|
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
From: Division of Ranger Activities, Washington Office Day/Date: Wednesday, January 2, 2002 *** NOTICE *** No Morning Reports were published between December 22, 2001 and January 1, 2002. Regular dissemination resumes with today's edition. INCIDENTS 01-385 - Lake Roosevelt NRA (WA) - Follow-up: Thefts A series of thefts occurred to park offices and fee canisters on the evening of July 19th. The subsequent six-hour manhunt for the thief or thieves culminated with the arrest of one S.W. A twelve count indictment - including three felony charges - was subsequently filed against S.W., and he pled guilty to all charges. On November 14th, S.W. was sentenced to 15 months in prison on the three felony counts and twelve months (to be served concurrently) on the misdemeanor counts; he was also ordered to pay $9,326 in restitution and a $525 special assessment fee to the park. S.W. has a long history of this type of activity, including prior thefts from two national parks (Yosemite and Sequoia), several Forest Service areas, and numerous state parks. He is banned from all national parks for three years after his release from prison. The investigation also lead to other unsolved burglaries and thefts in Washington and Idaho and to methamphetamine manufacture and sales. A second suspect was identified and has agreed to cooperate, resulting in the recovery of a park safe taken by S.W. in a similar theft last year and an ATM machine stolen from an Idaho convenience store. A meeting is being set up with the NPS, DEA and the US Attorney's Office to further investigate this person's knowledge of methamphetamine manufacture in the Spokane area. Possible theft charges are also pending against him. [Chris Rugel, LARO, 12/21] 01-390 - Biscayne NP (FL) - Follow-up: Poaching On July 29th, ranger John LaCorte stopped a cigarette boat on the ocean side of Boca Chita Key at the north end of the park and contacted two fishermen who had 235 fish in their possession. The catch included 110 yellowtail snappers and 104 mangrove snappers in excess of the legal limits, 30 undersized snappers, and an undersized red grouper. One of the two men - R.Y., Jr. - owns a Cuban restaurant and fish market in Miami and admitted to selling his catch there. The retail value of the fish was placed in excess of $800. On December 21st, both men appeared in court. R.Y. accepted a felony Lacey Act conviction, $5,000 in fines, forfeiture of his part of the catch, and lost of $3,800 in fishing and boating equipment. The other man accepted a misdemeanor Lacey Act conviction, $500 in fines, and forfeiture of his part of the catch. Both men were placed on probation for a year, during which they are banned from all four south Florida parks. [Holly Rife, CR, BISC, 12/26] 01-646 - Padre Island NS (TX) - Serious Employee Injury Maintenance worker Larry Kiely suffered a serious head injury when he fell from a ladder while working at the park's headquarters complex on December 21st. Rangers Pat Donohue and Gary Carroll provided initial medical care. Kiely was then taken to a regional trauma center in Corpus Christi. His condition has improved, but he remains in the hospital's intensive care unit. An investigation is underway to determine why two of the aluminum ladder legs buckled, as preliminary findings indicate that the ladder was being used correctly and within rating limits. [Randy Larson, CR, PAIS, 12/24] 01-647 - Intermountain Region (NM) - ARPA/NAGPRA Indictment A two-year interagency investigation into the illegal purchase and sale of American Indian religious objects, eagle feathers and other protected bird feathers led to a 17-count indictment last fall against J.B., a Santa Fe art dealer. The NPS became involved when a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigator asked for technical assistance and other forms of support in the on-going investigation; also participating were FBI agents. J.B. operates a major gallery in Santa Fe, and had previously been required to repatriate NAGPRA property to Jemez Pueblo. Agents suspected him of illicit activities, so began an undercover operation in 1999. Thirteen of the 17 counts of the indictment dealt with violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, three with NAGPRA violations, and the last with a violation of the Eagle Protection Act. J.B. was accused of offering to sell an 1875 Cheyenne headdress to an FBI agent for $140,000, during which process J.B. explained to the agent that such a sale was illegal. [Phil Young, SHPO/NM, 11/15] 01-648 - Lake Meredith NRA (TX) - Methamphetamine Lab On the afternoon of December 20th, ranger Tyler Stevenson came upon a car which appeared to be stuck in the river bottom at the Rosita off-road area. Stevenson found that the driver did not have a license. While talking with him, Stevenson noted a pile of peeled lithium batteries, a tank with a hose attached, and the smell of anhydrous ammonia and starter fluid in the air. He realized that the driver and his two companions were manufacturing methamphetamine, so separated them, moved them away from the vehicle, and called for backup. The nearest ranger was an hour away, and the closest sheriff's department officer was a half hour from him. While awaiting their arrival, one of the men and a woman ran to the vehicle and started to drive off. Stevenson tried to stop them by reaching in and turning off the cars ignition. The male driver grabbed his arm and accelerated away, knocking Stevenson to the ground. The third person remained at the scene and was arrested without incident. The regional drug task force was summoned and the lab was processed for evidence. The hazardous by-products were removed by a DEA contractor. Further investigation led to the identification of the two people who had fled. The person who was arrested was charged with possession of the chemical elements needed to manufacture methamphetamine and will be charged with manufacturing same; warrants are being sought for the man and woman for assault, resisting arrest, and manufacturing of methamphetamine. [Dennis Weiland, CR, LAMR, 12/21] 01-649 - St. Croix NSR (WI/MN) - Methamphetamine Lab During normal hunting season patrol on November 28th, rangers Rod Turner and Charlie Lundin discovered the remnants of a possible open-air methamphetamine lab near the town of Osceola on the St. Croix River. Although the site was on private property, it was located within the park's boundaries. The county drug task force was contacted and the site secured. Subsequent testing confirmed that the site was a clandestine lab. Clean-up and investigation by Polk County and Wisconsin state officials continues. Due to its rural character and proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul, the area - particularly those counties along the St. Croix River - remain a hotbed for illegal methamphetamine production. [CRO, SACN, 12/20] OPERATIONAL NOTES Leasing Regulations Issued - The new regulations amending 36 CFR Part 19, which contains the authority for leasing and exchanging historic properties, were published in the Federal Register on December 27th. The National Parks Omnibus Act authorizes the Service to grant leases for use of buildings and associated property located within parks in addition to historic properties - but does not permit the leasing of non-historic land. The rule goes into effect 30 days after publication. [Kym Hall, RAD/WASO] PARKS AND PEOPLE Lyndon B. Johnson NHP (TX) - The park is seeking interested candidates for a lateral transfer to a GS-9 ranger (protection) position after February 1st. This is a field ranger position in the Division of Resources Management and Visitor Protection, and the incumbent will serve as the park's collateral duty fire management officer. Candidates must possess a Level 1 NPS law enforcement commission and have experience in fire management. The park is entering an exciting phase of growth in the area of resources protection and resources management. Interested candidates should mail an application to Chief, Resources Management and Visitor Protection, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, P.O. Box 329, Johnson City, TX 78636. For more information about the park, the position or central Texas, please contact chief ranger Brian Carey at 830-868-7128 ext. 232. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TRAINING CALENDAR This calendar appears every other Monday as an addendum to the Morning Report. Please note: o Entries are listed no sooner than FOUR months before a training
course begins, except in cases ********************************************************************************************************** * Throughout 2002: LEAVE NO TRACE MASTER COURSE, locations as noted below. Latest skills and ethics of the craft of camping without a trace. These five-day or six-day courses focus on minimum-impact camping and traveling skills using a three-part curriculum - ethics, techniques, and teaching methods. Dates and locations are as follows; letters in parentheses indicate that they are being taught by either the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) or the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). All are hiking training courses unless otherwise noted: January 28 - February 1: NOLS Southwest, AZ (NOLS) Contact: Michael Cheek at NOLS at outreach@nols.edu, or 307-335-2213; Dara Houdek at AMC at dhoudek@amcinfo.org, or 603-466-2721 ext. 209. For information on scholarships for tuition, contact Kelly Hartsell at kelly_hartsell@nps.gov, or 540-999-3482. [Kelly Hartsell, SHEN] * January 25 - 27: EMT REFRESHER (DOT/NREMT), Laughlin, NV. Space is limited, with preference given to local parks. Contact: Kirk Gebicke at kirck_gebicke@nps.gov, or either 760-928-2572 or 760-221-5310 (cell). [Marcia Schramm] * January 14 - 15: BASIC TRAUMA LIFE SUPPORT (BTLS), Gatlinburg, TN. Hosted by GRSM and taught by U.T. Lifestar, plus others. Tuition: $90. Contact: Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261. [Bob Wightman, GRSM] January 16 - 17: CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) EIGHT-HOUR REFRESHER. BLM will be delivering this training via satellite broadcast. Please see their website (www.ntc.blm.gov) for a complete course description. Refer to the training announcement for registration details. All Servicewide training announcements are posted at http://www.nps.gov/training. [Joyce Howe, STMA] * January 17 - 18: BASIC TRAUMA LIFE SUPPORT (BTLS), Cherokee, NC. Hosted by GRSM and taught by Southwestern Community College. No tuition. Contact: Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261. [Bob Wightman, GRSM] * January 20 - 27: WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER, Townsend, TN. The course is hosted by Great Smoky Mountains Institute and taught by Roane State Community College. Tuition for NPS personnel is $455 ($650 for others). Tuition includes lodging and meals. Course also includes National Registry test. Contact: Amber Parker at GSM Institute, 865-448-6709. [Bob Wightman, GRSM] * February 4 - 6: EMT-B REFRESHER, Gatlinburg, TN. This 24-hour course will meet the National Registry standard. Hosted by GRSM and taught by Roane State Community College. Tuition: $50. Contact: Bob Wightman at 865-4336-1261. [Bob Wightman, GRSM] * February 7: NATIONAL REGISTRY EMT-B PRACTICAL AND WRITTEN EXAMS, Gatlinburg or Knoxville, TN. Hosted by GRSM and tested by Roane State Community College and Tennessee State EMS. Completion of this plus the 24-hour refresher will qualify a person for National Registry status, a National Park Service objective. Fee: $55. Contact: Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261. [Bob Wightman, GRSM] February 11 - 15: INTRODUCTION TO PARK PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, Carlsbad, NM. Closes January 11th. This course is designed to provide employees from all disciplines with tools and processes for analyzing and accomplishing work, techniques for planning and organizing the work, management and accountability of funds, and evaluation of results. Contact: http://www.nps.gov/training or Bob Shannon at 505-785-2232 ext 435. [Joyce Howe, STMA] * February 13 - 15: WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER REFRESHER, Townsend, TN. The course is hosted by Great Smoky Mountains Institute and taught by Roane State Community College. Tuition for NPS personnel is $220 ($275 for others). Tuition includes lodging and meals. Course qualifies as National Registry refresher. Contact: Amber Parker at GSM Institute, 865-448-6709. [Bob Wightman, GRSM] February 19 - 22: INSTRUCTOR TECHNIQUES FOR NON-LETHAL TRAINING AMMUNITION, FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on January 16th. Contact: Regional employee development officers or the Learning Place BB for applications; FLETC for further information (912-267-2246, WASO FLETC-NPS). (Wiley Golden, FLETC) * February 20 - 22: EMT-B REFRESHER, Cherokee, NC. This 24-hour course will meet the National Registry standard for a refresher. Hosted by GRSM and taught by Southwestern Community College. No cost. Contact: Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261. [Bob Wightman, GRSM] February 25 - March 2: HISTORIC WEAPONS CERTIFICATION, Fort Blanding, Starke, FL. Closes on January 11th. Completion of this course fulfills the requirements of initial certification and recertification for supervisors and interpreters overseeing NPS historic weapons firing programs. Contact: www.nps.gov/training or craig_morris@nps.gov. [Joyce Howe, STMA] February 25 - June 24: BASIC LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR NATIONAL PARK RANGERS [NPRI-203], FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on January 8th. Basic LE training developed for the NPS and specifically designed to meet the basic training needed by rangers to qualify for permanent NPS commissions. Contact: Regional employee development officers or the Learning Place BB for applications; FLETC for further information (912-267-2246, WASO FLETC-NPS). (Wiley Golden, FLETC) March 4 - 8: NATIONAL WILDFIRE INVESTIGATION TRAINING, FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on January 31st. Training for rangers with significant responsibility for wildland fire investigation. Contact: Regional employee development officers or the Learning Place BB for applications; FLETC for further information (912-267-2246, WASO FLETC-NPS). (Wiley Golden, FLETC) March 11 - 21: PHYSICAL SECURITY TRAINING (PSTP-203), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on February 6th. Training for rangers responsible for the development, implementation, and/or monitoring of physical security programs. Parks with fee demo programs could benefit from this training. Contact: Regional employee development officers or the Learning Place BB for applications; FLETC for further information (912-267-2246, WASO FLETC-NPS). (Wiley Golden, FLETC) March 18 - 22: INLAND SAR COORDINATION, Helena, MT. Closes on December 31st. Comprehensive, graduate-level look at inland SAR theory and its application to planning land and air searches for missing persons and aircraft. Taught by USAF National SAR School. Contact: http://www.nps.gov/training or Peggy_Sandretzky@nps.gov. [Joyce Howe, STMA] * March 18 - 22: OUR NATIONAL PARKS - OUR NATIONAL STORIES, Mather TC, Harpers Ferry, WV. Closes on January 18th. This workshop is designed to help interpreters, volunteers, managers, and others engaged in interpretive programming to explore ways to help further park interpretive and stewardship missions. Contact: http://www.nps.gov/training, or Sandy Weber at 202-565-1050. [Joyce Howe, STMA] * March 19 - 22: PROTECTING HISTORIC AND ARCHOLOGICAL RESOURCES THROUGH SENSITIVE LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT, Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Natchez, LA. Closes on January 16th. The workshop is designed for park staff who need training in the care and maintenance of historic landscapes, while recognizing, protecting and minimizing disturbance to important archeological resources. Contact: http://www.nps.gov/training, or Lucy Lawliss at 202-343-8147. [Joyce Howe, STMA] * March 26 - 29: OSHA 510, BASIC COURSE IN CONSTRUCTION SAFETY, Vancouver, WA. Closes on February 5th. The course will introduce participants to OSHA policies, procedures and standards in construction safety and health. Contact: Regional employee development officers or the Learning Place BB for applications; FLETC for further information (912-267-2246, WASO FLETC-NPS). (Wiley Golden, FLETC) April 22 - 26: INTERPRETATION LEADERSHIP SEMINAR, Mather TC, Harpers Ferry, WV. Closes on January 25th. The workshop has been designed to address critical issues facing interpretive leaders regarding changing demographics and demands on NPS interpretive efforts. Contact: www.nps.gov/training or Corky Mayo at 202-565-1050. [Joyce Howe, STMA] * April 22 - 26: SERVICEWIDE BASIC TECHNICAL RESCUE TRAINING, Canyonlands NP, UT. Closes on March 1st. The course is designed for personnel who routinely evacuate injured or stranded persons from heights and difficult terrain. The course will provide participants with the skills to perform difficult technical rescues. Students will be required to bring the necessary technical gear. This is a very physically demanding course, conducted outdoors with frequent exposure to great heights. All participants must be in good physical condition. Contact: Ken Phillips at Grand Canyon NP, 928-638-7838. [Ken Phillips, GRCA] * April 22 - 26: FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF ADMINISTRATION, Phoenix, AZ. Closes on February 4th. The course provides administrative clerks/technicians at the GS-5 and GS-7 levels with developmental and full performance level competencies in administrative functions. Tuition is $275. Contact: peggy_woodward@nps.gov or http://www.nps.gov/training. [Joyce Howe, STMA] * April 23 - 25: INTRODUCTION TO THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT OF 1966, Independence, MO. This three-day introductory course is designed for park staff and managers who need training in the fundamentals of compliance with Section 106 of the act. Deadline: February 6th. Contact: http://www.nps.gov/training, or Laura Feller at 202-343-9528. [Joyce Howe, STMA] * May 6 - August 4: BASIC LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR NATIONAL PARK RANGERS (NPRI-204), Glynco, GA. Closes on March 19th. Basic training for commissioned rangers. Contact: Regional employee development officers or the Learning Place BB for applications; FLETC for further information (912-267-2246, WASO FLETC-NPS). (Wiley Golden, FLETC) * May 7 - 9: INTRODUCTION TO THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT OF 1966, Atlanta, GA. This three-day introductory course is designed for park staff and managers who need training in the fundamentals of compliance with Section 106 of the act. Deadline: February 19th. Contact: http://www.nps.gov/training, or Laura Feller at 202-343-9528. [Joyce Howe, STMA] * * * * * Prepared by the Division of Ranger Activities, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA. --- ### --- |