Yosemite Daily Report for Aug. 15

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Monday August 15, 2011

WEATHER

Yosemite Valley 
Today: Sunny, with a high near 87. South southwest wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 56. Southwest wind 6 to 14 mph becoming east southeast.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 89. East southeast wind 6 to 11 mph becoming southwest.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 8 to 10 mph becoming west southwest.

El Portal 
Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 104. East southeast wind 6 to 13 mph becoming southwest.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 58. West southwest wind at 10 mph becoming east.
Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 106. East wind 8 to 10 mph becoming southwest.
Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 106. East wind 8 to 10 mph becoming west southwest.

Wawona
Today: Sunny, with a high near 91. Light wind becoming southwest between 10 and 13 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 46. West southwest wind at 10 mph becoming east.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 93. East wind 7 to 10 mph becoming southwest.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 95. East wind around 9 mph becoming west southwest.

Tuolumne Meadows
Today: Sunny, with a high near 71. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 13 mph increasing to between 19 and 22 mph. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 33. Southwest wind 18 to 21 mph decreasing to between 8 and 11 mph. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 73. Southwest wind between 7 and 11 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 77. Southwest wind between 6 and 11 mph.

***************************************************

HAPPENING TODAY

VILLAGE STORE PARKING LOT CLOSED TO VEHICLES EVENINGS, STARTING AUGUST 14th at 10:00 PM
NPS will be re-paving the Village Store Parking Area during the evenings (10:00 PM to 8:00 AM), Sunday thru Saturday, (August 14th thru September 2nd). Please refrain from parking your vehicle in at the Village Store Lot during nights while this project in ongoing. If you have a vehicle parked there long term, please relocate it before the project begins. Please note, the project extends from the Village Store to the DNC General Offices. Although parking will be available during the day, conditions will include dirt and gravel surfaces with temporary traffic control staff and devices to guide visitors and employees. A small section of Village Drive north of the parking area, will also be repaired at nights with single-lane traffic control. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Pieper (209) 379-1263. (M. Pieper - 8/11)

***************************************************

PARK AND PARK PARTNER NEWS

Yosemite Fires - Update #12 – August 15, 2011

Avalanche Fire: (37 39.794 x 119 42.238; 6,400’ el. Mariposa Co.)  This lightning caused fire has been burning in Yosemite National Park since it was discovered on the afternoon of July 31, 2011.  The fire was observed during a reconnaissance flight near Avalanche Creek and Glacier Point Road within Yosemite’s congressionally designated wilderness area.  The fire is at 940 acres.  At present the fire continues to be managed for multiple objectives including resource values, community protection and firefighter safety.  Smoke is visible from the Valley, Glacier Point Road and in the direction of transport winds. Park fire managers and firefighters are sensitive to smoke, visitation, and human health concerns and are therefore diligently timing burning operations to coincide with optimal smoke dispersion.  The park is collaborating with the Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District (MCAPCD) by communicating daily concerning potential air quality impacts, mitigations, and to support each agency’s responsibility to public health.  

Air monitoring equipment is installed within Yosemite West, El Portal and Yosemite Valley to obtain daily air quality levels.  As the fire continues to grow, landscape features have been identified as management action points within the planned perimeter.  Much of the proposed fire line is along roads, trails, and previous fire footprints.  These geographic points could limit fire spread when air dispersion is poor, and then can be accelerated when the atmospheric conditions improve.   Actions may be used by firefighters to minimize and reduce smoke impacts, such as helicopter water drops to cool portions of the fire.

Firefighters remain on scene through nighttime hours to insure holding the fire to the east of Glacier Point Road. As the fire moves closer to the roadways, the presence of firefighters, fire equipment and smoke will increase.  Drivers are urged to adhere to posted 25mph speed limits, possible single lane closures and traffic officer instructions.

Firefighters have begun to back the fire down to the Chinquapin facility and complete the Glacier Point Road portion of the fire perimeter. One hundred and six firefighters are committed to the fire, including units from the USFS and BLM.

Combined with previous fires, roadside mechanical thinning, vegetation debris pile burning, and prescribed fires, this fire will provide a defensible fire buffer to the communities of Yosemite West, Badger Pass Ski Resort, Glacier Point and other park infrastructures.  Although numerous fires have occurred adjacent, the most recent being the 2009, 3,500 ac. Grouse Fire, this area has no recorded fire history.  Extensive logging did occur in the early 1900’s.  Given the time of the year and seasonal severity below normal for time of year, this fire will meet the objectives with minimal risk to other values, including firefighter and public safety, federal and public property, air quality, and wilderness values and character.

Managing naturally occurring lightning fires is consistent with the current Yosemite Fire management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. 
 

For additional Information:
•Fire Information and Education: Gary_Wuchner@nps.gov; (209) 375-9574 or (209) 372-0480.
•Yosemite Fire Management Website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/current_fire.htm.
•For air quality  information: http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/aqmonitoring.htm (G. Wuchner - 8/15)
_________________________________________________________

YOSE Avalanche Fire - Assistance Needed - Traffic Detail
The park continues to manage the Avalanche fire for multiple objectives. Fire Management is seeking individuals to assist with traffic control functions along Glacier Pt. Rd. and Hwy 41 for the week of August 14 - 20. Currently our highest demand is for day-shift Tuesday 8/16 thru Thursday 8/18. Base hours as well as overtime will be paid by the incident. If you are interested, please contact the dispatch office at 379-1999 with your availability. Please make sure that you have your supervisor's approval prior to calling. (D. Coffman - 8/15)

_________________________________________________________

Exciting volunteer opportunity for 5-6 individuals or a small group!   August 17th and 18th . Work one or both days with a wilderness restoration ranger to remove illegal fire rings from trails off of Glacier Point Road. Volunteers will learn correct wilderness restoration techniques and wilderness ethics and get a free campsite in Yosemite Valley. Must be able to hike several miles, wear long pants, love sleeves and supportive covered toed shoes. Tools and gloves will be provided. For additional information about this project or to participate, please call the Resources Management and Science Volunteer Office at 209-379-1308 or email lindsey_prell@nps.gov.
(L. Prell - 8/15)

__________________________________________________

The General Services Administration is conducting an internet auction of Yosemite personal property  consisting of a Pow’r Gard 3500 generator and a neat old slide duplicator.  For further information regarding the sale items or to register to bid, visit the website gsaauctions.gov. Sale number 91QSCI11288 lots 301 and 302.  The sale will close on August 18, 2011.  An appointment must be made with Don Ramsey (379-1024) prior to inspection, no exceptions (serious bidders only). Park employees must view the items 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 - 8/15)

__________________________________________________________

Lighting Caused Fire in Yosemite National Park Continue to Burn Fire Being Managed for Multiple Objective; Fire at 715 Acres - News Release
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529
On Sunday, July 31, 2011, Yosemite National Park experienced several lighting caused fires.  Several fires were suppressed and one fire, the Avalanche Fire, is currently being managed for multiple objectives.  The fire is located in the Avalanche Creek drainage, near the Glacier Point Road, within designated wilderness.  The fire is currently at 715 acres and continues to be managed for multiple objectives, including resource values, community protection, and firefighter safety.  Yosemite experienced higher than average precipitation during the 2010-11 winter season.  The spring and summer season has been relatively cool, providing high fuel moistures, and continued late snowmelt.  These conditions provide opportunities for Yosemite Fire Crews to treat hazardous fuels in the park.
Yosemite is currently working with the Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District (MCAPCD) to monitored air quality impacts, mitigations, and public health concerns.  Air monitoring equipment has been installed within the communities of Yosemite West, El Portal and Yosemite Valley to record daily air quality levels.  Fire crews will monitor air quality dispersion and smoke impacts throughout the weekend, utilizing improving atmospheric conditions to minimize smoke impacts to air quality and surrounding communities.
“We are pleased to be able to work with MCAPCD to mitigate health impacts from smoke while still managing a large wildfire,” stated Yosemite Fire Management Officer Kelly Martin.  “We are working to manage near term smoke, as well as, address future smoke emissions.  Without reducing hazardous fuels future large fires, associated high pressure systems, high temperatures, or poor dispersion would create more pronounced adverse impacts.”
“The Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District understands the use of fire for the health of the forest and for the safety and protection to communities. But the Air District’s primary responsibility is to protect public health and minimize the adverse health effects of smoke to heart and lungs.  The APCD is, therefore, taking a cooperative approach to achieve the goals essential to each agency without compromising health due to excessive smoke. The permit with conditions which the District issued to the park is consistent with this approach,” according to Dr. Mosher, MD., Mariposa County Public Health Officer and Air Pollution Control Officer.
Yosemite Fire Crews will remain along the Glacier Point Road to continue to monitor the fire.  Smoke from the Avalanche Fire is visible along the Glacier Point Road, portions of the Wawona Road (Highway 41), the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120), the El Portal Road (Highway 140), and multiple locations throughout Yosemite.  Lightning caused wildland fires frequently occur during the summer months in Yosemite.  Fire is a natural part of the Sierra Nevada ecosystem, which has shaped the forest landscape for thousands of years.  Managing naturally occurring lightening fires is consistent with the current Yosemite Fire Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement.
For more information about the fire management program and the Avalanche Fire in Yosemite National Park, please visit http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/current_fire.htm .  For Air Quality monitoring, please visit   http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/aqmonitoring.htm . (K. Cobb - 8/15)_____________________________________________________________
Yosemite National Park Announces the Scenic Vista Management Plan Finding of No Significant Impact to be Released for Public Review - News Release
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher announces the Scenic Vista Management Plan Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is available for public review. This document records the decision of the National Park Service to restore and protect scenic resources as described in the Selected Action  of the FONSI. The purpose of the plan is to develop a systematic program to document, protect, and reestablish Yosemite’s important viewpoints and vistas, consistent with the natural processes and human influences that created them. This plan considers which vistas the park will treat, how the park will prioritize treatments, and the extent and intensity of treatments.

The Preferred Alternative, Alternative 3 ( Use Ecological Conditions to Determine Intensity of Vista Clearing ) is determined not to have a significant effect on the human environment and is adopted by the National Park Service (NPS). Alterations at vista points within the Wild and Scenic River Corridors, of the Merced River and the Tuolumne River, will be addressed under each river plan.  Within the first year of the plan, plans for work at approximately 24 sites will be posted and available for public review on the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment in the spring of 2012.  Work at the vista locations are expected to begin in the fall of 2012.

The Scenic Vista Management Plan Environmental Assessment (EA) was available for public review from August 9, 2010 to September 17, 2010.     Public comments and NPS responses are documented in the Scenic Vista Management Plan Public Comment and Response Report.  The FONSI and the Public Comment and Response Report are available electronically through the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment, and Public Comment system (PEPC) at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/YOSESVMP . 

More information about the Scenic Vista Management Plan   and a link to PEPC can be accessed from the Yosemite National Park website at http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/vista.htm . Printed copies of the FONSI are available, and requests can be submitted by mail to: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, Attn: Scenic Vista Management Plan, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389; or fax (209) 379-1294; or email :   Yose_Planning@nps.gov .

Yosemite National Park will host the next monthly Open House on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Valley Visitor Center Auditorium in behind the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Copies of the FONSI will be available.  Park staff will be present to answer questions regarding the Scenic Vista Management Plan and other park planning efforts. (K. Cobb - 8/15)

_________________________________________________________

Yosemite National Park Announces Release of the Finding of No Significant Impact for the Badger Pass Ski Lodge Rehabilitation - News Release
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

Yosemite National Park announces the signing of the Badger Pass Ski Lodge Rehabilitation Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).  This document records the decision of the National Park Service (NPS) to adopt a plan for the rehabilitation of Badger Pass Ski Lodge as described under the Selected Action  (Alternative 3 – Rehabilitation and Improvements) in the Badger Pass Ski Lodge Rehabilitation Environmental Assessment (EA). The FONSI, EA, and errata sheets are available at http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/badgerlodge.htm .

The Selected Action will:
·     Address the structural integrity of the lodge
·     Upgrade mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire/life safety systems
·     Replace temporary buildings with structures compatible with the historic site
·     Address site drainage
·     Improve accessibility and circulation
·     Remove alterations made to the original lodge structure
·     Protect features that contribute to the historic character of the site
·     Reconfigure operational programs to improve visitor services

The park will implement the rehabilitation plan over a long-term period as funding becomes available.  Immediate structural improvements to the lodge exterior deck are planned for summer 2012. 

Public scoping on the project occurred from January 14, 2009 to February 13, 2009. The EA was available for review and comment from May 19, 2010 to July 7, 2010; three letters were received.  All scoping and EA comments were reviewed by park staff, and all relative and substantive comments were considered throughout the planning process.

Requests for hardcopies of the Badger Pass Ski Lodge Rehabilitation FONSI are available on a limited basis.  Requests can be submitted to: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, Attn: Badger Pass Ski Lodge Rehabilitation, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389; or fax (209) 379-1294; or email: Yose_Planning@nps.gov. (K. Cobb - 8/15)

___________________________________________________________

Yosemite National Park Announces the White Wolf Lodge and Duplex Cabins Rehabilitation Environmental Assessment Open for Public Comment - News Release

Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

Yosemite National Park announces the opening of public scoping for the White Wolf Lodge and Duplex Cabins Rehabilitation Environmental Assessment (EA). The scoping period will begin August 15, 2011 through September 4, 2011. Comments will be used to assist the park in assessing feasible project alternatives that meet the purpose and need of the plan, including a no action alternative, and analyzing the environmental effects of each alternative.  The White Wolf Lodge and Duplex Cabins are aging structures and need rehabilitation. The cabins and lodge are experiencing site drainage problems. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems also need to be updated.

Primary rehabilitation work on the cabins and the lodge will include:
· Stabilization of structures and attachment of buildings to new foundations
· Minimize water flow under structures and moisture migration from below floor levels
· Material repair to exterior sheathing materials
· Repair and conditioning of existing windows and doors
· Reroofing all buildings and new chimney cricket/flashing at Main Lodge
· Replacement of interior floor and ceiling finishes
· Relocation and construction of compatible enclosure for refrigerated food storage units
· Minimize alterations to existing building footprint and adjoining site
· Screening of non-contributing utility features on site
· Waterproofing of foundation walls and vapor barrier at grade under buildings

A public Open House will take place on August 31, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Valley Visitor Center Auditorium in behind the Valley Visitor Center. Park Admission fees will be waived for those attending the Open House.

The public scoping period for this EA will open on August 15, 2011 and will extend through September 4, 2011. Written comments should be postmarked no later than September 4, 2011. Comments can be submitted at public meetings, by mail, fax, email, or through the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) commenting system. Comments may be submitted by the following means:

Mail: Superintendent
Attn: White Wolf Lodge Duplex Cabins Rehabilitation
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
Phone: 209/379-1365; Fax: 209/379-1294
E-mail: Yose_Planning@nps.gov

Visit online: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/planning.htm

Web: PEPC (Planning, Environment, and Public Comment). Access the site at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/yose (K. Cobb - 8/11)

***************************************************

EMPLOYEE NEWS

Supply sharing - share your excess supplies on our park's "Craigslist"  Do you have excess supplies you'd like to share?  Would you like to help the environment by reusing supplies instead of buying new ones?  Did you know that we have our own version of "Craigslist" for supplies?  Click on the link below or visit our Sustainability Sharepoint site to start sharing your supplies! As we approach the end of the fiscal year, please keep this site in mind before you make your year-end purchases. http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/sustain/Lists/Supply%20Sharing/AllItems.aspx (D. Miyako - 8/15)
______________________________________________________________
All Charge Card Holders - New Charge Cards:  Many of you have already received, or will be receiving shortly, a new JPMC charge card to replace your current card which expires at the end of this month (Aug).  Please call and activate the new card upon receipt. (L. Schafer - 8/15)
***************************************************

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Project: Rehabilitate El Portal Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) Sludge Drying Beds
Road Closure -The road around the south and east end of the El Portal Complex maintenance shops and between covered parking, Project Mgmt. office, Road shops, and WWTP will be closed for the week of August 15 through August 19 due to the installation of a sewer bypass and temporary power. Please plan to avoid this route and do not attempt to go through the closure. (P. Pyle - 8/10)
__________________________________________________________

Yosemite National Park Continues Work on Pavement Preservation Project
El Portal Road - The El Portal Road surface treatment started August 6th between the Big Oak Flat Intersection and Parkline (Yosemite View Lodge), expect up to 15-minute delays. This work is scheduled to occur Monday thru Sunday nights 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM over the next few weeks. There will a large number of trucks for this surface treatment, so please be cautious and aware when going thru the construction zone. (M. Pieper - 8/5)

**************************************************

ACTING DESIGNATIONS

Todd Newburger will be acting Branch Chief for Visitor Use and Social Sciences on Monday August 15th.

Elexis Mayer will be Acting Division Chief for Project Management beginning Monday, August 15, 2011, through Friday, August 19, 2011. Elexis may be reached at 379-1377, or you may leave a message with Sarah Henderson at 379-1202.

Andy Fristensky will be acting Branch Chief of Interpretive Field Operations through August 16th.
Greg Torres will be Acting Trails Supervisor July 28th - Aug. 15th. He may be reached at 742-8811.
Jim Roche will be acting branch chief of Physical Sciences and Landscape Ecology through September 30th.
Dale St. Vincent has been selected as the acting Administrative Officer until the AO position is permanently filled.
Karen Kolbeck has been selected as the acting Supervisory General Supply Specialist. Karen can be reached at 379-1028.
Ron Watson has been selected as the acting, Supervisory IT Specialist until the position is permanently filled. Ron can 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.

**************************************************

COMMUNITY NEWS 

Bats, Climate, and Rivers: Updates from Sierra Nevada Network Inventory & Monitoring
Four new resource briefs are available on Sierra Nevada Network (SIEN) Inventory & Monitoring projects. Resource briefs are 1-2 page summaries that provide information on the importance of the resource, how it is inventoried or monitored, what we have learned, and what the implications are for managers.

Bat Inventories
The following two briefs summarize the results of bat inventories conducted in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks between 2002-2006:

Bat Inventory in Kings Canyon National Park
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/sien/Documents/Reports/briefs/KICABatsBrief_sien_20110728.pdf

Bat Inventory in Sequoia National Park
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/sien/Documents/Reports/briefs/SEQUBatsBrief_sien_20110728.pdf

Similar bat studies were done in Yosemite, funded by other sources. For more Yosemite-specific information on bats, you can visit this Yosemite Resources Management & Science web page: http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/bats.htm .

Climate in the Sierra Nevada Network
Learn about Sierra Nevada climate characteristics and changes from the following brief:
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/sien/monitoring/Reports/ClimateBrief_sien_Skancke_20110705.pdf
A draft Sierra Nevada Network climate monitoring protocol was recently developed and submitted to peer review by SIEN staff Jennie Skancke, Alice Chung-MacCoubrey, and Les Chow.

Rivers Monitoring in the Sierra Nevada
Learn about trends in Sierra Nevada river and stream hydrology and plans for monitoring SIEN rivers:
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/sien/monitoring/Reports/RiversBrief_sien__Skancke_20110615.pdf
Jennie Skancke, SIEN's Physical Scientist, is currently developing a network river monitoring protocol.

For more information on the SIEN Inventory & Monitoring Program, you can visit this website-- http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/sien , or contact Program Manager Alice Chung-MacCoubrey at 559-565-3788. (L. Mutch - 8/11)