- Subject: NPS Morning Report - Thursday, February 2, 1995
- Date: Thurs, 2 Feb 1995
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
MORNING REPORT
To: All National Park Service Areas and Offices
From: Division of Ranger Activities, Washington Office
Day/Date: Thursday, February 2, 1995
Broadcast: By 1000 ET
INCIDENTS
95-40 - Grand Canyon (Arizona) - Drug Arrests
On the evening of January 28th, South Rim rangers stopped a vehicle entering
the park to investigate an open container violation reported by an entrance
station employee. During a consent search of the vehicle, a half ounce of
methamphetamine was found, along with scales, packaging materials, syringes,
other drug paraphernalia, and papers listing prices and packaging amounts.
Also found in the passenger compartment of the vehicle was a .25 caliber pistol
and a canister of OC spray. Rangers arrested J.S., J.R.,
K.H., and R.H., all from Enid, Oklahoma, for possession of
methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Interviews with the
suspects indicated that they had purchased the methamphetamine in California
and were planning to sell it after returning home to Oklahoma. All four
suspects were under the influence of the drug at the time of their arrest. The
four have been charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to
distribute. [CRO, GRCA, 1/31]
95-41 - Olympic (Washington) - Rescue
On January 28th, R.L. and his 15-year-old son, W., went for a day
hike in the park near Oil City. When they failed to return home that night,
they were reported missing. Rangers began a ground search at 4 a.m. the next
day, and a Coast Guard helicopter was brought in to assist. Due to low clouds,
poor visibility and high winds, however, the helicopter crew was unable to
locate the pair. The sound of the helicopter made them realize that a search
was underway, though, and got them moving again. They were subsequently found
by rangers on the Hoh Head trail. The L.s had been unable to get back
across the headlands due to high tides, and spent the night in pouring rain at
a sheltered spot near the trail. They had no flashlight, rain gear or extra
food. Although hungry, cold and wet, both were okay. [Barb Maynes, PIO, OLYM,
1/31]
95-42 - Sequoia/Kings Canyon (California) - Serious Employee Illness
Mike Warren, the park's fire management officer, was hospitalized on January
25th with cocci-meningitis and valley fever. On January 31st, he underwent
surgery to implant a shunt designed to drain an accumulation of fluid on the
brain resulting from the encephalitis that occurred secondary to the
cocci-meningitis. Mike came through the procedure well, but his doctor is
restricting visits and phone calls for the next two days. Mike is expected to
remain at Kaweah-Delta Hospital in Visalia, California, for the next week or
two. Full recovery may take up to a year. Cards and messages can be sent to
Mike at 40984 Grouse Drive, Three Rivers, California 93271. [Debbie Bird, CR,
SEKI, 2/1]
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Systemwide - Hantavirus Study Results
In 1993, hantavirus, previously referred to as "adult respiratory syndrome,"
was identified and a nationwide survey conducted. The following are
preliminary results from Centers for Diseases Control's (CDC) survey of rodents
in national parks. The survey was conducted in eastern parks last summer to
complete the CDC's nationwide hantavirus survey. The survey results do not
indicate expansion of the range of hantavirus. It has been present all along
but we are just now discovering it. Please note that the following data is not
yet complete. Some samples still have to be tested. Positive results indicate
that hantavirus antibody was present in the rodent. "Null" indicates samples
have not yet been tested. Final results will be disseminated as soon as they
are received from CDC.
Positive Tested Total Samples
Acadia 0 44 45
Allegheny Portage 6 27 33
Appomattox 0 20 20
Big Thicket 0 9 9
Buffalo River 0 22 22
C&O Canal null null 22
Chickamauga/Chattanooga 0 17 17
Chickasaw 1 71 73
Congaree Swamp 0 19 20
Cuyahoga Valley 0 35 37
Fire Island 0 21 21
Fort Laramie 11 66 84
Gateway 2 12 14
Great Smoky Mountains 2 41 52
Gulf Island 0 15 15
Indiana Dunes 0 31 37
Isle Royal 1 20 49
Lincoln Boyhood 0 39 40
Mammoth Cave 0 46 48
Minute Man 0 19 19
Moores Creek 0 5 5
Prince William Forest 0 26 26
Rock Creek Park 1 7 8
Saratoga 0 21 21
Scotts Bluff 5 65 70
Shenandoah 8 104 118
Sleeping Bear Dunes 0 69 91
St. Croix Island null null 68
Voyageurs 1 65 89
Womens Rights 0 1 1
Yellowstone 30 435 465
At this time, NPS employees should continue to follow the guidelines stated in
the October 28, 1993, memo from the Associate Director, Operations. The most
effective solutions for rodent management are snap trapping and mechanical
exclusion. Request for rodenticides will be reviewed on case-by-case basis.
Contact Carol DiSalvo for further information (202) 343-7096.
OPERATIONAL NOTES
No notes.
MEMORANDA
No memoranda.
Prepared by the Division of Ranger Activities, WASO, with the cooperation and
support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.
Telephone: 202-208-4874
Telefax: 202-208-6756
cc:Mail: WASO Ranger Activities
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