California's Gateway to Yosemite and so much more!: January 2012

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Yosemite Daily Report for Jan 31

To start planning your Yosemite vacation, go to www.YosemiteThisYear.com

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

WEATHER

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

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

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

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PARK AND PARTNER NEWS

Yosemite in the News
Last Thursday, the Park released the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Half Dome Trail Stewardship Project. This document outlines alternatives for use on the trail and Half Dome cables, building on the interim permit system that has been in place since 2010. As you all know, this is one of the most popular trails and activities in the park and it generates a lot of discussion. Below is the link to an excellent Associated Press (AP) story that hit the wires on Sunday which outlines the issues well and presents the park's preferred alternative. The story shows how much interest there is in the park worldwide, and it has run in hundreds of newspapers and television stations throughout the world.
Plan to limit Yosemite’s Half Dome access splits wilderness advocates and hikers who love it
By Tracie Cone, Associated Press
"There was a time not long ago when a climb to the top of Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome was a solitary trek attempted by only the most daring adventurers. Over the past decade, however, the route has been inundated with up to 1,200 nature lovers a day seeking to experience the iconic mountain that is stamped on the California quarter, stitched on a line of outdoor clothing and painted on the side of the park’s vehicles...."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/plan-to-limit-yosemites-half-dome-access-splits-wilderness-advocates-and-hikers-who-love-it/2012/01/29/gIQAgddAaQ_story.html(S. Gediman - 1/31)
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Badger Pass Snow Report - 1/31
Base Depth: 18”
Temperature: High 51 Low 34
Runs Groomed: Bruin, Eagle, Rabbit, Turtle
Lifts Open: Turtle, Bruin, Eagle, Badger
Runs open: All except Beaver
Groomed XC trails: Fresh Tracks from Badger Pass to Bridalveil Campground on Monday morning, 1/30.
XC trail snow conditions: Good with some road showing.
Tubing Hill: No Tubing; need more snow. (E. Fraley - 1/31)
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GSA Auction
The General Services Administration is conducting an internet auction of Yosemite personal property consisting of a pickup truck. For further information regarding the sale item or to register to bid, visit the website gsaauctions.gov. Sale number 91QSCI12088 lot 316. The sale will close on February 02, 2012. An appointment must be made with Don Ramsey (379-1024) prior to inspection, no exceptions (serious bidders only). Park employees must view the item and bid on their own time. Park employees are allowed to participate in the sale, with the exception of any employee with unfair (nonpublic) detailed knowledge or prior use of an item offered for sale. Such employees are prohibited from bidding on that item, and the prohibition includes their immediate family as well. (D. Ramsey - 1/31)
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Valley Visitor Center Bookstore Sale
The Yosemite Conservancy at the Valley Visitor Center Bookstore has a Shop Worn and Damaged Goods Sale. Discounts up to 75%. Discounts may not be combined. (E. Popken - 1/30)

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EMPLOYEE NEWS

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

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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Fire Management to Resume Debris Pile Burning in El Portal and Foresta
Yosemite fire management may resume hand pile burning in El Portal and Foresta with help from the forecasted rain. Localized flames and smoke will be visible but impacts should be negligible and short lived. In an ongoing effort, park, state and private fire crews have created forest debris hand piles in and around the communities of Foresta and El Portal. These piles are being made to reduce biomass and create a 'defensible space' fuel break around Yosemite's vulnerable Wildland Urban Interface communities. Additionally, thinning, piling and burning can restore fire dependant ecosystems and set the stage for the progressive management of future natural or prescribed fires. Please contact Kelly Singer @ 372-0413 or Taro Pusina @ 375-9576 with any questions. (T. Pusina - 1/20)
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Village Store Closed
The Village Store will be closed for remodeling beginning Tuesday, January 17th and will reopen on Thursday, February 16th @ Noon. (1/18)
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UPDATE - Foresta Road Closure thru 2/29/12 - Slide Repair Between Rancheria and Old El Portal
The current road closure along Foresta Road will continue thru the end of February 2012. Due to the unseasonably dry weather crews made good progress on the upper (cut) slope stabilization and it is nearly complete, however the steep slopes required much of the work to occur with hand labor, so they were not able to make as much progress as planned. The remaining work includes the final seeding and mulching along the upper slope, then installation of a retaining wall along the lower (fill) slope, and then the final curb and pavement repairs. (M. Pieper - 1/6)

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ACTING DESIGNATIONS

Jack Hoeflich will be acting Valley District Ranger until further notice.

Andy Fristensky will be Acting Deputy Chief of Interpretive Operations until further notice. He may be reached at 372-0599.

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

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

Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) is on a detail as the Park Archivist. If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related questions, you can call 379-1282 or 379-1104.
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COMMUNITY NEWS

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

Monday, January 30, 2012

Yosemite Daily Report for Jan 30

Remember, to start planning your Yosemite vacation, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Monday, January 30, 2012

WEATHER

Yosemite Valley
Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 49.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

El Portal
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.

Wawona
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

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PARK AND PARTNER NEWS

Badger Pass Snow Report - 1/30
Base Depth: 18”
Temperature: High 50 Low 32
Runs Groomed: Bruin, Eagle, Rabbit, Turtle, Red Fox, & Badger
Lifts Open: Turtle, Bruin, Eagle, Badger
Runs open: All except Beaver
Groomed XC trails: Fresh Tracks from Badger Pass to Bridalveil Campground on Monday morning, 1/30.
XC trail snow conditions: Good with some road showing.
Tubing Hill: No Tubing; need more snow. (E. Fraley - 1/30)
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Valley Visitor Center Bookstore Sale
The Yosemite Conservancy at the Valley Visitor Center Bookstore has a Shop Worn and Damaged Goods Sale. Discounts up to 75%. Discounts may not be combined. (E. Popken - 1/30)
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No Significant Impact for the Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan - news release
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529
Yosemite National Park announces the signing of The Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The FONSI records the decision of the National Park Service to adopt a long-term plan for the rehabilitation of The Ahwahnee (described as Alternative 3 in environmental assessment released for public review in July 2011). The FONSI, environmental assessment, and errata sheets are available at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/AhwahneeRehab.
The Selected Action addresses code and standard deficiencies (e.g., fire, seismic, life-safety, health, accessibility) and rehabilitates historic features throughout the National Historic Landmark hotel and cottages. The Selected Action also improves operational and energy and water-use efficiencies to provide a sustainable level of service into the future for both overnight and daytime visitors. The park will implement the comprehensive rehabilitation plan in a long-term, phased approach as funding becomes available.
A public scoping period for The Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan occurred from August 13 through September 30, 2009. Targeted scoping to museums, historical societies and preservation groups also occurred in January 2010. Eight public scoping letters were received and considered by park staff.
The environmental assessment was released for public review on July 21, 2011, and the National Park Service accepted comments through August 23, 2011. Eight public comment letters were received. All comments on the EA were reviewed by park staff and were considered in the development of the FONSI and errata sheets.
Requests for hardcopies or CD-ROMs of the FONSI, available on a limited basis, can be submitted to: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, Attn: Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, CA 95389; or fax (209) 379-1294; or email yose_planning@nps.gov. Hardcopies and CD-ROMs will also be available at the park’s monthly Open House on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, in the Yosemite Valley Auditorium from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (K. Cobb - 1/27)

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EMPLOYEE NEWS

ATR Refresher
Reminder, ATR training on Jan. 31. This refresher is worth 8 CLP's and will push you expiration date out a year. Please RSVP to Jody via e-mail. (P. Lendvay Humphrey - 1/27)
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New PWR FY12 IAP instructions on submissions
Effective immediately all new FY12 IAP submissions shall be created at the PWR SharePoint site. Please read attached document for specifics.
The link is: http://inpniscsfern1:8000/sites/PWR/pwrcontracting/SitePages/Home.aspx. Any questions please contact Tom Tobin @ 379-1040 or by email (T. Tobin - 1/27)

Andy Fristensky will be Acting Deputy Chief of Interpretive Operations until further notice. He may be reached at 372-0599.

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

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

Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) is on a detail as the Park Archivist. If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related questions, you can call 379-1282 or 379-1104.
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COMMUNITY NEWS

El Portal Travel Series
Don’t miss the next EPTS! The El Portal Travel Series features amazing slide presentations, Tuesday nights, 7:00pm, El Portal Community Hall. February 7 – Katie Wallace - “Go With the Flow: Walking the Length of the Merced River.” Ever wonder what happens to the Merced after it goes beyond the bend below Briceburg? Katie set out to hike every mile of the Merced River, from its source on Mt. Lyell, to its confluence with the San Joaquin River. Join her in adventures with hitchhiking and trespassing, the discovery of a body, fights with mosquitoes and poison oak, and one wildly scenic river. March 6 - Laura Nordaas - “Returning home to Japan: Relief Work after the Earthquake & Tsunami.” April 3 - Andres Esparza - “Cycling from Alaska to Vancouver.” (P. Amstutz - 1/30)
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For Rent
Beautiful 2 bedroom home, Jerseydale area. $500 per month. contact avtechpro1@gmail.com or call 1-209-966-3158. (E. Whittle - 1/30)
_______________________________________________________
Music at the River Rock
Burgers & Brew $5 with the music of Scot Little. Wednesday night Feb 1st, dinner starts at 5pm and music at 6pm. (Vickie - 1/30)
_______________________________________________________
El Portal Dining Job Opportunities
The River Restaurant & Lounge, Parkside Pizza, The Cedar House Restaurant and The Canyon Bar and Grill are looking for people interested in joining our team. We have been making many improvements to all locations and our goal is to provide a fun working environment, and to enrich the lives of our guests and our team members. We do this through providing superior quality food and beverages, legendary customer service, sales growth, cost controls and treating our team members with respect. We believe that our team members are our most important asset and our success depends upon creating and retaining a team capable of delivering an exceptional dining experience to every customer, every time. We have openings for all jobs and all shifts. Examples of positions include experienced cooks, shift managers, host/cashier, bussers, and bartenders. These positions may be full time or part time. All jobs are seasonal. This is a great opportunity for qualified individuals to make some seasonal money in a safe, productive, fun environment. If you are interested, you can contact the admin office below for an employment application.
El Portal Dining, Inc.
5065 Hwy 140, Suite G (above Coldwell Banker Real Estate)
P.O. Box 7
Mariposa, CA 95338
209-966-7888
209-966-7884 fax (R. Stapp - 1/30)
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Child Care Center Hiring
The Yosemite National Park Child Care Center (YNPCCC) is hiring teacher positions at the El Portal and Yosemite Valley centers. 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! Our benefits package includes annual leave and sick leave. Part time employees also accrue one free hour of child care for each hour worked. For further information please call Erin McCleary at (209) 372-4819 or email ynpchildcare@gmail.com. (L. Yu - 1/27)

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Yosemite DailDaily Report - Yosemite National Park Thursday, January 26, 2012 WEATHER Yosemite Valley Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 54. El Portal Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 67. Wawona Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 59. ************************* HAPPENING TODAY Sal's Taco Night- Tonight Yosemite Employee Association is pleased to bring you Sal's Taco Night - tonight, January 26. Come on out to share a burrito and a drink with friends. Designated drivers get a free soda of choice. We look forward to seeing you there! (M. Goldberg - 1/26) _________________________ Croaking Toad Series January's Croaking Toad Series will be on Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The topic this month will be the" Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Selected Natural Resources Assessments" presented by Sue Beatty, Restoration Ecologist, Bill Kuhn, Landscape Ecologist, Sarah Stock, Wildlife Biologist and Monica Buhler, Biologist. (M. Thornley - 1/26) _ Badger Pass Ski Area to Open Thursday, January 26 The 77th winter season at Badger Pass Ski Area begins Thursday, January 26 after recent snow storms dropped more than 24 inches of snow. Yosemite's Badger Pass Ski Area has been operating as California's original ski area for family fun since 1935. With 10 slope runs and five convenient lifts, families can enjoy stress-free skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. To help celebrate the season, DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite is offering several packages and season pass offers designed to help visitors hit the slopes for less. Skiers and riders can purchase passes for the 2011-12 season at $129 for adults and $79 for children through the end of the season. To thank current season pass holders for awaiting the opening of the season, Badger is offering 35 percent off any 2012-13 season pass purchases. "Two for Tuesday" - Skiers and snowboarders can also enjoy midweek Yosemite skiing with Badger's new "Two for Tuesdays" deal, which offers two adult lift tickets for the price of one at $42. In addition to these exciting packages, Delaware North operates two shuttle services to and from Badger Pass Ski Area. The first operates within Yosemite National Park and shuttles guests from the park's lodges to Badger Pass. The second provides snowboarders and skiers staying in Oakhurst with transportation services on select dates to the ski area. For a complete schedule, please visit www.YosemitePark.com . Snow tubing will not be available until Badger receives more snow. For 24-hour ski conditions, call 209-372-1000. (L. Cesaro - 1/25) _ Live Music at the Carabiner The Pimps of Joytime are coming back to Yosemite for their annual Carabiner performance this week. They will play a live show on Thursday 26th from 9pm until Midnight. There will be a cover charge at the door of $5 cash. Please remember that all Yosemite community members are welcome at this and all events! Valid ID is required, no backpacks or outside alcohol please. Hope to see you there! Check out www.pimpsofjoytime.com for more details on the band. (E. Brosk) ___ Go With the Flow: A 150-Mile Adventure on the Merced River Katie Wallace, a science educator at the Yosemite campus of NatureBridge, is eager to share her exceptional adventure of sixty miles of paddling and 90 miles of walking along the Merced River. The Upper Merced River Watershed Council invites the community to experience her travels through a presentation of photos, stories, and musings on the rewards and challenges of following the wildly scenic Merced River from beginning to end. For more information on NatureBridge and the Upper Merced River Watershed Council, visit www.naturebridge.org and www.merced-river.org . Title: Go With the Flow When: Thursday, January 26, 6:30 pm Where: Midpines Community Hall at 6364A Highway 140, Midpines, CA (A. Steed) * PARK AND PARTNER NEWS Congratulations to Alan Kunz Alan Kunz has been selected as the administrative support assistant for the Office of the Superintendent. Alan has been on detail in this position since February 2011 and we are very excited to keep him in the office permanently! Alan is a Chicago native (Go Bears!) who has lived and worked in Yosemite since 1997. He most recently worked in the park's Travel Office as an accounting technician, but has also held positions in the Project Management and Planning divisions over the years. He's very active in the community, coaching his sons' youth soccer team and is also a volunteer structural firefighter in the valley. Alan lives in Yosemite Valley with his wife, Janis, and two twin sons, Alex and Nathan. We're all happy to have him on board! (K. Kosick - 1/26) _ Yosemite Archives Closure The Yosemite Archives will be closed to researchers on Tuesday 2/21 to permit staff to attend the annual Interpretation Division training/field trip. (B. Lissoway - 1/26) _____________________________ Yosemite National Park Releases Environmental Assessment for Hiking to Half Dome - news release Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan Draft Environmental Assessment Available for Public Review Scott Gediman 209-372-0248 Kari Cobb 209-372-0529 Yosemite National Park announces the availability of the Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan Draft Environmental Assessment for public review. Public comments on the plan will be accepted from today, Tuesday, January 24, 2012 through Thursday, March 15, 2012. The Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan was developed to address crowded conditions, visitor experience, and safety on the Half Dome Trail and encompasses the two mile section from the John Muir Trail to the summit of Half Dome. The Preferred Alternative is to keep the cables in place with their current configuration and implement daily use limits of 300 people per day. This alternative provides the best combination of accessibility to the summit, free-flowing travel conditions on the cables, which improves safety, and low encounter rates on the trail, similar to use levels found on other high-use trails in Yosemite’s wilderness and other wilderness areas. The park implemented an Interim Half Dome Cables Permit System for the 2010 and 2011 hiking seasons. An Interim Half Dome Cables Permit System will also be implemented during the 2012 hiking season. In 1964, Congress passed the Wilderness Act, creating the National Wilderness Preservation System. As such, approximately 95% of Yosemite National Park , including Half Dome and the Half Dome Trail, is designated Wilderness. Consequently, all of the action alternatives were developed to improve the wilderness character of the trail. The Environmental Assessment (EA) presents environmental analysis of five alternatives, including the Preferred Alternative. Alternative A, the No Action Alternative, would retain the cable system and continue managing the Half Dome Trail as it was through 2009, with no permits required. This action violates National Park Service (NPS) policy and will not be considered. Under Alternative B, the park would retain the cable system and implement day-use limits through a permit system allowing 400 hikers per day. Under Alternative C, the Preferred Alternative, the park would retain the cable system and implement day-use limits through a permit system allowing 300 hikers per day. Under Alternative D, the park would retain the cable system and implement day-use limits through a permit system allowing 140 hikers per day. Under Alternative E, the park would remove the cable system from Half Dome. The park considers all public comments in making a decision, which will be documented in the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), if appropriate. If approved, the plan will be implemented for the 2013 hiking season. Hiking permits for Half Dome will be allocated through an online reservation system and/or a lottery. The public review and comment period begins with release of the EA. The document is available for electronic review at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/halfdome . Please submit written comments electronically through the website, or join us at the park’s monthly Open House at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., to discuss the plan with park staff. Hard copies or CDs of the EA may be requested by emailing yose_planning@nps.gov . You may also mail your comments to P.O. Box 577 Yosemite, California 95389, c/o Superintendent, ATTN: Half Dome Plan; or send a facsimile to (209) 379-1294. (K. Cobb - 1/25) _ Critical Incident Stress Debriefing - Sonny Lawhon There will be two debriefings at the El Portal Community Hall on Thursday, January 26. The debriefing for the first responders will be at 0900. The debriefing for the community will be at 1100. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing - Ryan Hiller There will be a debriefing on Friday, January 27 at 1000 in the Valley SAR-cache training room for those in the community affected by Ryan Hiller's death. (F. Grin - 1/25) _ Gathering to Remember Ryan Hiller On Friday, January 27 at 3:00 pm there will be a gathering to honor and remember former NPS Ranger Ryan Hiller. We will meet in front of the Valley Visitor Center where there will be flag ceremony and group photograph taken for the Hiller family. Immediately following, refreshments will be offered in the East Auditorium for folks to gather and share stories about Ryan. Uniform for the day will be winter Class A, if available. We are compiling a photo and remembrance book for the Hiller family. If you would like to contribute please email: Jeff_Webb@nps.gov . The Superintendent has authorized that employees on duty may attend this gathering on work time. In lieu of flowers the Hiller family has asked that donations be sent to Friends of YOSAR. (J. Byerly - 1/24) * EMPLOYEE NEWS Upcoming Servicewide Radon Testing for NPS Residential Units The quality of indoor air in NPS owned housing units will be tested to determine the average annual radon level. The NPS commitment under this plan includes radon testing at approximately 3,500 existing housing units across the Service. The placement of a radon testing kits within NPS residential units should not be interpreted as a cause for alarm. Testing will enable screening for problem areas or locations and serve as the basis for follow up actions, including additional testing and mitigation measures if necessary. If radon is discovered and remediation is necessary, radon remediation techniques are available and highly effective. The radon test kits for Yosemite NPS housing are expected to arrive sometime in February. The Housing Office will notify residents when the park is contacted by the WASO Environmental Management contractor to coordinate this effort. Park staff will be responsible for placement of the test kits, as well as collection and delivery to designated laboratory facilities following the three day sampling period. The Housing Office will relay any questions or concerns regarding radon that are raised by residents to the regional office. With your cooperation and participation, we can ensure a safer and healthier environment for our families living in NPS housing. For additional information regarding Radon, click on the EPA Citizen Guide to Radon link: http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html or visit the Housing SharePoint site @ http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/admn/housing/default.aspx . (C. Baker - 1/25) * CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Fire Management to Resume Debris Pile Burning in El Portal and Foresta Yosemite fire management may resume hand pile burning in El Portal and Foresta with help from the forecasted rain. Localized flames and smoke will be visible but impacts should be negligible and short lived. In an ongoing effort, park, state and private fire crews have created forest debris hand piles in and around the communities of Foresta and El Portal. These piles are being made to reduce biomass and create a 'defensible space' fuel break around Yosemite's vulnerable Wildland Urban Interface communities. Additionally, thinning, piling and burning can restore fire dependant ecosystems and set the stage for the progressive management of future natural or prescribed fires. Please contact Kelly Singer @ 372-0413 or Taro Pusina @ 375-9576 with any questions. (T. Pusina - 1/20) _ Village Store Closed The Village Store will be closed for remodeling beginning Tuesday, January 17th and will reopen on Thursday, February 16th @ Noon. (1/18) _ UPDATE - Foresta Road Closure thru 2/29/12 - Slide Repair Between Rancheria and Old El Portal The current road closure along Foresta Road will continue thru the end of February 2012. Due to the unseasonably dry weather crews made good progress on the upper (cut) slope stabilization and it is nearly complete, however the steep slopes required much of the work to occur with hand labor, so they were not able to make as much progress as planned. The remaining work includes the final seeding and mulching along the upper slope, then installation of a retaining wall along the lower (fill) slope, and then the final curb and pavement repairs. (M. Pieper - 1/6) ************************* ACTING DESIGNATIONS Laura Jones is acting Branch Chief for Vegetation and Restoration on January 26 2012. She can be reached at 209-379-2175. Colter Chisum will be the Acting Facilities Management Division Chief from Wednesday, January 25 to Friday, January 27. Colter can be reached at 379-1068. Erin "Echo" Davenport (379-1067) will be Acting Branch Chief of Environmental Planning and Compliance from Monday, January 23 to Friday, January 27. Jack Hoeflich will be acting Valley District Ranger until further notice. Andy Fristensky will be Acting Deputy Chief of Interpretive Operations until further notice. He may be reached at 372-0599. Jeffrey Trust will be Acting Yosemite Valley Field Interpretation Supervisor until further notice. He may be reached at 372-0307. Ron Watson will be the Acting Supervisory Information Technology Specialist until further notice. He may be reached at 379-1074. Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) is on a detail as the Park Archivist. If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related questions, you can call 379-1282 or 379-1104. y Report for Jan 26

Remember, to start planning your Yosemite vacation, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Thursday, January 26, 2012

WEATHER

Yosemite Valley
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 54.

El Portal
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 67.

Wawona
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 59.

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HAPPENING TODAY

Sal's Taco Night- Tonight
Yosemite Employee Association is pleased to bring you Sal's Taco Night - tonight, January 26. Come on out to share a burrito and a drink with friends. Designated drivers get a free soda of choice. We look forward to seeing you there! (M. Goldberg - 1/26)
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Croaking Toad Series
January's Croaking Toad Series will be on Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The topic this month will be the" Restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Selected Natural Resources Assessments" presented by Sue Beatty, Restoration Ecologist, Bill Kuhn, Landscape Ecologist, Sarah Stock, Wildlife Biologist and Monica Buhler, Biologist. (M. Thornley - 1/26)
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Badger Pass Ski Area to Open Thursday, January 26
The 77th winter season at Badger Pass Ski Area begins Thursday, January 26 after recent snow storms dropped more than 24 inches of snow. Yosemite's Badger Pass Ski Area has been operating as California's original ski area for family fun since 1935. With 10 slope runs and five convenient lifts, families can enjoy stress-free skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. To help celebrate the season, DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite is offering several packages and season pass offers designed to help visitors hit the slopes for less.

Skiers and riders can purchase passes for the 2011-12 season at $129 for adults and $79 for children through the end of the season. To thank current season pass holders for awaiting the opening of the season, Badger is offering 35 percent off any 2012-13 season pass purchases. "Two for Tuesday" - Skiers and snowboarders can also enjoy midweek Yosemite skiing with Badger's new "Two for Tuesdays" deal, which offers two adult lift tickets for the price of one at $42. In addition to these exciting packages, Delaware North operates two shuttle services to and from Badger Pass Ski Area. The first operates within Yosemite National Park and shuttles guests from the park's lodges to Badger Pass. The second provides snowboarders and skiers staying in Oakhurst with transportation services on select dates to the ski area. For a complete schedule, please visit www.YosemitePark.com . Snow tubing will not be available until Badger receives more snow. For 24-hour ski conditions, call 209-372-1000. (L. Cesaro - 1/25)
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Live Music at the Carabiner
The Pimps of Joytime are coming back to Yosemite for their annual Carabiner performance this week. They will play a live show on Thursday 26th from 9pm until Midnight. There will be a cover charge at the door of $5 cash. Please remember that all Yosemite community members are welcome at this and all events! Valid ID is required, no backpacks or outside alcohol please. Hope to see you there! Check out www.pimpsofjoytime.com for more details on the band. (E. Brosk)
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Go With the Flow: A 150-Mile Adventure on the Merced River
Katie Wallace, a science educator at the Yosemite campus of NatureBridge, is eager to share her exceptional adventure of sixty miles of paddling and 90 miles of walking along the Merced River. The Upper Merced River Watershed Council invites the community to experience her travels through a presentation of photos, stories, and musings on the rewards and challenges of following the wildly scenic Merced River from beginning to end. For more information on NatureBridge and the Upper Merced River Watershed Council, visit www.naturebridge.org and www.merced-river.org .

Title: Go With the Flow
When: Thursday, January 26, 6:30 pm
Where: Midpines Community Hall at 6364A Highway 140, Midpines, CA (A. Steed)

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PARK AND PARTNER NEWS

Congratulations to Alan Kunz
Alan Kunz has been selected as the administrative support assistant for the Office of the Superintendent. Alan has been on detail in this position since February 2011 and we are very excited to keep him in the office permanently! Alan is a Chicago native (Go Bears!) who has lived and worked in Yosemite since 1997. He most recently worked in the park's Travel Office as an accounting technician, but has also held positions in the Project Management and Planning divisions over the years. He's very active in the community, coaching his sons' youth soccer team and is also a volunteer structural firefighter in the valley. Alan lives in Yosemite Valley with his wife, Janis, and two twin sons, Alex and Nathan. We're all happy to have him on board! (K. Kosick - 1/26)
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Yosemite Archives Closure
The Yosemite Archives will be closed to researchers on Tuesday 2/21 to permit staff to attend the annual Interpretation Division training/field trip. (B. Lissoway - 1/26)
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Yosemite National Park Releases Environmental Assessment for Hiking to Half Dome - news release
Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan Draft Environmental Assessment Available for Public Review
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

Yosemite National Park announces the availability of the Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan Draft Environmental Assessment for public review. Public comments on the plan will be accepted from today, Tuesday, January 24, 2012 through Thursday, March 15, 2012. The Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan was developed to address crowded conditions, visitor experience, and safety on the Half Dome Trail and encompasses the two mile section from the John Muir Trail to the summit of Half Dome.

The Preferred Alternative is to keep the cables in place with their current configuration and implement daily use limits of 300 people per day. This alternative provides the best combination of accessibility to the summit, free-flowing travel conditions on the cables, which improves safety, and low encounter rates on the trail, similar to use levels found on other high-use trails in Yosemite’s wilderness and other wilderness areas. The park implemented an Interim Half Dome Cables Permit System for the 2010 and 2011 hiking seasons. An Interim Half Dome Cables Permit System will also be implemented during the 2012 hiking season.

In 1964, Congress passed the Wilderness Act, creating the National Wilderness Preservation System. As such, approximately 95% of Yosemite National Park , including Half Dome and the Half Dome Trail, is designated Wilderness. Consequently, all of the action alternatives were developed to improve the wilderness character of the trail.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) presents environmental analysis of five alternatives, including the Preferred Alternative. Alternative A, the No Action Alternative, would retain the cable system and continue managing the Half Dome Trail as it was through 2009, with no permits required. This action violates National Park Service (NPS) policy and will not be considered. Under Alternative B, the park would retain the cable system and implement day-use limits through a permit system allowing 400 hikers per day. Under Alternative C, the Preferred Alternative, the park would retain the cable system and implement day-use limits through a permit system allowing 300 hikers per day. Under Alternative D, the park would retain the cable system and implement day-use limits through a permit system allowing 140 hikers per day. Under Alternative E, the park would remove the cable system from Half Dome.

The park considers all public comments in making a decision, which will be documented in the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), if appropriate. If approved, the plan will be implemented for the 2013 hiking season. Hiking permits for Half Dome will be allocated through an online reservation system and/or a lottery.

The public review and comment period begins with release of the EA. The document is available for electronic review at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/halfdome . Please submit written comments electronically through the website, or join us at the park’s monthly Open House at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., to discuss the plan with park staff. Hard copies or CDs of the EA may be requested by emailing yose_planning@nps.gov . You may also mail your comments to P.O. Box 577 Yosemite, California 95389, c/o Superintendent, ATTN: Half Dome Plan; or send a facsimile to (209) 379-1294. (K. Cobb - 1/25)
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Critical Incident Stress Debriefing - Sonny Lawhon

There will be two debriefings at the El Portal Community Hall on Thursday, January 26. The debriefing for the first responders will be at 0900. The debriefing for the community will be at 1100.

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing - Ryan Hiller

There will be a debriefing on Friday, January 27 at 1000 in the Valley SAR-cache training room for those in the community affected by Ryan Hiller's death. (F. Grin - 1/25)

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Gathering to Remember Ryan Hiller
On Friday, January 27 at 3:00 pm there will be a gathering to honor and remember former NPS Ranger Ryan Hiller. We will meet in front of the Valley Visitor Center where there will be flag ceremony and group photograph taken for the Hiller family. Immediately following, refreshments will be offered in the East Auditorium for folks to gather and share stories about Ryan. Uniform for the day will be winter Class A, if available. We are compiling a photo and remembrance book for the Hiller family. If you would like to contribute please email: Jeff_Webb@nps.gov . The Superintendent has authorized that employees on duty may attend this gathering on work time. In lieu of flowers the Hiller family has asked that donations be sent to Friends of YOSAR. (J. Byerly - 1/24)

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EMPLOYEE NEWS

Upcoming Servicewide Radon Testing for NPS Residential Units
The quality of indoor air in NPS owned housing units will be tested to determine the average annual radon level. The NPS commitment under this plan includes radon testing at approximately 3,500 existing housing units across the Service.

The placement of a radon testing kits within NPS residential units should not be interpreted as a cause for alarm. Testing will enable screening for problem areas or locations and serve as the basis for follow up actions, including additional testing and mitigation measures if necessary. If radon is discovered and remediation is necessary, radon remediation techniques are available and highly effective.

The radon test kits for Yosemite NPS housing are expected to arrive sometime in February. The Housing Office will notify residents when the park is contacted by the WASO Environmental Management contractor to coordinate this effort.

Park staff will be responsible for placement of the test kits, as well as collection and delivery to designated laboratory facilities following the three day sampling period. The Housing Office will relay any questions or concerns regarding radon that are raised by residents to the regional office.

With your cooperation and participation, we can ensure a safer and healthier environment for our families living in NPS housing.

For additional information regarding Radon, click on the EPA Citizen Guide to Radon link: http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html or visit the Housing SharePoint site @ http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/admn/housing/default.aspx . (C. Baker - 1/25)

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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

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

UPDATE - Foresta Road Closure thru 2/29/12 - Slide Repair Between Rancheria and Old El Portal
The current road closure along Foresta Road will continue thru the end of February 2012. Due to the unseasonably dry weather crews made good progress on the upper (cut) slope stabilization and it is nearly complete, however the steep slopes required much of the work to occur with hand labor, so they were not able to make as much progress as planned. The remaining work includes the final seeding and mulching along the upper slope, then installation of a retaining wall along the lower (fill) slope, and then the final curb and pavement repairs. (M. Pieper - 1/6)

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ACTING DESIGNATIONS

Laura Jones is acting Branch Chief for Vegetation and Restoration on January 26 2012. She can be reached at 209-379-2175.

Colter Chisum will be the Acting Facilities Management Division Chief from Wednesday, January 25 to Friday, January 27. Colter can be reached at 379-1068.

Erin "Echo" Davenport (379-1067) will be Acting Branch Chief of Environmental Planning and Compliance from Monday, January 23 to Friday, January 27.

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

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

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

Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) is on a detail as the Park Archivist. If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related questions, you can call 379-1282 or 379-1104.