RANGER ACTIVITIES DIVISION
                           MORNING REPORT

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

Day/Date:  Thursday, December 17, 1992

Release:   0800 EDT

INCIDENTS

92-451 - Everglades (Florida) - Follow-up on Hurricane Andrew

The main entrance to the park reopened to the public on Tuesday, December
15th, for the first time since Hurricane Andrew struck south Florida on
August 24th.  Although not all facilities will be open and repairs are
continuing, Flamingo is now fully operational due to the restoration of
commercial electrical service through the new buried cable system.  With
this opening, the park has met its commitment to serve visitors during the
traditional winter season.  Superintendent Dick Ring would like people
throughout the Service to know that this goal could not have been
accomplished without the support of "our park family and friends" and asks
that we relay the following: "The flood of donations of money and supplies
has eased the personal losses, which were staggering; the outpouring of love
and concern has strengthened our resolve to recover; and the physical
assistance provided by the people who came to help - frequently at great
sacrifice both personally and to the home unit - shouldered the load when we
could not.  We would not wish this life experience on anyone, but if it is
inescapable, then there is no greater support group anywhere.  Please know
that we are forever grateful." [Pat Tolle, EVER, 12/15]

92-642 - Gateway (New York/New Jersey) - Follow-up on Winter Storm 

Full electrical service was restored to the Sandy Hook Unit last night. 
Seven families are still in temporary quarters due to damage to their park
residences.  The north maintenance building is still out of service due to
storm damage.  The headquarters building is open for limited use; only
essential staff are working there.  Morale among employees at Sandy Hook is
reported to be high.  [Jim Rienhardt, CR, GATE, 12/16]

92-649 - Cumberland Gap (Kentucky) - MVA with Fatality

At about 10 p.m. on the evening of December 11th, a two-vehicle accident
occurred on Highway 25E in the park, killing the driver of one of the two
vehicles.  Preliminary investigation revealed that a Claiborne County deputy
was in pursuit of a pickup truck which had recently been reported as stolen
in Tazewell, Tennessee.  The driver of the pickup, M.C. of
Middlesboro, Kentucky, lost control of his vehicle at a point where the road
narrows from four lanes into two lanes and hit a southbound vehicle head on. 
Collett was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the other vehicle,
D.F. of Middlesboro, Kentucky, was transported to a local hospital
with serious injuries.  Since the accident occurred just over the Virginia
line, the investigation was conducted by Virginia state troopers.  [Bill
Springer, RAD/SERO, 12/15]

92-650 - Shenandoah (Virginia) - Poaching

On December 12th, rangers Tim Alley and Mike Larsen observed two men -
T.S. and J.S., both of Stanardsville, Virginia - dragging what
appeared to be two deer as they exited a remote section of the park's
Central District.  Investigation revealed that the two were actually in
possession of three large bucks - a six point, a nine point and a ten point. 
T.S. confessed to killing all three in the park.  The three deer, two
30-06 rifles and several other items of evidence were seized.  The pair will
be charged with illegal hunting and weapons violations.  [Glen Knight, CI,
SHEN, 12/12]

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

No field reports today.

OPERATIONAL NOTES

1) Mineral Development Enforcement Authorities - On December 8th, the
Associate Director, Operations, forwarded a memo, entitled "Available
Federal Law Enforcement Authorities for Protecting Parks from Mineral
Development", to all Regional Directors (to the attention of regional
minerals coordinators).  The guidance was prepared by WASO Mining and
Minerals to assist park managers in utilizing other enforcement authorities
in situations where the Service's regulations at 36 CFR Part 9 prove to be
inadequate in protecting parks from mineral development.  The guidance also
implements two recommendations made in the "National Parks for the 21st
Century" report which the Director has assigned a high priority for
implementation.  For assistance in applying these authorities, contact Einar
Olsen in WASO Mining and Minerals at 202-343-4968. [Einar Olsen, MM/WASO]

STAFF STATUS

Division Chief: No leave or travel scheduled.

Branch of Resource and Visitor Protection: Kreis on annual leave (12/17-1/7).

Branch of Fire and Aviation: Information not available.

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