Friends of Yosemite Search and Rescue
Year End Report for 2010
Despite the economic struggles that individuals faced this year FoYOSAR was fortunate to continue to receive donations – to all those who donated, thank you.
- Wawona Search and Rescue Cache Upgrade – in 2008 FoYOSAR made the long term decision to attempt to standardize all the SAR cache facilities in Yosemite. Wawona has worked for too long with a sub-standard ready room and equipment storage facility. This year FoYOSAR worked with Yosemite Conservancy to secure a grant for the upgrading – once again Greg Loniewski was contracted to design and construct the new interior for the existing building. This was Greg’s third Yosemite cache design/build and his unique perspective as a former SAR siter produced an efficient space with the usual high degree of craftsmanship. The cache was completed over the spring and was in operational by the time the summer season kicked off.
- Denali Travel grant – working with the mountaineering rangers in Denali National Park FoYOSAR has established a single travel grant for an existing SAR site volunteer to be part of a summit patrol . Brandon Latham, a former YOSAR member and now mountaineering ranger, has helped define the program and ensure the exchange provides professional development opportunities for the successful applicant. Sam Piper attended this year. FoYOSAR recognizes that the key to a successful adaptive SAR team are diverse experiences that build beyond core competences and tune advanced skills.
- Health Insurance – the health insurance stipend was continued this year – 90% of the team applied for the reimbursement. The SAR site volunteers in Yosemite remain the only NPS volunteers nationally that receive support in this way – given the profound risks that the team members face on a regular basis it is a simple recognition of their commitment to supporting others in their time of need.
- Training Grants – FoYOSAR was able to offer grants to team members for Wilderness First Responder, EMT and Rigging for Rescue training. Each year Rigging For Rescue and Sierra Rescue offer full scholarship positions to team members for training in High Angle Rescue and Swiftwater Rescue.