WawonaNews.com - March 2015
West Yosemite Lodge Parking Aims to Open by Memorial Day
Starting the week of March 16, 2015, park crews will begin construction of a 300-car parking area west of Yosemite Lodge. This site currently accommodates transit bus and oversized RV parking. The West Yosemite Lodge parking project will provide additional day-use parking and help alleviate traffic congestion and crowding in Yosemite Valley as described in the Merced River Plan.
The parking area design retains vegetated islands between rows of gravel parking spaces. This spring, park crews will import crushed aggregate base rock and facilitate opening the parking area prior to Memorial Day weekend. In 2016/2017, a contractor will install wheel stops and split rail fencing, coat the primary access driveways and outermost circulation loop with asphalt, build hardened pedestrian pathways, and construct a comfort station and bus stop. Temporary portable toilets will be available during the first phase of construction. There are no roadway delays anticipated. Please contact Michael Pieper (209-200-1131) or Jim Donovan (209-379-1450) with questions or concerns. (L. Acree)
Time Lapse: A Few Days in Yosemite
Time-lapse film captures the relaxing and breathtaking experience of spending a few days in Yosemite National Park. Video courtesy of Casey Kiernan Photography.
The Yosemite Scholarship Commission would like to announce the availability of scholarships for seniors graduating in June 2015. The Yosemite Community Scholarships are sponsored by civic groups in Yosemite National Park. The scholarships range from $500 to $1,500 for one year. Scholarships are for students attending a four-year college or university and students attending a two-year community college. In existence since 1934, the Yosemite Scholarship Commission is supported by the Yosemite, El Portal, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow communities. Only one application is necessary to apply for the scholarships.
Students eligible for the scholarships are any high school graduating senior whose parent or guardian is employed on a year round basis in Yosemite National Park, the El Portal Administrative Site or the enrollment area of the Yosemite, El Portal, or Wawona elementary schools. Employment must be for no less than six months per calendar year and for at least one year prior to the time application is made. More than just an academic scholarship, the following items are taken into account in making the selection: scholastic ability, financial need, leadership ability, community participation, and general aptitude. There is no particular significance in the order nor does one qualification have any special weight.
Further information and applications may be obtained from Mariposa County High School, Yosemite High School, Tioga High School, or from Tim Ludington, Bridget Rabon, or Kirstie Kari. Applicants must attach a copy of their current high school transcripts to their application and send the application and the transcripts to the Yosemite Scholarship Commission at PO Box 313, El Portal, CA 95318. Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2015.
Tim Ludington (209) 379-2850
Bridget Rabon (209) 603-1406
Kirstie Kari (209) 379-2411
Students eligible for the scholarships are any high school graduating senior whose parent or guardian is employed on a year round basis in Yosemite National Park, the El Portal Administrative Site or the enrollment area of the Yosemite, El Portal, or Wawona elementary schools. Employment must be for no less than six months per calendar year and for at least one year prior to the time application is made. More than just an academic scholarship, the following items are taken into account in making the selection: scholastic ability, financial need, leadership ability, community participation, and general aptitude. There is no particular significance in the order nor does one qualification have any special weight.
Further information and applications may be obtained from Mariposa County High School, Yosemite High School, Tioga High School, or from Tim Ludington, Bridget Rabon, or Kirstie Kari. Applicants must attach a copy of their current high school transcripts to their application and send the application and the transcripts to the Yosemite Scholarship Commission at PO Box 313, El Portal, CA 95318. Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2015.
Tim Ludington (209) 379-2850
Bridget Rabon (209) 603-1406
Kirstie Kari (209) 379-2411
Preliminary Events Calendar for Wawona 2015
This events calendar will be updated throughout the season and can always be accessed through the "events" link above.
March 27: Wawona Hotel Reopens
April 11: WAPOA 9 a.m. Wawona Community Center
April 11: Yosemite Wawona Elementary Charter School: BBQ and Silent Auction 11:30 a.m. See the flyer on www.wawonanews.com
April 17: WTPAC (date to be confirmed later)
June 5: Wawona Friends of the Library Annual Membership meeting
June 6: WAPOA 9 a.m. Wawona Community Center
June: Wawona Needle Pickup (Dates to be announced soon)
July 4: First Square Dance of the summer
March 27: Wawona Hotel Reopens
April 11: WAPOA 9 a.m. Wawona Community Center
April 11: Yosemite Wawona Elementary Charter School: BBQ and Silent Auction 11:30 a.m. See the flyer on www.wawonanews.com
April 17: WTPAC (date to be confirmed later)
June 5: Wawona Friends of the Library Annual Membership meeting
June 6: WAPOA 9 a.m. Wawona Community Center
June: Wawona Needle Pickup (Dates to be announced soon)
July 4: First Square Dance of the summer
Restoring Mariposa Grove
by Emily Burns
The towering giant sequoias of Yosemite National Park are the iconic trees that catalyzed our Nation’s conservation movement, inspiring Congress in 1864 to designate both the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley “for public use, resort, and recreation”. Today, these mammoth trees serve as the public’s primary gateway to the giant sequoias, receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors every year as they have more than a century.
This summer, Mariposa Grove will close for approximately 24 months as Yosemite National Park embarks on an exciting restoration project to restore habitat and enhance the visitor experience among the giant sequoias. Legacy roads, parking lots, and trails will be moved and upgraded to lessen the footprint on the forest and provide better access for Grove visitors. When Mariposa Grove reopens in 2017, visitors can ride directly from the Park’s South Entrance via shuttle to the Lower Grove and then walk along new trails in the Lower Grove and Grizzly Giant area that will be designed to protect the roots of giant sequoias and surrounding wetland habitat.
Upper Mariposa Grove
The upper Mariposa Grove will be closed for 24 months beginning approximately June or July 2015, however, foot and equestrian access will be allowed along the Outer Loop Trail, and visitors can access the Outer Loop Trail by foot or horseback using trails from Wawona and Fish Camp. (The upper grove includes the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree, Telescope Tree, and the Mariposa Grove Museum.)
Big Trees Tram Tour and Wawona-Mariposa Grove Shuttle
The Big Trees Tram Tour permanently ceased in 2014.
The Wawona-Mariposa Grove shuttle service will not operate in 2015 or 2016.
Project Schedule
2014: Construct new accessible trail to the Grizzly Giant and repair of structures at Wawona Point. There were no closures in 2014.
2015: Removal of roads in the Mariposa Grove, construction of the replacement service road bypassing the lower grove, and construction of a new shuttle stop in the lower grove.
2016: Construction of the South Entrance parking area and new restroom in the lower grove.
Other Places to See Giant Sequoias
Tuolumne Grove
Yosemite National Park
Located on the Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat, the Tuolumne Grove has about two dozen mature giant sequoias. Sequoias are only visible after a one-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss. (The one-mile hike back to the parking lot gains 500 feet and is strenuous.) The drive takes about 1.5 hours from South Entrance. Parking is limited.
Merced Grove
Yosemite National Park
Located on the Big Oak Flat Road east of Big Oak Flat Entrance, the Merced Grove has about two dozen mature giant sequoias. Sequoias are only visible after a 1.5-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss. (The 1.5-mile hike back to the parking lot gains 500 feet and is strenuous.) The drive takes about 1.5 hours from South Entrance. Parking is extremely limited.
Nelder Grove
Sierra National Forest
The Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias is a 1,540-acre tract in the Sierra National Forest containing 106 mature giant sequoias intermingled in a forest of second growth pine, fir and incense cedar. Located in the center of the sequoia range, south of Yosemite National Park, the grove has been managed as an historical site, preserving the uniqueness and historical significance of the giant sequoias and what has occurred beneath their branches.
Directions
The road to the Nelder Grove is unpaved and not recommended for low-clearance vehicles, buses, RVs, or trailers. Parking is very limited and no services are available.
From Yosemite’s South Entrance, head south on Highway 41 to Sky Ranch Road (6S10), which is also Forest Road 10, travel 6.6 miles, then turn left on 6S47Y. Then, go 1.2 miles to the fork in the road and continue right on 6S90 for 0.3 miles. Then turn left at Nelder Grove campground sign and travel 0.5 miles to Nelder Grove. The drive takes about an hour.
More information [300 kb PDF]
The towering giant sequoias of Yosemite National Park are the iconic trees that catalyzed our Nation’s conservation movement, inspiring Congress in 1864 to designate both the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley “for public use, resort, and recreation”. Today, these mammoth trees serve as the public’s primary gateway to the giant sequoias, receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors every year as they have more than a century.
This summer, Mariposa Grove will close for approximately 24 months as Yosemite National Park embarks on an exciting restoration project to restore habitat and enhance the visitor experience among the giant sequoias. Legacy roads, parking lots, and trails will be moved and upgraded to lessen the footprint on the forest and provide better access for Grove visitors. When Mariposa Grove reopens in 2017, visitors can ride directly from the Park’s South Entrance via shuttle to the Lower Grove and then walk along new trails in the Lower Grove and Grizzly Giant area that will be designed to protect the roots of giant sequoias and surrounding wetland habitat.
Upper Mariposa Grove
The upper Mariposa Grove will be closed for 24 months beginning approximately June or July 2015, however, foot and equestrian access will be allowed along the Outer Loop Trail, and visitors can access the Outer Loop Trail by foot or horseback using trails from Wawona and Fish Camp. (The upper grove includes the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree, Telescope Tree, and the Mariposa Grove Museum.)
Big Trees Tram Tour and Wawona-Mariposa Grove Shuttle
The Big Trees Tram Tour permanently ceased in 2014.
The Wawona-Mariposa Grove shuttle service will not operate in 2015 or 2016.
Project Schedule
2014: Construct new accessible trail to the Grizzly Giant and repair of structures at Wawona Point. There were no closures in 2014.
2015: Removal of roads in the Mariposa Grove, construction of the replacement service road bypassing the lower grove, and construction of a new shuttle stop in the lower grove.
2016: Construction of the South Entrance parking area and new restroom in the lower grove.
Other Places to See Giant Sequoias
Tuolumne Grove
Yosemite National Park
Located on the Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat, the Tuolumne Grove has about two dozen mature giant sequoias. Sequoias are only visible after a one-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss. (The one-mile hike back to the parking lot gains 500 feet and is strenuous.) The drive takes about 1.5 hours from South Entrance. Parking is limited.
Merced Grove
Yosemite National Park
Located on the Big Oak Flat Road east of Big Oak Flat Entrance, the Merced Grove has about two dozen mature giant sequoias. Sequoias are only visible after a 1.5-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss. (The 1.5-mile hike back to the parking lot gains 500 feet and is strenuous.) The drive takes about 1.5 hours from South Entrance. Parking is extremely limited.
Nelder Grove
Sierra National Forest
The Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias is a 1,540-acre tract in the Sierra National Forest containing 106 mature giant sequoias intermingled in a forest of second growth pine, fir and incense cedar. Located in the center of the sequoia range, south of Yosemite National Park, the grove has been managed as an historical site, preserving the uniqueness and historical significance of the giant sequoias and what has occurred beneath their branches.
Directions
The road to the Nelder Grove is unpaved and not recommended for low-clearance vehicles, buses, RVs, or trailers. Parking is very limited and no services are available.
From Yosemite’s South Entrance, head south on Highway 41 to Sky Ranch Road (6S10), which is also Forest Road 10, travel 6.6 miles, then turn left on 6S47Y. Then, go 1.2 miles to the fork in the road and continue right on 6S90 for 0.3 miles. Then turn left at Nelder Grove campground sign and travel 0.5 miles to Nelder Grove. The drive takes about an hour.
More information [300 kb PDF]
Yosemite Scholarship Commission
Dear Friends:
For years the Yosemite community awarded a scholarship to one of its graduating high school seniors from the Yosemite Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Commission of the Yosemite National Park community invites you to join us in keeping this vital tradition alive.
Since its founding by Colonel Thompson in 1934, this scholarship has helped with financial support of over 70 of Yosemite’s deserving high school seniors. The award is based on the student’s financial need, scholarship ability, leadership, personality and general aptitude. Eligibility had been limited to those students whose parents or guardians are employed in Yosemite National Park or the El Portal Administrative Site. In 2014 we expanded our scholarship eligibility criteria to include high school seniors who live in the El Portal and Wawona Elementary School enrollment areas so that students who live at Cedar Lodge or Yosemite View Lodge are now eligible.
Since 2000 The Yosemite Scolarship Commission has awarded scholarships on behalf of local community organizations including The Yosemite Employee Association, The Yosemite Lions Club, Deleware North Corporation, The Yosemite Conservancy, The Yosemite Rotary Club and The Yosemite Winter Club. For 2015 The Yosemite Scholarship Commission would like to reimplement a scholarship funded by donations directly from the community.
The real credit for our success goes to friends like you who have supported us financially over the years. Without the generous donations of community members, we would not be able to sustain the program, and important educational opportunities for our youth would be lost.
Won’t you help us ensure that an additional deserving high school senior will be recognized for his or her academic and other accomplishments with a scholarship each year? Please send a contribution to the Yosemite Scholarship Commission. Every cent you donate will go directly to scholarships for young people.
Help us guarantee that young people in the Yosemite community who deserve to attend college get that opportunity by sending your donation for the Yosemite Scholarship today. It’s one of the best investments you can make in our youth, our community, and our future.
Sincerely,
Tim Ludington
Commission President
__________________________________________________________________________________
To: Yosemite Scholarship Commission
Post Office Box 313
El Portal, California 95318
Enclosed is my contribution in the amount of $__________ to be applied to the Yosemite Scholarship Fund.
Signed____________________________________ Date__________________
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL MEETING
Board of Directors Special Meeting
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 6:30 PM
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3. CONSENT AGENDA
NOTE: The Board will be asked to approve all of the following items by a single vote, unless any member of the Board or of the public asks that an item be removed from the consent agenda and considered and discussed separately.
3.1. Approval of agenda
3.2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting, February 25, 2015
4. Financial Reports
4.1. Reimburse Esme McCarthy for school supplies
5. HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
The public may address the Board on any matter pertaining to the school that is not on the agenda. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, each person is limited to five (5) minutes. There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda.
ACTION ITEMS
6. Discuss required nurse service and decide if we will go with Madera's recommendation or look elsewhere. Madera's contract would be due by March 6.
7. Discuss and approve audit contract proposal form Borchardt, Corona & Faeth
8. Discuss and approve Second Interim Budget
INFORMATION ITEMS
9. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
10. STAFF REPORTS
11. NEXT MEETING DATE
12. CLOSED SESSION Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
NOTE: The Board will consider and may act upon any of the following items in closed session. Any action taken will be reported publicly at the end of the closed session as required by law.
12.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
12.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
13. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION: ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
14. ADJOURNMENT
Board of Directors Special Meeting
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 6:30 PM
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3. CONSENT AGENDA
NOTE: The Board will be asked to approve all of the following items by a single vote, unless any member of the Board or of the public asks that an item be removed from the consent agenda and considered and discussed separately.
3.1. Approval of agenda
3.2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting, February 25, 2015
4. Financial Reports
4.1. Reimburse Esme McCarthy for school supplies
5. HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
The public may address the Board on any matter pertaining to the school that is not on the agenda. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, each person is limited to five (5) minutes. There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda.
ACTION ITEMS
6. Discuss required nurse service and decide if we will go with Madera's recommendation or look elsewhere. Madera's contract would be due by March 6.
7. Discuss and approve audit contract proposal form Borchardt, Corona & Faeth
8. Discuss and approve Second Interim Budget
INFORMATION ITEMS
9. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
10. STAFF REPORTS
11. NEXT MEETING DATE
12. CLOSED SESSION Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
NOTE: The Board will consider and may act upon any of the following items in closed session. Any action taken will be reported publicly at the end of the closed session as required by law.
12.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
12.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
13. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION: ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
14. ADJOURNMENT
Prescribed Fire Tomorrow in Wawona Area
Yosemite fire managers will ignite a prescribed fire tomorrow, Thursday, February 26, 2015, in the Wawona area, near the South Entrance Station. The fire is planned for 533 acres, the first segment will consist of 60 acres. The completion of the remaining 473 acres will occur throughout the month of March, weather dependent, concluding no later than Monday, March 30, 2015.
The prescribed fire is scheduled to occur just prior to precipitation in the the region. The burn area does not have a history of prescribed fire treatment on record. However, 200 feet of understory vegetation has previously been thinned to facilitate the use of the road as a fuel break.
The primary objective of the prescribed fire is to reduce accumulated vegetation (fuel) around the community of Wawona. The project will also help protect park infrastructure at the South Entrance Station and reduce the threat of wildfires originating along the Wawona Road that could impact the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. By linking previous fires, including prescribed fires and thinning projects, this prescribed burn will create a continuous fuel break between the community of Wawona and the South Entrance.Further objectives of the project include ecosystem restoration. Prescribed fires mimic the frequent, low intensity lightning caused fires that occur naturally in the Yosemite area. (A. Kunz)
The prescribed fire is scheduled to occur just prior to precipitation in the the region. The burn area does not have a history of prescribed fire treatment on record. However, 200 feet of understory vegetation has previously been thinned to facilitate the use of the road as a fuel break.
The primary objective of the prescribed fire is to reduce accumulated vegetation (fuel) around the community of Wawona. The project will also help protect park infrastructure at the South Entrance Station and reduce the threat of wildfires originating along the Wawona Road that could impact the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. By linking previous fires, including prescribed fires and thinning projects, this prescribed burn will create a continuous fuel break between the community of Wawona and the South Entrance.Further objectives of the project include ecosystem restoration. Prescribed fires mimic the frequent, low intensity lightning caused fires that occur naturally in the Yosemite area. (A. Kunz)
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL MEETING
Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3. CONSENT AGENDA
NOTE: The Board will be asked to approve all of the following items by a single vote, unless any member of the Board or of the public asks that an item be removed from the consent agenda and considered and discussed separately.
3.1. Approval of agenda
3.2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting, February 11, 2015
4. Financial reports
4.1. Monthly approval of warrants (Action needed)
4.2. Discuss and renew CRMA insurance
4.3. Reimburse Ed Mee for the purchase of a shredder
4.4. Financial Report
5. HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
The public may address the Board on any matter pertaining to the school that is not on the agenda. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, each person is limited to five (5) minutes. There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda.
ACTION ITEMS
6. Discuss selecting and auditor and approve selection
7. Discuss and vote on request from Redwoods to use school property for a guest event in June 2016
8. Discuss and approve Second Interim Budget
INFORMATION ITEMS
9. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
9.1. Meeting date for Chad and Ed with CRMA Risk Manager Annette Lindley
10. STAFF REPORTS
11. NEXT MEETING DATE
12. CLOSED SESSION Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
NOTE: The Board will consider and may act upon any of the following items in closed session. Any action taken will be reported publicly at the end of the closed session as required by law.
12.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
12.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
13. RECOVENE IN OPEN SESSION: ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
14. ADJOURNMENT
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL MEETING
Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, February 11, 2015, 6:30 PM
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3. CONSENT AGENDA
NOTE: The Board will be asked to approve all of the following items by a single vote, unless any member of the Board or of the public asks that an item be removed from the consent agenda and considered and discussed separately.
3.1. Approval of agenda
3.2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting, 1/5/2015
4. Financial reports
4.1. Monthly approval of warrants (Action needed)
4.2. CRMA Bill and discuss renewal
4.3. Futa Bill from Payroll People...an extra deduction from the federal unemployment tax
4.4. Financial Report
5. HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
The public may address the Board on any matter pertaining to the school that is not on the agenda. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, each person is limited to five (5) minutes. There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda.
ACTION ITEMS
6. Discuss and approve a raise for the custodian
7. Discuss and approve the purchase of a shredder
8. Website bill, Chad Andrews has already paid $39.95
9. Discuss recycling Center
9.1. Build a new sign, find and approve funding source for purchase of material
9.2. Wording of the sign
10. Silent Auction
11. Discuss selecting an auditor
INFORMATION ITEMS
12. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
13. STAFF REPORTS
13.1.Review and approval of SARC Report
14. NEXT MEETING DATE
15. CLOSED SESSION Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
NOTE: The Board will consider and may act upon any of the following items in closed session. Any action taken will be reported publicly at the end of the closed session as required by law.
15.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
15.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
16. RECOVENE IN OPEN SESSION: ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
17. ADJOURNMENT
Rare Sierra Nevada Red Fox Spotted in Northern Yosemite
Fox photographed with remote motion-sensitive camera
Yosemite National Park is excited to report the first confirmed sighting in the park of a rare Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) in nearly 100 years. Park wildlife biologists had gone on a five-day backcountry trip to the far northern part of the park to check on previously deployed motion-sensitive cameras. They documented a sighting of the fox on two separate instances (December 13, 2014 and January 4, 2015) within the park boundary. The Sierra Nevada red fox of California is one of the rarest mammals in North America, likely consisting of fewer than 50 individuals.
“We are thrilled to hear about the sighting of the Sierra Nevada red fox, one of the most rare and elusive animals in the Sierra Nevada,” stated Don Neubacher, Yosemite National Park Superintendent. “National parks like Yosemite provide habitat for all wildlife and it is encouraging to see that the red fox was sighted in the park.”
“Confirmation of the Sierra Nevada red fox in Yosemite National Park’s vast alpine wilderness provides an opportunity to join research partners in helping to protect this imperiled animal,” stated Sarah Stock, Wildlife Biologist in Yosemite National Park. “We’re excited to work across our boundary to join efforts with other researchers that will ultimately give these foxes the best chances for recovery.”
The nearest verified occurrences of Sierra Nevada red foxes have been in the Sonora Pass area, north of the park, where biologists from U.C. Davis (UCD), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have been monitoring a small Sierra Nevada red fox population, first documented by the USFS in 2010. Prior to 2010, the last verified sighting of a Sierra Nevada red fox in the region was two decades ago.
The Yosemite carnivore crew will continue to survey for Sierra Nevada red fox using remote cameras in hopes of detecting additional individuals. At each camera station, the crew also set up hair snare stations in the hopes of obtaining hair samples for genetic analysis. Through genetic analysis, the park can learn more about the diversity within the population and to confirm whether the fox(es) detected in Yosemite is genetically related to individuals from the Sonora Pass area.
These Sierra Nevada red fox detections are part of a larger study funded by the Yosemite Conservancy to determine occurrence and distribution of rare carnivores in Yosemite National Park. Thank you to all our colleagues who have been helping us with this project in many important ways (UCD, USFS, CDFW, Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center, Bureau of Land Management, and Yosemite backcountry rangers and volunteers).
