RANGER ACTIVITIES DIVISION
                           MORNING REPORT

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

Day/Date:  Wednesday, May 5, 1993

Broadcast: By 0830 ET

INCIDENTS

93-227 - Joshua Tree (California) - Search; Fatality

On May 2nd, rangers began a search for M.O., 46, a Chrysler
Corporation executive from Mission Viejo, California, who was reported
missing in the area.  M.O. had left a note saying that he was going to
take a short day hike at "Cottonwood" and that he expected to be back that
evening.  The search was complicated by the fact that the desert is filled
with places named "Cottonwood".  M.O.'s vehicle was eventually found in
the park, and a hasty search of the area was conducted.  When that proved
fruitless, a full-scale, park-coordinated search was begun which involved
the Riverside and San Bernadino county sheriffs' offices, CARDA dog teams,
California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopters, and various SAR organizations. 
Over 100 people were committed to the effort.  M.O.'s body was found at
6 p.m. on May 3rd.  He had left the trail and gotten into difficult terrain,
and apparently died from heart failure stemming from his physical condition,
high temperatures (around 105 degrees) and lack of water.  [Paul Henry, CR,
JOTR, 5/3]

93-228 - Redwoods (California) - Apparent Suicide

Rangers, Del Norte county deputies, CHP officers and CARDA dog units began a
search on April 23rd for a person who'd abandoned a car at a beach trailhead
on the Coastal Drive near Klamath.  The vehicle had been found unlocked with
the keys in the ignition.  CARDA units found the body of D.B., 55,
of Eureka, California, along the trail, apparently dead from a self-
inflicted gunshot to the head.  [Craig Johnson, CR, REDW, 5/3]

93-229 - White Sands (New Mexico) - Special Event

On Sunday, April 25th, the annual "Days in the Sand" beach party, which is
sponsored by a local radio station and nightspot, was held in the park.  An
area on the Loop Road in the heart of the dunes was blocked off for a remote
radio station, volleyball courts and the display of vehicles from a low-
riders mini-truck club and a drag car club.  Free soft drinks, water and hot
dogs were provided.  Large caravans of cars began entering the park at 8
a.m. to stake-out viewing areas on the dunes near the event.  By 10 a.m.,
traffic into the park and dune area was heavy, and the associated congestion
resulted in many unsafe vehicle operation violations.  The unexpectedly good
weather led to larger crowds than originally anticipated; many alcohol and
driving violations could not be cited due to insufficient law enforcement
personnel (three rangers and four sheriff's office reserve deputies).  Two
dozen citations were issued for a variety of violations, including minor
possession of alcohol and unsafe operation.  About 6,000 people attended the
event.  [K. Lee, WHSA, 5/3]

93-230 - Point Reyes (California) - Fatality; Unknown Causes

On April 30th, the park received a report of a possibly ill camper in the
Sky Camp area.  Rangers found the body of 27-year-old E.G.R. of
Forest Knolls, California, lying on his right side on the top of his
sleeping bag.  Found among his belongings was a 9mm Smith and Wesson semi-
automatic.  The victim and all his belongings were taken to the county
coroner.  The cause of death is still unknown.  [Leroy Brock, CR, PORE, 5/3]

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

No field reports today.

STAFF STATUS

Division Chief: Brady at SERO superintendents' conference (5/5-5/7).

Branch of Resource and Visitor Protection: Martin at uniform boot meeting
(5/2-5/4); Halainen at uniform boot meeting (5/3-5/5) and MAR/NAR/NCR fee
coordinator meeting (5/6); Dickerhoof at MAR/NAR/NCR fee coordinator meeting
(5/5) and counter-terrorism conference (5/7); Berkowitz at LE training
course (5/2-5/5); Smith at wildlife law enforcement coordinator conference
(5/6-5/9).

Branch of Fire and Aviation: Broyles at overhead development course review
and uniform boot meeting (5/2-5/7); Cook at filming session for fire
management video (5/3-5/12); Gale on AL (5/3-5/7).

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
SkyPager:  Emergencies ONLY (numeric message) - 1-800-759-7243, PIN 2404843 
SkyTalk:   Emergencies ONLY (voice message) - 1-800-759-8255, PIN 2404843