WawonaNews.com - September 2016
WAPOA Picnic Photos
Master Burger Chef Paul De Santis
Click on thumbnails to enlarge
List of Tree Removal Contractors in the Area
WAWONA AREA PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
“WAPOA”
Who We Are:
As stated in its Bylaws, WAPOA is an association organized for the following purposes:
How We Came to Be:
Records are incomplete, however accounts of many involved at the time reflect the following. During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s there was an aggressive effort by the National Park Service (NPS) to acquire as much private property as possible in the community of Wawona. While property owners were compensated and many allowed to lease their properties back from the NPS for specific periods of time following the sale, it was reported that the NPS used a sufficiently “heavy hand” to encourage property sales that was seen by most as a threat of condemnation. WAPOA was then organized by private property owners to present a united front in addressing NPS property acquisition tactics, which it did both locally and in Washington D.C.
Due in great part to efforts by WAPOA, the NPS ceded joint jurisdiction on civil matters regarding private property in Section 35 to the State of California, which was then appropriately delegated to Mariposa County. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was then signed by the NPS and Mariposa County identifying roles and responsibilities. In compliance with the MOU, the Wawona Town Plan Advisory Committee (WTPAC) was appointed by the County comprised of members of the Wawona community and a Specific Plan was prepared in 1987 as a zoning document to guide land use and development in Section 35 of Wawona. This Specific Plan was later determined to be incomplete and in the late 1990’s WTPAC was tasked with completing it.
Significant WAPOA Initiatives Since Y2K:
Merced Wild and Scenic River Management Plan, Phase 1 (MRP 1): In mid 2000 Yosemite National Park (YNP) forwarded its recommended Record of Decision to the Regional Office in San Francisco that would have provided for high density, dormitory style concessionaire housing on NPS land proximate to private residences in Wawona. WAPOA retained legal counsel and appealed to the Regional Director to the extent that he agreed to language requiring that the character, intensity and scale of NPS projects in Wawona be compatible with surrounding properties. This MRP 1 was later challenged in court and was ruled as being inadequate and the NPS was required to go back and start over.
Merced Wild and Scenic River Management Plan, Phase 2 (MRP 2): Having been sent back to start over, in 2010 the NPS re-initiated the MRP planning process. Given our experience with MRP 1, WAPOA closely monitored the MRP 2 planning process especially as pertained to Wawona. While high density housing was not a planning factor in MRP 2, early options included removal of the Wawona Golf Course. Through WAPOA’s efforts, the golf course was retained and permanent restrooms were planned for the swinging bridge and flat rock swimming areas. Also, language was included affirming that as the NPS plans use of its property in Section 35 character intensity and scale would be compatible with adjacent properties.
NPS/Mariposa County MOU: Subsequent to the County and NPS’s execution of the MOU regarding Wawona, several other MOU’s were entered into that, while beneficial and appropriate, did not track with the original MOU. Over the past couple years WAPOA has advocated for the County and WTPAC in their effort with the NPS to update the MOU, which was successfully accomplished.
Wawona Town Planning Area Specific Plan (Wawona Specific Plan): Following being notified in the late 1990’s that the Wawona Specific Plan was incomplete WTPAC met regularly through 2007 to complete the incomplete portions. A WTPAC recommended document was forwarded to the NPS in 2007 where it languished for 3 years. WAPOA played a significant role in advocating action on the document to the NPS. The NPS responded in 2010 by becoming engaged and the updated Wawona Specific Plan was approved by the NPS and Mariposa County in 2012.
Wawona School: It has been WAPOA’s position that survival of the Wawona School is important for the vitality of the Wawona community. In 2009 the Bass Lake School District determined to close the school. WAPOA has provided strong financial and other support to the Yosemite-Wawona Educational Foundation in its efforts to keep the school open, which efforts have been successful.
Wawona Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment: Potable water for Wawona is provided through a combination of private wells and an NPS system that draws water from the South Fork of the Merced River. Due to the recent increase in drought years, increases in water conservation measures have been necessary during summer months. The NPS/County MOU places the requirement of providing potable water and wastewater treatment to Section 35 with the NPS. The NPS has plans to upgrade the wastewater treatment system, however we are not aware of plans to stabilize Wawona’s water supply. In that regard, it is believed by many that a water storage system would be most feasible. Due to WAPOA’s efforts, a water storage option has been included in the Yosemite-Mariposa Regional Water Management Plan. Going forward WAPOA will be advocating that the NPS take steps to implement a water storage system for Wawona.
Other Administrative Initiatives in Process:
“WAPOA”
Who We Are:
As stated in its Bylaws, WAPOA is an association organized for the following purposes:
- To preserve and protect the continued existence of private real property in Section 35 in the community known as Wawona, Mariposa County, California.
- To maintain Section 35 in its historic usage and atmosphere as a small mountain community consisting predominantly of single family residences with only such other uses as compatible.
- To preserve for posterity the scenic wonders of Wawona by advocating that improvements and new buildings reflect its low density rural mountain character.
- To record, preserve and disseminate the history of Wawona.
- To provide a forum for the dissemination of pertinent information and discussion of problems common to all land owners in the Wawona area.
- To function as advocates for the preservation and protection of Wawona as a private inholding in dealing with the National Park Service, the State of California, Mariposa County and any other entity or individual that may affect private property rights.
How We Came to Be:
Records are incomplete, however accounts of many involved at the time reflect the following. During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s there was an aggressive effort by the National Park Service (NPS) to acquire as much private property as possible in the community of Wawona. While property owners were compensated and many allowed to lease their properties back from the NPS for specific periods of time following the sale, it was reported that the NPS used a sufficiently “heavy hand” to encourage property sales that was seen by most as a threat of condemnation. WAPOA was then organized by private property owners to present a united front in addressing NPS property acquisition tactics, which it did both locally and in Washington D.C.
Due in great part to efforts by WAPOA, the NPS ceded joint jurisdiction on civil matters regarding private property in Section 35 to the State of California, which was then appropriately delegated to Mariposa County. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was then signed by the NPS and Mariposa County identifying roles and responsibilities. In compliance with the MOU, the Wawona Town Plan Advisory Committee (WTPAC) was appointed by the County comprised of members of the Wawona community and a Specific Plan was prepared in 1987 as a zoning document to guide land use and development in Section 35 of Wawona. This Specific Plan was later determined to be incomplete and in the late 1990’s WTPAC was tasked with completing it.
Significant WAPOA Initiatives Since Y2K:
Merced Wild and Scenic River Management Plan, Phase 1 (MRP 1): In mid 2000 Yosemite National Park (YNP) forwarded its recommended Record of Decision to the Regional Office in San Francisco that would have provided for high density, dormitory style concessionaire housing on NPS land proximate to private residences in Wawona. WAPOA retained legal counsel and appealed to the Regional Director to the extent that he agreed to language requiring that the character, intensity and scale of NPS projects in Wawona be compatible with surrounding properties. This MRP 1 was later challenged in court and was ruled as being inadequate and the NPS was required to go back and start over.
Merced Wild and Scenic River Management Plan, Phase 2 (MRP 2): Having been sent back to start over, in 2010 the NPS re-initiated the MRP planning process. Given our experience with MRP 1, WAPOA closely monitored the MRP 2 planning process especially as pertained to Wawona. While high density housing was not a planning factor in MRP 2, early options included removal of the Wawona Golf Course. Through WAPOA’s efforts, the golf course was retained and permanent restrooms were planned for the swinging bridge and flat rock swimming areas. Also, language was included affirming that as the NPS plans use of its property in Section 35 character intensity and scale would be compatible with adjacent properties.
NPS/Mariposa County MOU: Subsequent to the County and NPS’s execution of the MOU regarding Wawona, several other MOU’s were entered into that, while beneficial and appropriate, did not track with the original MOU. Over the past couple years WAPOA has advocated for the County and WTPAC in their effort with the NPS to update the MOU, which was successfully accomplished.
Wawona Town Planning Area Specific Plan (Wawona Specific Plan): Following being notified in the late 1990’s that the Wawona Specific Plan was incomplete WTPAC met regularly through 2007 to complete the incomplete portions. A WTPAC recommended document was forwarded to the NPS in 2007 where it languished for 3 years. WAPOA played a significant role in advocating action on the document to the NPS. The NPS responded in 2010 by becoming engaged and the updated Wawona Specific Plan was approved by the NPS and Mariposa County in 2012.
Wawona School: It has been WAPOA’s position that survival of the Wawona School is important for the vitality of the Wawona community. In 2009 the Bass Lake School District determined to close the school. WAPOA has provided strong financial and other support to the Yosemite-Wawona Educational Foundation in its efforts to keep the school open, which efforts have been successful.
Wawona Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment: Potable water for Wawona is provided through a combination of private wells and an NPS system that draws water from the South Fork of the Merced River. Due to the recent increase in drought years, increases in water conservation measures have been necessary during summer months. The NPS/County MOU places the requirement of providing potable water and wastewater treatment to Section 35 with the NPS. The NPS has plans to upgrade the wastewater treatment system, however we are not aware of plans to stabilize Wawona’s water supply. In that regard, it is believed by many that a water storage system would be most feasible. Due to WAPOA’s efforts, a water storage option has been included in the Yosemite-Mariposa Regional Water Management Plan. Going forward WAPOA will be advocating that the NPS take steps to implement a water storage system for Wawona.
Other Administrative Initiatives in Process:
- Converting WAPOA to a non-Profit Corporation
- Developing means for best taking advantage of electronic communication.
- We have 3 meetings a year - usually mid April, first week of June and second week of September. For more information or to join WAPOA, please contact Trish Peterson (WAPOA Secretary) at [email protected].
Yosemite Gets Bigger
Ackerson Meadow
FRESNO, Calif. -- Visitors to Yosemite National Park in California have more room to roam after official on Wednesday announced a 400-acre expansion of the park - its largest in nearly 70 years.
The addition features wetlands and a grassy meadow surrounded by tall pine trees on rolling hills that are home to endangered wildlife.
Ackerson Meadow is located along Yosemite’s western boundary. The area was purchased from private owners by The Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit conservation group, for $2.3 million and donated to the park.
Officials told The Associated Press that Yosemite will preserve the land -- historically used for logging and cattle grazing -- as habitat for wildlife such as the great grey owl, the largest owl in North American and listed as endangered by California wildlife officials.
Robin and Nancy Wainwright, who owned the land since 2006, sold it to the trust. Robin Wainwright said they lost “few hundred thousand dollars” passing up a lucrative offer from a developer to build a resort.
He said he often saw bears strolling through the meadow and owls soaring over fields of vibrant wildflowers blooming in the springtime. He didn’t want that experience available only to those who could afford a resort.
“To have that accessible by everyone to me is just a great thing,” Wainwright said. “It was worth losing a little bit of money for that.”
The park’s boundary has seen some minor changes over the years, but this expansion is the largest since 1949 to the park of nearly 750,000 acres total, he said.
More than 4.5 million people are expected to visit Yosemite this year, which spokesman Scott Gediman said would set a record for the park that celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2015.
Visitors pass Ackerson Meadow on their way to Hetch Hetchy reservoir, which provides drinking water to San Francisco.
The land was bought with $1.53 million from the Trust for Public Land and $520,000 from the Yosemite Conservancy, which supports a variety of projects in the park. Anonymous donors contributed the rest, Gediman said.
“We are delighted and proud to make this gift to Yosemite and the people of America,” said Will Rogers, president of the Trust for Public Land.
The land completes the park’s original plans from 1890, which included Ackerson Meadow, said Yosemite Conservancy’s President Frank Dean.
“It’s a stunning open meadow surrounded by forest habitat, which supports a wide variety of flora and fauna,” said Park Superintendent Don Neubacher.
The addition features wetlands and a grassy meadow surrounded by tall pine trees on rolling hills that are home to endangered wildlife.
Ackerson Meadow is located along Yosemite’s western boundary. The area was purchased from private owners by The Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit conservation group, for $2.3 million and donated to the park.
Officials told The Associated Press that Yosemite will preserve the land -- historically used for logging and cattle grazing -- as habitat for wildlife such as the great grey owl, the largest owl in North American and listed as endangered by California wildlife officials.
Robin and Nancy Wainwright, who owned the land since 2006, sold it to the trust. Robin Wainwright said they lost “few hundred thousand dollars” passing up a lucrative offer from a developer to build a resort.
He said he often saw bears strolling through the meadow and owls soaring over fields of vibrant wildflowers blooming in the springtime. He didn’t want that experience available only to those who could afford a resort.
“To have that accessible by everyone to me is just a great thing,” Wainwright said. “It was worth losing a little bit of money for that.”
The park’s boundary has seen some minor changes over the years, but this expansion is the largest since 1949 to the park of nearly 750,000 acres total, he said.
More than 4.5 million people are expected to visit Yosemite this year, which spokesman Scott Gediman said would set a record for the park that celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2015.
Visitors pass Ackerson Meadow on their way to Hetch Hetchy reservoir, which provides drinking water to San Francisco.
The land was bought with $1.53 million from the Trust for Public Land and $520,000 from the Yosemite Conservancy, which supports a variety of projects in the park. Anonymous donors contributed the rest, Gediman said.
“We are delighted and proud to make this gift to Yosemite and the people of America,” said Will Rogers, president of the Trust for Public Land.
The land completes the park’s original plans from 1890, which included Ackerson Meadow, said Yosemite Conservancy’s President Frank Dean.
“It’s a stunning open meadow surrounded by forest habitat, which supports a wide variety of flora and fauna,” said Park Superintendent Don Neubacher.
Tying the Knot at Taft Point
Photo by Mike Karas - New York Times
Golfers, get your team together or we'll make one for you!
$125 Registration / Golfer
This signature event will include an 18-hole scramble, BBQ dinner, auctions and a chance to play on the historic Big Trees Golf Course!
All event proceeds will be used to help supplement operational funds of the charter school for the 2016-2017 school year.
Please respond quickly as spots are limited!
MORE INFO & REGISTRATION:
http://www.yosemitewawonacharter.org/2016---2017.html
Thank you for supporting our local charter school!
Sincerely,
Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School Students, Parents & Educators
----------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------
More ways to stay up to date with 2016 golf tournament news!
-RSVP & invite your friends on our Facebook Event Page for the 13th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser here:
https://www.facebook.com/event s/1816732261946527/?active_ tab=posts
Stay connected on our golf tournament event page here:
http://www.yosemitewawonachart er.org/2016---2017.html
$125 Registration / Golfer
This signature event will include an 18-hole scramble, BBQ dinner, auctions and a chance to play on the historic Big Trees Golf Course!
All event proceeds will be used to help supplement operational funds of the charter school for the 2016-2017 school year.
Please respond quickly as spots are limited!
MORE INFO & REGISTRATION:
http://www.yosemitewawonacharter.org/2016---2017.html
Thank you for supporting our local charter school!
Sincerely,
Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School Students, Parents & Educators
----------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------------------------
More ways to stay up to date with 2016 golf tournament news!
-RSVP & invite your friends on our Facebook Event Page for the 13th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser here:
https://www.facebook.com/event s/1816732261946527/?active_ tab=posts
Stay connected on our golf tournament event page here:
http://www.yosemitewawonachart er.org/2016---2017.html
Library Book Sale
The 20th Annual Friends of the Library Book / Bake/ Craft Sale took place today. Click on an image to enlarge.
Lakes Fire Safety Closure
The Lakes Fire is a lightning start fire that is being managed for multiple objectives. It is believed to have been ignited on June 12th and has burned 189 acres. The fire has crossed the trail along Chilnualna creek with active fire and fire hazards in the area including:
The trail segment marked on the accompanying map entitled Lakes Fire Safety Closure dated August 25th, 2016 is closed to all travel.
Notice of closure will be posted and the area will be monitored to ensure compliance. Your cooperation in complying with this temporary restriction is greatly appreciated. Please see attached map for more information.
The designation will remain in place until rescinded.
Nancy Phillipe
Yosemite National Park
Emergency Communications Center Manager
Detailed to Yosemite Fire Information
209-620-6431 Work Cell
209-372-0480 Office Fire Info Landline
- Falling limbs, snags (dead standing trees), and fire damaged trees
- Possible smoky conditions which may cause respiratory problems
- Poor visibility due to smoke
- Hot ash and unseen hazards
The trail segment marked on the accompanying map entitled Lakes Fire Safety Closure dated August 25th, 2016 is closed to all travel.
Notice of closure will be posted and the area will be monitored to ensure compliance. Your cooperation in complying with this temporary restriction is greatly appreciated. Please see attached map for more information.
The designation will remain in place until rescinded.
Nancy Phillipe
Yosemite National Park
Emergency Communications Center Manager
Detailed to Yosemite Fire Information
209-620-6431 Work Cell
209-372-0480 Office Fire Info Landline
Bassett Memorial Book, Bake, and Craft Sale
The 20th Annual Book, Bake, and Craft Sale will be held on Labor Day Saturday, September 3, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Wawona Bassett Memorial Library parking lot. (Wawona Community Center if it rains) Dave Sischo birdhouses and carved birds will be available. We will be accepting handmade craft items until the day of the sale. They may be dropped off at the library in Wawona or you can call Pat at 209-375-6273 to make arrangements to have them picked up. Many great titles, both hardcover and paperback, have been donated for the sale. Paperbacks will sell for 3 for $1 and hardcover books will sell for $1 each. After 2 p.m. you may fill a bag of books for only $1! What a bargain! Donated baked items may be dropped off at the library the day before the sale or after 8 a.m. the morning of the sale. Wawona has the best bakers in the park! Buy some books and a baked treat for that quiet afternoon or evening of reading and snacking. We look forward to seeing you Saturday, September 3rd at the Bassett Memorial Library in Wawona Book, Bake, and Craft Sale.
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Meeting
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 6:30 pm
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California
AGENDA
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
11.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
11.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 6:30 pm
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California
AGENDA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
- CONSENT AGENDA
- Approval of agenda
- Approval of minutes of the regular meeting, 6/24/16 and 8/9/16
- Financial reports
- Monthly approval of warrants (Action needed)
- Financial Report
- Payroll Report
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- Discuss and approve Transportation proposals due to additional students this school year.
- Discuss and approve building and grounds safety and maintenance inspections and any procedures or policies than need to be inplace.
INFORMATION ITEMS
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- STAFF REPORTS
- L CAP Update
- NEXT MEETING DATE
- CLOSED SESSION Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
11.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
11.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
- RECOVENE IN OPEN SESSION: ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
- ADJOURNMENT
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Meeting
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday August 9, 2016 at 6:00 PM
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California
AGENDA
ACTION ITEMSINFORMATION ITEMS
10.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
10.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday August 9, 2016 at 6:00 PM
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California
AGENDA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
- CONSENT AGENDA
- Approval of agenda
- Approval of minutes of the regular meeting, ****
- Financial reports
- Monthly approval of warrants (Action needed)
- Financial Report
- Payroll Report
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMSINFORMATION ITEMS
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- STAFF REPORTS
- L CAP Update
- NEXT MEETING DATE
- CLOSED SESSION Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
10.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
10.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
- RECOVENE IN OPEN SESSION: ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
- ADJOURNMENT
