Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Yosemite Daily Report for Jan 31

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Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Tuesday, January 31, 2012

WEATHER

Yosemite Valley
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 49. 

El Portal
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. 
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. 
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. 
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 64. 

Wawona
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. 
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. 
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. 
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 56. 
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PARK AND PARTNER NEWS

Yosemite in the News
Last Thursday, the Park released the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Half Dome Trail Stewardship Project. This document outlines alternatives for use on the trail and Half Dome cables, building on the interim permit system that has been in place since 2010. As you all know, this is one of the most popular trails and activities in the park and it generates a lot of discussion. Below is the link to an excellent Associated Press (AP) story that hit the wires on Sunday which outlines the issues well and presents the park's preferred alternative. The story shows how much interest there is in the park worldwide, and it has run in hundreds of newspapers and television stations throughout the world.

Plan to limit Yosemite’s Half Dome access splits wilderness advocates and hikers who love it
By Tracie Cone, Associated Press
"There was a time not long ago when a climb to the top of Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome was a solitary trek attempted by only the most daring adventurers. Over the past decade, however, the route has been inundated with up to 1,200 nature lovers a day seeking to experience the iconic mountain that is stamped on the California quarter, stitched on a line of outdoor clothing and painted on the side of the park’s vehicles...."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/plan-to-limit-yosemites-half-dome-access-splits-wilderness-advocates-and-hikers-who-love-it/2012/01/29/gIQAgddAaQ_story.html(S. Gediman - 1/31)
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Badger Pass Snow Report - 1/31
Base Depth: 18”
Temperature: High 51 Low 34
Runs Groomed: Bruin, Eagle, Rabbit, Turtle
Lifts Open: Turtle, Bruin, Eagle, Badger
Runs open: All except Beaver
Groomed XC trails: Fresh Tracks from Badger Pass to Bridalveil Campground on Monday morning, 1/30.
XC trail snow conditions: Good with some road showing.
Tubing Hill: No Tubing; need more snow. (E. Fraley - 1/31)
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GSA Auction
The General Services Administration is conducting an internet auction of Yosemite personal property consisting of a pickup truck.  For further information regarding the sale item or to register to bid, visit the website gsaauctions.gov. Sale number 91QSCI12088 lot 316.  The sale will close on February 02, 2012.  An appointment must be made with Don Ramsey (379-1024) prior to inspection, no exceptions (serious bidders only). Park employees must view the item and bid on their own time. Park employees are allowed to participate in the sale, with the exception of any employee with unfair (nonpublic) detailed knowledge or prior use of an item offered for sale. Such employees are prohibited from bidding on that item, and the prohibition includes their immediate family as well. (D. Ramsey - 1/31)
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Valley Visitor Center Bookstore Sale
The Yosemite Conservancy at the Valley Visitor Center Bookstore has a Shop Worn and Damaged Goods Sale. Discounts up to 75%. Discounts may not be combined. (E. Popken - 1/30)

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EMPLOYEE NEWS

Temporary EPC Changes
Madelyn Ruffner (379-1226) has begun a 120-day detail as Acting Environmental Planning and Compliance Program Manager, aka Branch Chief of Environmental Planning and Compliance. You can find Madelyn at her regular desk location in the EPC Trailer. Elexis Mayer has temporarily moved to the Planning Trailer to continue her work on the Merced River Plan. Elexis can be reached at 379-1377. For further assistance, you may also contact Jessica Zeek (379-1002), Administrative Support Assistant for Environmental Planning and Compliance. (J. Zeek - 1/31)
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Arrow Glass
We have a couple of vehicles needing windshield replacements and repairs.  If anyone else within the Park needs to have a government vehicle or personal vehicle repaired  please notify the Machine Shop at 379-1150 or call Sharon of Arrow Glass at 533-3700. Just a note that the vehicle needs to remain here for at least 24 hours before being driven. (G. Tilley - 1/31)
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Notice of Power Outage for NPS Valley Residential Area
Thursday, February 2 and if needed, Friday, February 3, 2012, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Utilities’ Electrical Operations will be replacing the electric meter at your residence. This outage is local and will take approximately 15 minutes at each residence. If you need to contact a person from Utilities with any special instructions or questions please contact: Diane (Pookie) Mansker, 209-379-1056. (K. Bablitch - 1/30)

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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE


Fire Management to Resume Debris Pile Burning in El Portal and Foresta
Yosemite fire management may resume hand pile burning in El Portal and Foresta with help from the forecasted rain. Localized flames and smoke will be visible but impacts should be negligible and short lived. In an ongoing effort, park, state and private fire crews have created forest debris hand piles in and around the communities of Foresta and El Portal. These piles are being made to reduce biomass and create a 'defensible space' fuel break around Yosemite's vulnerable Wildland Urban Interface communities. Additionally, thinning, piling and burning can restore fire dependant ecosystems and set the stage for the progressive management of future natural or prescribed fires. Please contact Kelly Singer @ 372-0413 or Taro Pusina @ 375-9576 with any questions. (T. Pusina - 1/20)
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Village Store Closed
The Village Store will be closed for remodeling beginning Tuesday, January 17th and will reopen on Thursday, February 16th @ Noon. (1/18)
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UPDATE - Foresta Road Closure thru 2/29/12 - Slide Repair Between Rancheria and Old El Portal

The current road closure along Foresta Road will continue thru the end of February 2012. Due to the unseasonably dry weather crews made good progress on the upper (cut) slope stabilization and it is nearly complete, however the steep slopes required much of the work to occur with hand labor, so they were not able to make as much progress as planned. The remaining work includes the final seeding and mulching along the upper slope, then installation of a retaining wall along the lower (fill) slope, and then the final curb and pavement repairs. (M. Pieper - 1/6)

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ACTING DESIGNATIONS


Jack Hoeflich will be acting Valley District Ranger until further notice.
Andy Fristensky will be Acting Deputy Chief of Interpretive Operations until further notice. He may be reached at 372-0599.

Jeffrey Trust
will be Acting Yosemite Valley Field Interpretation Supervisor until further notice. He may be reached at 372-0307.

Ron Watson
will be the Acting Supervisory Information Technology Specialist until further notice. He may be reached at 379-1074.

Brenna Lissoway
(379-1283) is on a detail as the Park Archivist. 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


Under Our Skin III
Mountain Crisis Services, Inc. is holding their 8th  annual Valentine's Day benefit show February 10 & 11 at 8 p.m., indoors at the Mariposa County Park Amphitheater. Following last year's standing-room-only presentation of Under Our Skin II, Under Our Skin III features all new material: monologues, dialogues, fine art, film, music and dance centered around the lives of women in contemporary society and in history, locally and globally. And for the first time, men will be performing alongside the wonderful women who make this event a much-anticipated treasure - deepening our connections, illuminating our relationships, and celebrating the life-sustaining essence we share Under Our Skin. Each performance of UOS III will be followed by the now-legendary Soroptimist's Chocolate Reception at the River Rock Inn. Our tickets are $35.00 in advance, available at Mountain Crisis Services, River Rock Inn and Pony Expresso, or $40.00 at the door. A full evening of theater, an intermission raffle of locally-made artwork, and a luscious chocolate after-party make for  a wonderful  Valentine's date, and a delightful way to support Mountain Crisis Services' mission to end violence in our community and our culture. For more information please see our website at  www.mcsinc.info, or call Mountain Crisis Services at 742-5865. (A. Tudor - 1/31)
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El Portal Travel Series
Don’t miss the next EPTS! The El Portal Travel Series features amazing slide presentations, Tuesday nights, 7:00pm, El Portal Community Hall. February 7 – Katie Wallace - “Go With the Flow: Walking the Length of the Merced River.” Ever wonder what happens to the Merced after it goes beyond the bend below Briceburg? Katie set out to hike every mile of the Merced River, from its source on Mt. Lyell, to its confluence with the San Joaquin River. Join her in adventures with hitchhiking and trespassing, the discovery of a body, fights with mosquitoes and poison oak, and one wildly scenic river. March 6 - Laura Nordaas - “Returning home to Japan: Relief Work after the Earthquake & Tsunami.” April 3 - Andres Esparza - “Cycling from Alaska to Vancouver.” (P. Amstutz - 1/30)
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For Rent
Beautiful 2 bedroom home, Jerseydale area. $500 per month. contact avtechpro1@gmail.com or call 1-209-966-3158. (E. Whittle - 1/30)
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Music at the River Rock
Burgers & Brew $5 with the music of Scot Little. Wednesday night Feb 1st, dinner starts at 5pm and music at 6pm. (Vickie - 1/30)
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El Portal Dining Job Opportunities
The River Restaurant & Lounge, Parkside Pizza, The Cedar House Restaurant and The Canyon Bar and Grill are looking for people interested in joining our team. We have been making many improvements to all locations and our goal is to provide a fun working environment, and to enrich the lives of our guests and our team members. We do this through providing superior quality food and beverages, legendary customer service, sales growth, cost controls and treating our team members with respect. We believe that our team members are our most important asset and our success depends upon creating and retaining a team capable of delivering an exceptional dining experience to every customer, every time. We have openings for all jobs and all shifts. Examples of positions include experienced cooks, shift managers, host/cashier, bussers, and bartenders. These positions may be full time or part time. All jobs are seasonal. This is a great opportunity for qualified individuals to make some seasonal money in a safe, productive, fun environment. If you are interested, you can contact the admin office below for an employment application.
El Portal Dining, Inc.
5065 Hwy 140, Suite G (above Coldwell Banker Real Estate)
P.O. Box 7
Mariposa, CA 95338
209-966-7888
209-966-7884 fax (R. Stapp - 1/30)

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