http://www.nps.gov/yose News releases from Yosemite National Park. en-us http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/mrpscopingextendedagain.htm Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:32:28 EST Yosemite National Park is extending the public scoping period for the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (MRP/EIS). http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/veteransday09.htm Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:50:52 EST In celebration of Veterans Day, Yosemite National Park, and all other National Park sites across the country, will offer free admission Wednesday, November 11, 2009 for all current members and retired members of the United States armed forces and their families.  Free admission is being observed by all public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/gproaddelays09.htm Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:14:44 EST The Glacier Point Road construction delays will be extended through Saturday, October 31 and Saturday November 7, 2009 in order to complete paving on the road. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/yf10.htm Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:39:53 EST Yosemite National Park’s meadows, trails and wildlife are better off thanks to a $5.8 million contribution by the nonprofit Yosemite Fund. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/tiogareopens09.htm Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:10:44 EST The Tioga and Glacier Point Roads in Yosemite National Park have reopened.  The roads were closed earlier this week due to snow and icy conditions. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/accessibilityaward.htm Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:23:06 EST Branch Chief for Interpretive Services in Yosemite National Park, Mary Kline, was the recipient of a National Park Service (NPS) National Accessibility Achievement Award in the “Programmatic Accessibility Achievement” category.   http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/cablesdown09.htm Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:10:02 EST The Glacier Point and Tioga Roads in Yosemite National Park are closed due to snow and ice on the roadways. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/endfireseason09.htm Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:38:50 EST Yosemite National Park announces the end of the fire season, tomorrow, October 16th, 2009.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/mrpscopingmeetings.htm Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:47:25 EST Yosemite National Park Acting Superintendent Dave Uberuaga announces a series of public scoping meetings for the new Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/salazarvisit.htm Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:37:26 EST Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar and National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis toured Yosemite National Park this weekend.  This was Salazar’s first official visit to Yosemite National Park and Jarvis’ first visit as the Director of the National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/mrpsettlement.htm Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:16:29 EST The Friends of Yosemite Valley (FOYV), Mariposans for the Environment and Responsible Government (MERG), and the Department of the Interior /National Park Service (NPS), Yosemite National Park jointly announce the completion of a formal Settlement Agreement in the lawsuits concerning the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP). http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/hdview.htm Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:01:07 EST For many visitors to Yosemite National Park, Half Dome Overlook is their first chance to stop and see the Valley’s iconic features: Half Dome framed perfectly between the granite walls of El Capitan and the cliffs of Glacier Point. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/abi.htm Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:54:04 EST In celebration of National Public Lands Day, Yosemite National Park, and all other National Park sites, will offer free admission this Saturday, September 26, 2009. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/facelift09.htm Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:17:09 EST Yosemite National Park and the Yosemite Climbing Association invite the public to participate in the “Yosemite Facelift” September 23-27, 2009. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/ahwahneescopingmtg.htm Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:33:05 EST A public scoping meeting for the Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22nd from 1:00 to 4:00 PM in the Underlounge at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bigmeadowfire12.htm Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:01:27 EST All roads into Yosemite National Park, including the Big Oak Flat Road and portions of the Tioga Road, are now open with no restrictions.  The roads, which have been closed since Wednesday, August 26 due to the Big Meadow Fire, allows visitors to enter Yosemite Valley via Highway 120.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bigmeadowfire11.htm Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:24:53 EST Yosemite National Park Acting Superintendent Dave Uberuaga announces that the Big Oak Flat Road from Crane Flat to the El Portal Road will re-open at 5:00 pm Tuesday, September 8.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bigmeadowfire10.htm Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:14:42 EST Through travel between Groveland and Lee Vining Possible http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bigmeadowfire9.htm Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:25:08 EST The evacuation order for the community of Foresta will be lifted at 10:00 AM Friday, September 4, 2009. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bigmeadowfire8.htm Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:10:50 EST Big Meadow Fire 70% Contained http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bigmeadowfire7.htm Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:06:09 EST Road Closures in Effect Through the Holiday Weekend http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/maurer.htm Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:23:55 EST Jeff Maurer, a Wildlife Biologist at Yosemite National Park, died Sunday, August 30, after falling from the Third Pillar, a technical rock climbing route on Mount Dana. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bigmeadowfire6.htm Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:16:09 EST Closure of Big Oak Flat Road and a Portion of the Tioga Road to Through Traffic http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/ahwahneescoping.htm Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:08:55 EST A public scoping meeting for the Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM in the Underlounge at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bigmeadowfire5.htm Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:48:18 EST UPDATE: Due to poor visibility from smoke from the Big Meadow Fire, the west end of Tioga Road has been closed to through traffic from White Wolf to Crane Flat Gas Station.  There is no projected opening date of this portion of the Tioga Road at this point.  Tuolumne Meadows to White Wolf is still accessible from the east end of the park via Highway 395.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bigmeadowfire4.htm Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:33:30 EST The Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park will have restricted access, between Crane Flat and White Wolf, beginning Monday, August 31, continuing until fire operations along the road are complete. This segment of the road will have controlled access with a pilot car during daylight hours, and be closed completely each night. Motorists should expect delays, which could begin as early as Monday morning. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bigmeadowfire3.htm Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:17:09 EST The Big Meadow Fire in Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest grew to 3,506 acres today.  The Big Meadow Fire was set by Yosemite National Park Fire Crews on August 26, 2009 as a prescribed burn and shortly thereafter, the fire grew out of the prescription lines. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bigmeadowfire2.htm Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:36:40 EST The Big Meadow Fire in Yosemite National Park grew to 2,244 acres today, increasing from 2,200 acres yesterday.  The Big Meadow Fire was set by Yosemite National Park Fire Crews on August 26, 2009 as a prescribed burn and shortly thereafter, the fire grew out of the prescription lines. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/bigmeadowfire1.htm Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:59:19 EST A prescribed fire set by Yosemite National Park Fire Crews yesterday has grown beyond the predetermined fire perimeter and full suppression efforts are in effect.  The fire was originally slated to burn 90 acres, however it burned beyond the fire lines. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/ahwahneerockfall2.htm Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:26:27 EST After several small rockfalls occurred yesterday in Yosemite Valley directly above the Ahwahnee Hotel, the hotel was temporarily closed for precautionary measures.  The rockfalls released from the Royal Arches, a rock formation directly above the hotel.  Several small rocks landed in the parking lot causing minor damage to three vehicles.  No injuries or structural damage were reported.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/mrpscopingextended2.htm Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:24:39 EST Yosemite National Park is extending the public scoping period for the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (MRP/EIS).  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/ahwahneerockfall1.htm Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:17:38 EST Ahwahnee Hotel Temporarily Closed as a Precaution http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/poaching809.htm Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:59:21 EST After an extensive investigation, three individuals face multiple federal charges for poaching within Yosemite National Park.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/marijuana809.htm Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:50:50 EST Yosemite National Park Rangers and National Park Service Agents, with assistance from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, eradicated 4,735 marijuana plants valued at nearly $19 million from within the park yesterday. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/forestaburn09.htm Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:34:24 EST Yosemite National Park Fire Managers are planning a prescribed fire in Big Meadow in the community of Foresta next Wednesday August 26, 2009.  The total burn area will include 90 acres, pending weather conditions and air quality.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/robinson0809.htm Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:22:06 EST A local fisherman was found dead in Yosemite National Park near Windy Point, along Highway 140 this morning.  Keith Robinson, 62, of Midpines, left his home after work to fish in Yosemite on August 17, 2009.  When he failed to return home the next morning he was reported overdue to Yosemite dispatch. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/ahwahneedata.htm Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:04:56 EST Acting Yosemite National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga announces the initiation of data collection and planning for the Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) will be coordinated through the development of an Environmental Assessment (EA). http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/hybridtrams.htm Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:30:06 EST A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in Yosemite Valley today to commemorate the arrival of four hybrid (electric/diesel) tractors that will be used in the popular Yosemite Valley Floor Tours. Acting Superintendent Dave Uberuaga and DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. Chief   Operating Officer Dan Jensen cut the ribbon as 60 park visitors were embarking on their tour of Yosemite Valley. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/mrpscopingextended.htm Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:26:43 EST Current Public Scoping Meetings Postponed http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/laurakirnaward.htm Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:16:09 EST Yosemite National Park Archeologist Laura Kirn was selected as the 2009 winner of the Goucher College Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Alumnae Prize (MAHP) as the outstanding first year student in the historic preservation graduate program. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/cdnea.htm Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:11:25 EST Yosemite National Park invites the public to participate in a tour of proposed sites for the Parkwide Communication Data Network (CDN) Environmental Assessment (EA). Public scoping occurred in fall 2008, and preparation of an EA is currently underway.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/trpworkshops09.htm Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:19:33 EST As part of the continuing public involvement process for the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan (Tuolumne River Plan), all interested members of the public are invited to attend two summer planning workshops. Each will take place at Parsons Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows from 11am-3pm. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/fire0708.htm Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:15:36 EST Activity on the Grouse and Harden fires in Yosemite National Park has slowed significantly with the fires reaching the established boundaries that managers planned for the incidents. The Grouse Fire is three miles southwest of Yosemite Valley and north of Glacier Point Road. The Grouse Fire is 3,029 acres and 93 percent contained. The Harden Fire on the north side of the park, west of Harden Lake and northwest of White Wolf is currently 1,661 acres and 95 percent contained. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/fire0705.htm Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:32:06 EST While thousands of visitors came to experience the beauty of Yosemite National Park July 4, fire personnel continued to manage the Grouse and Harden fires in the Park.  The Grouse Fire is three miles southwest of Yosemite Valley and north of Glacier Point Road.  The Grouse Fire is 2,300 acres and 50 percent contained.  The Harden Fire on the north side of the park, west of Harden Lake and northwest of White Wolf is currently 1,594 acres and 75 percent contained. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/fire0704.htm Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:02:18 EST The Grouse and Harden fires continue to grow moderately in two areas of Yosemite National Park. The Grouse Fire is approximately 2160 acres, three miles southwest of Yosemite Valley and north of Glacier Point Road. The Harden Fire on the north side of the park, west of Harden Lake and northwest of White Wolf is currently 1120 acres. On Friday, the Central Sierra Type II Incident Management Team began managing the Grouse Fire. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/fire0702.htm Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:55:58 EST The Grouse and Harden fires in Yosemite National Park continue to progress toward the management boundaries that managers have identified for the fires.  The Grouse Fire (1163 acres), lightning-caused on May 30 and is located about three miles southwest of Yosemite Valley and north of Glacier Point Road.  The Harden Fire (520 acres), started by lightning June 8,   is on the north side of the park, west of Harden Lake and northwest of White Wolf.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/july42009.htm Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:47:09 EST The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends in Yosemite National Park.  The park estimates that up to 50,000 visitors will visit and pass through Yosemite over the extended holiday weekend.  The increase in visitors can lead to traffic congestion during midday.  Visitors are encouraged to come into the park as early in the day to avoid any delays.  All park campsites under the reservation system have been sold out.  However, there are a limited number of first-come, first-served campsites available throughout the park.  It is anticipated that these sites will be full by the beginning of the weekend. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/epmarketopens.htm Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:42:32 EST Acting Superintendent Dave Uberuaga and Kirstie Kari participated in a community celebration commemorating the reopening of the El Portal Market.  The El Portal Market, a fixture in the small community of El Portal on Highway 140, completely burned in a fire in March 2008.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/mrp4scoping.htm Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:35:11 EST Yosemite National Park is reopening public scoping for planning and environmental impact analysis for a new Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (NMRP/EIS).  Public scoping comments will be accepted through August 29, 2009.  Scoping comments submitted when the National Park Service (NPS) first initiated public scoping on March 28, 2007 are still valid and do not need to be resubmitted.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/julfires09.htm Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:52:48 EST Some Trails Closed due to Fires http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/abberescue2.htm Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:31:36 EST Park visitors James Bachman and Dorothy Hovland, from Huntington Beach, CA, returned to Yosemite today to present a plaque to Park Ranger Dan Abbe to show their appreciation for his heroic efforts.  Abbe rescued the pair after their truck and trailer slid off of Highway 41 and down a steep hillside.  The plaque was presented during a ceremony in Yosemite Valley. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/abberescue.htm Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:49:35 EST On May 26, 2009, Yosemite National Park Ranger Dan Abbe was flagged down by park visitors on his way to work in Yosemite Valley. Abbe was traveling on the Wawona Road and entered the pullout about 2.5 miles south of the Wawona Tunnel. He was informed that there was a vehicle over the side of the road and it was on fire. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/airexhibit.htm Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:57:51 EST A unique art exhibit is opening on June 20, 2009 at the Yosemite Museum Gallery. The exhibit features work from seven professional artists, all part of the Artists-in-Residence program. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/gproadwork09.htm Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:20:09 EST Yosemite National Park will be reconstructing part of the Glacier Point Road beginning this Monday, June 22, 2009.  Work will consist of the rehabilitation, restoration, and resurfacing of the road, including repaving and drainage improvements to include 5.1 miles of the road from the Chinquapin intersection to Badger Pass Ski area.  Additionally, there will be work on the Wawona Road (Hwy. 41) near the Chinquapin intersection.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/hance08.htm Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:14:53 EST Acting Yosemite Superintendent Dave Uberuaga announced today that Dick Ewart is the recipient of the 2009 Barry Hance Memorial Award.  Ewart, a Yosemite National Park Ranger, received the award at an all employee meeting today attended by approximately 300 people, including several past Barry Hance Award recipients.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/hale09.htm Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:32:08 EST Christopher Hale, 23, of Gainesville, Florida was found dead today in Yosemite National Park.  Hale, who had been reported missing since yesterday morning was found by Park Rangers at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon. It appears that Hale fell from an unnamed cliff face above Mirror Lake in eastern Yosemite Valley. The exact cause of death and other details remain under investigation.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/halfdome09b.htm Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:46:07 EST At about 3:40 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2009, Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received 911 calls regarding an individual who had fallen from the cables on Half Dome.  Manoj Kumar, a 40 year old male from San Ramon, California, had gone to the top of Half Dome and was descending. Day time weather conditions mirrored those of the last several weeks with clouds developing midday with afternoon showers.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/halfdome09a.htm Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:40:40 EST At approximately 3:40 p.m. this afternoon, Yosemite National Park’s Emergency Communication Center received a 911 phone call reporting a fall of a hiker on Half Dome.  National Park Rangers arrived on scene via the park helicopter soon thereafter.  A male park visitor was found dead and about 30 hikers were still on the cables.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/businspections09.htm Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:13:09 EST The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and the National Park Service (NPS) held a surprise inspection for all commercial for hire multiple passenger tour buses in the park today.  The purpose of these unannounced inspections is ensure visitor safety through safe operation of tour buses in an attempt to reduce chances of crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving tour buses bringing passengers to Yosemite National Park.  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/chapel130.htm Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:24:06 EST The Yosemite Chapel, located in Yosemite Valley, will be celebrating its 130th anniversary this Sunday, June 7. http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/commsafety09.htm Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:16:36 EST Safety events will focus on community health, community safety, wilderness safety, and emergency services