WawonaNews.com - June 2014
Yosemite Fire – Update #2 June 15, 2014
Fireplace (37 44.068 x 119 40.949; El. 7,000’; Mariposa Co.) The Fireplace Fire was declared contained Sunday June 15 to 3.6 acres, a revision of the estimated 5 acres first reported.
The fire was reported by Signal Peak Lookout at 06:30, AM June 14. The fire is in the area of Fireplace Bluffs, on the north rim of the Valley, and west of El Capitan. It is between the trail to El Capitan from Tamarack Flat campground and the Tioga Road, The fire is directly across from Tunnel View.
Yosemite Helicopter 551 did a reconnaissance flight over the fire and found the smoldering and creeping fire burning through brush and timber, with 1-2’ flame lengths. Some single tree torching occurred.
The fire will be heavily mopped-up through the next few days, by Yosemite fire crews, and Sierra National Forest Hot Shots. Occasional light smoke may continue to visible from many Yosemite National Park locations, including Glacier Point, Wawona, Big Oak Flat and Valley Roads.
No trails are closed and the fire poses no threats to park infrastructure or facilities. To avoid periodic smoke, hikers are urged to pass through the area quickly.
This will be the last update.
For additional information:
Ø Fire Information: [email protected]; (209) 372-0480, or (209) 742-8990
Ø Yosemite National Park Web page: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/current _fire.htm
Ø Yosemite Wildland Fire Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yosemite -Wildland-Fire/12463296455395
Yosemite Fire – Update #1 June 14, 2014
Fireplace (37 44.068 x 119 40.949; El. 7,000’; Mariposa Co.) The Fireplace Fire was reported by Signal Peak Lookout at 06:30 AM today. The fire is in the area of Fireplace Bluffs, on the north rim of the Valley, and west of El Capitan. It is between two trails; the Old Coulterville Road, and the trail to El Capitan from Tamarack Flat campground. The fire is directly across from Tunnel View.
Yosemite Helicopter 551 did a reconnaissance flight over the fire and found the smoldering and creeping fire burning through brush and timber, with 1-2’ flame lengths. Some single tree torching occurred.
The fire is being put out with two helicopters, one helitack crew, one Yosemite engine crew and the Sierra National Forest Hot Shots. The fire is visible from many Yosemite National Park locations, including Glacier Point, Wawona, Big Oak Flat and Valley Roads. Smoke is also visible in the communities of Foresta and Yosemite West.
By late afternoon, the fire had grown to 5 acres, but with fire suppression efforts the visible smoke had diminished. The fire at 4PM was 75% contained.
No trails are closed and the fire poses no threats to park infrastructure or facilities. To avoid periodic smoke, hikers are urged to pass through the area quickly.
For additional information:
Ø Fire Information: [email protected]; (209) 372-0480, or (209) 742-8990
Ø Yosemite National Park Web page: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/current _fire.htm
Ø Yosemite Wildland Fire Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yosemite -Wildland-Fire/12463296455395
New South Entrance to the Park
If you haven't been to Wawona lately, the next time you go you will be greeted by the new South entrance. Three very attractive booths now welcome visitors and residents to the park.
And for those of you who had gotten used to not showing your resident sticker or park entrance receipt on the way out, the party's over!
And for those of you who had gotten used to not showing your resident sticker or park entrance receipt on the way out, the party's over!
Water Conservation Measures
Dear Yosemite friends and community,
As most of you are fully aware, California is in its third consecutive year of drought and most of the state is in an extreme drought condition. In addition, the Sierra snowpack (which provides much of the state’s drinking and agricultural water) is estimated to be 18 percent of average and forecasters predict that water levels in the rivers and streams will be exceptionally low throughout the summer. The impact of such a low snowpack and water levels can be seen and felt here at Yosemite.
At this time, we ask that you take on additional voluntary water conservation measures. Saving is one of our best tools to ensure that water is available where needed for safety and health purposes throughout our driest season. We ask that you monitor your water consumption in the coming months and look for ways to conserve. We will continue to share information about the water levels in our rivers and streams and conservation practices needed if we reach critically low flows this summer.
For now, some key water conservation measures that you can take include:
Don Neubacher, on behalf of the Executive Leadership Team
As most of you are fully aware, California is in its third consecutive year of drought and most of the state is in an extreme drought condition. In addition, the Sierra snowpack (which provides much of the state’s drinking and agricultural water) is estimated to be 18 percent of average and forecasters predict that water levels in the rivers and streams will be exceptionally low throughout the summer. The impact of such a low snowpack and water levels can be seen and felt here at Yosemite.
At this time, we ask that you take on additional voluntary water conservation measures. Saving is one of our best tools to ensure that water is available where needed for safety and health purposes throughout our driest season. We ask that you monitor your water consumption in the coming months and look for ways to conserve. We will continue to share information about the water levels in our rivers and streams and conservation practices needed if we reach critically low flows this summer.
For now, some key water conservation measures that you can take include:
- Ensure faucets, toilet, pipes, and other water sources do not leak.
- Take shorter showers and install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors.
- Don’t let the water run when brushing your teeth or shaving, use a wash basin.
- Don’t let the faucet run while preparing food or cleaning, and use your automatic washing-machine only for full loads.
- Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks, and steps, and don’t run the hose while washing your car.
- Water your lawn only when it needs it, do so when cool and avoid watering on windy days.
Don Neubacher, on behalf of the Executive Leadership Team
Hunter Fire
Debbie Noda - Merced Sun-Star
On Monday, May 26, 2014, a fire started in the Hunters Valley Recreation Area, near the southeast shore of Lake Mc Clure, in Mariposa County. The Hunter fire has burned approximately 900 acres and is 20% contained.
100 residential structures are threatened and one residential structure has been destroyed. Evacuations are in effect for the Hunters Valley Area including all of Hunters Valley Road to Bear Valley Rd including Hunters Valley Access Rd and Detwiler.
The evacuation center is located at 2820 Hwy 140, Cathey’s Valley, McKay Hall.
Road closures are at Hunters Valley Road at Bear Valley Road and Cotton Creek Road at Bear Valley Road, and Hunters Valley Mountain Access Road/BLM Road at Bear Valley Road.
Total fire personnel assigned to the Hunter fire is 497. Cooperating agencies include CHP, CDCR, Mariposa County Sheriff, Mariposa County Fire, US Forest Service, BLM and dozens of local fire agencies.
CAL FIRE is reminding Californians that when it comes to wildfires, remember “Ready, Set, Go!”. Being Ready for a wildfire starts by maintaining 100 feet of Defensible Space and hardening homes with fire resistant building materials.
Summer Events Calendar
June 4: Yosemite Wawona Elementary Charter School Community Meeting for community input. 6:30 p.m. at the school.
June 6: WTPAC The Redwoods Meeting Room 9 a.m.
June 6: Wawona Friends of the Library Annual Membership Board meeting
in the library 3 p.m.
June 7: WAPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m.
June 9-13: Wawona Needle Pickup by Mariposa County Public Works
June 30: 150th Anniversary of the Yosemite Grant ~ Mariposa Grove 10 a.m.
July 4: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 8-10 p.m.
July 12: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 7—9:30 p.m.
July 19:: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 8—10 p.m.
August 2: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 8-10 p.m.
August 16: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 8-10 p.m.
August 30: Wawona Friends of the Library Annual Book/Bake/Craft Sale 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Library parking lot. Rain moves the sale to the Wawona Community Center
August 30: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 8 -10 p.m.
September 6: WAPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m.
September 6: Large item pick up Wawona Maintenance Yard 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
September 20: Wawona School Celebrity Golf Tournament
June 6: WTPAC The Redwoods Meeting Room 9 a.m.
June 6: Wawona Friends of the Library Annual Membership Board meeting
in the library 3 p.m.
June 7: WAPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m.
June 9-13: Wawona Needle Pickup by Mariposa County Public Works
June 30: 150th Anniversary of the Yosemite Grant ~ Mariposa Grove 10 a.m.
July 4: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 8-10 p.m.
July 12: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 7—9:30 p.m.
July 19:: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 8—10 p.m.
August 2: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 8-10 p.m.
August 16: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 8-10 p.m.
August 30: Wawona Friends of the Library Annual Book/Bake/Craft Sale 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Library parking lot. Rain moves the sale to the Wawona Community Center
August 30: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 8 -10 p.m.
September 6: WAPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m.
September 6: Large item pick up Wawona Maintenance Yard 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
September 20: Wawona School Celebrity Golf Tournament
Wawona Bassett Memorial Library Hours Memorial Day through Labor Day 2014
Monday: 1 PM - 6 PM
Tuesday: 1 PM – 6 PM
Wednesday: 1PM - 6 PM
Thursday: 1 PM – 6 PM
Friday: 1 PM – 6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 3 PM
Closed Sunday
Tel. 209-375-6510 Wi-Fi & Internet Available
Camp Wawona SUMMER CAMP
SPECIAL OFFER - $100 discount to Wawona Residents.
To receive the discount residents must visit the Camp Wawona Office to register their campers in person.
Office hours are 9am - 4pm Monday - Friday
Visit www.campwawona.org and click on "Summer Camp" for pricing and dates
Kristina Wright
Director of Guest Services & Marketing
Camp Wawona
p (209) 375 6231
f (209) 375 1527
www.campwawona.org
Facebook "like" our page for updates on your news feed
To receive the discount residents must visit the Camp Wawona Office to register their campers in person.
- For the last 85 years Camp Wawona has provided a safe and fun environment for summer adventures
- We offer week long camps for kids ages 7-17 as well as two weeks of family camp
- Enjoy a variety of activities such as horseback riding, swimming, gymnastics, crafts, zip lining, archery, rock climbing, geocaching and much more
Office hours are 9am - 4pm Monday - Friday
Visit www.campwawona.org and click on "Summer Camp" for pricing and dates
Kristina Wright
Director of Guest Services & Marketing
Camp Wawona
p (209) 375 6231
f (209) 375 1527
www.campwawona.org
Facebook "like" our page for updates on your news feed
Burrel "Buckshot" Maier
(YosemiteConservancy.org)
As the only stage-coach driver/park ranger employed by the National Park Service, Burrel "Buckshot" Maier transports thousands of park visitors back in time to discover what life was like for the early pioneers of Yosemite National Park. His career began at the age of 15, when
he first starting driving the stage coach for Yosemite-area legends such as Wawona Washburn, a descendant of painter Thomas Hill, as well as the Washburn family, which purchased the Wawona Hotel from Galen Clark in 1874. Maier is passionate about working with visitors and sharing with them the sights, smells and thrills of Yosemite's cultural history, while driving the authentic Yosemite stage coach.
Q :: How did you start working as a stage-coach driver for Yosemite National Park?
A :: I was raised in Wawona and on my father's ranch, where we lived a cowboy lifestyle. I first came by my nickname
"Buckshot" while performing in a Wild West show, so working with horses in Wawona was a natural fit.
Q :: You have a unique job among park rangers. What do you like best about it?
A :: Kids like to pet the horses and ask questions about the stage coach. I get my picture taken with people from all over
the world, which is a very special experience. Buckshot is like Smokey the Bear — it's a persona I live up to. I get to live my dreams by being a real-life historic figure.
Q :: At the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, you interact with visitors on a daily basis. Why do you think it's important for visitors to learn about the lives of early pioneers? What do you hope they remember about their visit?
A :: For a visitor, the experience begins when they see the stage coach coming through the covered bridge, hear the
rhythm of the horse's hooves, and smell the dirt, sawdust and leather. It's a total experience of being in another time — it's
as exciting as it gets! Here at the Pioneer History Center, visitors get to relive history by learning about the park's
history and then decide for themselves how important it is to preserve Yosemite for the future.
As the only stage-coach driver/park ranger employed by the National Park Service, Burrel "Buckshot" Maier transports thousands of park visitors back in time to discover what life was like for the early pioneers of Yosemite National Park. His career began at the age of 15, when
he first starting driving the stage coach for Yosemite-area legends such as Wawona Washburn, a descendant of painter Thomas Hill, as well as the Washburn family, which purchased the Wawona Hotel from Galen Clark in 1874. Maier is passionate about working with visitors and sharing with them the sights, smells and thrills of Yosemite's cultural history, while driving the authentic Yosemite stage coach.
Q :: How did you start working as a stage-coach driver for Yosemite National Park?
A :: I was raised in Wawona and on my father's ranch, where we lived a cowboy lifestyle. I first came by my nickname
"Buckshot" while performing in a Wild West show, so working with horses in Wawona was a natural fit.
Q :: You have a unique job among park rangers. What do you like best about it?
A :: Kids like to pet the horses and ask questions about the stage coach. I get my picture taken with people from all over
the world, which is a very special experience. Buckshot is like Smokey the Bear — it's a persona I live up to. I get to live my dreams by being a real-life historic figure.
Q :: At the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, you interact with visitors on a daily basis. Why do you think it's important for visitors to learn about the lives of early pioneers? What do you hope they remember about their visit?
A :: For a visitor, the experience begins when they see the stage coach coming through the covered bridge, hear the
rhythm of the horse's hooves, and smell the dirt, sawdust and leather. It's a total experience of being in another time — it's
as exciting as it gets! Here at the Pioneer History Center, visitors get to relive history by learning about the park's
history and then decide for themselves how important it is to preserve Yosemite for the future.
Since its construction, the stage coach has become a
cornerstone of historic interpretation within the park. The sound and
sight of the stage rumbling through the Pioneer Yosemite History
Center has become an iconic symbol of Yosemite's past.
Q :: What role did the Wawona area play in the history of Yosemite?
A :: So much of Yosemite's greatest historic events were centered here. Countless visitors have been transported through
Wawona on their way into Yosemite Valley. Teddy Roosevelt began his famous visit to Yosemite here in Wawona, and Galen
Clark made his home here to he close to the big trees.
Q :: Yosemite Conservancy is supporting the replacement of the historic Yosemite stage coach in 2014. Why is this important?
A :: The current stage coach is 27 years old and is used every day. The old wagon is starting to show its age, especially with signs of dry rot. The new stage coach will be built as a totally authentic replica, except with an upgraded braking system for visitor safety.
Q :: How important is the Conservancy's role in supporting your work?
A :: If it weren't for the Conservancy, we would not be able to replace the stage coach, but we also wouldn't have the money to reroof the historic buildings, provide new harnesses and stock and more. The Pioneer Yosemite History Center simply would not be m shape to welcome visitors. To have this resource. you have to maintain it, and we are so grateful the Conservancy helps us do that.
Yosemite Announces Fire Season
Yosemite fire managers have announced that the 2014 Fire Season will begin on Monday, May 19, 2014. Fire season officially begins when seasonal firefighting equipment and personnel are in place, prepared and ready to respond. Additionally, grasses and other vegetation at the lower elevations have begun to dry out. This year, vegetation is drying out faster than average due to the low snowpack the park received over the last three winter seasons, making for fire danger above average for this time of year.
The park is currently transitioning to fire season preparedness and fire resources will be available seven days per week for suppression efforts within the park. In park fire resources for the season include: fire management officials, four Type 3 wildland engines, one helicopter, and one hand crew.
In preparation for the fire season, the park will begin defensible space inspections throughout Yosemite’s communities, including Aspen Valley, Hodgdon Meadows, Foresta, El Portal, Yosemite Valley, and Wawona starting on Monday, June 9. Residents and homeowners are urged to clear a defensible space of 100 feet or to property lines around homes and other structures in an effort to reduce the risk of fire hazards.
With the official declaration of fire season, pile burning will be discontinued throughout the park until the fire potential is elevated statewide and has moved peak fire season conditions earlier than predicted.
Yosemite National Park urges local residents and visitors to “Please be Fire Safe,” when residing and visiting the park and other public lands. Special attention should be given when departing campgrounds, backcountry camping sites, and picnic areas to make sure all campfires have been appropriately doused with water.
For more information about fire in Yosemite National Park, please visit http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/firemanagement.htm (G. Wuchner)
2014 Wawona Pine Needle Pick Up June 9- 13
1. Place materials adjacent to roadways so they can be accessed easily with front loaders.
2. Material must be in place PRIOR to event week.
3. Only vegetation material will be picked up. No household garbage, construction materials or large/longer than 3 feet branches, please.
4. Only one pile per property, and it should be placed away from trees or other obstructions so that the loader can pick up the material. If your needle pile is between or against trees/rocks, it will necessitate hand loading the material into the loader or dump truck, slowing down the process and unnecessarily delaying the pickup of needle piles for the total community of Wawona.
5. We have the County services for one week only.
6. Wawona property owners pay for the service. Yosemite National Park, DNC & UC Merced properties are not included in the pick-up.
7. If your address is on an out-of-the-way street or you have any questions, you can call or e-mail
Greg Ollivier, Solid Waste Manager, 209-966-5165 or his cell 209-742-3263,
[email protected]. That way your pile won’t be missed. This helps the County staff
serve as many as possible during the time allotted.
2. Material must be in place PRIOR to event week.
3. Only vegetation material will be picked up. No household garbage, construction materials or large/longer than 3 feet branches, please.
4. Only one pile per property, and it should be placed away from trees or other obstructions so that the loader can pick up the material. If your needle pile is between or against trees/rocks, it will necessitate hand loading the material into the loader or dump truck, slowing down the process and unnecessarily delaying the pickup of needle piles for the total community of Wawona.
5. We have the County services for one week only.
6. Wawona property owners pay for the service. Yosemite National Park, DNC & UC Merced properties are not included in the pick-up.
7. If your address is on an out-of-the-way street or you have any questions, you can call or e-mail
Greg Ollivier, Solid Waste Manager, 209-966-5165 or his cell 209-742-3263,
[email protected]. That way your pile won’t be missed. This helps the County staff
serve as many as possible during the time allotted.
