WawonaNews.com - November 2025
Chowchilla Mountain Road Closed for Season
Chowchilla Mountain Road is closed for the season and will reopen in the spring when roadbed conditions allow.
(H. Edgecomb
Chowchilla Mountain Road is closed for the season and will reopen in the spring when roadbed conditions allow.
(H. Edgecomb
Mountain lion spotted upstream from the Swinging Bridge, Wawona
Sunset Today at Glacier Point
Glacier Point, November 12
Sewer Cleaning and Inspection Update
by Trish Peterson-
I talked to VIS in Fresno this morning (the contractor working on cleaning out the sewage lines in Wawona). They started in Wawona near the Chilnualna Bridge and have moved west to Bruce, where they are now. They will continue down C Falls Rd and hopefully get to the South side next week. They realized that the system is "closed" so there are no "suction" type problems.
If you have questions, you can call the office number at 559-276-0186 or email at [email protected]. They are quite efficient and got me right through to the project manager, Steve Carpenter. He was very patient with my questions and it was easy to understand his answers!
by Trish Peterson-
I talked to VIS in Fresno this morning (the contractor working on cleaning out the sewage lines in Wawona). They started in Wawona near the Chilnualna Bridge and have moved west to Bruce, where they are now. They will continue down C Falls Rd and hopefully get to the South side next week. They realized that the system is "closed" so there are no "suction" type problems.
If you have questions, you can call the office number at 559-276-0186 or email at [email protected]. They are quite efficient and got me right through to the project manager, Steve Carpenter. He was very patient with my questions and it was easy to understand his answers!
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of October 7.
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
Bruce Monroe - $500
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
- CONSENT AGENDA
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of October 7.
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
Bruce Monroe - $500
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVE SCHOOL ACCOUNTABIULITY REPORT CARD FOR 2024-25
- PURCHASE OF A SCHOOL CELL PHONE
INFORMATION ITEMS
- STAFF REPORTS
- BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS PROJECTS UPDATE
- DISCUSSION OF FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- ADJOURNMENT
Visitors, Former Rangers Speak Out After Yosemite Opens Full-Time Unpaid Position
Mary Beth “Mouse” Skylis - Backpack/Outside Magazine
Updated October 30, 2025 Yosemite National Park recently posted a new volunteer opportunity, calling for full-time unpaid work in exchange for a dorm room in Yosemite Valley Rangers Club. [Update: As of October 30, the page for the volunteer position now appears to have been removed and returns a 404 error.] The position is designed to assist with park operations amid staffing shortages, but its strenuous requirements and lack of compensation has some former rangers and volunteers feeling outraged at the listing, calling it an “abuse of the volunteer program.”
The position’s major duties look a lot like a ranger’s, just unpaid: This volunteer would staff the visitor center in Yosemite Valley and the public information office, provide the public with up-to-date information, patrol the park, and perform other miscellaneous duties that would typically fall under the responsibility of a ranger.
Public response to the posting has been largely negative. One anonymous poster reflected on the r/parkrangers subreddit: “Volunteering is very noble, but you are working 40 hour weeks in a position that should be filled with an Interpretation Ranger. On a personal level, unless you have some independent income, I’m not sure how you survive. You have expenses such as food, vehicle costs and insurance, medical etc.”
Mary Beth “Mouse” Skylis - Backpack/Outside Magazine
Updated October 30, 2025 Yosemite National Park recently posted a new volunteer opportunity, calling for full-time unpaid work in exchange for a dorm room in Yosemite Valley Rangers Club. [Update: As of October 30, the page for the volunteer position now appears to have been removed and returns a 404 error.] The position is designed to assist with park operations amid staffing shortages, but its strenuous requirements and lack of compensation has some former rangers and volunteers feeling outraged at the listing, calling it an “abuse of the volunteer program.”
The position’s major duties look a lot like a ranger’s, just unpaid: This volunteer would staff the visitor center in Yosemite Valley and the public information office, provide the public with up-to-date information, patrol the park, and perform other miscellaneous duties that would typically fall under the responsibility of a ranger.
Public response to the posting has been largely negative. One anonymous poster reflected on the r/parkrangers subreddit: “Volunteering is very noble, but you are working 40 hour weeks in a position that should be filled with an Interpretation Ranger. On a personal level, unless you have some independent income, I’m not sure how you survive. You have expenses such as food, vehicle costs and insurance, medical etc.”
Volunteers for this posting will work in Yosemite Valley, one of the most popular areas in the entire national parks system. (Photo: Alphotographic via Getty Images)
With growing strain on park resources and an uptick in visitors flouting rules, the NPS is in a difficult position. In the months after the Trump administration took office in January 2025, the National Park Service lost 24 percent of its permanent staff and experienced subsequent delays in seasonal hiring, which contributed to slower response times and strained operations long before the shutdown began.
Now, four weeks into the government shutdown, many popular national parks are still open, but they’re operating with further limitations. About 64 percent of existing national park staff has been furloughed. Hundreds of former park employees and park supporters have since called for national park closures during the shutdown, with some arguing that conservation and public safety programs are suffering even as the agency scrambles to maintain a facade of normalcy in the parks. (In response, a spokesperson for the Interior Department told The Hill that the administration was “currently doing [its] best to avoid the devastating effects Congressional Democrats’ government shutdown has on the economy,” mirroring the politicized language that’s been featured across federal government websites since the shutdown began.)
Even with open entrance stations, the national parks are missing out on vital resources. Estimates suggest that since the shutdown began, the Park Service has lost more than $25 million in revenue from uncollected recreation fees.
Now, four weeks into the government shutdown, many popular national parks are still open, but they’re operating with further limitations. About 64 percent of existing national park staff has been furloughed. Hundreds of former park employees and park supporters have since called for national park closures during the shutdown, with some arguing that conservation and public safety programs are suffering even as the agency scrambles to maintain a facade of normalcy in the parks. (In response, a spokesperson for the Interior Department told The Hill that the administration was “currently doing [its] best to avoid the devastating effects Congressional Democrats’ government shutdown has on the economy,” mirroring the politicized language that’s been featured across federal government websites since the shutdown began.)
Even with open entrance stations, the national parks are missing out on vital resources. Estimates suggest that since the shutdown began, the Park Service has lost more than $25 million in revenue from uncollected recreation fees.
Sewer Cleaning and Inspection
The National Park Service has undertaken a sanitary sewer cleaning and inspection project in Wawona. The project consists of pressure jetting the sanitary sewer lines with potable water to remove debris and performing a CCTV inspection of the line to evaluate the condition. The project will help determine if there is a need for future sanitary sewer projects and meet state permit requirements. The contractor will be working Monday – Friday 7am to 4pm until the end of February and will need access to manholes and cleanouts to perform the project.
Because of the high pressure, it is possible that a small amount of water can be ejected from toilet bowls. As a precautionary measure we request that you and close the lid of your toilet bowl. If you are not at home during the day, please do so before you leave in the morning.
You may also notice some odor after the cleaning. If this occurs, it is because the P-traps in your drains are dry. Turn on your faucet and run water down the drain for about thirty seconds. This will refill the trap and stop the odor. For toilets, use the same procedure by flushing once.
The National Park Service has undertaken a sanitary sewer cleaning and inspection project in Wawona. The project consists of pressure jetting the sanitary sewer lines with potable water to remove debris and performing a CCTV inspection of the line to evaluate the condition. The project will help determine if there is a need for future sanitary sewer projects and meet state permit requirements. The contractor will be working Monday – Friday 7am to 4pm until the end of February and will need access to manholes and cleanouts to perform the project.
Because of the high pressure, it is possible that a small amount of water can be ejected from toilet bowls. As a precautionary measure we request that you and close the lid of your toilet bowl. If you are not at home during the day, please do so before you leave in the morning.
You may also notice some odor after the cleaning. If this occurs, it is because the P-traps in your drains are dry. Turn on your faucet and run water down the drain for about thirty seconds. This will refill the trap and stop the odor. For toilets, use the same procedure by flushing once.
View of a BASE jump from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in 1980.
3 People Convicted for BASE Jumping at Yosemite
By Anna FitzGerald Guth - SF Gate
One of the convicted jumpers, Christopher Durell, admitted to springing off the Porcelain Wall when park rangers confronted him after the fact on July 15, 2024.
After Durell pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, the judge sentenced him to 18 months of probation in September, according to the Park Service. Durell must complete 40 hours of community service for an organization that supports the Park Service and pay a $600 fine. He has also given up his “BASE canopy and wingsuit.”
Durell was not alone. On July 15, 2024, Joshua Iosue also jumped. Iouse originally fled on foot but eventually pleaded guilty. In October, the same court sentenced him to a harsher punishment, including two days in jail, two years of probation and $2,510 in fines. He’s banned from Yosemite during his probation.
In 2020, David Nunn leaped from El Capitan — and it went badly. “He suffered a severe equipment malfunction, colliding with the wall of El Capitan before crash–landing at the base,” the Park Service reported. He required a park rescue.
Nunn, previously convicted for the same offense back in 1998, also pleaded guilty. In September of this year, he received a sentence of two days in jail, a year of probation and $760 in fines. He also had to pay an additional $459 for his rescue.
Nunn not only was banned from entering Yosemite for the next year but had to turn in his parachute and harness.
In Yosemite, “the activity has led to numerous injuries, fatalities and high-risk rescues over the years, endangering both jumpers and rescuers,” the Park Service stated.
By Anna FitzGerald Guth - SF Gate
One of the convicted jumpers, Christopher Durell, admitted to springing off the Porcelain Wall when park rangers confronted him after the fact on July 15, 2024.
After Durell pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, the judge sentenced him to 18 months of probation in September, according to the Park Service. Durell must complete 40 hours of community service for an organization that supports the Park Service and pay a $600 fine. He has also given up his “BASE canopy and wingsuit.”
Durell was not alone. On July 15, 2024, Joshua Iosue also jumped. Iouse originally fled on foot but eventually pleaded guilty. In October, the same court sentenced him to a harsher punishment, including two days in jail, two years of probation and $2,510 in fines. He’s banned from Yosemite during his probation.
In 2020, David Nunn leaped from El Capitan — and it went badly. “He suffered a severe equipment malfunction, colliding with the wall of El Capitan before crash–landing at the base,” the Park Service reported. He required a park rescue.
Nunn, previously convicted for the same offense back in 1998, also pleaded guilty. In September of this year, he received a sentence of two days in jail, a year of probation and $760 in fines. He also had to pay an additional $459 for his rescue.
Nunn not only was banned from entering Yosemite for the next year but had to turn in his parachute and harness.
In Yosemite, “the activity has led to numerous injuries, fatalities and high-risk rescues over the years, endangering both jumpers and rescuers,” the Park Service stated.
Summary of WAPPOA General Meeting October 4, 2025
Marty Cerles, the President of WAPPOA, introduced the Board officers this year –
Vice President, Wayne Heringer
Secretary, our new Board member Gary Gibb
Treasurer, Michele Ambry.
Other Board members are Trish Peterson, Amber Goslee, Carol Coyle, Ed Mee, Katy Jacobson, Beki Simon, Gene Spindler and Cheryl Kanaan
Marty introduced Gary Gibb, who talked about what he’d like to do on the Board.
We had the invited speakers to present first and then had the General Meeting. Speakers comments below (Some invited speakers could not attend due to the government shutdown)
Rosemarie Smallcombe, our supervisor at Mariposa County spoke about several things
Aramark staff - Bryan Hammill, Operations, introduced
Laura Story, our new Wawona operations manager. She is a longtime resident in Wawona and loves to work on history and interpretation.
Lisza McKee, our Wawona Golf Course Superintendent who has improved the maintenance with newer machines and controlled the cutworm infestation. Everyone agreed that the course is in great condition! She hopes to get more electric carts next year and to plan some golf tournaments.
Jordan Goodrich has taken over the Wawona Post Office and is organizing it and updating PO Box forms
For General Delivery to the Post Office, use the address 8266 Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Hours are 8:30 – 5:00 Monday through Friday (lunch 12:30 – 1:00)
Mail usually goes out around noon and is delivered around 4:00
UPS and FedEx packages are OK but bring the label
He does insured and certified mail
Limits on boxes to mail - no more than 72” length plus width plus height or
70 lbs
Bryan Hammill news
Wawona Hotel transferred to NPS on August. There is a contractor who will maintain the hotel, manage the grounds, etc while the plans for the restoration of the Hotel are completed.
Aramark still manages the Wawona Store, Post Office and gas station. They also manage the Stables (which are closed for the season), the golf course, and employee housing in Wawona.
The bridge on the Chowchilla Mountain road that crosses the golf course needs a full structural rehabilitation. However, it has to go through compliance, design, and work, so it will probably be 15 – 20 months before it’s done.
The Wawona store will close in January and February for improved plumbing and flooring. The Post Office will remain open.
They are still working on projects in the Valley due to aging infrastructure -at the Ahwahnee and Lodge.
Badger Pass opening is dependent on weather – need an 18” packed base of snow to open. Hope for mid-December to end of March.
High Sierra Camps -Vogelsang and Merced have gone back to NPS and probably will never reopen -they can’t get potable water there. White Wolf will not open next year due to sewage system repairs needed. Aramark will still maintain Tuolumne Meadows, Glen Aulin, Sunrise, and May Lake. They will have saddle trips available, working with outside parties. There is a lottery for the trips beginning November 1.
Discussion of possible food available in Wawona – food truck(s) near Wawona store? Bryan said no since they need plumbing and electricity.
Trish asked if Aramark could host Saturday night BBQ in summer -just bring up tent, tables, BBQ and food from Valley? Bryan said he would have to send proposal to operations, check public health and NPS rules.
Yuli Gotsev – Redwoods
They had a good year. There will be some incoming groups, such as the Austin Healey car group. They donated a 2 night rental to the Library’s Labor Day sale, participated in the Wawona Facelift, and have a webcam on the Wawona Dome (can see it on the Redwoods website and on Wawona News). The J1 students who worked as housecleaners did well, and they’re looking forward to more next summer. Cloey (front office staff) had a baby girl on September 23rd!
Dawn Schoennauer-Mariant, new Wawona School teacher
Dawn and her husband Mike and daughter Rachel are from the Morro Bay area, where Dawn taught in a Montessori school much like Wawona, and Rachel was her aide. Mike is a retired Associated Press photography, who did photography workshops in Yosemite, and now enjoys hand-carving large wood signs (website “woodcarverMike.com”) While Mike was attending a semester at sea, he met the Lobergs, and that began their interest in Wawona. Rachel is the aide in Wawona and is training for certification for grades 6-9. They also have a daughter Riley, who is away at college, and a Great Pyrenee named Maisy.
(See more information on Wawona News!)
WAPPOA General Meeting
Marty spoke briefly since it was almost 11:30 and the taco truck was ready for the picnic which followed outside.
Dues will increase from $40 to $50 per year for WAPPOA beginning January 1, 2026.
He gave a brief overview of the Treasurer’s report that Michele Ambry had prepared, and talked about increasing the “reserve” fund, where we transfer some of the money that wasn’t spent this year to have an available fund that we might need for legal help and fees. We did spend $8,700 this year on legal fees to analyze the NPS’s request to change the wording in the MOU, regarding the availability of potable water in Wawona.
The WTPAC meeting on Friday morning was very interesting, and a lot of subjects were covered. Rick Jacobson was voted in as the new President. The discussion of alternate water sources for Wawona is still ongoing. There was also discussion on the Emergency Medical Response (EMS) in Wawona, with the responsibilities of NPS and County. An AD HOC committee was formed with Rosemarie Smallcombe, Amy Clubb ( Mariposa County Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator), Barry Perkins and Trish Peterson, to study and to give reports on how to improve it.
Rosemarie also talked about becoming a Firewise Community and will work with WAPPOA to make it happen. The AD HOC committee for that is Rosemarie, Gary Wuchner, and Trish Peterson.
The next WTPAC meeting will probably ne June 5, 2026.
Marty made the distinction between WTPAC and WAPPOA. WTPAC works with the County and NPS to help govern Section 35 (Wawona). WAPPOA assists WTPAC by supporting what they’re doing and by communicating information to members of the community.
Trish Peterson gave a brief summary of the summer Barn Dances, which were highly successful, and we plan on doing them again next year!
The Dates for the WAPPOA General Meetings in 2026 are:
April 18, 2026
June 6, 2026
September 26th – followed by the Annual Picnic
The Annual Picnic followed with lunch from a taco truck from Marisco’s. Everyone enjoyed it and Burrel Maier was our guest of honor!
Marty Cerles, the President of WAPPOA, introduced the Board officers this year –
Vice President, Wayne Heringer
Secretary, our new Board member Gary Gibb
Treasurer, Michele Ambry.
Other Board members are Trish Peterson, Amber Goslee, Carol Coyle, Ed Mee, Katy Jacobson, Beki Simon, Gene Spindler and Cheryl Kanaan
Marty introduced Gary Gibb, who talked about what he’d like to do on the Board.
We had the invited speakers to present first and then had the General Meeting. Speakers comments below (Some invited speakers could not attend due to the government shutdown)
Rosemarie Smallcombe, our supervisor at Mariposa County spoke about several things
- California insurers have to consider the clients’ fire risk assessment. County will be working with CAL FIRE and the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) to apply for Wawona to become a Firewise-designate community. The community will do risk assessments of their properties and lots, and work together to make it more fire-safe. We will have access to the CAL FIRE defensible space inspections and Home Hardening grants. Foresta, Yosemite West and Fish Camp have already become Firewise, so they can help with our action plans. Rosemarie will work with Gary Wuchner, who has CAL FIRE experience, and Trish Peterson, who will work on communications with community members.
- County Roads team finished improvements and the snow plow will be coming soon
Aramark staff - Bryan Hammill, Operations, introduced
Laura Story, our new Wawona operations manager. She is a longtime resident in Wawona and loves to work on history and interpretation.
Lisza McKee, our Wawona Golf Course Superintendent who has improved the maintenance with newer machines and controlled the cutworm infestation. Everyone agreed that the course is in great condition! She hopes to get more electric carts next year and to plan some golf tournaments.
Jordan Goodrich has taken over the Wawona Post Office and is organizing it and updating PO Box forms
For General Delivery to the Post Office, use the address 8266 Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Hours are 8:30 – 5:00 Monday through Friday (lunch 12:30 – 1:00)
Mail usually goes out around noon and is delivered around 4:00
UPS and FedEx packages are OK but bring the label
He does insured and certified mail
Limits on boxes to mail - no more than 72” length plus width plus height or
70 lbs
Bryan Hammill news
Wawona Hotel transferred to NPS on August. There is a contractor who will maintain the hotel, manage the grounds, etc while the plans for the restoration of the Hotel are completed.
Aramark still manages the Wawona Store, Post Office and gas station. They also manage the Stables (which are closed for the season), the golf course, and employee housing in Wawona.
The bridge on the Chowchilla Mountain road that crosses the golf course needs a full structural rehabilitation. However, it has to go through compliance, design, and work, so it will probably be 15 – 20 months before it’s done.
The Wawona store will close in January and February for improved plumbing and flooring. The Post Office will remain open.
They are still working on projects in the Valley due to aging infrastructure -at the Ahwahnee and Lodge.
Badger Pass opening is dependent on weather – need an 18” packed base of snow to open. Hope for mid-December to end of March.
High Sierra Camps -Vogelsang and Merced have gone back to NPS and probably will never reopen -they can’t get potable water there. White Wolf will not open next year due to sewage system repairs needed. Aramark will still maintain Tuolumne Meadows, Glen Aulin, Sunrise, and May Lake. They will have saddle trips available, working with outside parties. There is a lottery for the trips beginning November 1.
Discussion of possible food available in Wawona – food truck(s) near Wawona store? Bryan said no since they need plumbing and electricity.
Trish asked if Aramark could host Saturday night BBQ in summer -just bring up tent, tables, BBQ and food from Valley? Bryan said he would have to send proposal to operations, check public health and NPS rules.
Yuli Gotsev – Redwoods
They had a good year. There will be some incoming groups, such as the Austin Healey car group. They donated a 2 night rental to the Library’s Labor Day sale, participated in the Wawona Facelift, and have a webcam on the Wawona Dome (can see it on the Redwoods website and on Wawona News). The J1 students who worked as housecleaners did well, and they’re looking forward to more next summer. Cloey (front office staff) had a baby girl on September 23rd!
Dawn Schoennauer-Mariant, new Wawona School teacher
Dawn and her husband Mike and daughter Rachel are from the Morro Bay area, where Dawn taught in a Montessori school much like Wawona, and Rachel was her aide. Mike is a retired Associated Press photography, who did photography workshops in Yosemite, and now enjoys hand-carving large wood signs (website “woodcarverMike.com”) While Mike was attending a semester at sea, he met the Lobergs, and that began their interest in Wawona. Rachel is the aide in Wawona and is training for certification for grades 6-9. They also have a daughter Riley, who is away at college, and a Great Pyrenee named Maisy.
(See more information on Wawona News!)
WAPPOA General Meeting
Marty spoke briefly since it was almost 11:30 and the taco truck was ready for the picnic which followed outside.
Dues will increase from $40 to $50 per year for WAPPOA beginning January 1, 2026.
He gave a brief overview of the Treasurer’s report that Michele Ambry had prepared, and talked about increasing the “reserve” fund, where we transfer some of the money that wasn’t spent this year to have an available fund that we might need for legal help and fees. We did spend $8,700 this year on legal fees to analyze the NPS’s request to change the wording in the MOU, regarding the availability of potable water in Wawona.
The WTPAC meeting on Friday morning was very interesting, and a lot of subjects were covered. Rick Jacobson was voted in as the new President. The discussion of alternate water sources for Wawona is still ongoing. There was also discussion on the Emergency Medical Response (EMS) in Wawona, with the responsibilities of NPS and County. An AD HOC committee was formed with Rosemarie Smallcombe, Amy Clubb ( Mariposa County Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator), Barry Perkins and Trish Peterson, to study and to give reports on how to improve it.
Rosemarie also talked about becoming a Firewise Community and will work with WAPPOA to make it happen. The AD HOC committee for that is Rosemarie, Gary Wuchner, and Trish Peterson.
The next WTPAC meeting will probably ne June 5, 2026.
Marty made the distinction between WTPAC and WAPPOA. WTPAC works with the County and NPS to help govern Section 35 (Wawona). WAPPOA assists WTPAC by supporting what they’re doing and by communicating information to members of the community.
Trish Peterson gave a brief summary of the summer Barn Dances, which were highly successful, and we plan on doing them again next year!
The Dates for the WAPPOA General Meetings in 2026 are:
April 18, 2026
June 6, 2026
September 26th – followed by the Annual Picnic
The Annual Picnic followed with lunch from a taco truck from Marisco’s. Everyone enjoyed it and Burrel Maier was our guest of honor!
Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra October Concert Cancelled Due to COVID
October 23, 2025 – The Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra's planned 21st Season Opening Weekend, scheduled for October 25th and 26th in Mariposa and Yosemite National Park - has been cancelled. Due to the recent nationwide rise in COVID cases, and the diagnosis of COVID within the orchestra, MYSO CEO/Founder Les Marsden has been advised by medical professionals that it would be unwise to proceed with the concerts at this time.
Information will be sent to those who have already purchased tickets for the Saturday concert in Mariposa regarding the disposition of their funds. The orchestra's next planned concert will be held on Saturday, December 20th and further information will be made available on the orchestra's website: http://MYSO.live.
October 23, 2025 – The Mariposa Yosemite Symphony Orchestra's planned 21st Season Opening Weekend, scheduled for October 25th and 26th in Mariposa and Yosemite National Park - has been cancelled. Due to the recent nationwide rise in COVID cases, and the diagnosis of COVID within the orchestra, MYSO CEO/Founder Les Marsden has been advised by medical professionals that it would be unwise to proceed with the concerts at this time.
Information will be sent to those who have already purchased tickets for the Saturday concert in Mariposa regarding the disposition of their funds. The orchestra's next planned concert will be held on Saturday, December 20th and further information will be made available on the orchestra's website: http://MYSO.live.
National Parks Conservation Association Reports Court Filings Reveal Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum’s Plans to Terminate Key National Park Staff
Sierra Sun Times -October 22, 2025 - Washington, DC – New court filings detail the Interior Department’s plans for substantial staffing cuts across its agencies, including major reductions at the National Park Service. The filings were submitted in response to a federal court order issued after a judge temporarily blocked the administration’s attempt to lay off thousands of federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s planned staff cuts include over 2,000 Department of the Interior positions, including 272 National Park Service staff in regional offices and positions directly supporting maintenance projects and cultural and natural resource protection. The numbers reported include only certain union-represented employees under the current court order, meaning the overall number of planned staff reductions is likely much larger.
In May, approximately 1,600 National Park Service employees were pulled from the National Park Service and transferred into the Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary. These employees are also likely included in the list submitted in the court filings. This so-called consolidation hollowed out critical functions at national parks and raised serious concerns about the agency’s ability to operate and communicate effectively. Now, those same staff face the risk of termination, along with even more employees who support maintenance projects and safeguard the natural and cultural resources in national parks across the country.
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) warns that these cuts would break an already overwhelmed Park Service, which has been struggling for months. Already this year more than 4,000 staff left under duress and a nine-month-long hiring freeze has prevented key positions from being refilled. Despite impacts at parks and supporting offices nationwide, Secretary Burgum continues to push reckless, short-sighted policies that undermine both the mission and the future of America’s national parks. NPCA demands Secretary Burgum and the administration restore park staffing levels and prevent any further cuts to park staffing and funding.
Statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA):
“This court filing confirms our worst fears. Secretary Burgum is preparing to slash thousands of positions at the Department of the Interior, including at least hundreds of National Park Service staff. These court filings offer a glimpse of what’s ahead, with only a small portion of the planned layoffs disclosed so far. No matter the size, any additional cuts to the Park Service will be devastating.
“Under Secretary Burgum’s watch, the Park Service has already lost more than a quarter of its permanent staff, leaving parks dangerously understaffed and unprotected. Even before 9,000 park staff were furloughed due to the government shutdown, staff were already being pulled from the field, visitor centers were closing, and critical maintenance and research were falling behind.
“Now, Secretary Burgum is targeting regional offices, cultural preservation, resource protection and park construction, as well as the Park Service’s IT, HR and communications staff. These staff are essential to ensuring that the National Park Service can fulfill its mission of preserving park resources and values for the enjoyment of future generations. Yet their jobs are now on the chopping block.
“The risks are clear and we’re already seeing the consequences unfold during the current government shutdown and the dramatic staffing cuts since January. Secretary Burgum’s actions are making it impossible for the Park Service to protect the very places and resources Americans hold dear.”
About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.9 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.
Source: National Parks Conservation Association
Sierra Sun Times -October 22, 2025 - Washington, DC – New court filings detail the Interior Department’s plans for substantial staffing cuts across its agencies, including major reductions at the National Park Service. The filings were submitted in response to a federal court order issued after a judge temporarily blocked the administration’s attempt to lay off thousands of federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s planned staff cuts include over 2,000 Department of the Interior positions, including 272 National Park Service staff in regional offices and positions directly supporting maintenance projects and cultural and natural resource protection. The numbers reported include only certain union-represented employees under the current court order, meaning the overall number of planned staff reductions is likely much larger.
In May, approximately 1,600 National Park Service employees were pulled from the National Park Service and transferred into the Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary. These employees are also likely included in the list submitted in the court filings. This so-called consolidation hollowed out critical functions at national parks and raised serious concerns about the agency’s ability to operate and communicate effectively. Now, those same staff face the risk of termination, along with even more employees who support maintenance projects and safeguard the natural and cultural resources in national parks across the country.
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) warns that these cuts would break an already overwhelmed Park Service, which has been struggling for months. Already this year more than 4,000 staff left under duress and a nine-month-long hiring freeze has prevented key positions from being refilled. Despite impacts at parks and supporting offices nationwide, Secretary Burgum continues to push reckless, short-sighted policies that undermine both the mission and the future of America’s national parks. NPCA demands Secretary Burgum and the administration restore park staffing levels and prevent any further cuts to park staffing and funding.
Statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA):
“This court filing confirms our worst fears. Secretary Burgum is preparing to slash thousands of positions at the Department of the Interior, including at least hundreds of National Park Service staff. These court filings offer a glimpse of what’s ahead, with only a small portion of the planned layoffs disclosed so far. No matter the size, any additional cuts to the Park Service will be devastating.
“Under Secretary Burgum’s watch, the Park Service has already lost more than a quarter of its permanent staff, leaving parks dangerously understaffed and unprotected. Even before 9,000 park staff were furloughed due to the government shutdown, staff were already being pulled from the field, visitor centers were closing, and critical maintenance and research were falling behind.
“Now, Secretary Burgum is targeting regional offices, cultural preservation, resource protection and park construction, as well as the Park Service’s IT, HR and communications staff. These staff are essential to ensuring that the National Park Service can fulfill its mission of preserving park resources and values for the enjoyment of future generations. Yet their jobs are now on the chopping block.
“The risks are clear and we’re already seeing the consequences unfold during the current government shutdown and the dramatic staffing cuts since January. Secretary Burgum’s actions are making it impossible for the Park Service to protect the very places and resources Americans hold dear.”
About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.9 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.
Source: National Parks Conservation Association
Yosemite National Park Fire Crews Announce Upcoming Prescribed Pile Burning Through October
October 19, 2025 – Yosemite Fire and Aviation officials announce Yosemite Fire will be burning piles in the Foresta community and woodlots (El Portal, Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Foresta), as conditions allow. Smoke is expected to be minimal, but will be visible in the communities and roadways when burning occurs. Please watch for firefighters and equipment working in these areas.
Source: Yosemite Fire and Aviation
October 19, 2025 – Yosemite Fire and Aviation officials announce Yosemite Fire will be burning piles in the Foresta community and woodlots (El Portal, Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Foresta), as conditions allow. Smoke is expected to be minimal, but will be visible in the communities and roadways when burning occurs. Please watch for firefighters and equipment working in these areas.
Source: Yosemite Fire and Aviation
LIVE IN WAWONA
Musical Nights with TOM BOPP
Saturday 6pm - 9pm
October 18
At The Redwoods Fireside Room & Deck
(no cover charge)
8038 Chilnualna Falls Road, Wawona, California 95389
MY COUNTRY BAKERY & GRILL
will be just outside with delectable offerings to carry in.
BYOB: Wanna drink? Bring what you will - we recommend stopping by the
PINE TREE MARKET
to pick up a beverage or three and any extra goodies (open till 8pm on concert nights)
I'll bring my Yamaha digital piano to serenade you for three hours of
Songs of Comfort from Yon Days of Yore
When you book your room or cabin, let them know you’re coming to hear Tom – maybe the extra room sales will turn into more performance dates!
Musical Nights with TOM BOPP
Saturday 6pm - 9pm
October 18
At The Redwoods Fireside Room & Deck
(no cover charge)
8038 Chilnualna Falls Road, Wawona, California 95389
MY COUNTRY BAKERY & GRILL
will be just outside with delectable offerings to carry in.
BYOB: Wanna drink? Bring what you will - we recommend stopping by the
PINE TREE MARKET
to pick up a beverage or three and any extra goodies (open till 8pm on concert nights)
I'll bring my Yamaha digital piano to serenade you for three hours of
Songs of Comfort from Yon Days of Yore
When you book your room or cabin, let them know you’re coming to hear Tom – maybe the extra room sales will turn into more performance dates!
Tioga Road Closing Monday, October 13, at 2 pm
Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park) will close on Monday, October 13, at 2 pm. Glacier Point Road will close today, October 12, at 8 pm. Both are closing temporarily due to a forecast of snow. Tire chains may be required on other roads. Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check road conditions.
Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park) will close on Monday, October 13, at 2 pm. Glacier Point Road will close today, October 12, at 8 pm. Both are closing temporarily due to a forecast of snow. Tire chains may be required on other roads. Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check road conditions.
Exclusive Opportunities for Yosemite Locals
We’re excited to offer two exclusive opportunities for Yosemite locals and park partners to enjoy The Ahwahnee’s signature events at special community rates!
As part of our Yosemite community, you’re invited to make lasting memories at these extraordinary events—at a fraction of the regular cost.
Seats are limited and will fill quickly. Use the QR code on the flyer or click the link below to request your preferred event date.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/94ed8b424ea941fd8ffe72e0f4f7bca8
We look forward to celebrating with you this season at The Ahwahnee!
Bryan Hammill | Aramark Destinations
District Manager – Yosemite Hospitality
- Bracebridge Dinner – Celebrate timeless holiday traditions and indulge in a festive feast with a savings of over 50%!
- Vintners’ Holidays – Sip and savor a curated selection of fine wines and seasonal fare with a 50% discount.
As part of our Yosemite community, you’re invited to make lasting memories at these extraordinary events—at a fraction of the regular cost.
Seats are limited and will fill quickly. Use the QR code on the flyer or click the link below to request your preferred event date.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/94ed8b424ea941fd8ffe72e0f4f7bca8
We look forward to celebrating with you this season at The Ahwahnee!
Bryan Hammill | Aramark Destinations
District Manager – Yosemite Hospitality
