RANGER ACTIVITIES DIVISION
                           MORNING REPORT

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

Day/Date:  Thursday, November 12, 1992

Release:   0800 EDT

INCIDENTS

92-596 - NCP East (D.C.) - Follow-up on Forced Aircraft Landing

The two-passenger, single-engine airplane which was forced to make an
emergency landing in Kenilworth Park on November 7th was en route from
Albany, New York, to Potomac Field, Maryland, when a fuel gauge indicated
that the plane had run out of gas.  Although the plane was only ten miles
from its destination, the pilot, Matthew Frachioni, decided to put the plane
down rather than risk an accident.  He spotted the park and landed the
plane, successfully avoiding a soccer game that was in progress at the time. 
The plane struck a small tree upon landing and suffered minor damage, but
neither Frachioni nor his passenger were injured.  Subsequent investigation
revealed that the fuel gauge reading was erroneous.  The FAA and NTSB are
investigating the incident.  The plane will not be moved until the NPS is
assured that the plane has been certified as flight worthy, the FAA has
granted permission for it to be flown away, and the owner has released the
NPS from liability and provided proof of having at least $300,000 of
insurance.  [Lt. John Mugavin, USPP, 11/10]

92-601 - C&O Canal (Maryland) - Hunting Arrests

On November 3rd, a ranger spotted a pickup truck parked at Edward's Ferry,
an area known for illegal hunting activity, and subsequently contacted a man
who emerged from the woods and headed for the truck.  The man, who didn't
have a weapon, was contacted and released.  The ranger then checked the
wooded area and found two men dressed in camouflage attempting to hide under
a fallen tree.  Both were contacted and admitted to hunting in the park. 
They led the ranger back to their tree stands, where compound bows and
arrows were found and seized.  A second ranger arriving on scene came upon
the first man contacted, who was returning to the lot to pick up his
friends.  He also admitted to hunting in the park, and rangers seized a
compound bow and arrows from another tree stand in the park.  [Tom Nash, DR,
CHOH, 11/11]

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Midwest Region - White-Tailed Deer Study

In 1991, Cuyahoga Valley, Indiana Dunes and Sleeping Bear Dunes were
selected for a special initiative study on white-tailed deer.  Research and
resource management personnel recently conducted fall surveys to determine
the status of the deer population in those three parks.  Cuyahoga Valley
recorded an average of 182 deer per night during five nights of spotlight
surveys this year, up from a 1991 average of 122 deer per night.  At
Sleeping Bear Dunes, the North Manitou Island survey has shown the harvested
population to be lower than in previous years.  The mainland survey is not
systematic and can not be judged against previous years' results.  Indiana
Dunes is in the process of conducting their surveys, and early indications
are that their population is remaining stable.  The surveys will continue
this fall; reports will follow.  [Steve Cinnamon, MWRO]

STAFF STATUS

Division Chief: Brady at Western Region chief rangers' conference (11/911/13).

Branch of Resource and Visitor Protection: Berkowitz at Western Region chief
rangers' conference (11/10-11/13).

Branch of Fire and Aviation: Norum and Broyles at NWCG working team meeting
(11/10-11/13); Farrel at structural fire review at Joshua Tree (11/9-11/10)
and at Western Region chief rangers' conference (11/11-11/12).

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

cc:Mail     Branch of R&VP - WASO Ranger Activities
            Branch of F&A (WASO) - WASO Fire and Aviation