WawonaNews.com - April 2019
Mariposa Grove Opens Soon, Free Visitor Shuttle Resumes Service
Posted by: Kellie Flanagan April 5, 2019 -
YOSEMITE — The Mariposa Grove Road will reopen to automobiles on Friday, Apr. 12, officials in Yosemite National Park announced today.
The free visitor shuttle to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias will also resume service for the busy summer season on the same day. When the shuttles are running, visitors should park at the South Entrance parking area and ride the free shuttle two miles to the Lower Grove.
Every year, the Mariposa Grove Road closes during the winter season and reopens in the spring as conditions allow. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias remains open year-round, but during the winter season visitor parking is located at the South Entrance Parking Area and visitors can snowshoe or cross-country ski up the Mariposa Grove Road or the Washburn Trail.
Visitors planning to hike in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in April and early May should be prepared for winter hiking conditions. Up to two feet of snow remain in some sections of the trails in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Limited parking is available for cars at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area when the shuttle is not in operation. At 7:30 am, the gate at the bottom of the Mariposa Grove Road will be closed to keep vehicles off the road as the shuttle operation begins.
Cars displaying a disability placard can either drive to the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, park in a designated space, then ride the shuttle, or they can drive up the Mariposa Grove Road and park at the arrival area or near the Grizzly Giant parking area. Parking is very limited and only available to cars displaying a disability placard.
For detailed information about visiting the Mariposa Grove and current conditions in Yosemite National Park, go to plan your visit.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200.
Posted by: Kellie Flanagan April 5, 2019 -
YOSEMITE — The Mariposa Grove Road will reopen to automobiles on Friday, Apr. 12, officials in Yosemite National Park announced today.
The free visitor shuttle to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias will also resume service for the busy summer season on the same day. When the shuttles are running, visitors should park at the South Entrance parking area and ride the free shuttle two miles to the Lower Grove.
Every year, the Mariposa Grove Road closes during the winter season and reopens in the spring as conditions allow. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias remains open year-round, but during the winter season visitor parking is located at the South Entrance Parking Area and visitors can snowshoe or cross-country ski up the Mariposa Grove Road or the Washburn Trail.
Visitors planning to hike in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in April and early May should be prepared for winter hiking conditions. Up to two feet of snow remain in some sections of the trails in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Limited parking is available for cars at the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area when the shuttle is not in operation. At 7:30 am, the gate at the bottom of the Mariposa Grove Road will be closed to keep vehicles off the road as the shuttle operation begins.
Cars displaying a disability placard can either drive to the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, park in a designated space, then ride the shuttle, or they can drive up the Mariposa Grove Road and park at the arrival area or near the Grizzly Giant parking area. Parking is very limited and only available to cars displaying a disability placard.
For detailed information about visiting the Mariposa Grove and current conditions in Yosemite National Park, go to plan your visit.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200.
Residential Pile Burning in Yosemite
Now is the time to think about defensible space and hazard fuel reduction. Residential burning is allowed on permissible burn days. Prior to burning, residents must verify burn day status through the Mariposa County Information Line at 209-966-1200. Notification of burning must then be made to the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center at 209-379-1999.
While cooler temperatures have helped diminish the threat of wildfire, property owners and residents are asked to use caution while conducting burns, and maintain control of the fire at all times. Individuals can be held liable for allowing a fire to escape their control and/or burn onto other property. Safe residential pile burning is a crucial tool in reducing fire hazards.
Burn pile requirements:
- Maximum pile size is 4 foot in diameter.
- Clear all flammable material and vegetation within 10 feet of the outer edge of burn pile.
- An adult must remain in attendance with a shovel until the fire is dead out.
- Keep 5 gallons water supply or a charged hose at the burning site.
- No burning shall be undertaken unless weather conditions (particularly wind) are such that burning can be considered safe.
- No burning shall be undertaken when wind speeds or gusts in excess of 5 MPH are present or forecast.
- Burn small branches and leaf vegetation debris only.
- To reduce smoke impacts, burn dry vegetation during daylight hours
If you have any questions regarding residential burning, please contact your local fire station.
Station 1 – El Portal Station Captain Freitas 379-1903
Station 2 – Wawona Station Captain Bevington at 375-9515
Station 3 – Yosemite Valley Station Captain Ludwig at 372-0416
Now is the time to think about defensible space and hazard fuel reduction. Residential burning is allowed on permissible burn days. Prior to burning, residents must verify burn day status through the Mariposa County Information Line at 209-966-1200. Notification of burning must then be made to the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center at 209-379-1999.
While cooler temperatures have helped diminish the threat of wildfire, property owners and residents are asked to use caution while conducting burns, and maintain control of the fire at all times. Individuals can be held liable for allowing a fire to escape their control and/or burn onto other property. Safe residential pile burning is a crucial tool in reducing fire hazards.
Burn pile requirements:
- Maximum pile size is 4 foot in diameter.
- Clear all flammable material and vegetation within 10 feet of the outer edge of burn pile.
- An adult must remain in attendance with a shovel until the fire is dead out.
- Keep 5 gallons water supply or a charged hose at the burning site.
- No burning shall be undertaken unless weather conditions (particularly wind) are such that burning can be considered safe.
- No burning shall be undertaken when wind speeds or gusts in excess of 5 MPH are present or forecast.
- Burn small branches and leaf vegetation debris only.
- To reduce smoke impacts, burn dry vegetation during daylight hours
If you have any questions regarding residential burning, please contact your local fire station.
Station 1 – El Portal Station Captain Freitas 379-1903
Station 2 – Wawona Station Captain Bevington at 375-9515
Station 3 – Yosemite Valley Station Captain Ludwig at 372-0416
Delays Expected This Month On Highway 41 Near Fish Camp
Posted by: SNO Staff April 2, 2019
FISH CAMP — Travelers on a busy corridor leading to Yosemite National Park can expect delays this month due to necessary repair work on the roadway.
Caltrans, in cooperation with Agee Construction, has announced one-way traffic control on Highway 41 near the community of Fish Camp in Mariposa County for four weeks as part of a culvert and roadway repair project.
The following daytime one-way traffic control will be in effect, weather permitting:
Construction crews will be conducting one-way traffic control during this time with the use of flagging personnel through the work zone. Commuters are reminded to obey flagging personnel and pay close attention to road construction vehicles and personnel.
Delays Expected This Month On Highway 41 Near Fish Camp
Posted by: SNO Staff April 2, 2019
FISH CAMP — Travelers on a busy corridor leading to Yosemite National Park can expect delays this month due to necessary repair work on the roadway.
Caltrans, in cooperation with Agee Construction, has announced one-way traffic control on Highway 41 near the community of Fish Camp in Mariposa County for four weeks as part of a culvert and roadway repair project.
The following daytime one-way traffic control will be in effect, weather permitting:
- Beginning Tuesday, Apr. 2 through Friday, Apr. 26, one-way traffic control will be in effect on Highway 41 in Mariposa County north of Mill Canyon Road.
- This closure will be in effect Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.
- Delays of up to 15 minutes at a time are possible while crews work in the area.
Construction crews will be conducting one-way traffic control during this time with the use of flagging personnel through the work zone. Commuters are reminded to obey flagging personnel and pay close attention to road construction vehicles and personnel.
Wawona Events Calendar 2019
This calendar is posted permanently under the "Calendar and Schedules" link on the menu above.
April 1: Big Trees Lodge opens for the season
April 9: Wawona Friends of the Library Board Meeting 2 p.m. in the Library
April 12: Hooting Owl Fire Wawona Fire Station 6:30 p.m.
April 13 WAPPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m.
May 9 : Hooting Owl - The Rise and Fall of Sierra Nevada Glaciers
June: Hooting Owl TBA
June 8: WAPPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m.
June: Annual Friends of the Library Membership Board Meeting in the Library TBA
June10: Pine Needle Pickup
July: Hooting Owl TBA
July 4: Square Dance Gray Barn 8—10 p.m.
July 20: Square Dance Gray Barn 8– 10 p.m.
August 3 Square Dance Gray Barn 8—10 p.m.
August 17: Square Dance Gray Barn 8—10 p.m.
August 31: Wawona Friends of the Library Book/Bake/Craft Sale Library Parking Lot
August 31: Square Dance Gray Barn 8 –10 p.m.
October 12: WAPPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m
October 12: Large Item Pick Up
September 6 : Hooting Owl - Mountain Men of the Sierra Nevada
October 11: Hooting Owl - Ghost Stories of Yosemite
November 8 : Hooting Owl - The National Park Service Ranger: A Brief History
December 13 : Hooting Owl - Winter Adaptation in Yosemite Ecosystems
April 1: Big Trees Lodge opens for the season
April 9: Wawona Friends of the Library Board Meeting 2 p.m. in the Library
April 12: Hooting Owl Fire Wawona Fire Station 6:30 p.m.
April 13 WAPPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m.
May 9 : Hooting Owl - The Rise and Fall of Sierra Nevada Glaciers
June: Hooting Owl TBA
June 8: WAPPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m.
June: Annual Friends of the Library Membership Board Meeting in the Library TBA
June10: Pine Needle Pickup
July: Hooting Owl TBA
July 4: Square Dance Gray Barn 8—10 p.m.
July 20: Square Dance Gray Barn 8– 10 p.m.
August 3 Square Dance Gray Barn 8—10 p.m.
August 17: Square Dance Gray Barn 8—10 p.m.
August 31: Wawona Friends of the Library Book/Bake/Craft Sale Library Parking Lot
August 31: Square Dance Gray Barn 8 –10 p.m.
October 12: WAPPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m
October 12: Large Item Pick Up
September 6 : Hooting Owl - Mountain Men of the Sierra Nevada
October 11: Hooting Owl - Ghost Stories of Yosemite
November 8 : Hooting Owl - The National Park Service Ranger: A Brief History
December 13 : Hooting Owl - Winter Adaptation in Yosemite Ecosystems
Glacier Point Road And Surrounding Trails To Remain Open For Winter Activities
Posted by: gina clugston March 28, 2019
YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park is pleased to announce that Glacier Point Road and the surrounding trails will remain open for winter recreational use through Sunday, Apr. 14, conditions permitting.
Due to the significant snow pack, the current trail conditions are great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing throughout the area surrounding Glacier Point Road.
Typically, winter recreational use in this area ends at the end of March when the park closes Glacier Point Road to begin seasonal plowing operations which begin on Apr. 1.
All recreational users are encouraged to use the Old Glacier Point Road beginning from the Badger Pass parking area to access the Ostrander Lake Ski Hut and all other trails along Glacier Point Road. It is the visitor’s personal responsibility to be aware of their surroundings and stay away from all heavy equipment on the Glacier Point Road.
Park visitors planning overnight trips in the area near Glacier Point Road must stop at the Badger Pass Ranger Station “A-Frame” and register for their overnight permits. Self-registration information is available at the Ranger Station when the building is closed.
To learn more about how to plan for a wilderness trip in Yosemite National Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm.
To learn more about the Ostrander Lake Ski Hut and to make reservations, please visit the following website: https://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/facilities-reservation.
The Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, including the Nordic Center and all other facilities, will close for the 2019 season on Sunday, Mar. 31.
Posted by: gina clugston March 28, 2019
YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park is pleased to announce that Glacier Point Road and the surrounding trails will remain open for winter recreational use through Sunday, Apr. 14, conditions permitting.
Due to the significant snow pack, the current trail conditions are great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing throughout the area surrounding Glacier Point Road.
Typically, winter recreational use in this area ends at the end of March when the park closes Glacier Point Road to begin seasonal plowing operations which begin on Apr. 1.
All recreational users are encouraged to use the Old Glacier Point Road beginning from the Badger Pass parking area to access the Ostrander Lake Ski Hut and all other trails along Glacier Point Road. It is the visitor’s personal responsibility to be aware of their surroundings and stay away from all heavy equipment on the Glacier Point Road.
Park visitors planning overnight trips in the area near Glacier Point Road must stop at the Badger Pass Ranger Station “A-Frame” and register for their overnight permits. Self-registration information is available at the Ranger Station when the building is closed.
To learn more about how to plan for a wilderness trip in Yosemite National Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm.
To learn more about the Ostrander Lake Ski Hut and to make reservations, please visit the following website: https://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/facilities-reservation.
The Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, including the Nordic Center and all other facilities, will close for the 2019 season on Sunday, Mar. 31.
45 Winters in the Backcountry -
The Ostrander Hut & Ski Touring in Yosemite
Howard Weamer, Ostrander Hut Keeper
NEW TIME AND PLACE!
Wednesday, March 20, 2019, The Redwoods Fireside Room
8038 Chilnualna Falls Rd, Wawona
Doors at 6pm, lecture from 6:30-7:30pm
In 1935 Badger Pass was to be the "Switzerland of the West". Part of that dream was a hut and trail system, with huts at Ostrander Lake and beyond. Come join Howard Weamer as he explores what remains of that dream for winter backcountry access. A skier of many routes, Mr. Weamer is the author of The Perfect Art: The Ostrander Hut and Ski Touring in Yosemite. Mr. Weamer has also served as the caretaker of Ostrander Ski Hut for 45 years. So, if you've ever wondered why would anyone go back there, or if you want to be reminded, come hear what he has to say!
The Ostrander Hut & Ski Touring in Yosemite
Howard Weamer, Ostrander Hut Keeper
NEW TIME AND PLACE!
Wednesday, March 20, 2019, The Redwoods Fireside Room
8038 Chilnualna Falls Rd, Wawona
Doors at 6pm, lecture from 6:30-7:30pm
In 1935 Badger Pass was to be the "Switzerland of the West". Part of that dream was a hut and trail system, with huts at Ostrander Lake and beyond. Come join Howard Weamer as he explores what remains of that dream for winter backcountry access. A skier of many routes, Mr. Weamer is the author of The Perfect Art: The Ostrander Hut and Ski Touring in Yosemite. Mr. Weamer has also served as the caretaker of Ostrander Ski Hut for 45 years. So, if you've ever wondered why would anyone go back there, or if you want to be reminded, come hear what he has to say!
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualana Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of February 14, 2019, and March 6, 2019
3.3- Accept the resignation of Ashley Standen from the Board of Directors
3.3–Approve Payroll
3.4- Approve Warrants
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualana 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 February 14, 2019, and March 6, 2019
3.3- Accept the resignation of Ashley Standen from the Board of Directors
3.3–Approve Payroll
3.4- Approve Warrants
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF FACILITIES USE PACKET
- APPROVAL OF LETTER TO CALIFORNIA RISK MANAGEMENT CANCELLING INSURANCE COVERAGE
INFORMATION ITEMS
- REPORT FROM THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON “SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOL”
- REPORT ON THE EFFECT OF AB 1871 ON YWECS
- STAFF REPORTS
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- CLOSED SESSION: Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
- Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
- RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION: Announce Closed Session Actions
- ADJOURNMENT
Wawona Wastewater Treatment System Rehabilitation Project
Dear Friends of Yosemite National Park:
We are pleased to announce the availability of a finding of no significant impact for the Wawona Wastewater Treatment System Rehabilitation Project. After consideration of the environmental assessment and public, tribal, and agency comments, the finding concludes that the project will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Preparation of an environmental impact statement is not required. This project will address deferred maintenance, improve visitor experience, and improve the operational efficiency of the Wawona Wastewater Treatment System.
The selected actions will:
The finding of no significant impact is available in the "Document List" section at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/WWTP.
The National Park Service plans to begin implementation of the project in fall of 2019.
Thank you for your interest and comments throughout the project planning process. Public participation is a vital part of the environmental review process in Yosemite National Park. Your participation helps the National Park Service understand and consider your values and concerns.
Dear Friends of Yosemite National Park:
We are pleased to announce the availability of a finding of no significant impact for the Wawona Wastewater Treatment System Rehabilitation Project. After consideration of the environmental assessment and public, tribal, and agency comments, the finding concludes that the project will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Preparation of an environmental impact statement is not required. This project will address deferred maintenance, improve visitor experience, and improve the operational efficiency of the Wawona Wastewater Treatment System.
The selected actions will:
- Provide central sewage treatment for Wawona Campground
- Upgrade the Wawona Wastewater Treatment Plant infrastructure
- Improve the existing spray effluent disposal system and construct sub-surface effluent disposal trenches at the Big Trees Lodge Golf Course
- Eventually replace the vault toilet at the South Fork Picnic Area with a flush toilet restroom (pending funding availability)
The finding of no significant impact is available in the "Document List" section at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/WWTP.
The National Park Service plans to begin implementation of the project in fall of 2019.
Thank you for your interest and comments throughout the project planning process. Public participation is a vital part of the environmental review process in Yosemite National Park. Your participation helps the National Park Service understand and consider your values and concerns.
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 10
We'll be adjusting our clocks one hour forward.
Daylights Saving Time officially starts on Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m.. A common practice is to adjust your clock before going to bed.
According to the History Channel's website, Germany was the first country to officially adopt Daylight Saving Time as a policy. They did so during World War I as an energy conservation tactic in 1916. Great Britain followed suit that summer.
Contrary to popular belief, the practice was not popular among farmers, according to the History Channel.
It was considered a sacrifice for war-time conservation, but not a practical measure for farmers, who had to wait an extra hour after the day began for sunlight to evaporate dew across crops and fields.
We'll be adjusting our clocks one hour forward.
Daylights Saving Time officially starts on Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m.. A common practice is to adjust your clock before going to bed.
According to the History Channel's website, Germany was the first country to officially adopt Daylight Saving Time as a policy. They did so during World War I as an energy conservation tactic in 1916. Great Britain followed suit that summer.
Contrary to popular belief, the practice was not popular among farmers, according to the History Channel.
It was considered a sacrifice for war-time conservation, but not a practical measure for farmers, who had to wait an extra hour after the day began for sunlight to evaporate dew across crops and fields.
A Lesser Known Wawona:
The Local PerspectiveWawona Historians Ed Mee, Tom Phillips, and Tom Bopp
Thursday, March 7, 2019, Wawona Community Center
Doors at 6pm, lecture from 6:30-7:30pm
Come join Wawona historians Ed Mee, Tom Phillips, and Tom Bopp for a unique presentation and discussion on Wawona history. Have you heard about Camp Hoyle or Vagim House? Do you know where the Wawona Arboretum was? Have you ever seen the proposed South Fork River Dam project? This month's Hooting Owl event will feature a panel discussion by three local historians as they address these pieces of Wawona history, and more. There will be time for Q & A with the panel, so bring your questions! You are sure to learn a few new things about this foundational corner of Yosemite National Park.
The Local PerspectiveWawona Historians Ed Mee, Tom Phillips, and Tom Bopp
Thursday, March 7, 2019, Wawona Community Center
Doors at 6pm, lecture from 6:30-7:30pm
Come join Wawona historians Ed Mee, Tom Phillips, and Tom Bopp for a unique presentation and discussion on Wawona history. Have you heard about Camp Hoyle or Vagim House? Do you know where the Wawona Arboretum was? Have you ever seen the proposed South Fork River Dam project? This month's Hooting Owl event will feature a panel discussion by three local historians as they address these pieces of Wawona history, and more. There will be time for Q & A with the panel, so bring your questions! You are sure to learn a few new things about this foundational corner of Yosemite National Park.
