Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Thursday, March 22, 2012
WEATHER Thursday, March 22, 2012
Special Weather Statement
A storm system originating in the Gulf of Alaska will drift southward during the next couple of days and be situated off the California coast this weekend. Although there is some uncertainty with the track of this storm and the arrival of its precipitation, it has the potential to bring a substantial amount of rain and mountain snow to the central California interior by the end of this weekend.
Rainfall totals of up to an inch are possible in the San Joaquin Valley by Sunday evening with two inches or more in the foothills. In the mountains, snow accumulations of up to two feet are possible above 6000 feet by Sunday night. As the storm approaches, gusty winds of up to 40 mph may occur in Merced county and along the west side of the San Joaquin Valley Saturday. A colder and unstable airmass associated with this storm may trigger isolated thunderstorms in the San Joaquin Valley Sunday afternoon. In the mountains, snow levels will initially be between 6500 feet and 7500 feet then lower to around 4500 feet by Sunday night. However, brisk winds may hamper travel below the passes Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
Yosemite Valley
Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 48.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43.
El Portal
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69.
Wawona
Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 57.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.
======================================================
NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY
Events at Sal's Tonight
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a taco and a beverage at Sal's, this Thursday, March 22. While there, you'll have another chance to vote on the Yosemite Employee Association's proposed new bylaws, as YEA has extended the voting period to make sure everyone who wants to vote can. This week will officially be the last chance to vote, though, so come on down for democracy's sake. There will also be a raffle and bake sale to support the El Portal School taking place. And, as always, designated drivers get a free soda. See you there! (M. Goldberg)
El Portal Elementary is holding a bake sale tamale sale on Thursday, March 22, during Sal’s Taco Night. Sales of these delicious home-made items will help pay for our 4th-6th grade Spring Field Trip to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. We will also be holding the raffle drawing that night. Thank you to the many wonderful community members who have already supported us by buying tickets, and you’ll have one last chance to buy more on Thursday. See you at the El Portal Community Hall this Thursday, March 22! Thanks! (P. Amstutz)
Sustainable Action will be at Sal's this Thursday 3/22. If you'd like to have your bike fixed, learn how to repair it, or you'd simply like to borrow tools and a bike stand to work on your own bike, feel free to stop by. Sustainable Action also rents bikes for community use through our own bike library as well as the Climate Friendly Bikes Project from a generous grant from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). We're currently waiting to receive some replacement parts, but should have our rental fleet up and running soon. Questions/Comments: Kate McHugh, email: bikes@sustainableaction.org, phone: 520.349.9818 (K. McHugh)
__________________________________
__________________________________
Workplace Enrichment
From Where I Sit: Perspectives on Respecting And Valuing Employees
Through this continuing article series, titled From Where I Sit, the national Workplace Enrichment committee shares knowledge, inspiring and motivating practices, and helpful tools that are critical to achieving our mission in the 21st century. The newest article in the series has been posted on InsideNPS. Patty Wissinger, superintendent at Chattahoochee River NRA, discusses respecting and valuing employees. The article can be found at http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewnpsnewsarticle&type=Announcements&id=11780. (J. Treutelaar)
Through this continuing article series, titled From Where I Sit, the national Workplace Enrichment committee shares knowledge, inspiring and motivating practices, and helpful tools that are critical to achieving our mission in the 21st century. The newest article in the series has been posted on InsideNPS. Patty Wissinger, superintendent at Chattahoochee River NRA, discusses respecting and valuing employees. The article can be found at http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewnpsnewsarticle&type=Announcements&id=11780. (J. Treutelaar)
__________________________________
Badger Pass Daily Snow Report - 3/22
Coverage: Conditions on the slopes are excellent & Spring-like
Coverage: Conditions on the slopes are excellent & Spring-like
Snow Conditions: Powder and Packed Powder
Forecast: Mostly sunny
Temperature: High 56, Low 34
Runs Groomed: Bruin, Eagle, Rabbit, Turtle, Beaver, Red Fox
Lifts Open: Bruin, Eagle, Badger, Turtle
Runs Open: All
XC trail snow conditions: Groomed tracks were set out to Glacier Point on the morning of 3/18. Groomed tracks were set out to Bridalveil Campground on the morning of 3/22. The conditions along the road are excellent and spring like.
Tubing Hill: Two sessions: 11:30 – 1:30 & 2:00 – 4:00. One tubing lane. (S. Costello)
====================================================== Forecast: Mostly sunny
Temperature: High 56, Low 34
Runs Groomed: Bruin, Eagle, Rabbit, Turtle, Beaver, Red Fox
Lifts Open: Bruin, Eagle, Badger, Turtle
Runs Open: All
XC trail snow conditions: Groomed tracks were set out to Glacier Point on the morning of 3/18. Groomed tracks were set out to Bridalveil Campground on the morning of 3/22. The conditions along the road are excellent and spring like.
Tubing Hill: Two sessions: 11:30 – 1:30 & 2:00 – 4:00. One tubing lane. (S. Costello)
RECENT NEWS
Planned Power Outages
There will be a power outage March 28, 2012. Areas affected will be, DNC Garage, Indian Creek Apartments, the DNC General Offices, the Bank, and Camp 6. DNC Garage, Indian Creek apartments, the General Offices, and the Bank will only be without power 9 a.m. thru 10 a.m. and again 4 p.m. thru 5 p.m. Camp 6 will be without power from 9 a.m. thru 5 p.m. Questions? call Dan Raspotnik 379-1236. (J. Brown)
The High Voltage Shop will be performing a scheduled power outage of the FM offices/cubbies on Tuesday March 27, 2012 from 5-9 PM to fix power distribution to this area of the building. Any questions should be routed to Dan Raspotnik, High Voltage Supervisor, at 379-1236. (D. Raspotnik)
__________________________________
__________________________________
Yosemite is Our Backyard - Day Camp for 7-15 Year Olds
Kick off the summer right with learning and fun in Yosemite! The week after school lets out, NatureBridge will host Yosemite is Our Backyard - a day camp specially made for the children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews of the Yosemite area community. Campers meet with NatureBridge field educators daily at 8:45 in Yosemite Valley and embark on days filled with games, exploration, and learning. For older students, the program also includes an overnight stay at our historic Crane Flat campus. Volunteer as a chaperone for the program and your child can participate for half price! For more information, contact Kesia Lopez at 209-379-9511 ext 25, email klopez@naturebridge.org, or visit our website and register online at naturebridge.org/backyard. Dates: June 11-15, 2012. (M. Carr)
__________________________________
Kick off the summer right with learning and fun in Yosemite! The week after school lets out, NatureBridge will host Yosemite is Our Backyard - a day camp specially made for the children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews of the Yosemite area community. Campers meet with NatureBridge field educators daily at 8:45 in Yosemite Valley and embark on days filled with games, exploration, and learning. For older students, the program also includes an overnight stay at our historic Crane Flat campus. Volunteer as a chaperone for the program and your child can participate for half price! For more information, contact Kesia Lopez at 209-379-9511 ext 25, email klopez@naturebridge.org, or visit our website and register online at naturebridge.org/backyard. Dates: June 11-15, 2012. (M. Carr)
__________________________________
Upcoming TELNPS Courses
The most current TELNPS course listings may be found on the HR Sharepoint site under Announcements. (T. Hawkins)
__________________________________
The most current TELNPS course listings may be found on the HR Sharepoint site under Announcements. (T. Hawkins)
__________________________________
Live Music Saturday
This Saturday (March 24th), the Adam Burns Band will be playing at the Yosemite Bug Hostel, starting at 7:00pm. More details at www.adamburnsband.com. (A. Burns)
__________________________________
This Saturday (March 24th), the Adam Burns Band will be playing at the Yosemite Bug Hostel, starting at 7:00pm. More details at www.adamburnsband.com. (A. Burns)
__________________________________
Curry Village Opening This Weekend
Curry Village is excited to announce they will open for the 2012 season on Friday, March 23rd. The Curry Village registration will open at noon on Friday for check-in for arriving guests. The Pizza Deck (indoor seating available) will open at 5:00 p.m. with regular hours of operation for the season of Mon-Fri 5-9 p.m. and Sat-Sun 12-9 p.m. The Pavilion Buffet will open for dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and beginning Sat. March 24th with be open daily for breakfast from 7-10 a.m. and dinner from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Curry Village Bar opens at 5:00 on Friday will daily hours of operation Mon-Fri 5-10 p.m. and 12-10 p.m. Sat-Sun. Coffee Corner opens for the season Sat. March 24th from 7-11 a.m. daily. (W. Kearns)
__________________________________
Curry Village is excited to announce they will open for the 2012 season on Friday, March 23rd. The Curry Village registration will open at noon on Friday for check-in for arriving guests. The Pizza Deck (indoor seating available) will open at 5:00 p.m. with regular hours of operation for the season of Mon-Fri 5-9 p.m. and Sat-Sun 12-9 p.m. The Pavilion Buffet will open for dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and beginning Sat. March 24th with be open daily for breakfast from 7-10 a.m. and dinner from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Curry Village Bar opens at 5:00 on Friday will daily hours of operation Mon-Fri 5-10 p.m. and 12-10 p.m. Sat-Sun. Coffee Corner opens for the season Sat. March 24th from 7-11 a.m. daily. (W. Kearns)
__________________________________
Volunteer Needed
The Division of Resources Management and Science is looking for a volunteer to assist with surveying and monitoring peregrine falcon nests in April and May. This is a great introduction for someone interested in gaining experience in wildlife research and management. The volunteer/intern position would include housing and a modest stipend (at least 32 volunteer hours required each week for at least a month duration for stipend AND housing). Applicant must have a sense of humor, be extraordinarily patient (4-hour stints spent looking through spotting scope), be in good physical shape, and have diligent observational and note-taking skills. Anyone interested should contact Sarah Stock: sarah_stock@nps.gov or phone 209-379-1435. (L. Prell)
The Division of Resources Management and Science is looking for a volunteer to assist with surveying and monitoring peregrine falcon nests in April and May. This is a great introduction for someone interested in gaining experience in wildlife research and management. The volunteer/intern position would include housing and a modest stipend (at least 32 volunteer hours required each week for at least a month duration for stipend AND housing). Applicant must have a sense of humor, be extraordinarily patient (4-hour stints spent looking through spotting scope), be in good physical shape, and have diligent observational and note-taking skills. Anyone interested should contact Sarah Stock: sarah_stock@nps.gov or phone 209-379-1435. (L. Prell)
__________________________________
NPS Policy for Motor Vehicle Accident Reporting Updated
Do you drive a government vehicle? The Park's policy for motor vehicle accident reporting, Directive #5: Incident/Accident Reporting and Investigation, has been updated. The new directive is posted on Sharepoint: http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/supt/Superintendents%20Orders/Yose%20Directive%2005%20Incident%20Reporting%20Revised%202-17-12.PDF. If you are involved in an accident that involves any damage to a government vehicle, you must immediately contact Dispatch to have a ranger investigate the accident, and you must fill out a Motor Vehicle Accident Report (SF-91) form. All employees need to know what their responsibilities are in case they are ever involved in an accident. (K. Kolbeck)
__________________________________
Do you drive a government vehicle? The Park's policy for motor vehicle accident reporting, Directive #5: Incident/Accident Reporting and Investigation, has been updated. The new directive is posted on Sharepoint: http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/supt/Superintendents%20Orders/Yose%20Directive%2005%20Incident%20Reporting%20Revised%202-17-12.PDF. If you are involved in an accident that involves any damage to a government vehicle, you must immediately contact Dispatch to have a ranger investigate the accident, and you must fill out a Motor Vehicle Accident Report (SF-91) form. All employees need to know what their responsibilities are in case they are ever involved in an accident. (K. Kolbeck)
__________________________________
For Rent
- $1100 per month…Custom built, three bedroom, two bath home with two-car garage in the Lushmeadows area. Includes stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal. New pergo flooring recently installed, pellet stove, spa and small work shop off the garage. Lots of storage space. Fenced garden area with two storage sheds. Deposit required is $1300.
- 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick home on Ben Hur Road. Includes stove and refrigerator. New swamp cooler installed in August 2011. New paint and carpet in the master bedroom. $900/mo. which includes garbage service twice a month. Security deposit required $1,100.
To view these rentals please contact Vicki Saenz @ Classic Property Management (209) 966-2121 or cell (209) 642-6510 or via email vicki.saenz@century21.com. (Y. Radanovich)
__________________________________
__________________________________
Yosemite National Park Announces the Preliminary Alternative Concepts Workbook is now Available on the Park’s Website - news release
Workbook Designed to Help the Public Engage in Upcoming Public Meetings and Site Visits for the Merced River Plan
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529
Workbook Designed to Help the Public Engage in Upcoming Public Meetings and Site Visits for the Merced River Plan
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529
Yosemite National Park announces the availability of the Preliminary Alternative Concepts Workbook for the Comprehensive Management Plan for the Merced Wild and Scenic River Plan (MRP) on the park’s website today. Hard copies of the workbook will be available next week. The goal of the MRP is to provide visitor access and protect resources within the Merced River corridor. The document provides a look at the preliminary alternative concepts of the MRP. This is the first opportunity for the general public to see what the park has developed, incorporating scientific analysis and public comment. These preliminary alternatives will be refined and become a part of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the MRP, which will be released in the fall. Copies of the workbook will also be provided to each individual attending the Workshops/Site Visits.
The public is highly encouraged to attend one of the upcoming Public Workshops, Site Visits, and Webinars where the draft alternatives will be analyzed and discussed. The meetings are a continuation of the park's outreach efforts from last fall in which the public was asked to provide input on what they would like to see included in the management alternatives evaluated in the DEIS. The MRP is a very important plan and will guide the future management of Yosemite within the Merced River corridor. These spring workshops are another chance for the public to review work in progress and provide input directly to park planners about a range of conceptual approaches to protecting river values and managing use within the corridor. The MRP will guide future decisions about transportation, camping, parking, lodging, employee housing and other administrative uses, restoration, and set user capacity – most notably within Yosemite Valley – and will establish the management strategy and actions for the next 20 years by modifying the General Management Plan.
The Workshop schedule is:
- Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Yosemite Valley Auditorium
- Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Golden Gate Room, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
- Thursday, April 12, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., El Portal Community Hall
- Friday, April 13, 2012, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wawona Community Hall
- Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Yosemite Valley Auditorium
- Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Golden Gate Room, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
- Thursday, April 12, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., El Portal Community Hall
- Friday, April 13, 2012, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wawona Community Hall
Site Visits will provide an opportunity to discuss proposed actions “on-the-ground” at the locations where they may be implemented. They will be conducted in conjunction with the Workshops outlined above. Visitors are asked to wear comfortable walking shoes.
The Site Visit schedule is:
- Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., meet at the Yosemite Valley Auditorium
- Thursday, April 12, 2012, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., meet at the El Portal Community Hall
- Friday, April 13, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., meet at the Wawona Community Hall
- Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., meet at the Yosemite Valley Auditorium
- Thursday, April 12, 2012, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., meet at the El Portal Community Hall
- Friday, April 13, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., meet at the Wawona Community Hall
There will also be two webinars conducted that will review the draft alternatives. These will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., and on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. People can participate in the webinars by logging into yose.webex.com.
The workbooks can be viewed at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/mrpalternatives. For the latest information on the MRP and all park planning efforts, please visit www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/planning.htm. (S. Gediman)
__________________________________
Tree Work in El Portal and Foresta
PG&E tree contractors will be trimming or removing routine tree hazards along power lines in El Portal and Foresta. Please watch for signs and workers. (B. Mattos)
PG&E tree contractors will be trimming or removing routine tree hazards along power lines in El Portal and Foresta. Please watch for signs and workers. (B. Mattos)
__________________________________
Kindergarten Registration for 2012-13
The Mariposa County Unified School District will soon be holding Kindergarten Registration for children who will be turning 5 years old on or before November 1, 2012. In Yosemite Valley, registration packets have already gone out to families with eligible children whom we are aware of. If you have or know of someone who has a school-age child who has not been contacted-registration packets are available either at the Yosemite Child Care Center or at YVS or you can call us at 372-4791. We will need to collect all packets, along with a copy of the child’s birth certificate and immunization records by Wednesday, March 28 th at the Yosemite Valley School. All new kinders will then be invited to our Kinder-Visitation day to be held in May. Thank you. (C. Archer)
__________________________________
The Mariposa County Unified School District will soon be holding Kindergarten Registration for children who will be turning 5 years old on or before November 1, 2012. In Yosemite Valley, registration packets have already gone out to families with eligible children whom we are aware of. If you have or know of someone who has a school-age child who has not been contacted-registration packets are available either at the Yosemite Child Care Center or at YVS or you can call us at 372-4791. We will need to collect all packets, along with a copy of the child’s birth certificate and immunization records by Wednesday, March 28 th at the Yosemite Valley School. All new kinders will then be invited to our Kinder-Visitation day to be held in May. Thank you. (C. Archer)
__________________________________
Open House on Sunday at Fine Gold Creek
The Sierra Foothill Conservancy invites you to the annual Ewell Fine Gold Creek Open House, March 25th, 10am-4pm. The Mary and Austin Ewell Preserve at Fine Gold Creek is spectacular in the spring with abundant wildflowers, blossoming red bud, and willow and alder trees lining the creek. Park at the top and enjoy a scenic 1.5 mile hike down to the water. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with family and friends. Some limited parking will be available near the creek. Come and join the fun! This open house event is generously hosted by the Ben Ewell family and is open to all (members and non-members alike!). For more information and directions: http://conta.cc/xogQeD. (K. Boysen)
====================================================== The Sierra Foothill Conservancy invites you to the annual Ewell Fine Gold Creek Open House, March 25th, 10am-4pm. The Mary and Austin Ewell Preserve at Fine Gold Creek is spectacular in the spring with abundant wildflowers, blossoming red bud, and willow and alder trees lining the creek. Park at the top and enjoy a scenic 1.5 mile hike down to the water. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with family and friends. Some limited parking will be available near the creek. Come and join the fun! This open house event is generously hosted by the Ben Ewell family and is open to all (members and non-members alike!). For more information and directions: http://conta.cc/xogQeD. (K. Boysen)
ACTING DESIGNATIONS
Ethan McKinley will be acting Chief of the Business Revenue & Management division through mid-June. He can be reached at 372-0333.
Shauna Potocky will be acting Division Chief of Interpretation and Education this Thursday and Friday, March 22-23.
Mike Wichmann will be Acting Division Chief of Project Management beginning Monday, March 19, 2012, through Friday, March 23, 2012. Mike can be reached at 379-1139, or you may leave a message with Sarah Henderson at 379-1202.
Gretchen Stromberg will be Acting Branch Chief of the Design Branch of Project Management beginning Monday, March 19, 2012, through Thursday, March 22, 2012. Gretchen can be reached at 379-1006, or you may leave a message with Ashley Wilde at 379-1221.
Jeffrey Trust will be Acting Branch Chief of Interpretive Services, Acting Deputy Chief of Interpretive Operations, Acting Yosemite Valley Field Interpretation Supervisor, and Acting Web Manager until April 2. He may be reached at 372-0307.
Madelyn Ruffner (379-1226) is on a 120-day detail as Acting Environmental Planning and Compliance Program Manager. Madelyn may be found at her regular desk location in the EPC Trailer. Elexis Mayer (379-1377) has temporarily moved to the Planning Trailer to continue her work on the Merced River Plan. For further assistance, you may also contact Jessica Zeek (379-1002), Administrative Support Assistant for Environmental Planning and Compliance.
Jack Hoeflich will be acting Valley District Ranger until further notice.
Ron Watson will be the Acting Supervisory Information Technology Specialist until further notice. He may be reached at 379-1173.
Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) is on a detail as the Park Archivist. If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related questions, you can call 379-1282 or 379-1104.
No comments:
Post a Comment