Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Monday, April 28, 2008
Weather
Yosemite: TODAY...SUNNY...BREEZY. HIGHS 72 TO 82 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...51 TO
61 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR. WINDY...COLDER. LOWS 33 TO 43 IN YOSEMITE
VALLEY...24 TO 34 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TUESDAY...SUNNY. VERY WINDY. HIGHS 61 TO 71 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY... 41 TO 51
IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TUESDAY NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY. VERY WINDY. COLDER. LOWS 29 TO 39 IN
YOSEMITE VALLEY...19 TO 29 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
WEDNESDAY...MOSTLY SUNNY. WINDY. HIGHS 52 TO 62 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...33 TO
43 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
El Portal: Today: Sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming southwest
between 10 and 13 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. West southwest wind between 7
and 10 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming west southwest
between 11 and 14 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. West southwest wind
between 11 and 14 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Light wind becoming west
northwest between 12 and 15 mph.
Happening Today/This Week (Check the Community News section for other
events)
FYI: Posted Saturday, April 26, 2008 El Portal Market - Mariposa County
Fire Fire Investigation Supplemental Report - Incident: MMU#4767,
YNP#08-0896 at: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/epm.htm
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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. 4/28 -
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. Bikes and pedestrians will be detoured around the
Administration Building via Oak Drive and back towards the NPS Maintenance
Facility. Cedar Court will also be closed both days. (D. Tucker - 4/24/08)
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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)
New Today
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road Updates:
Tioga Road Status report as of April 28, 2008
Tioga Road Opening operations continued on Saturday 4/26/2008.
Tioga Road Progress for April 28, 2008: Ending location 28 miles from
Crane Flat Gate (Olmstead Point Parking Lot).
Average snow depth 6 feet.
Glacier Point Road update:
Glacier Point road proposed opening date will be Friday May 2nd, 2008. (
pending any weather conditions or operational issues).
Lower Mariposa Grove Road proposed opening date will be Saturday April
25, 2008 ( With weight restrictions on road).
No shuttles allowed on Mariposa Grove yet but it should be soon possibly
in 2 weeks. (T. Brochini - 4/28/08)
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Employee Awards for April, 2008
Employee of the Month
Colter Chisum …juggling project manager, engineer, and branch chief
with poise and professionalism
Excellence In Service
Ed Whittle …providing exceptional audio visual support for events
sponsored by Resources & Science
Scott Francis …your participation in the "Life of a Ranger" program
presenting the horse patrol program
Keith Lober …your participation in the "Life of Ranger" program presenting
the roles rangers have in SAR and EMS
Jeff Webb …your participation in the "Life of a Ranger Program"
presenting information on field ranger equipment
Michael Siler …your participation in the "Life of a Ranger" program and
stewardship of theranger bike patrol program in Yosemite
David Henderson …his outstanding performance as the Protection Division's
liaison to the project management and road construction crews
Shawn Cave …ensured the safety of visitors by stopping an erratic driver
from causing possible injury
Eddie Appling, Oscar Chacon, …your outstanding work on the road accessing
the Yosemite Creek lift station
Chris Flanagan, Howard
Thompson, Russell Kish, David Jones
STAR Award
Rebecca Lund ……her outstanding attitude and work ethic rescheduling
300 campground reservations when Lower Pines didn't open at it's usual
time
Irma Keheley …your dependability, overall leadership, professionalism,
and knowledge in the HR office
Mark Fincher, …his support in the relocation effort of two bear cubs
Richard Schoonover, …supporting the RMS division on a critical
electrical issue during their move
Tom Williams
Time Off Award
Suzanne Grin …doing an excellent job assisting others and taking the
lead on the Critical Incident Stress Management team (C. Mattiuzzi -
4/28/08)
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Training Announcement
Date: May 6th or 7th
Time: 13:00 (1pm) – 16:30
Location: Large Break Room, El Portal complex
Topics and intended audience:
Hanta Virus Awareness* 13:00 – 13:30
All Yose employees should receive hanta virus awareness training, employees
required to assess or open seasonal buildings need this class and
respiratory protection to be properly qualified, see hanta virus policy for
specific details.
http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/safety/Critical_Programs/08_Hanta_Policy...
Respiratory Protection Training* 13:30 – 15:00
All personnel exposed to respiratory hazards above the OSHA permissible
exposure limit (PEL) or employees exposed to unknown levels of respiratory
hazards need respiratory training, a medical clearance, and a fit test.
Prerequisite: Respiratory Questionnaire forms are here:
http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/safety/forms.htm
Hearing Conservation Program Training* 15:15 – 16:30
All employees exposed to noise levels above the OSHA permissible exposure
limit (PEL). Affected Branches include Fire, LE, B&G, R&T, Utilities,
Vegetation, and Archeology. Includes a baseline audiogram and annual
audiograms to assess program effectiveness.
Call Claudine Ronay at 379-1072 to register for training on the 6th or 7th,
only 30 training slots available each day.
*See Guide to Safety Management for policy and applicability. (R. Farmer -
4/28/08)
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Please join us in congratulating Gina Bissmeyer on her promotion to
Purchasing Agent. Her experience, diligence and knowledge have made her
the best candidate for the job. We look forward to Gina's long and
successful career with the Park. Thanks Gina! (L. Sheetz - 4/28/08)
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New Summer YARTS runs to start May 19, 2008
The 2008 summer schedules for YARTS have been published and are available
online. There are a number of changes on both the Hwy 140 schedule and the
Hwy 120 schedule that should be noted by NPS staff, whether using the
system to commute or answering questions for visitors.
On the Hwy 140 schedule, two round trip runs have been added. The new runs
should help relieve some of the capacity problems that YARTS has faced
since the rockslide detour opened. Run 2A is aimed to provide added
seating for workers going to El Portal with an 8 AM work-start time. It
should also provide some seats for those hearty early visitors. Run 5A
allows YARTS to move Run 5 back to an earlier departure time, like it was
before, and leave on time whether the Amtrak train in on time or not. 5A
should help deal with the late trains. Run 5 has been a problem, not only
with late trains, but also overcrowding.
Outbound, Run 9 is moved to an earlier departure to try to assure Amtrak
and Greyhound riders timely connections in Merced. With the connecting
riders on Run 9, the new 9A should provide better capacity for the
employees getting off at 4 PM. Run 12A is intended to give visitors and
employees a later stay in the park without having to wait for the last bus
at 8:20 PM.
On the Hwy 120 schedule, a new stop at the Mammoth Lakes Park and Ride on
Old Mammoth Road has been added and the stop at the Mammoth RV Park has
been eliminated. The Stop on Demand (SOD) stop at the Cathedral Trail Head
in Tuolumne Meadows has been eliminated in favor of hikers using the
Tuolumne Meadows shuttle. Crane Flat Gas Station is now SOD in both
directions.
The Hwy 140 schedule starts on May 19. You can view the new schedule at
www.yarts.com/schedule/2008/summer140.pdf. The Hwy 120 schedule will start
on June 1st, or as soon thereafter as the Tioga Pass Road is open for use.
You can view that schedule at www.yarts.com/schedule/2008/summer120.pdf.
(D. Whittington\W. Malone - 4/28/08)
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Rental: available now, 1 bdr. trailer for 1 person. Bootjack area.
$370./month Call Autrey: 966-3231 (4/28/08)
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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North and Southside Drive Rehabilitation
*April 24th thru May 23rd---Southside Drive---There will be intermittent
one lane traffic control on Southside Drive between Housekeeping and Pohono
Bridge as crews are surveying and placing rock/headwall work (Less than
15-minute delays).
*April 24th thru May 23rd--Northside Drive---Crews are completing a test
section of paving and placing stone headwalls on Northside Drive this week.
If the test section of paving goes well this week they will begin paving
next week on Northside Drive, therefore once paving starts there will be
many trucks coming into the park via Big Oak Flat Road, so please be
patient.
Big Oak Flat Road Seal Project
*April 24th-May 2nd there will be intermittent 1-lane traffic control while
crews complete some additional pothole/shoulder repairs. (up to 15-minute
delays--will coordinate with the El Portal Road traffic control to minimize
the overall road delays)
*May 5th to May 23rd>>Crews are planning to work nights placing a seal coat
on the remaining Big Oak Flat Road segment between Foresta Road
Intersection and the Tioga Road Intersection (Crane Flat). The work is
scheduled over a 2-3 week period beginning the week of May 5th or the week
of May 12th>> depending upon the weather and temperatures.(M. Pieper -
4/15/08)
Bike Trail Repair Between Camp 6 Intersection and Yosemite Falls Bus Stop
*April 21st thru May 22nd crews will be repairing the existing
pedestrian/bike trail between Camp 6 intersection and the Yosemite Falls
Bus Stop. There will be intermittent trail delays and detours while
completing this work.
Wawona Tunnel Ventilation Repairs
*Design work is continuing. (M. Pieper - 4/24/08)
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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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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Release Date: April 24, 2008
Contacts: Scott Gediman, Media and External Relations Yosemite National
Park
Pete Bartelme, Media Relations, The Yosemite Fund
Historic Tunnel View Overlook Rehabilitation to Begin as First Centennial
Project in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite, CA – The historic Tunnel View Overlook will receive a much-needed
makeover thanks to the National Park Service Centennial Initiative and
partnership with The Yosemite Fund.
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Mike Tollefson said today, “This is
an incredible time for national parks in general and Yosemite in
particular. This project, restoring one of the most iconic views in the
nation, celebrates both the approaching 100th Anniversary of the National
Park Service and the 20th Anniversary of The Yosemite Fund. We are thrilled
to have the opportunity to undertake this rehabilitation for the benefit of
all park visitors.”
“A signature view is about to get even better. The improvements will
reestablish the promise of inspiration to those who visit Tunnel View,”
said Bob Hansen, President of the nonprofit Yosemite Fund, whose donors are
contributing nearly $1.8 million to the $3.3 million project. “It’s an
honor to have this project selected as part of the Centennial Challengeand
to partner with the National Park Service to improve this historic site.”
The Tunnel View Overlook Rehabilitation Project is designed to remedy
safety issues, to correct drainage problems, to provide clear circulation
patterns for pedestrians and vehicles, to enhance and maintain viewing
opportunities for visitors, to provide accessibility to viewing areas for
visitors with disabilities, to correct safety problems associated with the
existing Inspiration Point trailhead, and to address sanitation issues
while maintaining vistas and the naturalistic, rustic character and
integrity of this historic site.
The Tunnel View Overlook is popular scenic viewpoint located adjacent to
Wawona Road at the east portal of the Wawona Tunnel. This overlook affords
expansive views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half
Dome. It was constructed in 1932 during an era that heralded a boom in
design and development throughout the National Park Service, and helped
initiate the National Park Service’s “rustic” design style. Wawona Tunnel
and Tunnel View were determined to be eligible for listing on the National
Register of Historic Places in 1986 because of their exemplary park service
rustic design. Very little physical change has occurred to Tunnel View’s
physical features (including rockwork, circulation patterns, and
configuration) since it was built in 1932. The site remains one of the most
popular scenic overlooks in Yosemite National Park. Tour buses, tram tours,
and single-family vehicles bring an estimated 5,000-7,000 people to the
site per day during the height of the visitor season.
The National Park Centennial Initiative is a 10-year program to
reinvigorate America’s national parks and prepare them for a second
century. The initiative includes a focus on increased funding for park
operations plus a President’s Challenge: up to $100 million a year in
federal funds to match $100 million a year in philanthropic donations to
the National Park Service.
National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar said, “With the nearly $25
million Congress has appropriated and nearly $27 million of matching
commitments from our park partners, the Centennial Initiative today moves
onto the landscape and into people’s lives. It’s a great day for the
National Park Service and a great day for Yosemite National Park.”
“This is how we put our Centennial goals on the ground and it’s quite a
beginning,” Bomar said. “We have 110 programs and projects involving more
than 130 individual, public and non-profit partners benefitting 76 national
park in 38 states and the District of Columbia.”
Director Bomar said, “We really have to get cracking. Many of our parks
have a short construction seasons for the brick and mortar and trail
projects and our rangers will need to quickly integrate new programs for
the rush of summer visitors who arrive in a few short months.”
The National Park Centennial Initiative provides a framework for the
National Park Service to engage the public in its mission. Its goals and
strategies will embrace new constituents and gain support from a broad
array of public and private partners to ensure America’s national parks
continue to thrive into the next 100 years.
Other 2008 Centennial Challenge programs and projects for Yosemite include:
• Junior Ranger Program at Happy Isles: This project will firmly establish
a base for Junior Ranger program operations at the Happy Isles Nature
Center by upgrading exhibits, providing an expanded curriculum of Junior
Ranger programs, and increasing staffing and volunteers.
• Connect Underserved Youth to Parks and Evaluate Success: This Multi-Park
project will provide diversity scholarships to underserved youth, and an
evaluation of the project’s success for three parks: Yosemite National
Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Olympic National Park. This
educational program will build on a strong private partnership with
Yosemite National Institute’s campus affiliates, Yosemite Institute,
Headlands Institute, and Olympic Park Institute.
• Nine national parks across the country, including Yosemite, will embark
on a national effort to discover and catalog all plant and animal life in
the national parks – technically speaking, they will conduct all taxa
biologic inventories.
For a complete list of the 2008 National Park Service Centennial Challenge
projects and programs please visit www.nps.gov/2016 .
The Yosemite Fund is a non-profit organization that provides broad-based
private funding and resources for projects that preserve, protect or
enhance Yosemite National Park. Since 1988, more than 100,000 individual,
corporate and foundation donors have enabled the Fund to grant over $40
million to complete over 200 projects in Yosemite. Contributors to the Fund
provide a margin of excellence in Yosemite, extending a long-standing
tradition of private philanthropy in National Parks. Results of the Fund’s
work on major projects can be seen most notably at the approach to lower
Yosemite Falls ($12.5 million), Glacier Point ($4 million), Happy Isles ($2
million) and Olmstead Point ($1.2 million). Learn more at
www.yosemitefund.org 1-800-4-MY-PARK. (-NPS- )
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TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE
April 24, 2008
Weather: (April 16 to April 23)
High temp: 59° (April 18)
Low temp: 6° (April 21)
New Snow: 3” (April 22)
Total settled snow depth: 23” as of April 24
Ski Conditions and Weather: It has been a cool and windy week at Tuolumne.
A series of storms have passed us by to the north, bringing many prolonged
episodes of high winds and clod temperatures. We did get a few inches of
new snow on Tuesday, but most of that blew away in the high winds the next
day. The snow has been firm to icy in the mornings, softening somewhat in
the afternoons. The Tuolumne River and most of its tributaries are now free
of ice, in most spots the only way across is to use the summer trail
bridges. The latest snow conditions report from the east side is that the
Tioga Road (Highway 120) has been plowed from the road closure gate outside
of Lee Vining up to the lower end of Tioga Lake. If all goes according to
plan, Caltrans will have the road cleared and open to the public up to the
park boundary at Tioga Pass for the opening day of fishing season on April
26. On our west side, skiers coming up the Snow Creek trail report that the
snow line begins just above the summer trail bridge, which is about 1/2
mile above the top of the switchbacks; everything below that level has
melted out. The latest report from the west end of the Tioga Road is that
plow crews have cleared the first 12 miles of road east from Crane Flat.
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: Birds seen in the past week include Mallard, Common Merganser,
Killdeer, Northern Flicker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker,
Black-backed Woodpecker, Violet-green Swallow, Steller’s Jay, Clark’s
Nutcracker, Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, Brown Creeper, White-breasted
Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Townsend’s Solitaire, American Robin,
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, White-crowned Sparrow, and Brewer’s
Blackbird. We are still seeing quite a few Painted Lady butterflies
migrating through the meadows during the afternoons. Animal tracks seen in
the past week include Coyote, Pine Marten, Chickaree, Mice/Vole, and Hare.
No sign of any bears up here 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)
Announcements
Information for the El Portal Community
Thursday, April 24, 2008. This past Monday the El Portal Market was
completely destroyed by fire. Yosemite National Park Superintendent Michael
Tollefson announced today the decision to move the store operation to the
El Portal Motor Inn (currently known as the Special Park Uses Office) for
the duration of the concessionaire’s six year contract. The Park plans to
have the building ready to open as a store in nine months time.
No decision has been made yet regarding the option of opening up the back
road (“Rail Road) from the Park fire house to the Motor Inn and will be
discussed at upcoming El Portal Town Planning Advisory Committee meetings.
The Park staff who currently work in the Special Park Uses Office will be
moved into temporary office space in the near future.
The results of the Mariposa County Fire Investigation Report are
anticipated to be released sometime on Friday. Hazardous waste material
evaluation of the burn site will begin on May 5 and is expected to take at
least a week for results. Clean up of the burn site will commence after the
hazardous waste evaluation is completed.
A web page has been created for information regarding the El Portal Market.
Postings will be made as they are received at:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/epm.htm
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The Vernal Fall water system and comfort station will open for the season
on Friday, April 25. (K. Kirk - 4/24/08)
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Annual Wildland Fire Refresher Training
The Fire Management Office will be holding the following Annual Wildland
Fire Refresher Training Sessions. This training is required by all of
those employees that are "Red Carded" for fireline duties. If you need
this training, please try to make one of these sessions.
April 28 0800-1700 Valley SAR Training Room Contact Aaron
Woods 372-0416
April 30 0800-1700 El Portal Community Hall Contact Bernard
Spielman 379-1903 THIS CLASS IS FULL
May 1-2 Hours TBD Crane Flat Helibase Contact Eric
Small/Jeff Pirog 379-1911/372-0414
May 23 0800-1700 Cedar Lodge Contact Bernard
Spielman 379-1903
June 10 0800-1700 Valley Fire Station Contact Jeff
Panetta 375-9515
Please bring you're line gear. We are exchanging all shelters to the new
style with reinforced top.
PACK Testing will begin in May. More information will follow.
If you need further information contact Deron Mills 379-1902 or Bernard
Spielman 379-1903. (D. Mills - 4/23/08)
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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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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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El Capitan Shuttle: The El Capitan Shuttle has begun limited service from
the Visitor's Center and Camp 4 to the El Cap Picnic Area. Service
operates daily every thirty minutes from 9:00 to 6:00. After the
construction is completed along Northside Drive, the Shuttle will expand to
include the remaining stops at the cross-over and the four mile trail head.
(G. Rosenfeld - 4/8/08)
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PLEASE JOIN US IN BIDDING FAREWELL TO
Joella Domingues
Joella will be leaving us after 35 years of service. Please join us as we
celebrate and remember her career in Yosemite!
We will be at the East Auditorium in Yosemite Valley on May 15th from
12:00pm to 2:00pm.
There will be cake and coffee provided by the PCO Staff. Please bring your
favorite dessert or beverage to share, as we share our memories with each
other!!!
For more information you may contact Alan Hawksley at 379-1278 or Dan
Benitag at 372-0533. (T. Hawksley - 4/4/08)
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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)
*************************************************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)
*************************************************
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
E-Mail:
YOSE_FMD_Customer_Service_Center@nps.gov
Fax:
(209) 379-1066 (S. Goodmorning - 4/1/08)
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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)
HR Corner
Yosemite National Park
Current Vacancy Announcements
UPDATED: April 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 – NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CAREER OR CAREER-CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES
Human Resources Specialist
Vacancy Ann.#: PWRSEA-2008-45
Who May Apply: Agency Employees Only
Pay Plan: GS-0201-05/07/09/11
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/24/2008
Closing Date: 5/8/2008
PERMANENT – GOVERNMENTWIDE ALL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES
Lead Forestry Technician
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 183954 WRB 08
Who May Apply: Status Candidates
Pay Plan: GS-0462-05/06
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/16/2008
Closing Date: 5/7/2008
Supervisory Forestry Technician
Vacancy Ann.#: YP183955 NMH-08
Who May Apply: Status Candidates
Pay Plan: GS-0462-08
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/16/2008
Closing Date: 5/7/2008
PERMANENT -- STATUS NOT REQUIRED – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Budget Clerk (Typing)
Vacancy Ann.#: YP174252-08-PS
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0561-04
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/23/2008
Closing: 04/28/2008
Lead Forestry Technician
Vacancy Ann.#: YP-183953-AY FY08
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0462-05/06
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/16/2008
Closing Date: 5/7/2008
TERM -- STATUS NOT REQUIRED -- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Architect (Historical)
This announcement has been extended. If you previously applied to YP164173
with a complete application package, including copies of your college
transcripts, you need not re-apply.
Vacancy Ann.#: YP164173 ext NH
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0808-09/11
Appointment Term: Term
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/8/2008
Closing Date: 4/29/2008
Salary: From 51,738.00 to 69,013.00 USD per year (H. Whitman - 4/24/08)
Community News
Summer Housing Needed - Two summer law clerks [paid positions] are looking
for rooms to rent in the local community. Tom and Scott will be working
for Protection in the Legal Office and are second year law students at
Hastings and San Joaquin. If you would be willing to rent a room or know
of a rental call Beth at the Legal Office. 372-0243. (B. Waldow - 4/11/08)
*************************************************
Wanted - a room to rent, or house to share. A new employee (non-smoking
female) coming to the park on a term appointment is seeking a place to
stay. Would prefer to be within commuting distance from El Portal.
Contact at 216-731-1056, laura_elze@yahoo.com (T. Croissant - 4/15/08)
*************************************************
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)
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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
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)
*************************************************
April 27th-May 3rd, YNP and Yosemite Institute will be hosting this fine
group:
Arcade Fundamental Middle School, Sacramento, 8th grade
Cambria Grammar School, Cambria, 5th grade
Kenwood Elementary School, Kenwood, 6th grade
Mission Avenue Open School, Carmichael, 4th grade
Saklan Valley School, Moraga, 6th grade
St. Joachim’s School, Madera, 8th 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 - 4/24/08)
*************************************************
YOSEMITE RENAISSANCE XXIII ART EXHIBIT open at the Yosemite Museum Gallery
through May 4, 2008, Fridays through Mondays, 10 - Noon and 1 - 4 PM.
TAKE SOME ART HOME! Most of the works of art are available for sale, with
one-quarter of the proceeds going to support the Renaissance non-profit
arts organization, and the rest to the artist.
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, and six prize-winners were named and received $4000 in cash
awards. This year's exhibit is unquestionably one of the best and includes
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. (J.
Bayless & B. Beroza - 3/26/08)
*************************************************
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)
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Recycle Your E-Waste - Free electronic waste drop off at the Mariposa
County Fairgrounds. May 2 -3, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Recycle your
old TV, monitors, computer towers, keyboards, LCD screen, laptop, printers,
copiers, faxes, calculators, speakers, cell phones, telephones, stereo
systems, DVD players, VCRs. Please no batteries, light bulbs, or household
hazardous waste. For more Information please contact the Mariposa County
Fairgrounds 209.966.2432 (C. Baker - 3/28/08)
*************************************************
Argentine Tango Dance Class!! Taught by visiting instructors from
Argentina:Marcelo Molina y Carolina Vazquez
Sunday May 4th, 3:30-5:30pm, El Portal School Multi-Purpose Room
$25/person, 2 hour class, including a Dance Performance by the instructors
Bring: dance shoes with slippery soles (slippery socks work too!)
*No Partner Needed*
Sponsored by YEA and Balanced Rock Foundation - Questions? Call Myra
379-2540 (M. McKenney - 4/15/08)
*************************************************
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)
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Do you like working with people? Do you possess exceptional customer
service skills? The Yosemite Association needs you! We are now hiring for
seasonal Sales Information Assistants for work in Yosemite Valley from May
thru October. Duties include retail sales, store maintenance, and
information assistance. At least one year of related experience, and a H.S.
diploma required. Some college preferred. Candidates must have excellent
customer service skills, be able to work flexible hours, and be able to
work both independently and with a team. Valid CA Driver’s license
required. Strong computer skills essential. Knowledge of and interest in
Yosemite National Park preferred. Salary range is $9.00 to $13.00 DOE. Send
a resume and application to Administrative Coordinator, Yosemite
Association, PO Box 230, El Portal, CA 95318, or by email to
cking@yosemite.org. Request an application by phone at (209) 379-2646, or
on our website at www.yosemite.org/aboutya/yajobs.htm. (C. King- 4/23/08)
*************************************************
House for rent: Nice 1 bedroom cabin on Usona Ridge Road on four acres.
Perfect for single or couple. Beautiful sunset views. $600.00 monthly
with cleaning deposit and first month required. Contact Mary at 742-7895.
.....K Neogy (M. Christiansen - 4/17/08)
Acting Designation
Kristin Ramsey will be the acting Branch Chief for Interpretive Support
Services from April 22-30. (M. Kline - 4/22/08)
*************************************************
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)
*************************************************
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)
_______________________________
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
