small--yet highly dedicated—group
of twenty-four skiers who love to ski and love to challenge themselves
every time they enter the racecourse," said Tom Medema, Head Coach and
President of the Yosemite Winter Club. "Their passion for skiing is
evident through their strong commitment and support to the racing program
at Badger Pass Ski Area and the Yosemite Winter Club."
Members of the ski team are actively involved in hosting the annual Silver
Ski Slalom Race at Badger Pass Ski Area in Yosemite National Park. Racers
help with set-up, course placement, ticket sales, dishwashing duties and
break down. Because of their involvement, racers feel a great sense of
pride in the event. This was heightened this year when Winter Club team
members Caitlin Porter received the coveted Silver Ski Trophy for the
fastest female racer for the second year and Lucas Newcomb was honored with
the Rusty Rust Award for great sportsmanship.
"Yosemite Winter Club ski team members are great ambassadors for the sport
of ski racing, as well as their training ground, Yosemite National Park,”
continued Medema. "I am proud to be coaching such a fun, talented and
dedicated group of young men and women."
Ski team members receiving top-ten awards include:
Eleanor Bales -- Catheys Valley
Maren Guy -- El Portal
Nielsen Guy -- El Portal
Andrew Hindes -- Fresno
Anna Medema -- El Portal
Max Naumcheff -- Oakhurst
Lucas Newcomb -- Lucas Valley (I. Guy - 4/22/08)
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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
This week's programs:
Friday - Saturday April 25 - 26, 7:30p.m. LARS AND THE REAL GIRL. (PG-13,
106 mins.)
Lars (Ryan Gosling) is an awkwardly shy young man in a small northern town
who finally brings home the girl of his dreams to his brother and
sister-in-law's home. The only problem is that she's not real - she's a
life-size doll Lars ordered off the internet. His sister-in-law is worried
for him, his brother thinks he's nuts, but eventually the entire town goes
along with his delusion in support of this sweet natured boy that they've
always loved. In its humor, our humanity shines through. Be sure to see
this one!
UPCOMING FILMS (at 7:30 unless otherwise noted):
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, May 9-10
Pangea Day, May 10, 11-2 FREE ADMISSION
I’m Not There, May 16-17
Bamako, May 23-24
TED, May 31, FREE ADMISSION (T. Arfsten - 4/22/08)
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Valley School Cinco de Mayo - Please join us in front of the Valley
VisitorCenter on the 5th of May in celebrating the Cinco de Mayo with the
Yosemite Valley School. We will be serving a Mexican Lunch from 11:30 A.M
to l: 30 P.M, and the Valley School kids will be performing authentic
Mexican Dance. We will be raffling off some great Yosemite Art. All
proceeds will go to benefit the Yosemite Valley School. (W. Fontana -
4/22/08)
Park News
2008 Barry Hance Memorial Award
Who can submit a nomination?
Any NPS employee or group may make a nomination, with the approval of
the nominee’s supervisor.
How do I nominate someone?
Complete an Award Nomination Form (attached).
Send the completed form in a blue “confidential” envelope to any Awards
Committee member.
Nominations must be submitted no later than June 2, 2008.
What are the criteria for nomination? The employee…
worked in Yosemite National Park in 2007.
exemplifies the highest ideals of the NPS mission – protecting and
preserving America’s natural and cultural resources, while providing for
visitor enjoyment for the benefit of future generations.
is cheerful and projects a positive attitude.
communicates well with his or her supervisor (supervisor must support
the nomination).
works as a team member and extends a helping hand.
Barry Hance was an NPS maintenance employee who lost his life in a 1995
avalanche while clearing the Tioga Road.
An award was established in his honor to recognize an NPS employee who
exemplifies Barry’s concern for others and dedication to the goals and
ideals of Yosemite National Park.
Please use the attached nomination form and return it in a sealed blue
envelope to any awards committee member by June 2, 2008. The selection
committee, composed of past Barry Hance Award recipients, will then review
the nominations and make their recommendation to the Superintendent. See
Cyndi Mattiuzzi's message for form. (C. Mattiuzzi - 4/21/08)
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Yosemite News Release
April 21, 2008
For Immediate Release
El Portal Market Burns in Yosemite National Park
Historic building a park fixture since 1934
The El Portal Market, one of El Portal’s oldest buildings burned to the
ground today in a blaze which was reported by El Portal residents at
approximately 5am. Firefighters from the National Park Service, DNC Parks
and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., and Mariposa County responded to the fire.
The market has been closed for renovations since late March.
The El Portal Market, built around 1934, originally served park visitors
travelling to Yosemite by railroad. The market was operated between 1966
and March, 2008 under the general partnership of Vaughn, Vaughn, and
Carter. The current operator was scheduled to open the market in late
spring, 2008, when renovations were complete. The market has served El
Portal residents and park visitors since the mid-1930’s as both a general
merchandise store and a community meeting place.
Mike Tollefson, Yosemite Park Superintendent, said this morning: “It is
impossible to imagine the loss that this is for the community of El Portal
and the park as a whole.”
Yosemite park managers are meeting immediately this morning to consider
options for replacing the building.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. (-NPS-)
Announcements
It has come to our notice that announcements are being posted at the
Midpines Post Office on behalf of "the management" of Yosemite National
Park. These did not come from Yosemite's management team and should be
disregarded. (M. Tollefson - 4/10/08)
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The Research Library will be closed April 24th - 30th. In case of a
research emergency, contact the Museum staff (372-0282 or 0297). (L. Eade -
4/21/08)
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YARTS voucher pickup: This is to let you know that I will be on leave April
21-25. I will be back at work around noon on Monday, April 28th. If you
need your voucher, Wendy Malone will have them during that period. (S. Grin
- 4/17/08)
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BID ANNOUNCEMENT - EMPLOYEE HOUSING
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - NATIONAL PARK SERVICE - GOVERNMENT HOUSING
EL PORTAL HOUSING AREA
HOUSE #874 - 9742 ELDERBERRY LANE
3 Bedrooms – 2 Bathrooms - 1843 Sq. Ft. – Built in 1996 - $479.64 bi-weekly
– utilities not included.
DEADLINE FOR BID SUBMISSION
APRIL 30, 2008 (Close of Business)
Eligible Employees must be NPS Permanent, Term, or SCEP (Student Career
Experience Program)
Please contact the Housing Management Office for bid forms and/or
additional information. 379-1839 or 379-1879 (Y. Radanovich - 4/16/08)
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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)
Community News
April 20th-April26th, YNP and Yosemite Institute will be hosting this fine
group:
Blue Oak School, Napa, 3th grade
Katherine D. Burke School, San Francisco, 6th grade
Santa Barbara Montessori, Goleta, 4th-6th grades
Sierra Oaks Elementary, Sacramento, 6th grade
St. Alban’s School, Roseville, 8th grade
Family School, Los Olivos, 4th-5th grades
West Side School, Healdsburg, 6th grade
Woodside Elementary School, Woodside, 7th grade
Bridgemont High School, San Francisco, 9th-12thgrades
St. Finn Barr School San Francisco, San Francisco, 7thgrade
Pilgrim School, Los Angeles, 6th grade
Wonderland School, Los Angeles, 5th grade
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 - 4/21/08)
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Two new FREE Dance Classes will be offered beginning this week, through the
Mariposa Adult School!
The Wednesday night class in El Portal will continue on the same schedule
for another 6 weeks. 6 pm Level I, & 7 pm Level II. Location: El Portal
School. First class - 4/16.
The same series, with the same schedule will be offered at Mariposa High
School - in the Gym - for 6 weeks on Thursday nights. First class - 4/17.
This Introduction To Swing series, focuses on East Coast Swing, also known
as the Jitterbug. Lori Landrin lives in Oakhurst, and has been teaching in
Oakhurst, North Fork, & Mariposa, for over two years. This will be her
second series in El Portal.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!! Though the school system is offering the class
for free, they would like to see a class of at lest 14 students.
Wear comfortable clothes - and smooth soled shoes (if you have them.) -no
flip flops or backless shoes, please. (socks are great too!) For more
information: mountaindancer@sti.net or call Lori at (559) 658-8541. (L.
Landrin - 4/15/08)
Acting Designation
April 21-26 Eric Gabriel will be the acting Deputy Chief Ranger he can be
reached at 379-1896. (C. Cuvelier - 4/22/08)
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Kristin Ramsey will be the acting Branch Chief for Interpretive Support
Services from April 22-30. (M. Kline - 4/22/08)
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Bill Kuhn will be the Acting Branch Chief for Physical Science and GIS from
April 21-25. Bill can be reached at 379-1157. (J. Meyer - 4/22/08)
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Sue Beatty (379-3290) will be acting branch chief for Vegetation and
Ecological Restoration April 22-25. (J. Weaser - 4/22/08)
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I will be on Annual Leave through April 30. Please contact Deron Mills -
Acting Fire Chief at 209-379-1902 in my absence. (K. Martin - 4/21/08)
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Laura Kirn (379-1314) will be Acting Chief of Resources Management and
Science on April 21-22. (N. Nicholas - 4/21/08)
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Mark Jones will be Acting Supervisor, Valley Buildings and Grounds, for the
week of April 21, 2008, while Kieth Stowell is out of the office. Mark can
be reached at 209-372-0545. (T. Ford - 4/18/08)
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Starting tomorrow, the following will be acting Branch Chief of Wildlife
Management
Tori Seher: Friday, Apr. 18 - Wednesday, Apr. 23 - Friday Apr. 25
Sarah Stock: Monday, Apr. 21 - Tuesday, Apr. 22 - Thursday, Apr. 25
Location willing, I will be available by cell phone. (S. Thompson -
4/18/08)
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Dave Miller is acting Supervisor for El Portal Roads & Solid Waste until
July 5th. Dave can be reached at 379-1120 or leave a message with Beth
Benitag @ 379-1057. (B.Benitag - 4//14/08)
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While David Thorpe is out of the office, Nancy Bissmeyer will be the acting
Communications Branch Chief and Tolleman Gorham will be the Telecom
Supervisor. (N. Bissmeyer - 4/8/08)
_______________________________
The Monday and online editions of The Daily Report continue as the long
version. The Tuesday - Friday email version will be shortened to include
only new and "happening today" information. Please plan your submittals
accordingly. To view the long version please visit
http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/intp/daily.htm (intranet) or
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/upload/daily.pdf (internet).
We cut and paste submissions and generally do not correct submitted copy.
Entries must be in by 7:00am the day of publication. There are no weekend
or holiday editions. Submissions: email yose_daily_report@nps.gov
