WawonaNews.com - October 2023
Important Wawona Water and Sewer Issues
WAWONA TOWN PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ISSUE: Since 1985, the County of Mariposa (County) and National Park Service (NPS) have held concurrent and equal jurisdiction over Wawona, Section 35, implemented by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU terms and conditions were negotiated by the county, state and federal agencies in the years leading up to the enactment of shared jurisdiction. It has served as the local governance charter for almost four decades. Up until a year ago, the MOU committed the NPS to provide private properties with sewer and water utility connections and services (for which it charges rates and fees). Concurrent jurisdiction allows the federal government to exercise local land use and development authority held by the state (under the U.S. Constitution) subject to the MOU.
Citing increasingly reduced water supply caused by climate change, NPS proposed amendments to the MOU In October of 2022, that extinguish the property-owners’ current entitlement and right to connect to NPS water and sewer utilities. A significant number of private properties in Wawona are served by private wells. However, if approved, undeveloped and underdeveloped properties and those with wells that become unproductive in the future will no longer have a right to rely on the NPS sewer and water systems. The NPS proposed amendments would also make sewer connections solely at the discretion of the NPS, despite designing the system to serve all properties in Wawona. NPS is a sole provider of utilities in Wawona, having prevented the County and community from securing funds to form local utility districts in the 1970’s.
NPS is proposing to continue its reliance on a single source of surface water, the South Fork of the Merced River (a designated Wild and Scenic River) and remove itself entirely from the burden of developing solutions for a future adequate potable water supply serving Wawona.
There is enough data about Wawona to suggest that NPS should first explore supplementing its system with groundwater sources. U.S. National Environmental Protection Agency Climate Change Adaptation for Water Utilities policies recommend that all water utilities avoid dependence on a single surface water source. (https://www.epa.gov/arc-x/water-utility-adaptation-strategies-climate-change). Although all stakeholders would agree, challenges related to water availability are increasing, local water utilities across the nation are adapting by diversifying and expanding water sources and increasing storage capacity. Adding groundwater well sources to the NPS system will permit NPS to:
· rely on groundwater to meet demand when surface water flows are insufficient increasing climate resilience for seasonal or extended periods of drought
· manage a water system to protect river flows for ecosystem and habitat conservation objectives
· support continued visitor access and accommodations within the Park
Wawona property owners should participate and monitor this topic closely due to the impact on property values in Wawona. MOU amendments are scheduled to come before the Wawona Town Plan Advisory Committee and Mariposa County Board of Supervisors.
WAWONA TOWN PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ISSUE: Since 1985, the County of Mariposa (County) and National Park Service (NPS) have held concurrent and equal jurisdiction over Wawona, Section 35, implemented by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU terms and conditions were negotiated by the county, state and federal agencies in the years leading up to the enactment of shared jurisdiction. It has served as the local governance charter for almost four decades. Up until a year ago, the MOU committed the NPS to provide private properties with sewer and water utility connections and services (for which it charges rates and fees). Concurrent jurisdiction allows the federal government to exercise local land use and development authority held by the state (under the U.S. Constitution) subject to the MOU.
Citing increasingly reduced water supply caused by climate change, NPS proposed amendments to the MOU In October of 2022, that extinguish the property-owners’ current entitlement and right to connect to NPS water and sewer utilities. A significant number of private properties in Wawona are served by private wells. However, if approved, undeveloped and underdeveloped properties and those with wells that become unproductive in the future will no longer have a right to rely on the NPS sewer and water systems. The NPS proposed amendments would also make sewer connections solely at the discretion of the NPS, despite designing the system to serve all properties in Wawona. NPS is a sole provider of utilities in Wawona, having prevented the County and community from securing funds to form local utility districts in the 1970’s.
NPS is proposing to continue its reliance on a single source of surface water, the South Fork of the Merced River (a designated Wild and Scenic River) and remove itself entirely from the burden of developing solutions for a future adequate potable water supply serving Wawona.
There is enough data about Wawona to suggest that NPS should first explore supplementing its system with groundwater sources. U.S. National Environmental Protection Agency Climate Change Adaptation for Water Utilities policies recommend that all water utilities avoid dependence on a single surface water source. (https://www.epa.gov/arc-x/water-utility-adaptation-strategies-climate-change). Although all stakeholders would agree, challenges related to water availability are increasing, local water utilities across the nation are adapting by diversifying and expanding water sources and increasing storage capacity. Adding groundwater well sources to the NPS system will permit NPS to:
· rely on groundwater to meet demand when surface water flows are insufficient increasing climate resilience for seasonal or extended periods of drought
· manage a water system to protect river flows for ecosystem and habitat conservation objectives
· support continued visitor access and accommodations within the Park
Wawona property owners should participate and monitor this topic closely due to the impact on property values in Wawona. MOU amendments are scheduled to come before the Wawona Town Plan Advisory Committee and Mariposa County Board of Supervisors.
Shirley Spencer's Watercolor Class in Wawona
The Watercolor Painting Class guided by local artist and naturalist, Shirley Spencer, at the Wawona Bassett Memorial Library on Sunday, September 17, was well-attended and enjoyed by all.
Shirley Spencer has been living, working and painting in Yosemite National Park since 1979. She is the author and illustrator of Flowering Shrubs of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada, Our National Parks Alphabet Book, and Living Among Giants: Botanical Treasures of a Sequoia Grove. Shirley is perhaps best known for her exquisitely detailed and scientifically accurate botanical watercolor paintings.
Watch for the announcement of Shirley’s next class and join us in Wawona at the Bassett Memorial Library,
The Watercolor Painting Class guided by local artist and naturalist, Shirley Spencer, at the Wawona Bassett Memorial Library on Sunday, September 17, was well-attended and enjoyed by all.
Shirley Spencer has been living, working and painting in Yosemite National Park since 1979. She is the author and illustrator of Flowering Shrubs of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada, Our National Parks Alphabet Book, and Living Among Giants: Botanical Treasures of a Sequoia Grove. Shirley is perhaps best known for her exquisitely detailed and scientifically accurate botanical watercolor paintings.
Watch for the announcement of Shirley’s next class and join us in Wawona at the Bassett Memorial Library,
County Survey and Short Term Rentals
The meeting 9/15 was not about the Short Term Rental Survey. It was about the County survey sent out to 3000 County residents in June, 2023. (547 replies were received.) The information can be reviewed on:
Want to learn more about the survey, the results, and how Mariposa County plans to use this information? You can listen to today's (9/12) presentation to the Board of Supervisors on the results here (starting at 1:56:15) - https://mariposacoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/18/media.
To view the full results you can visit: www.mariposacounty.org/2107/Surveys
Representing the County was the County Administrative Officer: Dallin Kimble, Assistant County Administrative Officer: Leigh Westerlund, and District 1 Supervisor: Rosemarie Smallcombe shown below with Wawona residents who attended the presentation.
The meeting 9/15 was not about the Short Term Rental Survey. It was about the County survey sent out to 3000 County residents in June, 2023. (547 replies were received.) The information can be reviewed on:
Want to learn more about the survey, the results, and how Mariposa County plans to use this information? You can listen to today's (9/12) presentation to the Board of Supervisors on the results here (starting at 1:56:15) - https://mariposacoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/18/media.
To view the full results you can visit: www.mariposacounty.org/2107/Surveys
Representing the County was the County Administrative Officer: Dallin Kimble, Assistant County Administrative Officer: Leigh Westerlund, and District 1 Supervisor: Rosemarie Smallcombe shown below with Wawona residents who attended the presentation.
Appropriate Use of Wood Yard
The NPS Woodyard in Wawona has periodically seen contractors using the Wawona Woodyard to dump unauthorized materials in the woodyard. The Woodyard is not open to contractors that landowners hire. Nor to contracted cleanup in Yosemite West (which is not inside the Park boundaries).
The park woodlots were created for the park forestry and roads crews to have an area to dispose of woody materials, and for local residents to dispose of pine needles and yard trimmings. They were not intended for any contractor, including ones working in the Wawona community, to dump material. Contractors are told there is a free woodlot, but that's not the case. This has gotten out of control in the past 7 years or so and it has again seen use by rental companies and contractors. Please take notice of the proper use of the woodyard as described above and do not tell any contractor that they are authorized to use the woodyard. They are not. Contractors are responsible
The NPS Woodyard in Wawona has periodically seen contractors using the Wawona Woodyard to dump unauthorized materials in the woodyard. The Woodyard is not open to contractors that landowners hire. Nor to contracted cleanup in Yosemite West (which is not inside the Park boundaries).
The park woodlots were created for the park forestry and roads crews to have an area to dispose of woody materials, and for local residents to dispose of pine needles and yard trimmings. They were not intended for any contractor, including ones working in the Wawona community, to dump material. Contractors are told there is a free woodlot, but that's not the case. This has gotten out of control in the past 7 years or so and it has again seen use by rental companies and contractors. Please take notice of the proper use of the woodyard as described above and do not tell any contractor that they are authorized to use the woodyard. They are not. Contractors are responsible
Click on the image above to access link.
Friends of the Library
The Wawona Friends of the Bassett Memorial Board of Directors joined the Mariposa County Friends of the Library Board of Directors as the Mariposa FoL held their September meeting at the Wawona Bassett Memorial Library on Monday, September 11. This is an annual tradition with a lunch at the Wawona Hotel after the conclusion of the meeting.
The Wawona Friends of the Bassett Memorial Board of Directors joined the Mariposa County Friends of the Library Board of Directors as the Mariposa FoL held their September meeting at the Wawona Bassett Memorial Library on Monday, September 11. This is an annual tradition with a lunch at the Wawona Hotel after the conclusion of the meeting.
2023 Book/Bake/Craft Sale Update
The Wawona Friends of the Bassett Memorial Library Book/Bake/Craft Sale fundraiser on Saturday, September 2 was a huge success! With the participation of many community volunteers, despite the dreary/rainy weather and a power outage, the sale went off without a hitch. Many happy customers filled bags with craft items, books, DVD’s, puzzles, and more! Proceeds from a raffle and silent auction along with sales netted the Friends of the Library over $2,700 making the 2023 sale one of the best ever! Thanks to all community members who donated craft items, silent auction items, raffle prizes, and books. Special thanks go to The Redwoods in Yosemite for raffle items and to the Wawona Hotel for cookies, lemonade and ice tea!
The Wawona Friends of the Bassett Memorial Library Book/Bake/Craft Sale fundraiser on Saturday, September 2 was a huge success! With the participation of many community volunteers, despite the dreary/rainy weather and a power outage, the sale went off without a hitch. Many happy customers filled bags with craft items, books, DVD’s, puzzles, and more! Proceeds from a raffle and silent auction along with sales netted the Friends of the Library over $2,700 making the 2023 sale one of the best ever! Thanks to all community members who donated craft items, silent auction items, raffle prizes, and books. Special thanks go to The Redwoods in Yosemite for raffle items and to the Wawona Hotel for cookies, lemonade and ice tea!
Yosemite Fire and Aviation
Fire Update
September 10th, 2023
Contact: Steve Lyon
Phone: (209) 347-1353
Email: YOSE_Fire_Info@NPS.gov
Thunderstorms passed through Yosemite National Park on Saturday, September 9th, bringing 179 lightning strikes, a small amount of precipitation, and some new lightning fire starts in the park.
There are no closures associated with the active fires, no immediate threats to critical infrastructure, and no smoke impacts.
Yosemite Fire management officers are assessing the fires to determine a management strategy utilizing natural barriers such as roads, ridges, rivers, and abundant granite.
JAN
Location: Between Hoover Lakes, North of Buena Vista Crest
Elevation: 8,800’
Discover date: September 9, 2023
Size: 0.5 acre
More info: Jan Fire - Inciweb
MARMOT
Location: Near Moraine Meadow, south of Merced Pass
Elevation: 8,700’
Discover date: September 9, 2023
Size: 0.01 acre
More Info: Marmot Fire - Inciweb
CHIQUITO
Location: North of Chiquito Pass
Elevation: 8,000’
Discover date: August 17, 2023
Size: 2 acres
More Info: Chiquito Fire - Inciweb
Thank you for your continued support!
Yosemite Fire Information
yose_fire_info@nps.gov
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
Fire Update
September 10th, 2023
Contact: Steve Lyon
Phone: (209) 347-1353
Email: YOSE_Fire_Info@NPS.gov
Thunderstorms passed through Yosemite National Park on Saturday, September 9th, bringing 179 lightning strikes, a small amount of precipitation, and some new lightning fire starts in the park.
There are no closures associated with the active fires, no immediate threats to critical infrastructure, and no smoke impacts.
Yosemite Fire management officers are assessing the fires to determine a management strategy utilizing natural barriers such as roads, ridges, rivers, and abundant granite.
JAN
Location: Between Hoover Lakes, North of Buena Vista Crest
Elevation: 8,800’
Discover date: September 9, 2023
Size: 0.5 acre
More info: Jan Fire - Inciweb
MARMOT
Location: Near Moraine Meadow, south of Merced Pass
Elevation: 8,700’
Discover date: September 9, 2023
Size: 0.01 acre
More Info: Marmot Fire - Inciweb
CHIQUITO
Location: North of Chiquito Pass
Elevation: 8,000’
Discover date: August 17, 2023
Size: 2 acres
More Info: Chiquito Fire - Inciweb
Thank you for your continued support!
Yosemite Fire Information
yose_fire_info@nps.gov
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023
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 August 8.
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023
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 August 8.
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVE THE EXPANDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES PLAN (ELOP) FOR 2023-24
- APPROVE THE UNAUDITED ACTUALS REPORT FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
- APPROVE THE MOU FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES WITH THE BASS LAKE ELEMENTARY DISTRICT
INFORMATION ITEMS
- STAFF REPORTS
- BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS PROJECTS UPDATE
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- ADJOURNMENT
New Wawona Listing
7915 Koon Hollar Rd, Wawona, CA 95389, 2 Beds, 1 Bath, 970 sqft (on 0.31 acres) $879,000 (click here or on the image for more info)
7915 Koon Hollar Rd, Wawona, CA 95389, 2 Beds, 1 Bath, 970 sqft (on 0.31 acres) $879,000 (click here or on the image for more info)
