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Yosemite Gateway Partners

Knights Ferry Cover Bridge, Panoramic View. Story on page 3. Image by Christopher Marston, Jeremy Mauro, & Pavel Gorokhov (NPS)

Image taken by Hunter Merritt, June 15, 2011 - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

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Yosemite Gateway Partners . . .

President’s Message By Robert Asquith

As Yosemite Gateway Partners begins its third year as a not-for-profit corporation, I am excited about the year ahead. In June, we elected five directors and reached a balance with two directors from each of our four gateways. The remaining position is an at-large slot. Yosemite Gateway Partners has had a busy and productive year as we have strived to fulfill our three-fold mission — …create sustainable cultural, natural and economic prosperity. YGP folks have been instrumental in disseminating Yosemite National Park communications – particularly regarding fires, providing a forum for continued improvement

of the “Yosemite Insert” to the California Visitors Guide, and facilitated bringing Mono County and Mammoth Mountain resources to help open Tioga Pass several weeks early – no small feat considering the record snowfall. Looking ahead, we are already planning for our Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer gatherings in Yosemite. There were 82 people attending our Summer event – some from as far away as the Bay Area and Sacramento. I encourage each reader to forward this newsletter to colleagues, friends, and anyone who might be interested in what is happening in Yosemite and our Gateways.

Marketing CoMMittee rePortBy Teri Marshall

Like a fine wine, this group matures a little more every year and this year is shaping up to be better than ever! The team has been hard at work on the Yosemite insert for the 2012 California Visitors Guide.

This project is vital to our regional economy as it gives us an enormous competitive advantage over the hundreds of other California destinations competing for attention in this 200 page magazine produced by Sunset. We all deserve a big pat on the back for pulling our individual investments together in what promises to be one of the biggest and best co-op programs in the state.

Why focus on print at the height of the digital revolution? This guide has the distinction of serving as the primary fulfillment piece for the California Travel & Tourism Commission’s $50 million marketing efforts throughout the year. Plus, we have several techniques in place to use this insert to generate more digital attention for all of us as well.

Now we turn our attention to building on our current accomplishments and setting the region up for even greater success in 2012. As a committee we have an opportunity to get better organized and streamline our communication and decision making so we can spend more time collaborating on even greater ideas.

Immediately following the close of the October 13th quarterly meeting we will gather to discuss our next steps. We will also be evaluating design candidates for the 2013 insert project and sharing some new ideas.

Some additional good news for everyone…mystery solved - we have located the regional list of lodging properties! It is with The Ahwahnee Concierge. We will have a copy available at the October 13th meeting. We’ll have an email address for everyone to use if they need information updated, and we’ll share everything electronically for those who are unable to attend.

If you have any suggestions for improvement or any marketing needs be sure to share them with your local DMO so they can include you in the Marketing Committee discussions and programs.

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Many of California’s popular historic landmarks, are famous as unique icons. This year, the National Park Service is preparing to add another California gem to its national list of historic landmarks, not for its uniqueness but rather for its classic features, which NPS architects call “a perfect example” of bridge-building in the 19th century: the Knights Ferry Covered Bridge.

One of only two covered bridges in the nation currently nominated for inclusion as National Historic Landmarks, the Knights Ferry Covered Bridge is located on land managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District’s Stanislaus River Parks near Oakdale. Architects from the Historic American Engineering Record, an NPS program, surveyed the bridge in June, and applauded the Corps for its care of the bridge and the surrounding area, a key factor in its preservation.

The 330-foot bridge, recognized as the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River, was built in 1864 to replace a bridge washed away during a historic flood two years prior. The New Melones Dam, built by the Corps in 1979, now reduces flood risk to the bridge, as well as to Knights Ferry and other towns downstream. “There are a lot of factors that contribute to preservation, but ultimately, the Corps has done a great job as stewards of this historic structure,” said Christopher Marston, lead architect on the project.

Marston was part of the survey group who visited in June, along with architect Jeremy Mauro and student architect Pavel Gorokhov, to document the interior and exterior of the bridge using a combination of images from a state-of-the-art high-definition laser scanner, 360-degree digital photographs and hand-drawn sketches.

The architects were intrigued with the bridge for its Howe truss design, calling it a perfect example of 1850s engineering and bridge-building technology.

Marston said the design used in this bridge was very common in the 19th century, noting that the combination of wood beams and steel fasteners established a model for future designs using all-steel construction.

“Most wooden bridges of this era have been rebuilt or altered so much that they are not considered

original,” said Marston, “and often architects will come in who are used to working with steel and concrete, but not wood, which acts differently. This bridge hasn’t been all mucked up.”

The bridge, which was closed to regular vehicle traffic in 1981 by the Corps, has survived the weather and wear of similar bridges in the northeastern U.S., making it a great specimen for inclusion as a historic landmark, according to Marston.

The Knights Ferry Covered Bridge has been cataloged once before, in 1934, by the Historic American Buildings Survey. HABS, the federal government’s first preservation program and a New Deal-era effort to support unemployed photographers and architects, sent Roger Sturtevant to take photographs and record the bridge.

HABS is the only depression-era program still in operation today.

Along with the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS), it is a companion program to the HAER program, administered by the Heritage Documentation Programs of the National Park Service. The collections from HABS/HAER/HALS are among the largest and most heavily used in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress. Over its history, the program has catalogued over 175 covered bridges for the Library of Congress.

According to Marston, the data gathered from Knights Ferry Covered Bridge will be processed over the next few months and will be transmitted to the Library of Congress’ HABS/HAER/HALS Collection next March. See http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/item/ CA3186/ for additional information. The bridge is also scheduled to be nominated as a National Historic Landmark in April 2012.

According to Marston, the data gathered from Knights Ferry Covered Bridge will be processed over the next few months and will be transmitted to the Library of Congress’ HABS/HAER/HALS Collection next March.

The bridge is also scheduled to be nominated as a National Historic Landmark in April 2012. See http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/item/ CA3186/ for additional information.

Knights Ferry Covered Bridgea HistoriCal landMark - By Christopher H. Marston

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Yosemite National Park . . .

Randy Fong, Chief of Project ManagementAs a native of San Francisco, Randy visited

Yosemite often during his youth. In 1974, he began his NPS career at Sequoia National Park as a seasonal interpreter. After a summer in the Sierra and three more in Yellowstone, he took a permanent position at the Denver Service Center, obtained his professional architect’s license, and became one of their senior managing architects.

In 1999, after 19 years in Denver, Randy returned to Yosemite as the park’s historical architect and later joined the project management division. Noted for his work as the project manager of the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail and the Yosemite Environmental Education Center at Henness Ridge, Randy has a BA in architecture from Stanford and an MA from Harvard. Randy began his new position in September.

Linda Mazzu, Chief of Resources Management and Science

Linda comes to Yosemite from Yellowstone, where she was the chief of the resources compliance and science coordination branch in the Yellowstone Center for Resources. Most recently, she served as the center’s acting chief.

Linda has established an impressive record through the course of 28 years in the federal government. She began her career in the Sierra at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks working on air quality and prescribed fire programs. After Sequoia, Linda worked in Washington, DC, for Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance before moving to Grand Canyon National Park as natural resources branch chief. At Grand Canyon, she managed the air quality, water resources, integrated pest management, aircraft overflights and vegetation programs.

Linda has a BS in park and recreation management from Pennsylvania State University and an MS in natural resources from Humboldt State University in California. Linda joined Yosemite’s team in mid-September.

Teresa Austin, Chief of AdministrationTeresa (Teri) most recently served the

Administrative Officer for Grand Teton National Park. Prior to this Teri worked for the Grand Teton Lodge Company for 12 years in a variety of administrative leadership positions including assistant controller for all properties and assistant resident manager at Jackson Lake Lodge.

Teri brings an extensive background in finance and customer service. She has an MBA from Westminster College and also holds a Graduate Accounting Certificate. Teri will start her Yosemite position in late October.

Mike Gauthier, Chief of StaffMike has done an excellent job as the acting

Chief of Staff and member of Yosemite’s executive leadership team over the past several months. In September he was selected permanently to the Chief of Staff position in the Superintendent’s Office.

Prior to coming to Yosemite Mike was in the Bevinetto Fellowship program working for the Legislative and Congressional Affairs Office in Washington, DC. Mike brings 25 years of NPS experience to Yosemite. He served much of his career as district ranger at Mount Rainier National Park where he oversaw the climbing and search and rescue programs.

Yosemite AnniversariesYour interest in the Yosemite Anniversary efforts

is admirable! We are grateful that many people in our communities have expressed interest in serving on the Yosemite Anniversary Committees. Engaging people from all over the region in this once-in-a-lifetime effort will surely lead to our collective success.

Our upcoming anniversaries:June 30, 2014: Yosemite Grant 150th anniversary

will honor our past and inspire people to experience, connect with, and protect our cultural and natural heritage.

WelCoMe to tHe neWest MeMbers of YoseMite’s exeCutive leadersHiP teaM

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. . .Yosemite National Park

September 3, 2014: Wilderness Act 50th anniversary will make the concepts and benefits of Wilderness better known to the American public.

October 1, 2015: Yosemite National Park will honor 125 years as our nation’s third national park.

August 25, 2016: National Park Service 100th anniversary will reflect on and celebrate our

Mariposa Grove RestorationThe national park idea is rooted in the Mariposa

Grove of Giant Sequoias, located in the southern end of Yosemite National Park. In 1864, under the Yosemite Grant, President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for “public use, resort, and recreation.” Almost 150 years later, the Mariposa Grove is still a popular destination for visitors to Yosemite.

The National Park Service is embarking on a plan to restore giant sequoia habitat in the Mariposa Grove. We are preparing an Environmental Impact

Date Time LocationOct. 27, 2011 5-8 pm El Portal Community Center - El Portal, CAOct. 28, 2011 1-5 pm Wawona Community Center - Wawona, CAOct. 29, 2011 10 am – 4 pm Garden Terrace, Yosemite Lodge - Yosemite NPNov. 7, 2011 10 am – 4 pm Garden Terrace, Yosemite Lodge - Yosemite NPNov. 9, 2011 5-8 pm Golden Gate Rm, Fort Mason-San Francisco, CAIn addition to these public forums there will be two online opportunities via webinar to interact with the planning

team and contribute to the development of the plan. We will announce the specific times and dates for the webinars soon. For more information about the Merced River Plan visit www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mrp.htm.

Fall Workshops: Merced River Plan Alternatives DevelopmentThroughout the development of the Merced River Plan we have checked in with you to share what we’ve

learned, and to get your ideas. In Spring 2011 at the Merced River Plan Workshops and Science Forum, we shared what we were learning about the condition of the river and its Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

This fall, we invite you to meet with us again to share our progress and get your ideas. In our Fall 2001 Merced River Plan Workshops we will present sets of potential solutions, or options, that we have developed to address the management considerations identified through the Draft Baseline Condition Report and public comment. You will have the opportunity to review these potential solutions, consider the impact of selecting different options or combinations of options, and provide us your feedback. We will provide a workbook that presents representative management considerations, along with potential options to address them, to help focus our dialogue at the workshops. The Fall Workshops will be an opportunity to let us know what you think of the options we’ve identified, explore the consequences inherent in different combinations of actions, and help us start laying the foundations for feasible alternatives.

Statement (EIS) to develop and analyze site design alternatives and are looking for your input. This is your chance to be a part of the Mariposa Grove legacy.

Public scoping for this project begins August 31, 2011. The formal scoping period will close 30 days following the publication of the Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal Register. This date will be announced in the near future. For more information and to learn how to provide scoping comments visit http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/mgrove.htm. This project is supported via generous grants from Yosemite Conservancy.

accomplishments as we prepare for a new century of stewardship and engagement.

We still need help - if you are interested in volunteering on our commemorative events, educational programs, or our official merchandise committees, please send a note to: kassandra_hardy@nps.gov

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Yosemite Conservancy. . .

Yosemite Conservancy and the National Park Service today celebrated the completion of a $13.5 million campaign to restore popular hiking trails in Yosemite National Park from Yosemite Valley to the rugged backcountry of the High Sierra.

“Our goal was elegant in its simplicity – improve the condition of Yosemite’s most treasured, high-profile trails in order to protect irreplaceable natural resources,” said Mike Tollefson, president, Yosemite Conservancy. “Yosemite’s spectacular trails are a mirror of the democratic notion of the National Park Service’s founding – they exist for all people for all time.”

The six-year Campaign for Yosemite Trails involved 75 miles of trails and is the largest ever trail repair and restoration program undertaken in Yosemite National Park. The milestone was marked with a ceremonial dedication of the East Valley Loop trail, and recognition of generous donations and the skilled work of Yosemite trail crews.

“Yosemite’s trails are pathways to discovery and inspiration. Some of the park’s most important trails were improved to reverse years of degradation to benefit visitors for decades,” said Superintendent Don Neubacher. “The result is better trails, restored habitats and greater education opportunities for visitors.”

In the front country, repairs were made to the John Muir Trailhead in the Valley and to the east and

CaMPaign for trails iMProveMents By Noel Morrison

west ends of the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail with heavily impacted areas being resurfaced with a natural looking asphalt alternative, repairs to foot bridges and new way finding signs. Near the park’s southern entrance, trail improvements in parts of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias now protect the big tree’s root systems.

On 33 miles of the world-renowned John Muir Trail work addressed parts of the trail from Tuolumne Meadows through Little Yosemite Valley to Yosemite Valley. There are new stone walls, rock staircases, and drainage structures, plus habitat restoration, to improve safety and protect areas bordering the trail.

At the May Lake trailhead accessed from

Tioga Road, hikers will find a more well-defined route to the summit of Mount Hoffmann, which will protect habitat. Based on the successful work at Mount Hoffmann, additional trail improvements and restoration are being made on the route to Cathedral Peak and the summit to Mount Dana. Also along Tioga Road, improvements were made

to trailheads at Tamarack Flat, May Lake, Yosemite Creek/Ten Lakes, Snow Creek, and at Gaylor Lakes. The work is different at each, and hikers may find habitat-friendly and safer parking and access, food storage lockers, or wilderness education exhibits. Major portions of the spectacular 12-mile Red Peak Pass, the Sierra’s highest trail at 11,000 feet in southeastern Yosemite, were repaired and rebuilt.

Mariposa County Supervisors Lee Stetson and Kevin McCann assist Superintendent Neubacher and Yosemite Conservancy Chair John Dorman to cut the ribbon at the Loop Trail - credit Al Golub

Hikers enjoy the recently restored John Muir Trail- photo by Keith Walklet

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In the last 15 years alone, Yosemite Conservancy supporters have provided more than $35 million to help the National Park Service restore trails throughout the park.

Autumn is a special time in Yosemite. Regular summertime crowds are subsiding with the cooling temperatures and changing colors-it’s a great time to be in the valley. Join the Yosemite Conservancy as we explore the season through art classes, bird watching and more. Learn more on our website: http://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/events

Oct.7- Oct. 9 Watercolors in the WildAward winning watercolorist Andie Thrams

will lead artists of all skill levels on a multiple day expedition in Wawona to learn how to watercolor in the wild. Capture the fallen leaves on your canvas or sketch a stand of Giant Sequoia trees. You’ll experience this beautiful time of year with all five senses and leave with valuable skills.

. . . Yosemite Conservancy

CaMPaign for trails iMProveMents (Cont . . .)

YoseMite ConservanCY autuMn PrograMs

Eight hundred miles of trails wind their way through Yosemite’s valleys, meadows, streams, forests and across polished granite. Trail degradation compromises the visitor experience and habitat tremendously. Poor drainage erodes trail surfaces leading hikers to go off-trail, creating multiple social trails that divert water flow and destroy habitat animals depend on.

The Campaign was a collaborative effort between Yosemite Conservancy and the park, with Conservancy donors contributing $10.5 million, and the National Park Service providing $3 million to the trails campaign projects. The Campaign’s lead gifts were from David and Dana Dornsife, John and Leslie Dorman, Bell-Carter Foods, Inc., Diane and

Bill Zuendt, HEDCO Foundation, Cliff Walker, Bill and Cynthia Floyd, The Richard & Rhoda Goldman Fund, Jon and Lillian Lovelace, and Jim and Anahita Lovelace.

“Improvements were made to trails for every type of visitor from families with small children to ardent backcountry enthusiasts,” said John Dorman, Yosemite Conservancy board chairman. “These arteries provide access to unimaginable beauty and a life-time of memories.”

Royal Robbins, legendary climber and a Yosemite Conservancy council member, said, “Yosemite’s landscape harbors an unforgettable grand collection of peaks, domes, high waterfalls and alpine meadows. The best way to see these natural wonders is by trail.”

Register online at www.yosemiteconservancy.org/autumnwatercolor

Oct. 24-Oct. 29 Pen & Ink Sketching in Yosemite

Artist Pam Pederson will present a relaxing and informative pen & ink sketching class in Yosemite. You will be introduced to techniques that allow you to create unique and delightful sketches of your visit in a personal and approachable class. This class is perfect for any experience level and there will be one workshop daily between 10:00am and 2:00pm.

Dec. 3 Day of the WoodpeckerDid you know more species of woodpeckers

live Yosemite than anywhere else in the US? Join Yosemite Conservancy as we explore one of Yosemite’s most diverse bird groups. Prepare to be amazed at what you learn about year-round woodpeckers without the distraction of summer breeding birds. Register online at www.yosemiteconservancy.org/woodpeckers

Yosemite Conservancy is the only philanthropic organization dedicated exclusively to the protection and preservation of Yosemite National Park and enhancement of the visitor experience. The Conservancy works to restore trails, protect wildlife through scientific research and habitat restoration, and offers outdoor programs that provide visitors with unique ways to connect with the park. It has funded over 300 projects through $60 million in grants in areas including trail and habitat restoration, wildlife protection, education, volunteering, and the production of award winning books and DVDs. Learn more at www.yosemiteconservancy.org or call 1.800.469.7275.

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Delaware North . . .

Excitement is already building for Vintners’ Holidays taking place November 6 to December 8 at Yosemite, the place to rub elbows with vintners as colorful as their varietals. This time it’s the 30th anniversary, and this vintage is guaranteed to be better than ever. And as a local area resident, you get the advantages of special savings. DNC is pleased to offer a rate of $99 plus tax for Sessions 2–8. This exclusive offer is available for only twenty guests per session. The local discount is available for residents who live within 50 miles of Yosemite Valley.

All event sessions include a “Meet the Vintners” reception, four wine-tasting seminars, and a dazzling five-course gala Vintners’ Dinner prepared by Executive Chef Percy Whatley in the grand Ahwahnee Dining Room. As always, all cuisine will be expertly crafted to pair perfectly with each session’s featured wines. Please note that overnight accommodations are not included in the local discount.

So uncork your passion for great wines and great times. Come be a part of the 30th Annual Vintners’ Holidays!

For more information on Yosemite Vintners’ holidays at The Ahwahnee or to make reservations, call 801-559-4903 or visit online at www.yosemitePark.com/Vintners. Make sure to reference 99 VINTNERS promotion code to receive the special local offer.

The Ahwahnee Presents the 85th Season of the Bracebridge Dinner

The Ahwahnee is celebrating the 85th season this December of The Bracebridge Dinner. This remarkable American theatrical tradition transforms the hotel into a 17th century English manor for a feast of food, song and mirth for eight performances,

held from December 13-25. Visitors are also invited to attend complimentary concerts featuring world-class artists singing holiday, pops and Broadway standards in the hotel’s Great Lounge on nights alternating with The Bracebridge Dinner.

DNC is thrilled to offer a special discount to our Gateway Partners for your guests to enjoy The Bracebridge Dinner at 30% off the dinner-only ticket price for Session 1 and 2, which

is regularly $422 per adult with tax and gratuity included. Please

have guests mention promotion code GATEWAY when making a reservation to receive this special rate. Also, we are pleased to offer a deeper discount for local residents at 50% off for Session 1. The local discount is only for residents that live within 50 miles of Yosemite Valley. Local residents need to mention promotion code LOCALSBBD when making a reservation. Please note that overnight accommodations are not included in these offers, and space is limited.

During each Bracebridge performance, up to 300 guests enjoy a lavish, seven-course feast by The Ahwahnee’s Executive Chef Percy Whatley, with service meticulously choreographed as part of the

gearing uP for tHe 30tH annual vintners’ HolidaYs at tHe aHWaHnee WitH sPeCial offers for loCal residents

By Lisa Cesaro

Photo courtesy of DNC

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. . . Delaware North

pageantry. The Ahwahnee Dining Room, with its 50-foot ceiling topped by massive log beams, serves as the Great Hall at Squire Bracebridge’s manor. The entire room is a stage, crowned by an elaborate Squire’s table and decked with holiday decorations, many of which are restored originals from the first productions in the late 1920s.

The 2011 performances of The Bracebridge Dinner take place December 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25, at 6 p.m.

Please call the reservations desk to make a dinner-only reservation at (801) 559-4884. For more information on The Bracebridge Dinner, visit www.YosemitePark.com/Bracebridge.

Photo courtesy of DNC

Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area Scheduled to Open Mid-December with Great Deals

DNC is pleased to announce the anticipated opening day for Badger Pass Ski Area for Friday, December 16, 2011, with conditions permitting. Eager skiing enthusiasts will be able to enjoy an array of activities for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, all while taking advantage of great season ski offers.

This year’s ski deals offer a wide variety of ways to save for day and season passes. Beginning opening day through December 23, adult season passes can be purchased in person at Badger Pass for $159, and children’s at $139. The 77th skier to purchase a season pass in-person the opening week through December 23 will receive their

season pass for free to honor the 77th anniversary of Badger Pass.

Skiers can also enjoy Badger Pass during the weekday with Badger’s new “Two for Tuesdays” deal, which offers two adult lift tickets for the price of one at $42. This offer starts on January 10, 2012, and will continue through the rest of the season. Blackout dates may apply.

Badger Pass is the original ski resort in California offering skiing, snowboarding, amazing cross-country skiing, snow tubing and snowshoeing.

DNC will once again offer discounts on lift tickets for guests staying in gateway lodging. Teri Marshall will have details at the 10/13 Fall meeting. We are looking forward to a great snow-filled 77th season at Badger Pass Ski Area!

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The People’s Tree will Journey from Stanislaus National Forest to the Capitol!

Early in December each year, the Speaker of the House hosts a lighting ceremony on the lawn of the United States Capitol Building. A simple flip of a switch powers the 10,000 LED lights that illuminate the tree. Hundreds of people attend the lighting ceremony and many thousands more will find their way to the Capitol to take in the sight this December.

This year, the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service will harvest a white fir from the Stanislaus National Forest. The impressive tree stands approximately 65 feet tall and is 29.7 inches at Diameter Breast Height. In early November, the tree will begin its journey cross-country with a stop planned in 23 communities before it reaches its final destination in Washington D.C. As many as 5,000 handmade ornaments are expected to be donated. During the course of its route in California, the Capitol Christmas Tree team is also collecting non-perishable food items for their “Pay it Forward” food drive. The items collected along the route in California will then be given to those less fortunate in Gallup, NM, a stop on the tree’s journey across the country.

People’s Tree

According to records of the Architect of the Capitol, the

tradition of bringing a Christmas tree to the

Capitol grounds has continued since 1919.

However, it was not until 1964 that a definite procedure was initiated and a tree-lighting ceremony established. In 1963, House

Speaker John W. McCormack

suggested to J. George Stewart, Architect

of the Capitol, that a Christmas tree be placed on

the Capitol grounds. Since 1970, it has become

an honor for one of the National Forests to be asked to provide the Capitol Tree. The appointed National Forest, in turn, engages help from diverse partners throughout its respective State. This year is only the fourth year California has contributed the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, the last time was in 1995. The opportunity to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree becomes a state-wide celebration and civic event, leaving a lasting impression on all who are involved.

To learn more about the Capitol Christmas Tree visit http://capitolchristmastree2011.org/

an old California tradition is baCk!By Tanya Henry

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Mariposa Arts Council

6:00 PM –Coulterville Park Hwy 49 N & Hwy 132 Adults: $5 donation, Youth FreeWendy Brown-Barry; Keith Keenom;Dan Routh; Madison Seamans;John Silveria; Fred Stepp Fiddler209.966.3155 TICKETS Mariposa County Arts Council

www.arts-mariposa.org

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On Saturday, October 22 the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) 10th Anniversary Season begins. MSO Founding Music Director and Conductor Les Marsden has programmed an exciting, eclectic celebratory concert to initiate this milestone year for the Yosemite-area’s own regional symphony orchestra.

The concert’s first half opens with Alexander Borodin’s Overture to ‘Prince Igor’ followed by that opera’s famed ‘Polovtsian Dances.’ “Even non-classical listeners know these works due to Borodin’s gift for great melody,” noted Marsden. “Ironically, the man received the 1954 Tony® Award 67 years AFTER he died – when his unforgettable tunes were turned into the Broadway musical ‘Kismet.’” The concert’s first half concludes with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Concerto for Trombone and Military Band, featuring MSO principal trombonist Bob Granskog.

After intermission, the spotlight will shine on MSO violinist Emily Reed, featured as soloist in Belgian Charles-Auguste de Bériot’s “Scène de Ballet,” a rousing 10-minute mini-concerto staple of the violin repertoire. Next: the “Adagietto” movement from Gustav Mahler’s 5th Symphony to note the centenary year of Mahler’s 1911 death. Marsden describes this movement as “among the most ravishingly beautiful pieces of music ever written. Often heard as a stand-alone piece, it featured famously when performed by the New York Philharmonic under conductor Leonard Bernstein at the June 8, 1968 funeral of his friend Robert F. Kennedy. Not a tragic piece, but an uplifting and gloriously beautiful one.”

Mariposa Symphony Orchestra

Hard to believe . . . By Les Marsden

The MSO’s October 22, 2011 Season-Opening Concert occurs on the actual 200th birthday of legendary pianist and composer Franz Liszt – the very day. And so Marsden pays tribute by orchestrating that Hungarian’s best-known and beloved piece of music: the Hungarian Rhapsody #2 (originally #5 in c-# minor of a series of 21 for solo piano) for full symphony orchestra. “Generations of cartoon-lovers will immediately recognize the piece’s perennially humorous use in countless

cartoons beginning with Mickey Mouse in 1929’s “The Opry House” and innumerable others featuring Tom and Jerry, Daffy Duck and Donald Duck (memorably dueling in 1987’s “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”), Bugs Bunny and Woody Woodpecker.” Beginning solemnly but ending in a rousing, irresistibly energetic grand finale, and like the entirety of this concert: wonderfully memorable, familiar music to kick off a celebratory tenth season of your MSO.

The MSO’s 7:00 PM Saturday, October 22 10th Season Opening Concert will be held in the Fiester Auditorium of Mariposa High School. Tickets are always affordable at $6 for adults and $4 for students, available at the Mariposa County Arts Council: 209.966.3155. Tickets are also available at the Mariposa Visitors Center across from Miners Inn; call for hours: 209.966.7081.

____________________________________Student composer Hayvon Wilson is celebrated after her

music is played at the MSO’s July 2, 2011 concert. Image courtesy of Sierra Sun Times.

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A lot has happened with more to come when it comes to promoting tourism on the northern gateway (CA 120) to the region and Yosemite National Park.

Some of the major activities so far include:Establishing a National Park Service Ranger

office at the Chamber office at Mountain Sage Nursery in Groveland. This is a joint venture between the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau and the Yosemite Chamber of Commerce and we’re delighted to be a co-sponsor.

Relocation of our Visitors Center to Chinese Camp. Due to short notice terminating our lease at the Yosemite Junction site, it became vital to find a location to replace it as quickly as possible. The new center is located in the Fire Dept building in Chinese Camp and will continue to serve the busy Highway 120 corridor.

Continued participation in a number of consumer and industry shows to expand our reach. Consumer events include the LA Times Show, the Bay Area Travel Show, the Amgen Tour de California, the Gilroy Garlic Festival, the Mountain View Arts and Wine Festival and for the first time, the AARP Convention in Los Angeles. For the travel industry we are also continuing participation in shows for tour operators, meeting planners and travel agencies.

A fabulously successful familiarization tour for tour operators and travel writers who attended the US Travel Association’s annual POW WOW held in May in San Francisco.

Tuolumne County Visitor Bureau

tHe vieW froM tHe nortHern gateWaYBy Bruce Tepper

The writers and tour operators who visited our area were delighted with what they saw. The trip has already led to some media coverage including a nice write up in the Arab News; an English language newsletter distributed throughout the Middle East and potentially becoming a new destination for a very large tour operator based in Japan.

Redesign of the Tuolumne County display in the State Capitol, “Hall of Counties.”

In the next few months we have some major tourism-oriented events including the All Hallows Fantasy Faire, the Sonora Christmas Parade and a variety of other special activities beginning with two Oktoberfest celebrations (Groveland and Twain Harte) and ending with a number of holiday events throughout the region.

We’re also working a web site redesign to launch early next year featuring our new URL’s: www.YosemiteGoldCountry.org and www.YosemiteGoldCountry.com. Be sure to check it

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Summer has been an especially busy time in Groveland with all the tourists who visited the Chamber’s new Visitor Center and the on-site YNP Ranger. The Chamber held its monthly flea market in Mary Laveroni Park as well as run its Movies on the Hill there each Saturday evening during summer. This was a big hit for viewers – locals and tourists – of all ages.

On September 17, Yosemite Chamber of Commerce sponsored its biggest event of the year – the 15th Annual 49er Festival and Chili Cook-off. Tuolumne County Trolley provided free shuttles to and from Tenaya Elementary School and Mary Laveroni Park throughout the day. In addition to a fun-filled parade down Highway 120 in the morning to kick off the day, there was a chili cook-off in the park, as well as a bounce house, children’s pony rides, fly-fishing demonstrations and the very popular dunk tank. New this year was the Pass, Punt and Kick demonstrations, which featured former San Francisco 49ers’ players. There was also the always-popular live auction, silent auction and raffle drawings for some fantastic prizes. And, for the first time, the festival held an After Party from 7:00 – 10 p.m., featuring dance band Threshold.

In conjunction with the 49er Festival, and for the fourth consecutive year, an honorary mayoral race was held leading up to the Festival. Once again, Goose the Piano Playing Dog and his team sold the most raffle tickets (bribes) and on September 16, Goose was crowned named Honorary Mayor of Groveland (his first term was in 2009). A portion of the proceeds

garnered by raffle ticket sales goes to the candidates’ charity of choice.

The second annual ITSA Film Festival will take place on September 30 and October 1 concurrently at Groveland’s Community Hall and in Sonora. Proceeds

from the films shown in Groveland will stay in the community and benefit Tioga High School.

On October 31, YCC will again sponsor the oh-so-popular Groveland’s Safe & Sane Halloween, in which all Groveland’s merchants participate in handing out free candy to kiddies of all ages. It’s a fun time to see all the children in their costumes and chat with the parents as they stroll by.

Groveland will put on a free Thanksgiving Dinner at Groveland’s Community Hall. This is open to anyone and everyone who is in Groveland on Thanksgiving Day. And don’t forget the annual Christmas Fair that will take place at the Community Hall on Friday and Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.

The Oooops! I Need a Gift Faire will be held on Friday, December 23. For the second consecutive year, the Hotel Charlotte will provide the venue for YCC members (by invitation) who do not have retail store fronts, including Jan K with her Letterosis word art, Claudia D of Shady Lady decorative parasols and many more vendors.

As we head into autumn and winter months and look forward to 2012, look for more exciting news from Yosemite Chamber of Commerce.

Yosemite Chamber of CommerceBy Dori Jones

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Mono County

The word has gotten out about our leaves of gold and lakes of deep blue. TravelandLeisure.com www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-fall-color-drives/11 and The Today Show http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44140690/ns/today-travel/t/americas-best-fall-color-drives/#.Tnpmm5i64ug have each spotlighted the Eastern Sierra as the ultimate place to see fall flare up close. Touches of snow first graced Mono County on Sept. 11 this year; winter is not far off!

Fishing prizes galore in Oct.-Nov.Second Summer Derby & Fundraiser www.

monocounty.org/static/index.cfm?contentID=738 – Sept. 6-Nov. 15, 2011 – Fish at Crowley Lake, Convict Lake, Lake Mary, June Lake, Grant Lake, Silver Lake, Bridgeport Reservoir and the West Walker River for tagged trout to win a fully rigged motor boat and hundreds more prizes. Entry is free.

Ambush at the Lake www.convictlake.com/activities/fishing/derbies/ambush-derby.html – Oct. 1-Nov. 15, 2011 – Convict Lake’s fall festival with $6,000 in prizes.

Sheriff Morrison’s Bounty www.convictlake.com/activities/fishing/derbies/ambush-derby.html – Oct. 27-29, 2011 – Convict Lake’s tagged fish tournament has $2,000 in cash up for grabs.

Make every fishing day count: Conway Ranch www.conwayranchfoundation.org/, home of the famous Alpers trout, welcomes fishing enthusiasts to its loaded ponds and raceways through mid-October.

Reservations required…Don’t forget: Nov. 15 is the last day to fish in Mono County!

Fall Colors: Best in the U.S.The Eastern Sierra is one of the nation’s most

in-demand destinations for fall colors as more people discover it each year! As we write this in mid September temps are falling very day and it’s inevitable that the colors will soon be lighting up our backroads and creeksides in unforgettable canopies of orange, gold and firehouse red. Start your own adventure on your computer: request a free guide at http://www.monocounty.org/forms/index.cfm?action=viewform&formID=14 to the

best viewing spots and hikes on Mono County www.monocounty.org/.org. Then view up-to-the-minute reports on Sunset Magazine’s recommended site, CaliforniaFallColor.com, http://www.californiafallcolor.com/ with regular dispatches from a half-dozen Eastern Sierra locals in June Lake Loop, Rock Creek, Mammoth Lakes, Coleville and Lundy Lakes.

Halloween in Mono CountyOctober 31 is creeping up on us! Haunted

Heidelberg Inn http://junelakeloop.org/heidelberg_inn is June Lake’s legendary hotel filled with celebrity stories and remnants of the 1940s. Party info – 760.648.7781. Tom’s Place www.tomsplaceresort.com/will also host their popular Halloween party – 760.935.4239.

Big Winter Kickoff in Mammoth Lakes and June Lake

Mammoth Mountain, CA www.mammothmountain.com/ is scheduled to open for skiing and snowboarding Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011! New things to look for: a new high-speed quad upgrade for Chair 5 and a family snow tube park near the Village! The entire mountain is scheduled to be open the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 23, 2011). June Mountain, CA www.junemountain.com/ is scheduled to open for the season Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011. New this year, visitors to June can book their entire vacation by calling 888.JUNE.MTN (tickets, rentals, lodging, etc.).

eastside gateWaY, Mono CountY & MaMMotH lakesBy Alicia Vennos

Photo: Convict Lake, Oct. 2010, by Rob Bohning View this and more epic fall photos at www.californiafallcolor.com/

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Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau

September 30 to October 2 – Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tours. The show is focused on the communities of Eastern Madera and Mariposa counties. Sierra Art Trails gives art enthusiasts the chance to see fine art and fine crafts in the making, and to get a firsthand view of how artists live and work. The exhibit features artists and artisans working in a wide range of media including painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, fiber arts, woodcarving, ceramics and more.

October 1 & 2 – Chukchansi Picayune Rancheria Pow Wow. Celebrate the Chukchansi culture at their annual Pow Wow with dancers and drummers; Children’s pageant for princess, tiny tot and brave; food, entertainment and more.

October 8 & 9 – Oakhurst Wine & Chocolate Festival.This annual event is fun for the whole family. Chocolate & Wine Tasting, Food vendors, arts & crafts, auction, entertainment, children’s entertainment, Sports Cars in the Park, and more.

October 28, 29 & 30 – Bass Lake Fall Festival and Craft Fair. Come out and enjoy beautiful Bass Lake and shop for arts, crafts and collectibles and some great food booths too.

October 29 – Coarsegold Tarantula Festival. Celebrate this eight legged resident of the foothills in the annual event. Hold a live tarantula, compete in the hairiest leg contest (men and women categories), best costume, loudest scream, bakeoff, tarantula races and much, much more. This is a great family-friendly event.

October 29 & 30 – Yosemite International Jazz Festival. This inaugural event promises big names and big fun. Enjoy great music at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. Artists include Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Spyro Gyra, Rich Severson, Greg Adams, Karen Marguth,

Alice Lui, Tim & Myles Thompson, Yosemite Jazz Band, Dana Abbot, Richard Elliot and more.

November 5 – Madera Pomegranate Festival. See everything this heart-healthy fruit has to offer in Madera: The Heart of Pomegranate Country. The festival will feature pomegranate art, food, drink, education plus entertainment, beer garden, wine tasting and more.

November 12 & 13 – Holiday Spirit Wine Weekend, Madera Wine Trail. Get into the holiday spirit as you taste the award-winning wines of the Madera Wine Trail. Enjoy music, food, arts & crafts, and wine.

November 25, 26 & 27 – Bass Lake Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. Shop around the Pines Village

then enjoy caroling, refreshments, entertainment & the parade of lights with Santa arriving on the fire engine to light the Christmas tree.

December 1 – Madera Tractor Parade of Lights. What a site to see! Watch as brilliantly decorated

tractors, combines and other mobile farm implements as well as cars, fire engines and more make their way down Yosemite Avenue in Madera for the annual Tractor Parade of Lights.

December 3 – Chowchilla Lions Club 43rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join the celebration as Chowchilla’s Christmas tree is lit, ushering in the Christmas Season!

Don’t miss Tenaya Lodge’s Christmas & New Year’s celebrations. Go to www.TenayaLodge.com

soutH gateWaY fall events

visit WWW.YoseMitetHisYear.CoM/eventsBy Rhonda Salisbury

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Nature Bridge

In March of 1971, Santa Barbara high school teacher Don Rees brought his students to Yosemite for a week-long learning experience. Based on the success of this learning adventure, he developed the vision of a park partner organization that could offer similar experiences to other classroom teachers. On October 4, 1971, Don Rees’ brainchild was born, and Yosemite Institute welcomed the first school group to Yosemite National Park.

By 1977, Yosemite Institute was hosting more than 5,000 students per year. The success of these multi-day education programs in a national park inspired the creation of a new campus located at the Marin Headlands within Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Eleven years later, a campus was added in Olympic National Park in Washington, and in 2010, a campus in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area joined the family.

What started in Yosemite as a hands-on learning opportunity to bring students into “nature’s classroom” developed into a network of campuses all working under a single mission. Over time, it became clear that what was needed

next was a “bridge” to span the gap between the various campuses, much as each institute created a “bridge” between students and nature. Thus, NatureBridge was born.

In January 2012, Yosemite Institute will change our name to NatureBridge – the united name under which all of our campuses will be known.

This year, we celebrate 40 years of service to the mission of connecting youth to nature and to our national parks. During this time, over 1 million people have connected to nature at our four campuses. While we are proud of our past,

we’re ready to do more. We are ready to strengthen our ties to students and teachers, to the communities they live and work in, and to the places where we change lives—our national parks.

We believe that uniting under the NatureBridge name will help us expand our reach and better serve audiences that have been under-represented in our programs. Locally, that means better serving the Gateway community schools and youth. As NatureBridge looks at the next 40 years of our story, we look forward to working with community leaders to find ways to engage Gateway youth in our

programs.

Celebrating 40 Years, YoseMite institute eMbraCes our future as naturebridge

By Marya Carr

Embracing Our Future

Celebrating Our Past

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Y A R T S

For YARTS, summer 2011 has been exciting, trying, busy, and overall, a productive season.

In an effort to reduce the amount of traffic congestion on park roads and improve the quality of visiting in the park, the Park Service contracted with YARTS to provide additional summer service on Highway 140 between El Portal and Yosemite Valley.

We started on May 16 with two runs each way, each day. Ridership on the extra service was only moderately successful, until the service was extended beyond El Portal to Mariposa in August.

Despite the lack of instant success for the extra service runs, the service overall did see growth and, in fact set a ridership record in July with 12,268 riders for the month. We were headed into the another record in August when the Motor Fire closed Highway 140 for 4 or 5 days and made our regular schedule impossible. Ridership was up 12.3% in July and 10.02% in August.

Part of the increased ridership this summer surely came from the excellent informational effort put out by the NPS staff in Yosemite in trying to get the word out about the need for using alternative transportation during the summer months. There was a message in the 11,000 vehicles reported in Yosemite Valley on

July 3rd, and some of the world was listening, according to our ridership numbers.

Looking forward; as we have mentioned previously, YARTS is moving toward a YARTS-owned fleet of nine buses. We added one new bus a couple of years ago and are looking forward to the delivery of three more in Merced on October 5th.

All of the new clean-diesel buses will be the cleanest running such buses on the road today – meeting California’s strictest requirements in the nation – more fuel efficient, more reliable, and safer. These new buses will also include 3-point seat belts for rider safety, a first in public transit.

The new buses will come to us with only one exterior color, but will be sent to L.A. for a snazzy new design package as shown below. We would have had the manufacturer do the work but they wanted 50% more that the shops in California, so . . . I guess we will put some folks to work in California.

We are anticipating four additional buses to be ordered and delivered by the end of summer 2012. (Delivery takes 9 months.) That will make a fleet of eight very modern YARTS-owned buses on the road in the Yosemite region

For additional information please see our website at http://www.yarts.com

neW buses for our fleetBy Dick Whittington

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Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes has a lot to share with the recent announcement of new commercial flights, helicopter scenic tours, the opening date of Mammoth Mountain for the 2011-2012 season, and the beginning of a fabulous showing of fall colors, just to name a few!

New Flights this Winter. Announced this week, this winter you can now fly to Mammoth Lakes from San Diego, Orange County, San Francisco and San Jose. As always, you can fly year round from Los Angeles for as low as $69 each way. For more information log onto: www.VisitMammoth.com/fly

Fall Colors. Take a scenic helicopter ride or a hot air balloon to view the Eastern Sierra’s vibrant fall color display. Or drive or hike through several multi-colored canyons found along US 395. Fall is a great time of year in Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding area. Crisp air and fewer crowds await you.

45-minutes to Yosemite National Park. Drive only 45-minutes to Yosemite National Park from Mammoth Lakes to experience a season in the park rarely captured on film.

2nd Summer Fishing Derby. It’s going to be an amazing fall fishing season in Mammoth Lakes!

The heavy snowpack last winter has set up the area for great fishing until closing day in November. Participate in the area’s Inaugural 2nd Summer

Fishing Derby, where everyone is a winner! Check out www.VisitMammoth.com/fly for more details.

Helicopter Scenic Tours. Enjoy breaktaking views of the Eastern Sierra mountain range…by helicopter! Mammoth Lakes now has helicopter scenic rides that operate from the Mammoth/Yosemite Airport.

NEW High-Speed Quad Lift. Mammoth Mountain has replaced the popular Chair 5 lift with a new high-speed quad! This new chair will move 600 more people up the mountain which means shorter lines and more skiing and snowboarding! For more information, check out www.MammothMountain.com

Mammoth Mountain Opening Day. Mammoth Mountain has announced it will

officially open for the 2011-2012 season on November 10, 2011. (Tentative opening day. Based on weather.) Enjoy live music and a party atmosphere throughout the opening weekend!

Visitors love to visit Mammoth Lakes in fall. Great fall colors, fewer crowds and lower rates keep them coming back every year. Join in on the tradition!

visit us and enjoY!By Whitney Lennon

Photos courtesy of Mammoth Lakes Tourism

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The Vista Ranch and Cellars

Greetings from The Vista Ranch and Cellars!

We are beyond thrilled to now be open for business!

The location of our exceptional facilities allows your special event to be intimate and private, while also convenient to locate. We are located at 7326 E. Highway 140, just minutes from Merced, CA.

We assure you that our October Festival will be an essential item on your calendar! Children will have a heyday personally selecting their special pumpkin in our Pumpkin Pit and strategizing their way through our Corn Maze. Enjoy a walk through our flowering pathways, observing our outstandingly manicured lush gardens, lake with accenting water fountains, fall weather and harvests! Fresh fruit and vegetables are available to purchase, and you can even pick some if you desire. Apple Cider tasting will quench your thirst after all of the fall festivities. Other concessions will be available. This is an event for the entire family!

We will be running the October Festival throughout the entire month of October, open daily at 9am.

Our newly transformed tasting room will be opening its doors very soon! Check out our website for further details at www.VistaCellars.com. We will be pouring a variety of wines that are remarkable in flavor and a must-have purchase for a memorable trip to Yosemite.

You will be able to sample from our tasting list, sit back and relax with a glass of wine at the bar or reminisce on our beautifully preserved wrap-around porch as well. Our turn of the century tasting room and gift shop is designed to be a gathering place for friends, co-workers, families and all types of wine and food lovers. It is with great honor to say we will be the only winery in Merced County!

Cheers! Please contact us at 209-722-8200 and make

sure to visit us at www.VistaCellars.com. We look forward to your visit!

By Sarah Hamilton

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Yosemite Gateway Partners

President Robert Asquith 209.962.7990 bobasquith@yahoo.comVice President Miguel A. Maldonado Sr 209.962.4917 miguel@numinosity.net Secretary Candy O’Donel-Browne 209.966.4876 browne@yosemite.net Treasurer Robert C. Peters 760.932.7380 bpeters7x@hotmail.com Director Charles Altekruse 510.913.3669 caltekruse@caconsult.org Director Karen Baker 209.742.8105 bakerk@cityofmerced.org Director Jeffrey Hentz 209.742.4567 jeffh@homeofyosemite.com Director Rhonda Salisbury 559.683.4636 rhonda@yosemitethisyear.com Director Danna Stroud 760.709.6152 dfs1205@yahoo.com

Yosemite National Park Liaison: Donna Sisson - Donna_Sisson@nps.gov

board of direCtors - fisCal Year 2011-2012

Mailing address: P. O. Box 888 – Groveland, CA 95321

Thanks for your contributions for this issue. For suggestions or submissions for our next newsletter issue e-mail miguel@numinosity.net.

uPCoMing autuMn Meeting • oCtober 13, 2011 • 10:00aM to 2:00PM

garden terraCe, YoseMite lodge, YoseMite national Park

Online registration: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=gilsc4cab&oeidk=a07e4sbpo4j1359dc1f

YgP Calendar Year 2012:januarY 12

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oCtober 11Merced RiverYosemiteLodge

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