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Subject: NPS Morning Report - Tuesday, March 7, 2000
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Date: Tue, 7 Mar 2000 08:50:33 -0500
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
MORNING REPORT
To: All National Park Service Areas and Offices
From: Division of Ranger Activities, Washington Office
Day/Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2000
ALMANAC
On this day in 1974, President Richard Nixon signed legislation
creating Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Kentucky
and Tennessee. The free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland
River and its tributaries pass through 90 miles of gorges and valleys
containing numerous natural and historical features and recreational
opportunities.
INCIDENTS
00-076 - Rocky Mountain NP (CO) - Falling Fatality
On the afternoon of March 5th, rangers located and recovered the body
of 27-year-old E.S. of Boulder, Colorado, who died in a fall
while climbing in the Longs Peak area. E.S. headed out from the Longs
Peak trailhead early on March 3rd, intending to solo the Notch Couloir
route on the east face of the 14,225-foot peak, traverse south across
"The Loft" to the summit of Mount Meeker, then descend via the east
ridge. He was reported missing by friends on Saturday morning. Initial
efforts to find him were unsuccessful. Additional NPS personnel and
mountain guides from the Colorado Mountain School were flown by
helicopter to the Loft early on Sunday to search the upper, technical
portions of the peak. E.S.'s body was located by helicopter near the
base of the cliff around noon. E.S. has been described by friends as
an experienced alpinist who frequently climbed in the park. It appears
that he was in an area of deep snow when he slipped and fell over 300
feet. [Joe Evans, CR, ROMO, 3/6]
00-077 - Indiana Dunes NL (IN) - Resource Damage Settlement
Last November, chief of resource management Bob Daum noted recent
vegetation cutting on park property adjacent to I-94, which is a major
east-west route around the south end of Lake Michigan. The vegetation
had apparently been cut to increase the visibility of a large
billboard. The park investigator identified the owner as Lamar
Advertising, one of the nation's largest outdoor advertising firms,
and arranged a meeting between the company and park staff. Lamar
officials admitted cutting the vegetation. Because the property was
not well marked, no charges will be filed. The company offered to
provide free billboard space to the park for the summer season, from
May 1st to August 31st. The likely subject of the advertising will be
water safety. The park's public affairs specialist will work directly
with the company on details. The value of the free advertising space
exceeds any restitution that might have been recovered, considering
the type and amount of vegetation damaged. The company will also
likely remove or relocate the sign to prevent similar problems in the
future. [R. Littlefield, CR, INDU, 3/3]
00-078 - Pictured Rocks NL (MI) - Special Event
On February 5th and 6th, the park hosted the tenth annual Michigan Ice
Festival. The ice climbing festival was run under a special use
permit; participants climbed ice formations in the Sand Point area of
the park. Over 270 ice climbers from a dozen states attended the
two-day event. Several well-known ice climbers - both nationally and
internationally - were on hand, giving lessons and demonstrations
during the day and slide presentations in the evenings. Two minor
first aid incidents occurred during the event. There were no law
enforcement incidents. (Larry Hach, CR, PIRO, 3/2)
CULTURAL/NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
No submissions.
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Workshop Information - Santa Monica Mountains NRA has established a
web site to provide interested parties with some of the PowerPoint and
other presentations and documents from Pacific West Region's recent
"EnVision 2000" joint ranger/administration/maintenance workshop, held
in San Diego. You'll find it at http://165.83.74.150/protection/
CRW.htm.
MEMORANDA
"Transportation Planning Coordination," signed on February 16th by the
acting AD/Operations and Education and sent to all regional directors.
The text follows:
"The recently enacted transportation reauthorization legislation,
Public Law 105-178, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century
(TEA-21), substantially increased National Park Service (NPS) funding
for road and transportation improvements under the Federal Lands
Highways Program (FLHP) to $165 million annually. This legislation
brings with it significant new transportation planning requirements.
"These new statutory mandates impose considerably increased
transportation planning responsibilities on the NPS and other Federal
agencies, and require the Department of Transportation (DOT) in
consultation with the Department of the Interior (DOI) to develop
regulations to implement those provisions.
"Section 1115(d) of the act, entitled 'Planning and Agency
Coordination,' amends 23 U.S.C. 204(a) to include the following:
(2) TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCEDURES.-In consultation with the
Secretary of each appropriate Federal land management agency, the
Secretary [of DOT] shall develop, by rule, transportation planning
procedures that are consistent with the metropolitan and statewide
planning processes required under sections 134 and 135.
(3) APPROVAL OF TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.-The transportation
improvement program developed as a part of the transportation planning
process under this section shall be approved by the Secretary [of
DOT].
(4) INCLUSION IN OTHER PLANS.-All regionally significant Federal lands
highways program projects-
(A) shall be developed in cooperation with States and
metropolitan planning organizations; and
(B) shall be included in appropriate Federal lands highways program,
State, and metropolitan plans and transportation improvement
programs.
"In addition to these new planning mandates and the Service's
substantially increased FLHP funding contained in the act (a dedicated
portion of which will go to implementing Alternative Transportation
Systems (ATS) in park units), there are numerous priority add-on
projects in the bill related to intermodal transportation systems
affecting park units, as well as provisions authorizing and funding a
study of alternative transportation needs and various opportunities
for the Service to benefit from the act's transit enhancement
provisions.
"The new law dovetails with and augments the earlier Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) signed by the Secretaries of the Interior and
Transportation in November 1997, which sets out provisions 'for
cooperatively developing and integrating transportation planning
within the Department of the Interior' in compliance with the
Presidential Memorandum of April 22, 1996, which directed a
comprehensive effort to improve public transportation in national
parks.
"The combined effect of the new law, the MOU, and the Presidential
Memorandum will necessitate a significantly enhanced transportation
planning and coordination capability within the NPS. We anticipate
that transportation planning by NPS regions and parks over the next
few years will require considerable effort.
"In consideration of the requirements set forth in TEA-21 and due to
the magnitude of interest in ATS by parks, along with the ongoing
implementation of the MOU between DOI and DOT, the Washington Office
(WASO) will be hiring three Transportation Planning Coordinators.
These positions will be located within the WASO Park Facility
Management Division under the supervision of the Park Facilities and
Transportation Team Leader, Lou DeLorme.
"Responsibilities of these individuals will include: transportation
planning assistance and coordination with regional offices and the
Federal Highway Administration; involvement in and assisting parks
with park transportation planning and implementation issues; ensuring
planning coordination with local, State, and regional authorities;
pursuing transportation partnering opportunities; and acting as a
public outreach coordinator for these issues.
"We plan to schedule a meeting as soon as these individuals are hired
to bring together the Regional Transportation Planning Coordinators,
representatives of the Denver Service Center, and representatives from
the Federal Highway Administration. That forum will provide an
opportunity to further articulate the type of support the Servicewide
Transportation Program needs in the field, define respective roles,
and begin developing new and innovative methods to meet these new
challenges.
"Questions can be directed to Mr. DeLorme, Team Leader, Park
Facilities and Transportation, at 202/565-1254 or to Joni Gallegos, at
202/501-8926."
INTERCHANGE
ATV Procedures - Redwood N&SP is developing standard operating
procedures on the administrative use of ATV's in various park
operations and would like to obtain copies of other parks' SOP's on
ATV programs, particularly operator certification programs, training,
use limitations, etc. Please send copies via cc:Mail to chief ranger
Bob Martin or mail them to him at Redwood National and State Parks,
1111 Second Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Point Reyes NS (CA) - The park will be filling two GS-11 supervisory
district ranger positions. The DR for the North District supervises
four GS-9 protection rangers in a diverse operation that includes
duties in concessions management, ranch management and a growing boat
patrol operation; the DR for the South District supervises three GS-9
rangers and a weekend dispatcher and oversees concessions and ranching
and manages a 20,000-acre backcountry wilderness area. The park is
seeking "highly-motivated people who will interact effectively with
several outside agencies and groups (federal, state, local and
citizen-led) and are seeking a challenge." Both positions require
occupancy of government quarters. Dual career options may be
available. For additional information, contact assistant
superintendent Frank Dean at 415-663-8522 x 244.
Natural Resources Program Center (CO) - The NPS is looking for the
right person to serve as interim director of the National Cave and
Karst Research Institute (NCKRI). The incumbent's primary
responsibility will be to establish the institute. The detail will
likely be for 12 to 24 months, beginning around April 15th. NCKRI will
facilitate a nationwide program of research and education on cave and
karst resources on federal lands in cooperation with other federal and
non-federal partners. For additional information about eligibility,
qualifications, duties, location, etc., contact Skip Ladd or Dave
Shaver via cc:Mail or check the natural resources bulletin board. If
you wish to be considered, send a complete resume (such as an OF 612)
by March 22nd to NCKRI, c/o Skip Ladd, Intermountain Region, P.O. Box
25287, Denver Colorado 80225-0287, or via cc:Mail to Skip Ladd or via
fax at 303-969-2785.
WASO Division of Interpretation and Education (DC) - Anita Davis from
Sunset Crater Volcano NM has joined the division on a one-year detail
to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The
detail will include working with NASA's science, education, public
affairs, and visitor center staff in the development of cooperative
education programs that will benefit both the NPS and NASA. She will
have access to a wealth of earth and space science resources which can
be made available to park managers, interpreters, researchers, and
resource management staffs. Contact her via cc:Mail by name or at
301-286-0535
UPCOMING IN CONGRESS
The following activities will be taking place in Congress during
coming weeks on matters pertaining to the National Park Service or
kindred agencies. For inquiries regarding legislation pertaining to
the NPS, please contact the main office at 202-208-5883/5656 and ask
to be forwarded to the appropriate legislative specialist.
HEARINGS/MARK-UPS
Wednesday, March 8th
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks,
Historic Preservation and Recreation (Thomas): Hearings on:
o S. 972 (Gregg, NH), a bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers
Act to improve the administration of the Lamprey River in the
State of New Hampshire.
o S. 1705 (Craig, ID), a bill to direct the Secretary of the
Interior to enter into land exchanges to acquire from the
private owner and to convey to the State of Idaho approximately
1,240 acres of land near the City of Rocks National Reserve,
Idaho, and for other purposes.
o S. 1849 (Biden, DE), a bill to designate segments and
tributaries of White Clay Creek, Delaware and Pennsylvania, as a
component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
o S. 1910, a bill to amend the Act establishing the Women's Rights
National Historical Park to permit the Secretary of the Interior
to acquire title in fee simple to the Hunt House located in
Waterloo, New York.
o H.R. 1615 (Sununu, NH), a bill to amend the Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act to extend the designation of a portion of the Lamprey
River in New Hampshire as a recreational river to include an
additional river segment.
The hearing will be at 2:30 p.m. in 366 Dirksen.
Tuesday, March 14th
House Resources Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
(Hansen): Hearing on:
o H.R. 2557 (Meek, FL), a bill to direct the Secretary of the
Interior to conduct a feasibility study on the inclusion in
Biscayne National Park, Florida, of the archaeological site know
as the Miami Circle.
o H.R. 3084 (Shimkus, IL), a bill to authorize the Secretary of
the Interior to contribute funds for the establishment of an
interpretative center on the life and contributions of President
Abraham Lincoln.
o H.R. 3293, a bill to authorize a plaque at the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial.
The hearing will be at 10 a.m. in Longworth 1324.
Tuesday, March 21st
Senate Indian Affairs Committee (Campbell): Hearing on S. 2102
(Inouye, HI), a bill to provide the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe with a
permanent land base within its aboriginal homeland, and for other
purposes. The hearing will be held at 10:30 a.m. in 485 Russell.
Wednesday, March 29th
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior (Regula): Hearing on NPS
FY 2001 budget request. The hearing will be at 10 a.m. in Rayburn
B-308.
Thursday, March 30th
House Resources Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands
(Hansen): Hearing on:
o H.R. 3033 (Ros-Lehtinen, FL), a bill to direct the Secretary of
the Interior to make certain adjustments to the boundaries of
Biscayne National Park in the State of Florida, and for other
purposes.
o H.R. 3241, a bill on franchise fee calculations for tours at
Fort Sumter NM.
The hearing will be at 2 p.m. in Longworth 1324.
LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
The following bills either directly or indirectly pertaining to the
NPS have been introduced since the last Morning Report listing of new
legislation (March 1st):
o H.R. 3712 (Houghton, NY), a bill to direct the Secretary of the
Interior to conduct a special resource study concerning the
preservation and public use of sites in Auburn, New York,
associated with Harriet Tubman, and for other purposes.
o H.R. 3745 (Nussle, IA), a bill to authorize the addition of
certain parcels to the Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa.
o H.R. 3830 (LaFalce, NY), a bill to establish a commission to
study the question of adding the Niagara River Gorge to the Wild
and Scenic River System.
o S. 2123 (Landrieu, LA), a bill to provide Outer Continental
Shelf Impact assistance to state and local governments, to amend
the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, the Urban Park
and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978, and the Federal Aid in
Wildlife Restoration Act (commonly referred to as the
Pittman-Robertson Act) to establish a fund to meet the outdoor
conservation and recreation needs of the American people, and
for other purposes.
NEW LAWS
The following bills have passed Congress and been signed into law: No
new laws.
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Distribution of the Morning Report is through a mailing list managed
by park, office and/or regional cc:Mail hub coordinators. Please
address requests pertaining to receipt of the Morning Report to your
servicing hub coordinator. The Morning Report is also available on
the web at http://www.nps.gov/morningreport
Prepared by the Division of Ranger Activities, WASO, with the
cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.
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