WawonaNews.com - June 2021
Pine Needle Pick Up Under Way - June 1
Update On Pioneer History Center Plans
Adam Ramsey, our NPS ranger in charge of Wawona Interpretation, has sent an update on plans for the Pioneer History Center.
We are working on the history center! A few updates:
Adam Ramsey, our NPS ranger in charge of Wawona Interpretation, has sent an update on plans for the Pioneer History Center.
We are working on the history center! A few updates:
- New interpretive signs are being designed and installed in 2021 and 2022. In the next few years, expect to see updated signs in the area, in full color, with more information about the people whose lives connected with the buildings.
- The Chinese Laundry building, on Forest Drive, will open to the public late this summer. Exhibits are being installed in 2021 and 2022, and a ribbon-cutting is being planned for early October, 2021. Interpretive exhibits and activities will be inside, all about Chinese American contributions to the Yosemite area. More exhibits are coming in 2022. We'll keep you posted on opening dates.
- A small exhibit about the US Army in Yosemite is being installed inside the Acting Superintendent's Office in the history center, to be finished by November 2022.
- The history center's buildings will be furnished and open to the public by late 2022. The history center was originally furnished with the buildings open to the public, with barriers in place to only allow people in so far. We are going back to this approach to access. We have funding to address deferred maintenance issues there, and we're asking Yosemite Conservancy to help us fund stanchions to be installed in the historic buildings, which will allow visitors inside to a certain point, where they can view the furnishings and antiques on display.
- Things will come back to life in the history center soon. Unfortunately, our blacksmith demonstration program is being put off another year, but we look forward to that program returning in 2022. We're also slowly building up our living history offerings in the history center, with more to come in future years, including interactive activities and art lessons.
- Our stage driver Burrel "Buckshot" Maier is back in town. He'll be offering demonstration rides on the stagecoach, with no visitors on board (due to COVID concerns), during July and August this year. Buckshot will otherwise be available to regale visitors with stories of Wawona's yesteryears at the Gray Barn during most summer weekends. Next year, we plan to be fully back in the saddle, with Buckshot offering stage rides to visitors all summer long.
- Wawona Interpretation typically hosts 5 barn dances in the Gray Barn every summer, with rangers and volunteers calling the dances. Financial contributions from the community are used to pay for the live band, the Wawona Philharmonic. Barn dances are returning in 2022, thanks to the generous and enthusiastic support of WAPPOA and other members of the Wawona community, including Redwoods in Yosemite Vacation Rentals. While we're sad to not see barn dances this year, due to lingering concerns over COVID-19, Wawona Interpretation looks forward to hosting these events in 2022 and well beyond.
YARTS Summer Service Underway
Posted by: SNO Staff May 19, 2021
The summer season has officially started for the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS)
The public transit system which runs coach service to Yosemite National Park commenced its summer schedule this week from both Merced and Mariposa along Highway 140 as well as from Sonora and Groveland along Highway 120.
Last week, service on the Highway 41 corridor from Fresno and Oakhurst to Yosemite also began. Service from Mammoth Lakes is scheduled to start on June 15, 2021.
Reservations Encouraged
Reservations are highly encouraged to ride YARTS as only a limited amount of walk-on tickets will be issued. It is important for passengers to know that they do not need a day-use pass issued by the National Park Service to ride YARTS into the Park.
Reservations can be made for YARTS tickets on any of the four routes and can be booked on the YARTS website.
“Riding YARTS is the perfect way to experience Yosemite and take in all the sights” said Christine Chavez, Transit Manager. “There’s no stress related to driving through the mountains, no need to worry about finding a place to park the car or trying to secure a day-use pass; you just can’t beat it.”
COVID-19 Measures Still In Place
All COVID-19 mitigation measures are still in place on all buses. In accordance with Federal Transit Administration regulations, passengers are still required to wear face masks when riding YARTS as well as while waiting to board at bus stops.
In order to promote social distancing, capacity has been reduced to a maximum of 30 passengers.
Related Story: Traffic Pattern Changes For Yosemite Valley
For more information about YARTS schedules, fares, routes, COVID-19 safety measures, to reserve tickets, or apply for free passes for Merced or Mariposa residents, please visit www.yarts.com or call (877) 989-2787.
YARTS is a California Joint Powers Authority comprised of Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne and Mono Counties in partnership with Fresno Council of Governments, Caltrans, Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service and the United States Forest Service.
The Merced County Association of Governments provides administrative services and operational support for YARTS.
Posted by: SNO Staff May 19, 2021
The summer season has officially started for the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS)
The public transit system which runs coach service to Yosemite National Park commenced its summer schedule this week from both Merced and Mariposa along Highway 140 as well as from Sonora and Groveland along Highway 120.
Last week, service on the Highway 41 corridor from Fresno and Oakhurst to Yosemite also began. Service from Mammoth Lakes is scheduled to start on June 15, 2021.
Reservations Encouraged
Reservations are highly encouraged to ride YARTS as only a limited amount of walk-on tickets will be issued. It is important for passengers to know that they do not need a day-use pass issued by the National Park Service to ride YARTS into the Park.
Reservations can be made for YARTS tickets on any of the four routes and can be booked on the YARTS website.
“Riding YARTS is the perfect way to experience Yosemite and take in all the sights” said Christine Chavez, Transit Manager. “There’s no stress related to driving through the mountains, no need to worry about finding a place to park the car or trying to secure a day-use pass; you just can’t beat it.”
COVID-19 Measures Still In Place
All COVID-19 mitigation measures are still in place on all buses. In accordance with Federal Transit Administration regulations, passengers are still required to wear face masks when riding YARTS as well as while waiting to board at bus stops.
In order to promote social distancing, capacity has been reduced to a maximum of 30 passengers.
Related Story: Traffic Pattern Changes For Yosemite Valley
For more information about YARTS schedules, fares, routes, COVID-19 safety measures, to reserve tickets, or apply for free passes for Merced or Mariposa residents, please visit www.yarts.com or call (877) 989-2787.
YARTS is a California Joint Powers Authority comprised of Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne and Mono Counties in partnership with Fresno Council of Governments, Caltrans, Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service and the United States Forest Service.
The Merced County Association of Governments provides administrative services and operational support for YARTS.
Tioga Road To Open May 27
May 21, 2021 - Yosemite National Park Officials report Tioga Road (the continuation of Highway 120 through the park) will tentatively open on Thursday, May 27, at 8:00 A.M., weather and conditions permitting.
Check nps.gov/yose for updates.
Please protect wildlife by obeying speed limits.
The Tuolumne Meadows Store, Grill, and Post Office will tentatively open on Friday, May 28, conditions permitting.
Some trails starting from the Tioga Road are flooded or covered in snow.
Please #RecreateResponsibly and be prepared to turn back if you encounter flooding, snow, or other adverse conditions that you're not prepared for. Remain on trails through sensitive meadows even if they’re flooded.
Wilderness permit reservations for backpackers are available up to four days in advance.
Visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm for details.
A reservation is required to drive into Yosemite: https://go.nps.gov/reserve.
Source: NPS
May 21, 2021 - Yosemite National Park Officials report Tioga Road (the continuation of Highway 120 through the park) will tentatively open on Thursday, May 27, at 8:00 A.M., weather and conditions permitting.
Check nps.gov/yose for updates.
Please protect wildlife by obeying speed limits.
The Tuolumne Meadows Store, Grill, and Post Office will tentatively open on Friday, May 28, conditions permitting.
Some trails starting from the Tioga Road are flooded or covered in snow.
Please #RecreateResponsibly and be prepared to turn back if you encounter flooding, snow, or other adverse conditions that you're not prepared for. Remain on trails through sensitive meadows even if they’re flooded.
Wilderness permit reservations for backpackers are available up to four days in advance.
Visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm for details.
A reservation is required to drive into Yosemite: https://go.nps.gov/reserve.
Source: NPS
Wawona School Year Coming to a Close
Wawona school year is wrapping up! With all the students back together 4 days a week, we have been having lots of fun! Students and their families spent a day fishing at Bass Lake. One lucky student even caught his dinner! Golfing returned to our PE rotation. River Creek Golf Course in Ahwahnee was generous enough to offer free golf for the students since the Wawona Golf Course is closed again for the season. We have been enjoying the wonderful weather here- taking art outside as well as exploring Wawona with weekly walks. Our school year will end with an overnight camping experience in our backfield. The last day for students will be June 4th. School resumes Monday, August 16th. Thanks to everyone for all of the support we have received. We couldn't do everything without you!!
S.Boydstun
Wawona school year is wrapping up! With all the students back together 4 days a week, we have been having lots of fun! Students and their families spent a day fishing at Bass Lake. One lucky student even caught his dinner! Golfing returned to our PE rotation. River Creek Golf Course in Ahwahnee was generous enough to offer free golf for the students since the Wawona Golf Course is closed again for the season. We have been enjoying the wonderful weather here- taking art outside as well as exploring Wawona with weekly walks. Our school year will end with an overnight camping experience in our backfield. The last day for students will be June 4th. School resumes Monday, August 16th. Thanks to everyone for all of the support we have received. We couldn't do everything without you!!
S.Boydstun
Yosemite Valley Prescribed Burn
Yosemite National Park Fire Crews are planning for a 439-acre prescribed burn in Yosemite Valley next week. The project will focus on seven units east of El Capitan Crossover toward Leidig Meadow. Depending on weather and air quality, this project is planned to start on Monday May 24, 2021. Ignition could last three days with smoke lingering in Yosemite Valley for one to two weeks. Smoke impacts will be localized to Yosemite Valley during the day with smoke likely drifting down canyon during the evening hours. This project is part of the Yosemite Valley Parkwide Prescribed Fire Plan which encompasses 35 units totaling 12,114 acres.
Deputy Fire Management Officer Kelly Singer stated, “conducting fuels treatment in this area will reduce heavy accumulation of dead and down fuels. We anticipate temporary trail closures on the Valley Loop trail during burning operations. Visitors around Cathedral Beach, Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, and the 4-mile Trailhead starting from the Valley floor should expect to see fire personnel in the area.” There will be traffic control with one lane temporary closures in place.
Fire managers work closely with air quality specialists and local air pollution control districts to time projects to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin prescribed burning ignitions. For air quality information, please visit: Yosemite Air Quality Page or airnow.gov
Over 50 years of research has shown park managers that total suppression of all fires does not prevent large severe wildfires. Park managers understand fires are inevitable in our fire-adapted ecosystem and working with fire is a pro-active way to protect our resources. Prescribed fire is an important technique used to reduce excessive vegetation build up on the landscape and reduce the potential for more severe fires.
Yosemite National Park Fire Crews are planning for a 439-acre prescribed burn in Yosemite Valley next week. The project will focus on seven units east of El Capitan Crossover toward Leidig Meadow. Depending on weather and air quality, this project is planned to start on Monday May 24, 2021. Ignition could last three days with smoke lingering in Yosemite Valley for one to two weeks. Smoke impacts will be localized to Yosemite Valley during the day with smoke likely drifting down canyon during the evening hours. This project is part of the Yosemite Valley Parkwide Prescribed Fire Plan which encompasses 35 units totaling 12,114 acres.
Deputy Fire Management Officer Kelly Singer stated, “conducting fuels treatment in this area will reduce heavy accumulation of dead and down fuels. We anticipate temporary trail closures on the Valley Loop trail during burning operations. Visitors around Cathedral Beach, Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, and the 4-mile Trailhead starting from the Valley floor should expect to see fire personnel in the area.” There will be traffic control with one lane temporary closures in place.
Fire managers work closely with air quality specialists and local air pollution control districts to time projects to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin prescribed burning ignitions. For air quality information, please visit: Yosemite Air Quality Page or airnow.gov
Over 50 years of research has shown park managers that total suppression of all fires does not prevent large severe wildfires. Park managers understand fires are inevitable in our fire-adapted ecosystem and working with fire is a pro-active way to protect our resources. Prescribed fire is an important technique used to reduce excessive vegetation build up on the landscape and reduce the potential for more severe fires.
Yosemite Valley Road Network Pilot
What is the 2021 Yosemite Valley Circulation Pilot and how long will it last?
This pilot will test how well potential changes to roads and intersections relieve traffic congestion in Yosemite Valley.
This pilot will be in place at least until August and includes:
For more details, click here.
What is the 2021 Yosemite Valley Circulation Pilot and how long will it last?
This pilot will test how well potential changes to roads and intersections relieve traffic congestion in Yosemite Valley.
This pilot will be in place at least until August and includes:
- Converting the eastbound lane from Yosemite Falls parking (west of Yosemite Valley Lodge) to Yosemite Village to westbound, so there are two westbound lanes of one-way traffic to exit Yosemite Valley
- Changing the four-way intersection near Curry Village to a three-way intersection without stop signs
- Switching the direction of traffic flow on Sentinel Drive, so that vehicles drive on the opposite side of the road
- Removing stop signs and reconfiguring the two Sentinel Drive intersections at Northside and Southside Drives
For more details, click here.
New House For Sale in Wawona
7937 Wawona Way, Wawona, CA, 95389 - 3bed, 2.5bath, 1,672sqft, 0.36acre lot, $1,150,000 Click here for more info.
NEW AND HAPPENING TODAY, MAY 12
Wawona Road Maintenance
The Wawona road crew will be brushing, ditching, patching and scaling along Wawona Road until August with periodic traffic delays. Please remember to drive safely and slowly in this work zone.
Wawona Road Maintenance
The Wawona road crew will be brushing, ditching, patching and scaling along Wawona Road until August with periodic traffic delays. Please remember to drive safely and slowly in this work zone.
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
May 11, 2021
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 April 13, 2021
3.3–Approve Payroll
3.4- Approve Warrants
3.5 -Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
May 11, 2021
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 April 13, 2021
3.3–Approve Payroll
3.4- Approve Warrants
3.5 -Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF THE EXPANDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES GRANT
- APPROVAL OF SCHOOL CREDIT CARD TO BE ISSUED TO AN EMPLOYEE
INFORMATION ITEMS
- ROOF DONATION: NEXT STEPS
- LOCAL CONTROL ACCOUNTABILITY PLAN (LCAP) Report on Progress
- 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
State Route 49 Repaving Project
Posted by: SNO Staff May 7, 2021
CALTRANS Launches State Route 49 Repaving Project in Mariposa County With More Than 34 Lane Miles To Be Improved
MARIPOSA — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will improve driving conditions by repairing and repaving State Route 49 from the Mariposa/Madera county line to the Route 49/Route 140 south junction in Mariposa.
The $20.75 million project – awarded to Teichert Construction of Roseville, CA – is scheduled to begin in May and continue until winter 2021.
Once completed, 34.6 lane miles of roadway will be rehabilitated and freshly repaved. The project also includes restriping the roadway, installing rumble strips, and repairing guard rails. Crews will start at the Mariposa/Madera county line and continue north. Work is expected to occur during day and night hours. One-way traffic control and shoulder closures will be conducted, Motorists should expect 10-minute delays.
Posted by: SNO Staff May 7, 2021
CALTRANS Launches State Route 49 Repaving Project in Mariposa County With More Than 34 Lane Miles To Be Improved
MARIPOSA — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will improve driving conditions by repairing and repaving State Route 49 from the Mariposa/Madera county line to the Route 49/Route 140 south junction in Mariposa.
The $20.75 million project – awarded to Teichert Construction of Roseville, CA – is scheduled to begin in May and continue until winter 2021.
Once completed, 34.6 lane miles of roadway will be rehabilitated and freshly repaved. The project also includes restriping the roadway, installing rumble strips, and repairing guard rails. Crews will start at the Mariposa/Madera county line and continue north. Work is expected to occur during day and night hours. One-way traffic control and shoulder closures will be conducted, Motorists should expect 10-minute delays.
Mariposa Grove Open Again
May 4- The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias will open tomorrow, May 5, 2021, at 8 am. The grove has been closed since January 6 due to extensive damage caused by a windstorm.
The shuttle bus will not operate this season. Access to the grove is via a four-mile round-trip hike with 500 feet of elevation change. It's an additional 1.5 miles round trip (and another 500 feet of elevation change) to the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. Please bring water to keep everyone in your group hydrated (there is no drinking water available in the Mariposa Grove).
The Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (near South Entrance) will have flush toilets and drinking water. The Mariposa Grove Arrival Area will have portable toilets and no drinking water.
The main trail to the Grizzly Giant will be closed due to storm damage, but hikers can use the service road to reach the Grizzly Giant. While all other trails are open, hikers may encounter downed trees.
Bicycles and vehicles displaying a disability placard can drive on the Mariposa Grove Road to the Arrival Area. No vehicles will be allowed beyond the arrival area.
May 4- The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias will open tomorrow, May 5, 2021, at 8 am. The grove has been closed since January 6 due to extensive damage caused by a windstorm.
The shuttle bus will not operate this season. Access to the grove is via a four-mile round-trip hike with 500 feet of elevation change. It's an additional 1.5 miles round trip (and another 500 feet of elevation change) to the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. Please bring water to keep everyone in your group hydrated (there is no drinking water available in the Mariposa Grove).
The Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (near South Entrance) will have flush toilets and drinking water. The Mariposa Grove Arrival Area will have portable toilets and no drinking water.
The main trail to the Grizzly Giant will be closed due to storm damage, but hikers can use the service road to reach the Grizzly Giant. While all other trails are open, hikers may encounter downed trees.
Bicycles and vehicles displaying a disability placard can drive on the Mariposa Grove Road to the Arrival Area. No vehicles will be allowed beyond the arrival area.
WAWONA 2021 PINE NEEDLE PICKUP BEGINS JUNE 1
Your pile must be ready by Tuesday, June 1, 2021. If it is not ready by the the time the equipment is in your area, they will not go back and pick up late piles. Remember one pile per property along the road in front of your property in an unobstructed area where the equipment can easily access your needle pile. Small branches must be cut to a length under 3 feet to be picked up. Only vegetation materials will be picked up. Piles with logs, rounds, large limbs, root balls, etc. will not be picked up! No construction materials will be picked up. Yosemite National Park, Aramark, and UC Merced properties are not part of the Special Services District and are not included in the pick up. If your address is on an out-of-the-way street, you can email Samuel Creveny so your needle pile won’t be missed. Samuel Creveny Email: [email protected].
Your pile must be ready by Tuesday, June 1, 2021. If it is not ready by the the time the equipment is in your area, they will not go back and pick up late piles. Remember one pile per property along the road in front of your property in an unobstructed area where the equipment can easily access your needle pile. Small branches must be cut to a length under 3 feet to be picked up. Only vegetation materials will be picked up. Piles with logs, rounds, large limbs, root balls, etc. will not be picked up! No construction materials will be picked up. Yosemite National Park, Aramark, and UC Merced properties are not part of the Special Services District and are not included in the pick up. If your address is on an out-of-the-way street, you can email Samuel Creveny so your needle pile won’t be missed. Samuel Creveny Email: [email protected].
Glacier Point Road Opens
Great news! Glacier Point Road will open Friday, April 30, at 8 am (conditions permitting). While the road will be open, trails in the area are still snowy and/or flooded and/or blocked by fallen trees. If hiking in the area, please be prepared to turn around if snow begins to obscure the trail. The Four Mile Trail will remain closed due to hazardous conditions between Glacier Point down to near Union Point. Wilderness permit reservations for overnight hikes with trailheads on Glacier Point Road will become available for trips starting May 3 (see https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm for details).
Great news! Glacier Point Road will open Friday, April 30, at 8 am (conditions permitting). While the road will be open, trails in the area are still snowy and/or flooded and/or blocked by fallen trees. If hiking in the area, please be prepared to turn around if snow begins to obscure the trail. The Four Mile Trail will remain closed due to hazardous conditions between Glacier Point down to near Union Point. Wilderness permit reservations for overnight hikes with trailheads on Glacier Point Road will become available for trips starting May 3 (see https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm for details).
Tioga Road Update
Plows have reached Tioga Pass. Plowing of side roads, turnouts, parking lots, etc., are in progress. Additional work, including road repairs, removal of trees that may fall onto the road, utility system repair, etc., must all occur prior to road opening. There is no estimated opening date for Tioga Road.
If the road opens to bicycles before it opens to cars, an update will appear here. The road normally reopens in late May or June.
Meadow Loop Trail Back Open
The popular Meadow Loop Trail in Wawona, is now back open to the public. The trail had been closed due to many downed trees after the Mono Wind Event and the heavy snow afterwards. Thanks to the hard work of Trails and Forestry, the trail can now be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. The trail is open to pedestrians, dogs, bicycles and horses.
The popular Meadow Loop Trail in Wawona, is now back open to the public. The trail had been closed due to many downed trees after the Mono Wind Event and the heavy snow afterwards. Thanks to the hard work of Trails and Forestry, the trail can now be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. The trail is open to pedestrians, dogs, bicycles and horses.
