RANGER ACTIVITIES DIVISION
                           MORNING REPORT

Attention: Directorate
           Regional and Park Chief Rangers, USPP, BIFC, FLETC
           CC: RAD Information Net

Day/date:  Tuesday, February 14, 1989

INCIDENTS

89-19 - Yosemite - Assault on Ranger

On the morning of February 5th, a Yosemite ranger was assaulted by a park
visitor. G.H., 66, of Jacksonville, Oregon, became irate when he
learned that the NPS would not reimburse him for towing charges incurred
after he twice got stuck in the snow in the Sunnyside parking area. He'd
also been warned to get his dog under physical control. G.H. assaulted
the ranger with his fists and inflicted minor injuries; with the help of the
tow truck operator, who went to the ranger's assistance, G.H. was brought
under control, handcuffed and arrested. He has been charged with assault
and interference charges under 18 USC 111 and 36 CFR 2.32(a)(1). (Herb
Gercke, WRO).

FIRE ACTIVITY

South Florida's abnormally hot, dry winter is depleting the region's water
supplies, drying up wetlands and hastening the start of the wildfire season.
From Lake Okeechobee to Key West, rainfall since December has been running
only about 50% of its historic average. Despite some flows of water from
Lake Okeechobee, Everglades is starting to show some signs of spring-like
dryness. Areas on the fringe of the Everglades which are usually covered
with water are now too dry to ride an airboat across and some parts of the
wetlands are hard enough to walk on. Wildfires are becoming a major concern
throughout the area. According to a state forestry division administrator,
there have been two or three fires a day in the state so far this year
instead of the normal four or so fires per week. Big fires are expected in
March and April. (Associated Press).

OFFICE NOTES

1) Team Resource instructors having problems converting their lesson plans
diskette to Wordperfect 5.0 should send their diskette to Dale Ditmanson at
Mather Training Center. He will reformat it for you at no extra charge. If
you're still awaiting a diskette, Dale will be sending you one in
Wordperfect 4.2 unless he hears otherwise. (Larry Belli, RAD, WASO).

2) In our travels, we have found that a number of people are unaware of the
new Servicewide Traffic Accident Reporting System (STARS), which goes into
effect on March 1st. A memo on implementing STARS went out from the
Associate Director, Operations, to all regions on December 7, 1988. Form
10-413 has been revised, an accident locator reference system has been
developed, and a centralized and computerized accident data storage system
will soon be set up for recording incoming reports. The revised forms may
be ordered from Brentwood Supply; orders should be made by the pad and
should specify the October 1988 revision. For additional information or
copies of the coding manual, you may contact either Bill Cottrill or Jim
Straughan in Denver Service Center (FTS 327-2175 or 303-969-2175) or
Philippe Clark in WASO Engineering and Safety Services (FTS 343-7040 or 202.
343-7040). (Andy Ringgold, RAD, WASO).

TRANSMITTALS

Memorandum: "Incremental Increase, FIREPRO Fiscal Year 1989", signed by the
Director on February 8th and being sent today to all regional directors and
through them to field areas. Contains information on utilizing funds to
increase fire staffing.

Memorandum: "Prescribed Natural Fire Plan and Program Reviews", signed by
the Acting Associate Director, Operations, on February 10th, and being sent
today to regional directors in AR, SER, WR, RMR, SWR, MWR and PNR. Requests
participation of selected experts for prescribed fire program review.

STAFF STATUS

Dabney in Seattle, Farabee in BICY and EVER, Kreis on leave.

Prepared by WASO Division of Ranger Activities
FTS 343-4874/4875 or 202-343-4874/4875