To show appreciation for those who serve in the United States (U.S) Military, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin issuing an annual pass offering free entrance to all 397 national parks for active duty military members and their dependents. The annual pass will be offered for the first time beginning Saturday, May 19, 2012, which is Armed Forces Day.

We all owe a debt to those who sacrifice so much to protect our country, said Yosemite National Park Superintendent, Don Neubacher. We are proud to recognize these brave men and women and hope that a visit to this or any national park will offer an opportunity to unwind, relax, rejuvenate, and just have fun with their families.

Active duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents can pick up their pass at any of the five entrance stations to Yosemite National Park. Military members and dependents must show a current, valid military identification card to obtain their pass. More information is available at www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm

This military version of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass also permits free entrance to sites managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service. The pass is also available at these locations.

Through the years, military members, especially those far from home in times of conflict, have found inspiration in America¹s patriotic icons and majestic landscapes, places like the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon that are cared for by the National Park Service and symbolize the nation that their sacrifices protect, said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. This new pass is a way to thank military members and their families for their service and their sacrifices.

National parks and the military have strong ties going back to the establishment of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872. The U.S. Cavalry watched over America¹s national parks and did double duty, serving as the first park rangers until the National Park Service was created 44 years later. During World War II, many parks were set aside for the training and care of military personnel. Today, dozens of national parks commemorate military battles and achievements.

-NPS-

History Alive!

At the Mariposa Museum

You are invited to come & meet some of Mariposa’s most loveable and controversial historical characters “in person” as you step into Gold Rush Time at the Mariposa Museum

PLEASE JOIN US!

Saturday, June 9th

Ongoing Characterization 4:00—8:00pm

5119 Jessie Street, Mariposa

(209) 966-2924

Tickets available at the Mariposa Museum

and the Mariposa County Visitor’s Center

FREE Refreshments

View PDF document: History Alive!

Please join us for the 2012 Mariposa Summer Fest on June 16, at the Mariposa Fairgrounds from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00. This is an event of sampling different sausages and beers.

Tickets are $35 per person and entitle you to taste all the different selections. There will be 20 separate tables offering 200 varieties of beer, 22 different sausages, gourmet soft drinks, cheese, almonds, local wine. Must be at least 21 years old to be admitted.

To protect the safety of all and to promote a good time for everyone involved the Deputy Sheriff Association will provide Designated Driver services to anyone in need.

In addition to sampling the sausages and beers, there will be a live auction and silent auction. All the proceeds benefits the Mariposa Fairgrounds of which the funding from the state has been

Cut from the State of California budget.

The Mariposa Friends of the Fairgrounds was formed to benefit the Mariposa Fairgrounds which contributes to our community as the meeting place for the majority of private and non-profit organizations events. The Fairgrounds is also utilized as staging for Cal Fire, PG&E, evacuation for animals, and significantly for the annual Mariposa Fair.

Tickets are available at the Fairgrounds office, Westamerica Bank, Chamber of Commerce or any Friends Board member.

PDF download: Suds and Sausage Sampler

Lyman, who works for the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau in Oakhurst, Calif., said via e-mail there were “tripods and cameras everywhere taking advantage of the conditions.”  His photograph shows Yosemite Falls with a moonbow emerging from the mist of its waters.

Moonbow at Yosemite Falls, taken Saturday on the night of the biggest full moon of the year. (Jarrod Lyman / Yosemite…)

To view full article visit http://articles.latimes.com/2012/may/08/news/la-trb-yosemite-moonbow-20120507

Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher announced today that the Tioga Road will open for the season on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. for all vehicle traffic. The Tioga Road, bounded on both sides by State Highway 120, is the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada. Vault toilets are available in several locations along the road. However, due to damage sustained to two transmission lines, the Tuolumne Meadows area will be without electrical power and visitor services until repairs can be made.

Due to a light snowpack this past winter (approximately 50% of normal), the Tioga Road was able to be cleared of snow early into the summer season. Snow and icy conditions may still exist on hiking trails at the higher elevations.  Visitors are urged to be prepared for snowy conditions and possible treacherous stream crossings while hiking the backcountry.

All campgrounds along the Tioga Road are closed.  All commercial services, including the gas station, store, and village grill, are also closed. There are no anticipated opening dates for any of these facilities at this time.

‘’Handcrafted Under The Mariposa Sun !’’

Returning this year is the “Small Wonders” exhibit. This is a collection of over 70 small original art pieces donated by artists from all over the country to support the Mariposa Rotary Club’s Community Gifting program. Viewers are able to buy raffle tickets in anticipation of winning the artworks they are interested in. It is a small but mighty way to help Rotary support our wonderful community. The show is currently on display at Westamerica Bank located at 5121 Highway 140 and at the Mariposa County Administration Building at 5100 Bullion Street. Stop by before the festival and decide which one is your favorite ‘Small Wonder’.
Featured this year is the work of our local Fine Artist Penny Otwell, who is featured on the annual poster and highlighted at the festival. Congratulations to Penny for this Honor!

For more information, please contact: Frank Vigneri: amfrank@sti.net, or Karen S. at: smithandmartin@sti.net
Please, pets are not allowed at the festival. Be kind to your dogs, and leave them in the comforts of their own home.

June 9th 2012
Noon to 6:00 pm
Mariposa Courthouse Lawn

The Coyote Howl and Coyote Howl Dinner are fund raising events for the Northern Mariposa County History Center, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

The Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park will open for the season on tomorrow, Friday, April 20, at 5:00 p.m.  There will be limited visitor services available at Glacier Point.  Vault toilets will be available, and there will be no running water.  There is no projected opening date for the Bridalveil Creek Campground.

The roadway may be wet due to melting snow and wildlife may be present on or near the road.  Visitors are urged to drive with caution while in the park.  The Glacier Point Road is subject to unexpected and temporary closures due to unpredictable spring storms that may produce snow at the higher elevations of the park.

Due to snow, ice, and avalanche conditions, the Tioga Road will remain closed.  There is no projected opening date for the Tioga Road at this time.

For up to date, 24 hour road and weather information, please call 209-372-0200.

National Park Week April 21 ­ April 29
Earth Day April 22

Yosemite National Park will celebrate National Park Week and Earth Day beginning Saturday, April 21 through Sunday, April 29.  Many special events and activities are being sponsored by the National Park Service (NPS), DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. (the park’s primary concessioner), and the Ansel Adams Gallery.

To help celebrate National Park Week and Earth Day, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, has announced entrance fees will be waived for Yosemite and all other national parks for the entire week.  Camping fees and all other fees will still be applicable.

This year, the focus of National Park Week will be Picture Yourself in a National Park.  Many of the programs and events during this week will encourage visitors to experience something new in a national park. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience special activities and learn how to support national parks throughout the country.

Events and activities occurring during National Park Week include:

Friday, April 20:

• 2:00 p.m. – ­ 5:00 p.m.: Earth Day Bike Ride
• 7:00 p.m. ­ – 8:30 p.m.: Earth Day Family Night

Saturday, April 21 (National Junior Ranger Day and Earth Day Celebrations):

• 9:00 a.m. ­ – 10:30 a.m.: Ansel Adams Gallery Photography Walk
• 9:00 a.m.: Stewardship Project
• 10:30 a.m. ­ – 2:00 p.m.: Earth Day and Junior Ranger Celebration at Yosemite Village

• Yosemite Village Mall Celebration
• Children’s Tent
• Earth-Friendly Product Fair

Sunday, April 22 (EarthDay):

• 9:00 a.m. ­ – 10:30 a.m.: Ansel Adams Gallery Photography Walk
• 1:30 p.m. ­ – 3:00 p.m.: Earth Day Volunteer Project
• 2:00 p.m. – ­ 6:00 p.m.: Ansel Adams Photography Walk
• 3:00 p.m. – ­ 4:00 p.m.: Ansel Adams Gallery Fine Print Tour
• 7:00 p.m. ­ – 8:30 p.m.: EarthDance Film Festival

Monday, April 23:

• 8:00 p.m. ­ – 9:00 p.m.: National Parks in the Sky

Tuesday, April 24:

• 8:00 p.m. ­ – 9:00 p.m.: Go with the Flow: Tracing the Merced River

Wednesday, April 25:

• 8:00 p.m. – ­ 9:00 p.m.: Chinese History in Yosemite

Thursday, April 26:

• 8:00 p.m. – ­ 9:00 p.m.: Primeval Ponderings, A Meander Through the Wilderness

Friday, April 27:

• 8:00 p.m. ­ – 9:00 p.m.: The National Parks Idea Started Here

Saturday, April 28:

• 8:00 p.m. ­ – 9:00 p.m.: Frogs: The Thin Green Line

Sunday, April 29:

• 8:00 p.m. ­ – 9:00 p.m.: This is America

For more information and a description on all events please visit http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/guide.htm  and click on the current “Yosemite Guide” link or call 209-372-0200.

When & Where:
Thursday, April 12, 2012: Yosemite Lodge, Garden Terrace Room at 11:45 a.m.

Who:
·  Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher
·  Anniversary Committee members
·  Representatives from gateway communities

Photo Ops/Interviews:
·  Unveiling ceremony of the Yosemite Grant 150th Anniversary Logo
·  Cake with Yosemite Grant 150th Anniversary Logo
·  Distribution of  logo pins to ceremony attendees