Yosemite Daily Report for Sept. 13`

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

WEATHER

Yosemite Valley
Today: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. 

Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. 

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. 
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. 

El Portal
Today: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. 

Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. 

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96.
Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 96. 

Wawona
Today: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. 
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. 
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. 
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Tuolumne Meadows
Today: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 60.
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. 
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. 
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

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HAPPENING TODAY 

Yosemite Forum Today
Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep: Recovering the “Bravest Mountaineer” in the Yosemite Area. By Dr. Tom Stephenson, program leader for Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep recovery, CA Dept of Fish & Game. In the visitor center auditorium in Yosemite Valley, noon to 1:00pm. Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep are a federally endangered species that spends most, and in some cases all, of the year in the alpine. Sierra bighorn are dependent upon, and well adapted to, a landscape above 11,000 feet during both summer and winter. Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep are an umbrella species that represents the health and landscape integrity of the Sierra Nevada; they are dependent upon a contiguous, expansive wilderness landscape. When bighorn sheep existed at historical numbers in the Sierra Nevada they also likely functioned as a keystone species that mediated nutrient cycling in vegetation communities and functioned as an important prey species for carnivores and scavengers. (D. Smith - 9/6)

September Management Team Meeting
The September Management Team meeting has been rescheduled to today, September 13th from 10:00-12:00 in the valley auditorium. The protection division is scheduled to host. (K. Kosick - 8/30)

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PARK AND PARK PARTNER NEWS
Yosemite Fires - Update #17
The regional lightning storms over the weekend have caused six additional fires within Yosemite National Park.  This information is preliminary and more information will follow.

Suppression fire zone; these fires will be put out: 
Gin: (37 47.467 x 119 46.897; 5,700’el. Tuolumne Co.)  A single tree was struck by lightning.  This fire is in timber with 50% of the perimeter active.  One quarter acre has burned with open flame visible.  Four firefighters are committed to this fire. 
Aspen: (37 47.648 x 119 46.691; 5,700’el. Tuolumne Co.)  This fire is on the east side of the South Fork of Tuolumne River.  A single tree was struck by lightning, and is smoldering and creeping on surface fuels.
South Fork: (37 48.099 x 119 46.065; 5,577’el. Tuolumne Co.)  It is located on the west side of the So. Fork of the Tuolumne River.  A Single tree strike and is creeping and smoldering through ground fuels. 
Valley: (37 48.189 x 119 46.297; 55.577’el. Tuolumne Co.)  Single tree strike, creeping and smoldering through timber litter.  It is a south aspect with a creeping 10’x10’ spot with flame lengths less than 6”. 
Gulch: (37 51.4 x 119 46.8; Tuolumne Co.)  A single tree strike and is creeping in timber and brush. 
Wilderness Zone: 
Ribbon Fire: (37 46.264 x 119 39.291; 8.500’el. Mariposa Co.)  This lightning strike was to a single tree in
red fir.  It is approximately 2 miles east of Cascade Creek.  It is a 30x30 spot fire and .10 acre has burned. Firefighters are collecting data and monitoring this wilderness fire for multiple objectives.
Cascade: (37 45.879 x 119 41.846; 7,700’ el. Mariposa Co.)  A single green tree was struck in red fir east of Cascade Creek in designated wilderness.  A 10x10 spot is smoldering and creeping through timber litter.  Firefighters are collected data and monitoring this fire for multiple objectives. 
Quartzite Fire: (37 43.478 x 119 24.468; 9,000’el. Mariposa Co.)  It is approximately 1 mile south of Merced Lake and is inactive due to heavy rain.   
Adair Fire: (37.42.675 x 119 23.986; 8,600’el. Mariposa Co.)  It is 2 miles west of Washburn Lake.  It is approximately 4.6 acres in size, and is smoldering in red fir needle cast and forest duff; 5% of perimeter is active.
Avalanche Fire: (N37 39.794 x W119 42.238; 6,400’el. Mariposa Co.)  The 1,068 acre fire is controlled and in patrol status. Light smoke continues to be visible at the top of Avalanche Creek.
Other fires: 
Eagle:  This fire is on the Stanislaus National Forest and near Eagle Peak.  It is a 60x40 size fire and has high potential for growth.  Fire resources, from Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest, including Helicopter 551, are on scene and suppressing this fire.  
For additional Information - Fire Information and Education: Gary_Wuchner@nps.gov; (209) 375-9574 or (209) 372-0480. (G. Wuchner - 9/13)
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GSA Auction
The General Services Administration is conducting an internet auction of Yosemite personal property consisting of radio test equipment, solar water heaters, GMC Astro semi truck tractor, and a single axle cargo trailer. For further information regarding the sale items or to register to bid, visit the website gsaauctions.gov. Sale number 91QSCI11345 lots 301 to 305. The sale will close on September 16, 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 - 9/13)
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Lower Yosemite Falls Amphitheater Rockfall *correction*
At about 12:40pm on Saturday, September 9, 2011, a small rockfall occurred from above the Lower Yosemite Falls Amphitheater, impacting near the viewing platform at the bridge across Yosemite Creek. The rockfall originated from a forested ledge just below the Upper Yosemite Falls trail and consisted of a block about 4 cubic meters in volume, or about the size of two refrigerators. The block struck several ledges on the way down and broke into many basketball and smaller sized fragments that impacted the area around the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. There were no reported injuries associated with this event. The trail was closed immediately after the rockfall, but reopened several hours later after field assessment by geologists concluded that it was an isolated event with low probability for future activity from that location. (G. Stock - 9/12)
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Yosemite National Park to Celebrate National Public Lands Day - news release
Park Entrance Fees Waived for the Day
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529
On Saturday, September 24, 2011 Yosemite National Park will celebrate National Public Lands Day. In commemoration of this special day, the park will waive park entrance fees for all park visitors. National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands American’s enjoy. In 2010, 170,000 volunteers built trails and bridges, and removed trash and invasive plants on public lands across the country.
Yosemite National Park’s major emphasis for the day will be the Yosemite Facelift. This volunteer effort begins Wednesday, September 21, and continues through Sunday, September 25. Last year, this massive cleanup effort yielded over 172,307 pounds of trash collected throughout the park, including 140,000 pounds of old asphalt and concrete. Over 1,000 volunteers assisted during the Facelift effort. Additionally, 160 miles of roadway were cleaned, as well as over 100 miles of trails and 20 miles of river corridor. For more information on the Yosemite Facelift, please visit www.yosemiteclimbing.org.
Fees being waived for National Public Lands Day include the park entrance only. All other fees associated with camping, lodging, or activities within the park are not waived. The fee waiver is good for National Public Lands Day only. Other federal agencies participating in National Public Lands Day include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Forest Service. (K. Cobb - 9/12)
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EMPLOYEE NEWS
Non-emergency Purchase Deadline
Reminder: The last day for fiscal year 2011 non-emergency purchases from the warehouse is September 15, 2011. Any warehouse purchases needed after this date will require an email approval by your Division Chief (or his/her designee) to the acting Supply and Property Management Branch Chief, Karen Kolbeck. The email must also contain the account number(s) to which the approved purchases will be charged. (K. Kolbeck - 9/12)
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ACTING DESIGNATIONS
Lisa Acree (379-2177) will be acting branch chief for Vegetation and Ecological Restoration on Sept. 13.
Vickie Mates will be Acting Chief of Interpretation and Education from 9/12 - 9/16.
John Barton will be Acting El Portal Utilities Supervisor through 9/18. His number is 379-1828.
Kristin Ramsey will be the Acting Branch Chief of Interpretive Services from Sept. 1 to Sept. 19.
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

For Rent
Spare bedroom. Very private home - 1 mile up Allred Road on the Hwy. 49S side. Private entry and bath with toaster oven and hot plate. Wireless DSL included. Amazing view; completely renovated with new carpet and bath fixtures. $350/month plus modest utilities fee. Prefer female; will consider male; couple would be considered for short-term. Landlord has multiple pets so anyone with pet allergies may not be suitable. Contact Ruth 209 742-5710. (Y. Radanovich - 9/13)
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El Portal Oktoberfest
An invitation to all community members! El Portal's 21st annual Oktoberfest will, as always, the last weekend in September at the Community Hall. Hosted by Yosemite Employee Association with traditional German style food by Larry, music by the Core Shots, beer donation from New Belgium Brewing and "Shots for Tots", the infamous shotski, with proceeds going to the local schools and day cares, with your host, Jeff Pirog. Watch for posters, appearing soon on bulletin boards around the community. (M. Dale - 9/12)
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For Rent
House for rent in Jerseydale area: 4 bedroom, 2 bath, off paved road, about 50 minutes to El Portal or 15 minutes to YARTS stop. Central heat plus fireplace and woodstove. Available around October 1. Can be rented fully furnished for $1250/month or unfurnished for $1050/month, plus security deposit. thor@yosemite.net or (510) 230-8601. (C. Baker - 9/12)
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Housing Needed
I need housing quick! I am single, have no pets, very little stuff, and I’ve been living in the area for the past three and a half years. I can play you a song, or keep quiet, and I’m clean. I'm looking for a single room or an apartment, preferably close to my work station in El Portal. If you know of any openings or have a place available please give me a call or an email! 951-809-3624, wwills3379@hotmail.com. (W. Wills - 9/12) 

To plan your Yosemite Vacation, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com