RANGER ACTIVITIES DIVISION
                           MORNING REPORT

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

Day/Date:  Monday, March 15, 1993

Broadcast: By 0800 EST

INCIDENTS

93-112 - East Coast Areas - Storm Impacts

Preliminary reports have been received regarding the impacts of the weekend
blizzard on a number of NPS units along the East Coast.  Despite the storm's
strength, relatively little damage has been reported, although almost all
areas in the storm's path were closed all or parts of the weekend.  The
following information was current as of Sunday evening:

* Acadia - Water covered sections of some park roads and limbs and trees
  fell throughout the park.  Both campgrounds have been closed.

* Boston - Some fences and wiring are reported down and other minor damage
  occurred.

* Gateway - Severe erosion and significant debris are reported at Riis
  Beach.  The ocean covered parts of the park road at Fort Tilden and
  deposited debris on it.  Sandy Hook was closed when water covered the
  access road, but no major problems are reported.

* Fire Island - A survey of the park has not yet been completed, but it
  doesn't appear that significant damage was inflicted.  Between 20 and 30
  feet of dune has been eroded from the beach front and a good deal of
  marine debris covers the beaches.  Three employees and one employee family
  were evacuated from the area as a precaution on Thursday, but will return
  to their government housing today.

* Cape Cod - The wind damaged some signs and caused minor structural damage
  to the ranger station at Race Point and the Edward Penniman House.

* Assateague Island - The park weathered the storm with no serious damage.

[John Lynch, RAD/NARO, and Scot McElveen, ASIS, 3/14]

93-113 - Shenandoah (Virginia) - Search in Progress

A major search is underway for two adults and six eighth-graders from the
Rectory School in Pomfret, Connecticut, who have been missing since they
were last seen heading out on a hike in the park's South District on
Thursday.  The blizzard which struck the area on Saturday deposited several
feet of snow on the park, and high winds blew the snow into drifts up to 20
feet deep.  Plows attempted to reach the group's van, which is still parked
where it was left at Brown's Gap Overlook, but were unable to make the six
miles from Route 33 to the overlook despite concerted efforts.  A Blackhawk
helicopter from Fort Belvoir was brought in yesterday afternoon to look for
the group; although visibility was good, the crew saw no signs of the party. 
The hikers are said to have tents, survival bags and lots of food. 
Additional resources will be brought in this morning and search efforts will
be expanded.  [Chris Andress, RAD/MARO, and Sandy Rives, SHEN, 3/14]

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

No field reports today.

STAFF STATUS

Division Chief: No leave or travel scheduled.

Branch of Resource and Visitor Protection: Dickerhoof on AL (3/15-3/19).

Branch of Fire and Aviation: Spruill on MWR aviation evaluation (3/15-3/19).

Prepared by WASO Division of Ranger Activities

Telephone: Branch of R&VP - 202-208-4874
           Branch of F&A (WASO) - 202-208-5572
Telefax:   Branch of R&VP - 202-208-6756
           Branch of F&A (WASO) - 202-208-5977
cc:Mail:   Branch of R&VP - WASO Ranger Activities
           Branch of F&A (WASO) - WASO Fire and Aviation