Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Winter weather advistory for Yosemite - Daily Report for March 27


Don't forget, you can plan your entire Yosemite vacation at www.YosemiteThisYear.com 

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
WEATHER
Winter Weather Advisory
A Winter Weather Advisory for snow above 6000 feet remains in effect from 11pm this evening to 5pm PDT Wednesday for the southern Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon. Snow accumulations: up to a foot above 7500 feet and 4 to 8 inches near 6500 feet. Timing: light snow will begin this evening, becoming heavy at times late tonight and Wednesday morning. Snow will decrease during the afternoon Wednesday, and mostly end by evening.

Yosemite Valley
Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. 
Tonight: Rain, mainly after 11pm. Low around 37. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Wednesday: Rain. High near 44. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 53.

El Portal 
Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. 
Tonight: Rain, mainly after 11pm. Low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Wednesday: Rain. High near 65. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. 

Wawona
Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.
Tonight: Rain, mainly after 11pm. Low around 37. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Wednesday: Rain. High near 50. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. 
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NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY
Power Outage Today
The High Voltage Shop will be performing a scheduled power outage of the FM offices/cubbies on Tuesday March 27, 2012 from 5-9 PM to fix power distribution to this area of the building. Any questions should be routed to Dan Raspotnik, High Voltage Supervisor, at 379-1236. (D. Raspotnik)
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DNC Openings and Closings
The Wawona Hotel is excited to announce they will open for the 2012 season on Friday, March 30th. The Front Desk will open at noon on Friday for arriving guests. The Dining Room will open at 5:30 for Dinner service on Friday the 30th.  Thereafter regular dining hours will be available as follows:  Breakfast from 7:30 - 10 AM, Lunch from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM and Dinner service from 5:30 - 9 PM.

Yosemite Mountaineering School is opening Friday, March 30, 2012, weather and conditions permitting. 
The Bike Stand at Yosemite Lodge will be opening on Friday, March 30, 2012, weather and conditions permitting. 
Badger Pass Ski Area closes for the season on Sunday, April 1, 2012. (W. Kearns)
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Yosemite in the News
EDITORIAL: Public must get involved in developing plan for Yosemite
Park Service is shaping rules that will change visitor access to Yosemite.

By: Fresno Bee"As the crown jewel of the nation's park system, Yosemite National Park has many challenges because of its popularity. Yosemite needs to be as accessible as possible without allowing that "human footprint" to overwhelm the park......."
http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/03/21/2770285/editorial-public-must-get-involved.html

Yosemite Releases Five Preliminary Management Plans
By: Sabrina Ambler, MML News Reporter
“Yosemite National Park announced the release of a workbook that details the five Preliminary Alternative Concepts for the Comprehensive Management Plan for the Merced Wild and Scenic River…….”
http://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/1555841/Yosemite-Releases-Five-Preliminary-Management-Plans.html
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Mariposa Office Move - Workplace Enrichment Improvements
Moving our Strategic Plan Forward
We wanted to provide an update on the office move to Mariposa. Foremost, we want to acknowledge and thank the Administration Division who have really stepped up and helped the park as we take this step tor providing additional office space. The decision to move only the Administration Division to Mariposa came after much careful deliberation by the ELT. We wanted to keep the entire division together for an efficient work flow. Opening an NPS office in Mariposa has been identified as an important objective in our 2020 strategic plan and has been a long-term goal of Yosemite for more than 30 years. We also want to thank Tom Darcy, Ron Gaunt, David Thorpe, and Ron Watson, and their work groups for their expertise and support as we map out this project and make the Stroming Building in Mariposa a great place for our employees to work.
As part of gaining new office space, Yosemite has agreed to remove a number of rented trailers in the park. We have already removed the Project Management Construction Trailer from Yosemite Valley. We now are looking to remove the "SPU Trailer" complex in El Portal, that houses parts of our Wilderness, LEO, Volunteer, Special Park Use, Fee Management and Concession Management operations. Later, we will look to remove the Planning Division trailer, but only after the completion of the MRP, TRP and other major plans. There may be other trailer reductions to provide upgraded office space as we move forward, depending on the amount of space in the main building. 
Our projected time-line to occupy the Mariposa Stroming Building will be in mid-May 2012, and we have a lot of pressing work to accomplish in order to meet this schedule. After we successfully complete this part of the move, the park will then fully evaluate the vacated office space in El Portal. During this process, the ELT will look closely at how this space can be re-allocated most appropriately and effectively. The first priority will be to accommodate those workgroups that will be displaced by the removal of the rented trailers. Afterward, any remaining space will be reviewed and considered for either redistribution as office space, or for other purposes such as training or meeting spaces. We hope to share with you our plans in the near future. If you have concerns, please pass them on to your supervisor.
Finally, we wanted to apologize for any confusion about how this move was organized. Acquiring new offices outside of the park and orchestrating a move such as this does not come with a road map, and we are learning and adjusting as we move forward. The new space became available much sooner than we anticipated. Mariposa County was extremely helpful in securing the space.
We sincerely appreciate your patience and support during this time of positive change. In the end, an NPS office in Mariposa will be a great thing for the park, our employees, the community, our partners, and our visitors. We hope to have an open house sometime this summer to celebrate this success story!
On behalf of the ELT, thank you for working with us.
Don Neubacher
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Yosemite Rotary Easter Egg Hunt
Save the Date! Yosemite Rotary invites you to hop on over to the Yosemite Valley School for a fun-tastic Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 7th, at 10am.  This year we'll also feature a fabulous bake sale to help raise funds to support local and regional youth programs. (T. Marshall)
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Music update for El Portal Spring Fling on April 28th, 2012
We are excited to announce The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit will be headlining this year's event on the outdoor stage. For information on our other great artists, general information and to purchase advance tickets, please go to www.elportalca.org. (T. Newburger)
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Yosemite National Park Child Care Center Updates
We have received permission from the park superintendent for NPS employees to serve on the YNPCCC Board of Directors. If you are an NPS employee and are interested in being on the board, please submit your name via e-mail to Jill Killian at jillmodrak@yahoo.com, by close of business, Thursday, March 29. If you are a parent in El Portal, please submit your name to Echo Davenport at echo_esp@hotmail.com. In addition to submitting your name to the either Echo or Jill, please send an email to lauriecyu@hotmail.com expressing your interest in being on the board of directors. All applicants will be voted on at the April 5 board meeting.
The Yosemite National Park Child Care Center is looking for an energetic, creative, and loving person to be a Teacher at the El Portal center. We are committed to providing the highest quality child care and preschool education to the children of Yosemite Valley and would love to have you as part of our team! Position is part time at $10.00 per hour. Please send resumes to ynpchildcare@gmail.com  or contact (209)372-4819 for more information. (L. Yu)
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For Rent
Three bedroom, one and half bath 960 sq-ft. mobile-home at $675/mo.  Includes appliances and an option of partial furnishing.  Refrigerator, propane furnace and stove, front-loading washer and dryer, propane water heater, and swamp cooler.  Located just off of Highway 140 on Colorado Rd, Midpines.  No pets.  Available beginning of April 2012.  510-915-0404  OK till 10:30 pm, if VM leave a good time to call back. ofer@kadima.us. (Y. Radanovich)
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Badger Pass Daily Snow Report - 3/27
Coverage: Conditions on the slopes are excellent
New snow: 16" from last storm
Snow Conditions: Powder and Packed Powder
Forecast: Mostly cloudy
Temperature: High 47, Low 31
Runs Groomed: Bruin, Eagle, Rabbit, Turtle, Badger
Lifts Open: Bruin, Eagle, Badger, Turtle
Runs Open: All
XC trail snow conditions: New snow - excellent conditions! Groomed tracks to Glacier Point on Monday morning, March 26th. Old Badger Summit and Teaching Area groomed Tuesday morning, March 27th.
Tubing Hill: Two sessions: 11:30 – 1:30 & 2:00 – 4:00. One tubing lane. (E. Fraley)

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RECENT NEWS 

Attend March 28 MRP Preliminary Alternative Concepts Workshop in Yosemite Valley
Join us on March 28 from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Yosemite Valley Auditorium to preview the Merced River Plan preliminary alternative concepts. This is the first of four public workshops that present the MRP’s five preliminary alternative concepts. Once finalized, the Merced River Plan will guide management of the corridor’s restoration, user capacity, and land use for the next 20 years. At the workshop, you’ll receive the 30-page Preliminary Alternative Concepts Workbook (available online at http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mrp_documents.htm) accompanied by presentations and poster displays. The March 28 workshop includes an optional 1-3 p.m. site visit to tour pertinent locations addressed in the alternative concepts. To join the site visit, meet outside the Yosemite Valley East Auditorium at 1 p.m. The MRP comment period is open through April 20 on PEPC at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/MRPAlternatives. Public comment and internal review will be incorporated into the draft alternatives that will be analyzed in the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) due to be released in fall 2012. Call Yosemite’s Planning Division at (209) 379-1110 with questions.

Additional workshops:
5:30-8 p.m. April 4 in the Golden Gate Room at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco
5:30-8 p.m. April 12 in the El Portal Community Hall
1-3:30 p.m. April 13 in the Wawona Community Hall

Additional site visits:
2-4 p.m. April 12. Meet at the El Portal Community Hall
10-Noon April 13. Meet at the Wawona Community Hall

Webinars (log on to yose.webex.com):
10 a.m.-noon March 27
6:30-8:30 p.m. April 11 (J. Friesen McCabe)
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EPC Internship This Summer
The Environmental Planning and Compliance Branch of Project Management has an internship opportunity this summer for a current college/graduate student through the Student Conservation Association. The intern will revise the standard operating procedures that guide environmental compliance in the park. A background in environmental planning, policy, or similar discipline is preferred along with strong writing/communication skills. Internship must be a minimum of 12 weeks to receive a weekly $75 stipend and $1,500 award for tuition/student loans. For more details or to apply, send a cover letter and resume preferably by March 30 to Madelyn Ruffner, Acting Environmental Planning and Compliance Program Manager, madelyn_ruffner@nps.gov, 209-379-1226. Selection will be made on first-come basis to use the SCA program so apply soon!
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Attention Yosemite Military Veterans - "YOSE VETS"
I am continuing to update our email list to provide park military vets (and any employee with an interest) with information regarding detailed benefit updates, links and other helpful specialized information concerning benefits and other current issues of interest to veterans. If you are a military veteran (any branch, active, reserve or national guard) or an interested Yosemite employee and would like to be included on our email list but have not done so please respond to me directly with your name, former branch of service and veteran status. Dave Henderson, SEPM - Veterans Affairs - EOC; Office phone: (372-0600) - david_henderson@nps.gov. (D. Henderson)
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Job Posting – Yosemite Conservancy – Seasonal Sales Information Assistants
Sales Information Assistants report to the Sales Supervisor for their assigned duty station(s) and perform sales and cashiering tasks. The positions are responsible for selling books, maps and other products; operating a cash register and handling transactions; processing and reconciling cash banks; providing superior customer service and information to National Park visitors; promoting the Yosemite Conservancy; assisting with maintenance and care of the duty station(s). For more information about Yosemite Conservancy, the position and how to apply, see www.YosemiteConservancy.org/Employment. (T.King)

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ACTING DESIGNATIONS

Sean McCabe will be the acting Chief of Staff while Mike Gauthier is out of the office on Monday March 26 to Wednesday March 28th. If you have any questions, please contact him. He can be reached via email or at: 209-372-0459.

Ethan McKinley will be acting Chief of the Business Revenue & Management division through mid-June. He can be reached at 372-0333.
Gus Smith will be the acting Chief of Fire and Aviation Management from March 23rd - April 0. He can be reached at 209-375-9596.
Jeffrey Trust will be Acting Deputy Chief of Interpretive Operations, Acting Yosemite Valley Field Interpretation Supervisor, and Acting Web Manager until April 2. He may be reached at 372-0307.
Madelyn Ruffner (379-1226) is on a 120-day detail as Acting Environmental Planning and Compliance Program Manager. Please contact Jessica Zeek (379-1002), Administrative Support Assistant for Environmental Planning and Compliance with questions.
Jack Hoeflich will be acting Valley District Ranger until further notice.
Ron Watson will be the Acting Supervisory Information Technology Specialist until further notice. He may be reached at 379-1173.
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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For submissions, please email yose_daily_report@nps.gov (there's no need to email anyone else). Submission guidelines and Daily Report FAQs can be found here: http://go.nps.gov/dailyreport. Yosemite's Daily Report is an internal memorandum of long standing intended to provide timely administrative information needed for daily park operations. The primary purpose of the report is to serve as a communication tool for park management to pass specific operational information to field employees of Yosemite National Park, park partners, concessioners, and related government agencies in a fast and efficient manner and offer a format for interdivisional, interagency, and general intra-park notifications.
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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Yosemite Daily report for Thursday, March 22

Remember you can plan your Yosemite vacation at www.YosemiteThisYear.com


Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Thursday, March 22, 2012
WEATHER
Special Weather Statement
A storm system originating in the Gulf of Alaska will drift southward during the next couple of days and be situated off the California coast this weekend. Although there is some uncertainty with the track of this storm and the arrival of its precipitation, it has the potential to bring a substantial amount of rain and mountain snow to the central California interior by the end of this weekend.
Rainfall totals of up to an inch are possible in the San Joaquin Valley by Sunday evening with two inches or more in the foothills. In the mountains, snow accumulations of up to two feet are possible above 6000 feet by Sunday night. As the storm approaches, gusty winds of up to 40 mph may occur in Merced county and along the west side of the San Joaquin Valley Saturday. A colder and unstable airmass associated with this storm may trigger isolated thunderstorms in the San Joaquin Valley Sunday afternoon. In the mountains, snow levels will initially be between 6500 feet and 7500 feet then lower to around 4500 feet by Sunday night. However, brisk winds may hamper travel below the passes Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
Yosemite Valley
Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 48.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. 
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. 
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. 

El Portal
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. 
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. 
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.  

Wawona
Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 57.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. 
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. 
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. 

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NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY
Events at Sal's Tonight
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a taco and a beverage at Sal's, this Thursday, March 22. While there, you'll have another chance to vote on the Yosemite Employee Association's proposed new bylaws, as YEA has extended the voting period to make sure everyone who wants to vote can. This week will officially be the last chance to vote, though, so come on down for democracy's sake. There will also be a raffle and bake sale to support the El Portal School taking place. And, as always, designated drivers get a free soda. See you there! (M. Goldberg)

El Portal Elementary is holding a bake sale tamale sale on Thursday, March 22, during Sal’s Taco Night. Sales of these delicious home-made items will help pay for our 4th-6th grade Spring Field Trip to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. We will also be holding the raffle drawing that night. Thank you to the many wonderful community members who have already supported us by buying tickets, and you’ll have one last chance to buy more on Thursday. See you at the El Portal Community Hall this Thursday, March 22! Thanks! (P. Amstutz)

Sustainable Action will be at Sal's this Thursday 3/22. If you'd like to have your bike fixed, learn how to repair it, or you'd simply like to borrow tools and a bike stand to work on your own bike, feel free to stop by. Sustainable Action also rents bikes for community use through our own bike library as well as the Climate Friendly Bikes Project from a generous grant from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). We're currently waiting to receive some replacement parts, but should have our rental fleet up and running soon. Questions/Comments: Kate McHugh, email: bikes@sustainableaction.org, phone: 520.349.9818 (K. McHugh)
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Workplace Enrichment
From Where I Sit: Perspectives on Respecting And Valuing Employees
Through this continuing article series, titled From Where I Sit, the national Workplace Enrichment committee shares knowledge, inspiring and motivating practices, and helpful tools that are critical to achieving our mission in the 21st century. The newest article in the series has been posted on InsideNPS. Patty Wissinger, superintendent at Chattahoochee River NRA, discusses respecting and valuing employees. The article can be found at http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewnpsnewsarticle&type=Announcements&id=11780. (J. Treutelaar)
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Badger Pass Daily Snow Report - 3/22
Coverage: Conditions on the slopes are excellent & Spring-like
Snow Conditions: Powder and Packed Powder
Forecast: Mostly sunny
Temperature: High 56, Low 34
Runs Groomed: Bruin, Eagle, Rabbit, Turtle, Beaver, Red Fox
Lifts Open: Bruin, Eagle, Badger, Turtle
Runs Open: All
XC trail snow conditions: Groomed tracks were set out to Glacier Point on the morning of 3/18. Groomed tracks were set out to Bridalveil Campground on the morning of 3/22. The conditions along the road are excellent and spring like.
Tubing Hill: Two sessions: 11:30 – 1:30 & 2:00 – 4:00. One tubing lane. (S. Costello)
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RECENT NEWS
Planned Power Outages
There will be a power outage March 28, 2012. Areas affected will be, DNC Garage, Indian Creek Apartments, the DNC General Offices, the Bank, and Camp 6. DNC Garage, Indian Creek apartments, the General Offices, and the Bank will only be without power 9 a.m. thru 10 a.m. and again 4 p.m. thru 5 p.m. Camp 6 will be without power from 9 a.m. thru 5 p.m. Questions? call Dan Raspotnik 379-1236. (J. Brown)

The High Voltage Shop will be performing a scheduled power outage of the FM offices/cubbies on Tuesday March 27, 2012 from 5-9 PM to fix power distribution to this area of the building. Any questions should be routed to Dan Raspotnik, High Voltage Supervisor, at 379-1236. (D. Raspotnik)
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Yosemite is Our Backyard - Day Camp for 7-15 Year Olds
Kick off the summer right with learning and fun in Yosemite! The week after school lets out, NatureBridge will host Yosemite is Our Backyard - a day camp specially made for the children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews of the Yosemite area community. Campers meet with NatureBridge field educators daily at 8:45 in Yosemite Valley and embark on days filled with games, exploration, and learning. For older students, the program also includes an overnight stay at our historic Crane Flat campus. Volunteer as a chaperone for the program and your child can participate for half price! For more information, contact Kesia Lopez at 209-379-9511 ext 25, email klopez@naturebridge.org, or visit our website and register online at naturebridge.org/backyard. Dates: June 11-15, 2012. (M. Carr)
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Upcoming TELNPS Courses
The most current TELNPS course listings may be found on the HR Sharepoint site under Announcements. (T. Hawkins)
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Live Music Saturday
This Saturday (March 24th), the Adam Burns Band will be playing at the Yosemite Bug Hostel, starting at 7:00pm. More details at www.adamburnsband.com. (A. Burns)
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Curry Village Opening This Weekend
Curry Village is excited to announce they will open for the 2012 season on Friday, March 23rd. The Curry Village registration will open at noon on Friday for check-in for arriving guests. The Pizza Deck (indoor seating available) will open at 5:00 p.m. with regular hours of operation for the season of Mon-Fri 5-9 p.m. and Sat-Sun 12-9 p.m. The Pavilion Buffet will open for dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and beginning Sat. March 24th with be open daily for breakfast from 7-10 a.m. and dinner from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Curry Village Bar opens at 5:00 on Friday will daily hours of operation Mon-Fri 5-10 p.m. and 12-10 p.m. Sat-Sun. Coffee Corner opens for the season Sat. March 24th from 7-11 a.m. daily. (W. Kearns)
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Volunteer Needed
The Division of Resources Management and Science is looking for a volunteer to assist with surveying and monitoring peregrine falcon nests in April and May. This is a great introduction for someone interested in gaining experience in wildlife research and management. The volunteer/intern position would include housing and a modest stipend (at least 32 volunteer hours required each week for at least a month duration for stipend AND housing). Applicant must have a sense of humor, be extraordinarily patient (4-hour stints spent looking through spotting scope), be in good physical shape, and have diligent observational and note-taking skills. Anyone interested should contact Sarah Stock: sarah_stock@nps.gov or phone 209-379-1435. (L. Prell)
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NPS Policy for Motor Vehicle Accident Reporting Updated
Do you drive a government vehicle? The Park's policy for motor vehicle accident reporting, Directive #5: Incident/Accident Reporting and Investigation, has been updated. The new directive is posted on Sharepoint: http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/supt/Superintendents%20Orders/Yose%20Directive%2005%20Incident%20Reporting%20Revised%202-17-12.PDF. If you are involved in an accident that involves any damage to a government vehicle, you must immediately contact Dispatch to have a ranger investigate the accident, and you must fill out a Motor Vehicle Accident Report (SF-91) form. All employees need to know what their responsibilities are in case they are ever involved in an accident. (K. Kolbeck)
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For Rent
- $1100 per month…Custom built, three bedroom, two bath home with two-car garage in the Lushmeadows area. Includes stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal. New pergo flooring recently installed, pellet stove, spa and small work shop off the garage. Lots of storage space. Fenced garden area with two storage sheds. Deposit required is $1300.
- 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick home on Ben Hur Road. Includes stove and refrigerator. New swamp cooler installed in August 2011. New paint and carpet in the master bedroom. $900/mo. which includes garbage service twice a month. Security deposit required $1,100.
To view these rentals please contact Vicki Saenz @ Classic Property Management (209) 966-2121 or cell (209) 642-6510 or via email vicki.saenz@century21.com. (Y. Radanovich)
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Yosemite National Park Announces the Preliminary Alternative Concepts Workbook is now Available on the Park’s Website - news release
Workbook Designed to Help the Public Engage in Upcoming Public Meetings and Site Visits for the Merced River Plan
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

Yosemite National Park announces the availability of the Preliminary Alternative Concepts Workbook for the Comprehensive Management Plan for the Merced Wild and Scenic River Plan (MRP) on the park’s website today. Hard copies of the workbook will be available next week. The goal of the MRP is to provide visitor access and protect resources within the Merced River corridor. The document provides a look at the preliminary alternative concepts of the MRP. This is the first opportunity for the general public to see what the park has developed, incorporating scientific analysis and public comment. These preliminary alternatives will be refined and become a part of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the MRP, which will be released in the fall. Copies of the workbook will also be provided to each individual attending the Workshops/Site Visits.

The public is highly encouraged to attend one of the upcoming Public Workshops, Site Visits, and Webinars where the draft alternatives will be analyzed and discussed. The meetings are a continuation of the park's outreach efforts from last fall in which the public was asked to provide input on what they would like to see included in the management alternatives evaluated in the DEIS. The MRP is a very important plan and will guide the future management of Yosemite within the Merced River corridor. These spring workshops are another chance for the public to review work in progress and provide input directly to park planners about a range of conceptual approaches to protecting river values and managing use within the corridor. The MRP will guide future decisions about transportation, camping, parking, lodging, employee housing and other administrative uses, restoration, and set user capacity – most notably within Yosemite Valley – and will establish the management strategy and actions for the next 20 years by modifying the General Management Plan.

The Workshop schedule is:
- Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Yosemite Valley Auditorium
- Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Golden Gate Room, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
- Thursday, April 12, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., El Portal Community Hall
- Friday, April 13, 2012, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wawona Community Hall

Site Visits will provide an opportunity to discuss proposed actions “on-the-ground” at the locations where they may be implemented. They will be conducted in conjunction with the Workshops outlined above. Visitors are asked to wear comfortable walking shoes.

The Site Visit schedule is:
- Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., meet at the Yosemite Valley Auditorium
- Thursday, April 12, 2012, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., meet at the El Portal Community Hall
- Friday, April 13, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., meet at the Wawona Community Hall

There will also be two webinars conducted that will review the draft alternatives. These will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., and on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. People can participate in the webinars by logging into yose.webex.com.

The workbooks can be viewed at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/mrpalternatives. For the latest information on the MRP and all park planning efforts, please visit www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/planning.htm. (S. Gediman)
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Tree Work in El Portal and Foresta
PG&E tree contractors will be trimming or removing routine tree hazards along power lines in El Portal and Foresta. Please watch for signs and workers. (B. Mattos)
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Kindergarten Registration for 2012-13
The Mariposa County Unified School District will soon be holding Kindergarten Registration for children who will be turning 5 years old on or before November 1, 2012. In Yosemite Valley, registration packets have already gone out to families with eligible children whom we are aware of. If you have or know of someone who has a school-age child who has not been contacted-registration packets are available either at the Yosemite Child Care Center or at YVS or you can call us at 372-4791. We will need to collect all packets, along with a copy of the child’s birth certificate and immunization records by Wednesday, March 28 th at the Yosemite Valley School. All new kinders will then be invited to our Kinder-Visitation day to be held in May. Thank you. (C. Archer)
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Open House on Sunday at Fine Gold Creek
The Sierra Foothill Conservancy invites you to the annual Ewell Fine Gold Creek Open House, March 25th, 10am-4pm. The Mary and Austin Ewell Preserve at Fine Gold Creek is spectacular in the spring with abundant wildflowers, blossoming red bud, and willow and alder trees lining the creek. Park at the top and enjoy a scenic 1.5 mile hike down to the water. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with family and friends. Some limited parking will be available near the creek. Come and join the fun! This open house event is generously hosted by the Ben Ewell family and is open to all (members and non-members alike!). For more information and directions: http://conta.cc/xogQeD. (K. Boysen)
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ACTING DESIGNATIONS

Ethan McKinley will be acting Chief of the Business Revenue & Management division through mid-June. He can be reached at 372-0333.

Shauna Potocky will be acting Division Chief of Interpretation and Education this Thursday and Friday, March 22-23.
Mike Wichmann will be Acting Division Chief of Project Management beginning Monday, March 19, 2012, through Friday, March 23, 2012. Mike can be reached at 379-1139, or you may leave a message with Sarah Henderson at 379-1202.
Gretchen Stromberg will be Acting Branch Chief of the Design Branch of Project Management beginning Monday, March 19, 2012, through Thursday, March 22, 2012. Gretchen can be reached at 379-1006, or you may leave a message with Ashley Wilde at 379-1221.
Jeffrey Trust will be Acting Branch Chief of Interpretive Services, Acting Deputy Chief of Interpretive Operations, Acting Yosemite Valley Field Interpretation Supervisor, and Acting Web Manager until April 2. He may be reached at 372-0307.
Madelyn Ruffner (379-1226) is on a 120-day detail as Acting Environmental Planning and Compliance Program Manager. Madelyn may be found at her regular desk location in the EPC Trailer. Elexis Mayer (379-1377) has temporarily moved to the Planning Trailer to continue her work on the Merced River Plan. For further assistance, you may also contact Jessica Zeek (379-1002), Administrative Support Assistant for Environmental Planning and Compliance.
Jack Hoeflich will be acting Valley District Ranger until further notice.
Ron Watson will be the Acting Supervisory Information Technology Specialist until further notice. He may be reached at 379-1173.
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.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Madera Vintners Association to honor industry leaders


The Madera Vintners Association Awards
Winery of the Year, Winemaker of the Year and Winegrower of the Year

Madera, CA. - 2012 marks the 10th year anniversary of the Madera Wine Trail, and the Madera Vintners Association (MVA) is celebrating by honoring three wine industry professionals who have contributed to the region's winemaking success. Three awards have been given out by the Association for: Winery of the Year, Winemaker of the Year, and Grower of the Year.  The MVA will honor these recipients on April 19, 2012 at a special "Evening of Accolades" wine dinner at The Vineyard Restaurant in Madera.  

The Madera appellation is one of the oldest American Viticulture Areas in California. Madera County has a long tradition in the wine industry and strives to promote excellence in winemaking throughout the region.  The Madera Vintners Association was established by local wineries to ensure that the long standing tradition of wine making continues in Madera County.  The MVA has selected three honorees:

Birdstone Winery has been selected as Winery of the Year and is a family-owned winery located on the Eastern edge of the Madera AVA (American Viticulture Area). Birdstone Winery was established to produce world-class wines from the outstanding grapes available in the Madera appellation. This accomplishment has been rewarded with numerous medals and accolades from a variety of Local, Regional and International wine competitions. "Since the day we opened our doors, we've been obsessed with finding the best fruit, creating great wine, and making sure our guests have the best experience possible" - Tony Kirk, Owner/Winemaker.

Peter Ficklin has been awarded the title of Winemaker of the Year.  He is a third generation winemaker and President of Ficklin Vineyards.  Ficklin Vineyards is renowned for its California Port-style wines.  The winery was established in 1946 and planted authentic Portuguese grape varieties. During his career at Ficklin, Peter has not only continued producing the award winning Old Vine Tinta Port from the solera started in 1948, but also revived the Vintage Port program and founded a Tawny Port solera system producing 10, 15, 20 and 25 year-old Tawny Ports, all consistently receiving national recognition. 

John Simpson, a man who has largely shaped the wine business in California, is deservingly being honored as Winegrower of the Year. From Madera, Simpson has over the years been one of the largest grape land owners and managers in the state of California. John continues to push the boundaries of grape growing proving Madera grown grapes produce internationally acclaimed wines. Many wineries in Madera, and California, receive their grapes from Simpson. 

The MVA is proud to recognize these individuals who have helped bring success to the region's wine industry. The Madera Wine Trail will be hosting "Meet the Winemaker Weekend" on May 12 & 13, where guests can visit over 10 wineries and taste dozens of excellent local wines.  More information about the MVA and the Madera Wine Trail can be found on www.MaderaWineTrail.com or by calling 800-613-0709.