Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Friday, July 15, 2011
WEATHER
Yosemite Valley
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 78.
El Portal
Today: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 53.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 93.
Wawona
Today: Sunny, with a high near 78.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 80.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Friday, July 15, 2011
WEATHER
Yosemite Valley
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 78.
El Portal
Today: Sunny, with a high near 88.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 53.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 93.
Wawona
Today: Sunny, with a high near 78.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 80.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
Tuolumne Meadows
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 67.
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HAPPENING TODAY
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 63.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 67.
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HAPPENING TODAY
Campground Openings
Bridalveil Creek Campground and Tuolumne Meadows Campground will open for the season today. (M. Carter - 7/14)
Bridalveil Creek Campground and Tuolumne Meadows Campground will open for the season today. (M. Carter - 7/14)
Community Safety Day Today
Yosemite National Park invites the public to participate in Community Safety Day in Yosemite National Park on Friday, July 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Yosemite Village mall (in front of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center). Visitors and community members will have the opportunity to see Yosemite’s Mounted Patrol horses, meet Yosemite search and rescue dogs, and learn about road, water, wildlife, wilderness, and fire safety. Activity books designed by “Little Ty Cooney” author Steve Riley will be available, free of charge, to children attending this year’s event along with other safety prizes. Activities include a bike safety and a fire prevention trailer. Adults can participate in free cholesterol screenings, blood pressure checks, and obtain free child identification kits. Information will also be available about community resources and emergency preparedness. This free event is put on by Yosemite National Park, DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., the Yosemite Medical Clinic, Mariposa County Sheriff’s Department, Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR), and Friends of YOSAR. (K. Cobb - 7/8)
Yosemite National Park invites the public to participate in Community Safety Day in Yosemite National Park on Friday, July 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Yosemite Village mall (in front of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center). Visitors and community members will have the opportunity to see Yosemite’s Mounted Patrol horses, meet Yosemite search and rescue dogs, and learn about road, water, wildlife, wilderness, and fire safety. Activity books designed by “Little Ty Cooney” author Steve Riley will be available, free of charge, to children attending this year’s event along with other safety prizes. Activities include a bike safety and a fire prevention trailer. Adults can participate in free cholesterol screenings, blood pressure checks, and obtain free child identification kits. Information will also be available about community resources and emergency preparedness. This free event is put on by Yosemite National Park, DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., the Yosemite Medical Clinic, Mariposa County Sheriff’s Department, Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR), and Friends of YOSAR. (K. Cobb - 7/8)
Childcare Center BBQ
The Yosemite National Park Childcare Center is throwing another fund raiser BBQ and it just happens to be at the same time as the Safety Fair this Friday! From 11:30am until 2:00pm they will be set up in front of the Indian Museum serving the classics; Burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chips, salad, and drinks. Adults eat for $8 and kids are only $4. Come and get some great food while supporting a valuable community resource and learning about the unique safety aspects that come with living and working in Yosemite National Park. (E. Brosk - 7/13)
The Yosemite National Park Childcare Center is throwing another fund raiser BBQ and it just happens to be at the same time as the Safety Fair this Friday! From 11:30am until 2:00pm they will be set up in front of the Indian Museum serving the classics; Burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chips, salad, and drinks. Adults eat for $8 and kids are only $4. Come and get some great food while supporting a valuable community resource and learning about the unique safety aspects that come with living and working in Yosemite National Park. (E. Brosk - 7/13)
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PARK AND PARK PARTNER NEWS
Half Dome Permits Update
Initial hiker counts for this season indicate that there are numerous no shows among Half Dome permit holders. In an effort to make up for these no shows, the National Park Service (NPS) will manually release additional Half Dome permits each day, at 7 am PDT on the day before the permit date. For instance, at 7 am on Friday, additional permits will become available online (recommended) and through the call center at Recreation.gov for use on Saturday. This will continue throughout the summer until further notice.
NPS will initially release an additional 50 Half Dome permits each day and then adjust these numbers, either up or down, throughout the season based upon ongoing hiker counts.These additional permits will have $1.50 processing fee and be limited to purchases of four at a time. Unlike the earlier Half Dome permits, these are non transferable. To counter the illegal resale of Half Dome permits, the group leader, whose name is recorded at the time of transaction, must accompany his or her group on their Half Dome hike. Once the permit transaction is completed, the group leader’s name cannot be changed.
The day-before-release method was chosen to counter both illegal resale of permits and speculative buying by the general public. While purchasing a permit the day before does not allow as much advance notice as many people may wish, it should put permits in the hands of hikers who will use them. (M. Marschall - 7/15)
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Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center Update
Starting Saturday July 16th, the wilderness center hours will be 7:30am to 5pm daily. (N. Chakrin - 7/15)
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Starting Saturday July 16th, the wilderness center hours will be 7:30am to 5pm daily. (N. Chakrin - 7/15)
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Tuolumne Power Outage Rescheduled
Southern Cal Edison will be upgrading aging infrastructure and/or completeing other repairs as needed. A power outage for all of Tuolumne Meadows has been changed to will be Monday August 1st, 2011 between 10:00am and 1:00pm. If you have any questions, please contact: Southern Cal Edison, 888-759-6056. (K. Bablitch - 7/15)
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Southern Cal Edison will be upgrading aging infrastructure and/or completeing other repairs as needed. A power outage for all of Tuolumne Meadows has been changed to will be Monday August 1st, 2011 between 10:00am and 1:00pm. If you have any questions, please contact: Southern Cal Edison, 888-759-6056. (K. Bablitch - 7/15)
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Wapama Bridge Closure
Wapama Bridge at Hetch Hetchy, on the Rancheria trail, is still closed due to dangerous, high water conditions. It will remain closed for the foreseeable near future. Expectations are for the high water conditions to remain for at least 7-10 days. Day hikers are still allowed to hike most of the way out to the falls. (C. Smith - 7/14)
Wapama Bridge at Hetch Hetchy, on the Rancheria trail, is still closed due to dangerous, high water conditions. It will remain closed for the foreseeable near future. Expectations are for the high water conditions to remain for at least 7-10 days. Day hikers are still allowed to hike most of the way out to the falls. (C. Smith - 7/14)
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EMPLOYEE NEWS
New Valley Campground Supervisor
Congratulations to Eric Bissmeyer who has been selected as the permanent Valley Campground Supervisor. Eric holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of South Dakota, and has worked for the NPS since 1998 holding positions in Jewel Cave, Mount Rushmore, and Yosemite. Eric has worked in various positions in Yosemite fees since 2003, including the challenging campground bear shift, entrance station positions, and, most recently, as the acting Valley Campground Supervisor. Congratulations! (M. Carter - 7/15)
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Congratulations to Eric Bissmeyer who has been selected as the permanent Valley Campground Supervisor. Eric holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of South Dakota, and has worked for the NPS since 1998 holding positions in Jewel Cave, Mount Rushmore, and Yosemite. Eric has worked in various positions in Yosemite fees since 2003, including the challenging campground bear shift, entrance station positions, and, most recently, as the acting Valley Campground Supervisor. Congratulations! (M. Carter - 7/15)
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Yosemite Medical Clinic Update
In yesterday's Management Team meeting, it was announced that the Yosemite Medical Clinic will not be able to treat NPS Employees, Volunteers, YCC, etc covered by OWCP for on the job injuries/illnesses. The clinic is diligently working to finalize the OWCP plan. If an employee is severely injured call 911 and the details will be worked out later. For non-urgent injuries, the employee can receive care at whichever identified medical facility is nearest to their location. These facilities are: J.C. Fremont in Mariposa, Oakhurst Urgent Care in Oakhurst, Mammoth Hospital in Mammoth, and Sonora Regional Hospital in Sonora. It is anticipated that the Yosemite Medical Clinic will be able to treat our injured workers, under an OWCP agreement soon, when finalized you will be notified. Questions about Workers Compensation? Call Mylee Williams @ 379-1878. Safety related questions, call Roger Farmer @ 379-1079. (M. Gauthier - 7/14)
In yesterday's Management Team meeting, it was announced that the Yosemite Medical Clinic will not be able to treat NPS Employees, Volunteers, YCC, etc covered by OWCP for on the job injuries/illnesses. The clinic is diligently working to finalize the OWCP plan. If an employee is severely injured call 911 and the details will be worked out later. For non-urgent injuries, the employee can receive care at whichever identified medical facility is nearest to their location. These facilities are: J.C. Fremont in Mariposa, Oakhurst Urgent Care in Oakhurst, Mammoth Hospital in Mammoth, and Sonora Regional Hospital in Sonora. It is anticipated that the Yosemite Medical Clinic will be able to treat our injured workers, under an OWCP agreement soon, when finalized you will be notified. Questions about Workers Compensation? Call Mylee Williams @ 379-1878. Safety related questions, call Roger Farmer @ 379-1079. (M. Gauthier - 7/14)
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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Valley Loop Trail Resurfacing
The Valley Loop Trail will be closed during work hours (8:00am-5:00pm) Mon through Friday, from Church Bowl to Lower Yosemite Falls loop. Detour signs are in place. This is due to trail resurfacing project. Expect closure to remain in effect through 8/22. (R. Kish - 7/12)
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Yosemite National Park Continues Work on Pavement Preservation Project
July 6 Update (expect up to 15-minute delays)
Rancheria and Old El Portal Areas
Next week, July 11th thru 15th crews will be microsealing various roads in Rancheria and Old El Portal from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For each work area, crews will be installing signs to notify residents when work is occurring on a particular street or parking area, so please move your vehicles when crews are working in your area. Next week is the beginning of the final surface treatment, so some of the narrow roads will require closure for up to 4-hours as the material cures, while others may require detours. Also, unless it is an emergency, please do not drive on the new pavement until you are directed to do so.
Foresta Road East (Foresta Community)
Crews will be chipsealing the Foresta Road on July 18th, between the Big Oak Flat Road and the Dumpster Area.
Hodgdon Area
Crews will be completing pothole repairs July 12th and 13th, then chipsealing the various roads July 14th and 15th, so please follow the guidance of the traffic control staff to avoid getting oil on your vehicles. (M. Pieper - 7/7)
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ACTING DESIGNATIONS
Carol Knipper is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology Programs from July 11 through 15.
Brian Martin will be acting chief of B&G thru 7/20 while Tom Darcy is out of the office. Brian's contact # is 379-1061.
Brian Long will be acting Valley Utilities Supervisor while Chad Thomas is out of the park from 7/14/11 to 7/30/11.
Jim Donovan will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division Friday, July 15th. You may reach Jim at his El Portal office at 379-1450.
David Engelstad will be Acting Construction Branch Chief, Project Management Division, from Monday July 11 through Friday July 15th while Mike Wichmann is away from the park. David can be reached at 379-1277.
Don Ramsey will be the Acting Supervisory General Supply Specialist from July 5 - 19. He can be reach at 379-1024.
Rachel Lewis will be acting Wilderness Patrol Supervisor from Wednesday afternoon June 29 through Sunday July 17. Rachel can be reached at the Wilderness Patrol Office at 372-0360 or by cell phone at (559) 731-1789. General Wilderness questions can be answered by calling the Wilderness Office at (209) 372-0347.
Dale St. Vincent has been selected as the acting Administrative Officer until the AO position is permanently filled.
Jim Roche will be acting branch chief of Physical Sciences and Landscape Ecology through September 30th.
David Engelstad will be Acting Construction Branch Chief, Project Management Division, from Monday July 11 through Friday July 15th while Mike Wichmann is away from the park. David can be reached at 379-1277.
Don Ramsey will be the Acting Supervisory General Supply Specialist from July 5 - 19. He can be reach at 379-1024.
Rachel Lewis will be acting Wilderness Patrol Supervisor from Wednesday afternoon June 29 through Sunday July 17. Rachel can be reached at the Wilderness Patrol Office at 372-0360 or by cell phone at (559) 731-1789. General Wilderness questions can be answered by calling the Wilderness Office at (209) 372-0347.
Dale St. Vincent has been selected as the acting Administrative Officer until the AO position is permanently filled.
Jim Roche will be acting branch chief of Physical Sciences and Landscape Ecology through September 30th.
Charles Cuvelier is acting Deputy Superintendent for the month of July. Charles can be reached at 372-0211.
Jay Shields will be Acting Mather District Ranger until further notice.
Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) will be the Acting Park Archivist while Paul Rogers is on a detail as the Acting Regional Archivist (PWR). If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related questions, you can call 379-1282 or 379-1104.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Jay Shields will be Acting Mather District Ranger until further notice.
Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) will be the Acting Park Archivist while Paul Rogers is on a detail as the Acting Regional Archivist (PWR). If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related questions, you can call 379-1282 or 379-1104.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
6th Street Cinema
Located upstairs in the historic Old Masonic Lodge on 6th Street, in downtown Mariposa. Entrance is $7 per film for non-members; non-member students pay $5. Monthly membership is $12 allowing film entry for $3 each. More information is available on the website: www.sixthstreetcinema.org. This week: July 15-16, (Friday - Saturday) 7:30 p.m.: VINCENT, A LIFE IN COLOR, with director Jennifer Burns and film subject Vincent Falk July 15-16, 7:30 p.m. Not rated; 93 min. Vincent P. Falk is Fashion Man. Clad in brightly colored suits, Vincent twirls on Chicago’s many bridges, performing fashion shows for passing tour boats. As he spins his way through the city, tourists and locals alike are left to wonder just who this strange man could be. Over the course of one boat season, we follow Vincent and begin to unravel the mystery that surrounds him. We discover that the man behind the fashion, having come through the travails of life, has decided to do what makes him happy. And so, he spins on. (T. Arfsten - 7/15)
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Bears in Housing Areas
There have been eight incidents this week where bears have entered occupied homes in Wawona. In almost all of these incidents, windows were left open, or doors were not properly latched while the occupants were asleep in another room. Additionally, when the bear was captured, its scat was full of bird seed indicating that bird feeders had likely been attracting it to homes. The Wildlife Management Staff will be closely monitoring bears in the residential areas; however, it is the responsibility of park residents to keep homes bear-proof! Bears entering homes through open windows or doors is a yearly problem in housing areas park-wide. This is a good time to remember if you are living anywhere in Yosemite, you are living in bear habitat. Please help keep bears safe and out of your house, by following these suggestions:
There have been eight incidents this week where bears have entered occupied homes in Wawona. In almost all of these incidents, windows were left open, or doors were not properly latched while the occupants were asleep in another room. Additionally, when the bear was captured, its scat was full of bird seed indicating that bird feeders had likely been attracting it to homes. The Wildlife Management Staff will be closely monitoring bears in the residential areas; however, it is the responsibility of park residents to keep homes bear-proof! Bears entering homes through open windows or doors is a yearly problem in housing areas park-wide. This is a good time to remember if you are living anywhere in Yosemite, you are living in bear habitat. Please help keep bears safe and out of your house, by following these suggestions:
- Close and latch all windows and doors if you are not home.
- Close and latch all windows and doors in unoccupied rooms when you are home, especially windows and doors near the kitchen.
- Close and latch all windows and doors in unoccupied rooms when you are home, especially windows and doors near the kitchen.
- Remove attractants such as bird feeders, coolers, and recycling from outside your home.
Remember to report bear sightings and incidents by leaving a message on the Save-A-Bear Hotline (209) 372-0322. (C. Lee-Roney - 7/14)
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"The Wild Adventures of John Muir”
A final annual performance - a Musical Play written and directed by Nancy Robichaud, music and lyrics by Ann Schafer. An entertaining story of Muir’s wildest adventures will have its final yearly performance on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 6pm. Muir’s exuberance for forest life and living comes alive on stage in story and song at Big Creek Meadow Ranch, Higway 120 at Road J32 (the John Muir Route) - Smith Station Road. Enjoy a Tri-tip picnic for $15 advance order price ($18 on site) at 5pm before the show. Children under 12 can attend for $3 and eat free with purchase of adult meal. This is an outdoor performance, bring a lawn chair. Call 209-962-1942 for advance sale tickets and picnic orders. (M. Maldonado - 7/14)
A final annual performance - a Musical Play written and directed by Nancy Robichaud, music and lyrics by Ann Schafer. An entertaining story of Muir’s wildest adventures will have its final yearly performance on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 6pm. Muir’s exuberance for forest life and living comes alive on stage in story and song at Big Creek Meadow Ranch, Higway 120 at Road J32 (the John Muir Route) - Smith Station Road. Enjoy a Tri-tip picnic for $15 advance order price ($18 on site) at 5pm before the show. Children under 12 can attend for $3 and eat free with purchase of adult meal. This is an outdoor performance, bring a lawn chair. Call 209-962-1942 for advance sale tickets and picnic orders. (M. Maldonado - 7/14)
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