Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
WEATHER
Yosemite Valley
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87.
Friday:Sunny, with a high near 88.
El Portal
Today: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 108.
Tonight:Mostly clear, low around 62.
Thursday:Sunny, with a high near 88.
Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 107.
Wawona
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 64.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 91.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 92.
Tuolumne Meadows
Today: A 10 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 74.
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HAPPENING TODAY
Join the Habitat Protectors of Yosemite (HaPY) in Housekeeping Camp today Help keep Yosemite beautiful, and it's bears wild, by becoming a volunteer.
Today August 24th from 9:30am until noon, come out and volunteer with a ranger to put new food storage stickers on bear lockers at Housekeeping Camp to help visitors better understand food regulations. Meet at 9:30am in front of Housekeeping Camp store/registration to sign up and help out. All ages welcome. Just show up and volunteer for as long as you like. Tools and equipment are provided. (K. Ehler - 8/24)
Earthquake Felt in Yosemite
Many visitors and residents in Yosemite awoke at 5:00 am this morning to strong but short-lived ground shaking associated with an earthquake. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake had a magnitude 4.2 and was centered at a point about 14 km (9 miles) southeast of Mammoth Lakes and at a depth of about 9.8 km (6.1 miles). Earthquakes are common from this area, often associated with movement of magma beneath this volcanically active area. (G. Stock - 8/24)
PARK AND PARK PARTNER NEWS
New Chief of Resources Management and Science As Superintendent, I am pleased to announce the selection of Linda Mazzu as the Chief of Resources Management and Science for Yosemite National Park.
Linda, over the course of 28 years, has established an impressive and broad record of service to the Federal Government. She began her career in the Sierra at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks working on air quality and prescribed fire programs. There, she focused her research on air pollution impacts to ponderosa pine and recreational impacts to alpine meadows. After Sequoia, Linda worked for the National Park Service in Washington DC for the Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance program before moving to Grand Canyon National Park as a branch chief for natural resources. At the Grand Canyon, she managed the air quality, water resources, integrated pest management, aircraft overflights and vegetation programs.
Linda will be coming to Yosemite from Yellowstone National Park where she is the Chief of Resources Compliance and Science Coordination branch in the Yellowstone Center for Resources. Most recently she served as the Acting Chief of the Yellowstone Center for Resources.
Linda has a B.S. in Park and Recreation Management from the Pennsylvania State University, PA and a M.S. in Natural Resources from Humboldt State University, CA. Linda spent ten years working for the BLM as a botanist in southwest Oregon managing a unique landscape with 200+ rare species and their habitats as well as a complex invasive plants program. During that time she also acted as the plant ecologist on the Forest Service Region 6 Invasive Plants Plan EIS. Prior to moving to Yellowstone, Linda also worked for the BLM at the National Interagency Fire Center, developing landscape scale partnerships and interagency guidance for planning efforts under the National Fire Plan.
At Yellowstone, Linda led the park towards a new natural and cultural resources compliance process and is the park Section 106 coordinator. She also oversees the research permitting operation and science communication program. On the personal front, Linda is married to Erik Christiansen who works for the DOI Office of Wildland Fire in Boise, Idaho. Linda is very excited to join the Yosemite team and be part of the diverse programs that the Resources Management and Sciences lead. She will be arriving to begin her duties in mid-October. (D. Neubacher - 8/23) __________________________________________________________
Yosemite Fires - Update #15
Avalanche Fire: (N37 39.794 x W119 42.238; 6,400’el. Mariposa Co.) The Avalanche fire is a lightning caused fire in congressionally designated Wilderness near the vicinity of Chinquapin. The fire has been burning since it was discovered on the afternoon of July 31, 2011 during a reconnaissance flight near Avalanche Creek and Glacier Point Road.
The 1068 acre fire is contained within the confines of Glacier Point, Wawona, and Old Glacier Point Roads. A more concise mapping was conducted reflecting the reduced acreage. The decision to contain the fire was made for several reasons including:
- Weather forecasts for the next several days indicate poor smoke dispersal; containing the fire will lessen potential negative smoke impacts to adjacent communities
- Public and firefighter safety along Glacier Point Road and Wawona Road with anticipated increased traffic during the upcoming Labor Day Holiday
- Monetary costs associated with retaining firefighting resources and logistical support during periods of less than ideal smoke dispersal conditions.
Park fire managers and firefighters are sensitive to smoke, visitation, and human health concerns. 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. Landscape features have been identified as management action points within the fire perimeter to limit the fire’s spread. The fire line is along roads, trails, and previous fire footprints.
Light smoke continues to be present along the roadways as the fire continues to smolder within the fire perimeter. As firefighters and fire equipment work along the roads, drivers are urged to adhere to posted 25mph speed limits, possible single lane closures and traffic officer instructions.
Yosemite Crew 7, 10 firefighters, continue to secure the perimeter by “mopping up” or extinguishing logs, stumps, etc. that are burning along the fire’s edge.
The Avalanche fire, combined with previous fires, roadside mechanical thinning, vegetation debris pile burning, and prescribed fires, provides defensible space to the communities of Yosemite West, Badger Pass Ski Resort, Glacier Point and other park infrastructure by reducing litter, duff, and downed woody debris. This fire now adds over 1000 additional defensible fire buffer acres to these communities. 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 - 8/23) __________________________________________________________
2011 Volunteer Awards Call for Nominations - Deadline This Friday Help us celebrate Yosemite's outstanding volunteers and volunteer programs.
The 2011 Yosemite Volunteer Awards take place on National Public Lands Day, September 24. We need your help to identify the best of our many extraordinary volunteers! We will be recognizing volunteers and programs in eight categories:
1. Outstanding Volunteer Service – Individual
2. Outstanding Volunteer Service – Youth (up to the age of 25)
3. Outstanding Volunteer Service – Group
4. Outstanding Volunteer Service - Youth Group
5. Enduring Service Award
6. Yosemite Volunteer Program Award
7. Yosemite Supervisor of Volunteers Award
8. Yosemite Facelift Participant Award
Nominations are now open, and are due by Friday, August 26. The Nomination Announcement and Form can be found at http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/intp/vip/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx
or by emailing yose_volunteers@nps.gov. Questions? Call the Volunteer Office at 379-1850. (H. Boothe - 8/23)
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NPS Uniform Survey Underway
The NPS Uniform Program is conducting an online survey to gauge satisfaction with the NPS uniform. All uniform-wearing employees
are encouraged to participate. The online survey will be conducted until September 9th is found at:
http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewnpsnewsarticle&type=Announcements&id=10858
(B. Woiderski - 8/24)
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Glacier Point Well Testing
Beginning 8/22/11 and continuing through 8/26/11. Contractors will be onsite at the Glacier Point Well to perform well testing and will have a small crane onsite. (J. Day - 8/22)
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EMPLOYEE NEWS
Uniform Cut-off Date
FY 2011 NPS uniform ordering cut-off date is September 1, 2011 6:00 p.m.
EST. (M. De Boer - 8/23)
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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
UPDATE: Yosemite National Park Continues Work on Pavement Preservation Project El Portal Road - The El Portal Road centerline rumble strip grinding will occur today and tomorrow (August 18th and 19th) during the day 7:00 AM to
7:00 PM between the Big Oak Flat Intersection and Parkline (Yosemite View Lodge), expect up to 15-minute delays. Due to traffic impacts near the Arch Rock Kiosk, grinding in this area will start at midnight (12:00 AM) on Friday, August 19th, (approximately 1-mile area east and west of the kiosk). Striping is tentatively scheduled to occur at nights next week, from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Hodgdon Area, Crane Flat Campground, Foresta Road, Old El Portal Area, and Rancheria - Crews are now placing pavement markings (striping) in the Hodgdon Area and will continue to complete each area working from north to south, so they plan to complete Hodgdon, today or tomorrow and then move to the Crane Flat Campground, etc. working down to the El Portal Area. FYI:
There was an equipment breakdown yesterday--August 17th, so no striping occurred yesterday. Signs will be posted in each area as to when they will be working in your area.
El Portal Administrative Parking Complex - Crews are scheduled to begin restriping this area on Saturday and Sunday, August 20th and 21st (If they don't get done this weekend they will also be working next weekend, August 27th and 28th. There may be day and night work, so please move your vehicles onto the concrete or gravel areas before you leave tomorrow, so they can restripe these parking areas. Signs and message boards are posted in your area. Also, on the message board it refers "Park off the pavement"
- they are referring to the new asphalt pavement surface - you can park on the concrete and any gravel areas. (M. Pieper - 8/18) __________________________________________________________
Village Store Parking Lot Closed to Vehicles Evenings NPS will be re-paving the Village Store Parking Area during the evenings (10:00pm to 8:00am), 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)
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ACTING DESIGNATIONS
Heather McKenny will be acting Branch Chief of Wildlife Management on Wednesday, August 24, and Thursday, August 25. She can be reached at 379-1438.
Kevin McCardle will be acting Branch Chief for History, Architecture & Landscapes (HAL) on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011. He can be reached at 379.1418.
Mike Wichmann will be Acting Division Chief of Project Management beginning Monday, August 22 through Wednesday, August 24. Mike may be reached at
379-1139 or you may leave a message with Sarah Henderson at 379-1202.
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.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Announcing the Last Yosemite Valley Daycare BBQ of the Year Yosemite National Park Child Care Center would like to invite you to our LAST Yosemite fundraising barbecue of the year on Thursday, August 25th.old hours!) to enjoy a Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Veggie burger, or Hot dog lunch.includes a bag of chips, fresh salad, and lemonade. Baked goods and sodas will also be available for an additional charge.
This is your last chance to enjoy a delicious meal and support the children of the daycare community. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Yosemite National Park Child Care Centers.
We hope to see you there! (J. Beavers - 8/24)
Part Time Housekeeper Needed - Yosemite Institute, a campus of NatureBridge
This is a part time, year round position at Yosemite Institute, a campus of NatureBridge. Email resume to facilitiessearchyos@naturebridge.org. Resume must be received by 5:00pm September 2, 2011. (P. Lovegreen - 8/23) __________________________________________________________
Sal's This Thursday
This Thursday playing at Sal's-Greg Stock! Come enjoy a beverage at the Yosemite Employee Association bar. The bear of El Portal is back so please be sure to bus your tables. Recycling & trash cans are located next to the back door, at the end of the bar, and across the street. Please keep our community safe and clean and our bear healthy and alive. (M. Dale - 8/23) __________________________________________________________
This Week at the 6th Street Cinema
This week, showing at the 6th Street Cinema on August 26-27th, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.: 127 HOURS. The true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston's (James Franco) remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah. A visceral thrilling story that will take the audience on a never before experienced journey and prove what we can do when we choose life.
Directed by Danny Boyle, the Academy Award winning director of last year's Best Picture, 'SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE". The 6TH Street Cinema is 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 (T.
Arfsten)
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