RANGER ACTIVITIES DIVISION
                           MORNING REPORT

Attention: Directorate
           Regional and Park Chief Rangers, USPP, BIFC, FLETC
           Ranger Activities Division Information Network

Day/Date:  Tuesday, April 28, 1992

INCIDENTS

92-105 - Big Thicket (Texas) - Follow-up on Probable Drowning

The body of W.A.R., 26, was found in the Neches River on
April 5th.  On March 22nd, W.A.R. fell out of the boat in which he was
riding, was struck by the boat's propeller, and disappeared.  Rangers,
county deputies, state wardens and volunteers had searched for W.A.R. for
two weeks prior to the discovery of his remains.  [CompuServe message from
RAD/SWRO, 4/27]

92-147 - Redwood, Whiskeytown (California) - Earthquake

Despite the intensity of the earthquakes in California over the weekend,
neither Redwood nor Whiskeytown, the two parks closest to the epicenter,
suffered any damage whatsoever.  Some minor damage reportedly occurred to
Bureau of Reclamation facilities in the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity complex. 
[Telephone report from Carl Christensen, RAD/WRO, 4/27]

92-148 - Delaware Water Gap (Pennsylvania/New Jersey) - ARPA Violations

On April 17th, rangers observed two people apparently collecting artifacts
in a recently plowed field within the park.  When contacted, the two had
several lithic points in their possession.  A consent search was made of
their vehicle, and rangers found numerous artifacts, weapons, wire snares
and drug paraphernalia.  Although initially charged with violations of 36
CFR, it's anticipated that additional charges will be filed under 16 USC
pending determination of the value of the artifacts seized.  [Telefax from
Doyle Nelson, CR, DEWA, 4/24]

92-149 - Lava Beds (California) - Area Closure

Crystal Ice Cave, the most heavily visited cave in the park, has been closed
to all entry following a partial collapse of the cave's ceiling. 
Approximately four tons of material have fallen and other sections are
threatened.  The park has had the situation evaluated by experts to
determine what actions can or should be taken.  No decision has yet been
made as to whether or not an effort will be made to remove the weakened
ceiling sections or to take any other actions.  The cave will remain closed
to all entry until it has been determined that it is safe to enter.  [Doris
Bowen, Superintendent, LABE, via telefax from Carl Christensen, RAD/WRO,
4/22]

92-150 - Glen Canyon (Arizona/Utah) - Drug Arrest

During the evening of April 24th, Grand Canyon ranger Marty McCaslin was
camping in the Wahweap campground when he noticed drug paraphernalia in a
nearby campsite.  Marty notified rangers and the campsite was staked out. 
Near midnight, rangers and a Coconino deputy arrested G.B., 24, and
W.T., 28, of Aspen, Colorado, for felony possession of drug
paraphernalia, marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms.  A 1986 Honda car was
seized.  [CompuServe message from Larry Clark, CR, GLCA, 4/28]

92-151 - Assateague Island (Maryland/Virginia) - Sexual Assault

On the evening of April 26th, Ocean City police advised the park that a 16-year-old
male had contacted Ocean City officers that evening and told them
that a man who was following him had sexually assaulted him in the park and
was in possession of a gun.  The man was arrested on a weapons charge and
identified as R.P. of Slatington, Pennsylvania.  During the
subsequent investigation, the juvenile said that R.P. had assaulted him at
Bayside campground in the park's Sinepuxent District; he also told officers
that he'd known R.P. for several years and claimed that this was the
"third or fourth" time R.P. had assaulted him.  Since the park falls under
proprietary jurisdiction, the Maryland state police were called in to
participate in a joint investigation with rangers.  Interviews were
conducted with the subjects, and charges are now being discussed with the
state attorney's office.  [Telefax from Brion Fitzgerald, CR, ASIS, 4/27]

FIRE ACTIVITY

Kings Mountain (South Carolina) - Smoke was spotted on Saturday, and park
staff subsequently found a fire burning in the park.  Local resources were
mobilized initially, but additional assistance was eventually called in. 
The fire burned an estimated 150 acres and was contained on Sunday, April
26th.  Mop-up operations were underway yesterday.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Cabrillo (California) - Removal of Exotic Species

Cabrillo is in the process of formalizing its removal of exotics from the
park with a vegetation management plan which is now undergoing public
review.  The plan calls for removal of large amounts of exotic vegetation
that has accumulated in the area over the years, such as the eucalyptus and
acacia introduced by the Army when they were managing the area.  The park
has a wealth of natural resources, including 350 species of tidepool plants
and animals and 350 observed species of birds.   One of the most important
of these resources is the coastal sage scrub, which is disappearing in
southern California due to heavy residential development, particularly along
the coast.  [Howard Overton, CR, CABR]

STAFF STATUS

Division Chief: No leave or travel scheduled.

Branch of Resource and Visitor Protection: Martin at law enforcement
conference, CA (4/27-4/28); Marriott at Operation North Star annual
conference, Seattle, WA (4/27-4/29).

Branch of Fire and Aviation: Hurd at fire effects working team meeting,
Durham, NC (4/27-5/1);  Gale at ICS review at Assateague Island, MD, and on
annual leave (4/27-4/30).

Prepared by WASO Division of Ranger Activities

Telephone:  Branch of R&VP - FTS 268-4874/6039 or 202-208-4874/6039
            Branch of F&A (WASO) - FTS 268-5572/5573 or 202-208-5572/5573

Telefax:    Branch of R&VP - FTS 268-6756 or 202-208-6756
            Branch of F&A (WASO) - FTS 268-5977 or 202-208-5977

CompuServe: Branch of R&VP - WASO-RANGER
            Branch of F&A (WASO) - WASO-FIRE-WO

SEAdog:     Branch of R&VP - 1/650
            Branch of F&A (WASO) - 1/655