Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
Conviction for Illegal Taking of Elk
On January 24, J.B., a self-described "professional hunter" from
Boulder, Colorado, pled guilty in federal court to illegally killing a
six-point bull elk in the park last September 21. Ranger Tim Phillips
cited J.B. for shooting the elk with a bow and arrow while it was
standing about 700 feet within the park boundary. In a plea agreement,
J.B. agreed to a fine of $3,000. J.B. hunts in numerous states and posts
his hunting stories on his website (www.tagitworldwide.com).
Ranger Pete Swisher from Lincoln Home NHS assisted Rocky Mountain staff
by serving J.B. with his court summons while J.B. was on a hunting trip
to Illinois.
[Submitted by Joe Evans, Chief Ranger]
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (KY,TN)
Commercial Vehicle Accident with Fatality
A park employee came upon a motor vehicle accident on Leathrwood Road
in the park on February 6. The driver of a tractor-trailer had failed to
negotiate a curve, and his rig had traveled about 200 feet down a very
steep embankment. The driver was the only occupant of the truck and was
killed in the crash. Three heavy wreckers were required to move the
wreckage so that the driver's body could be removed. Due to the
extremely steep terrain and distance from the road, the recovery effort
required the use of safety lines and high angle techniques and took over
six hours to complete. More than 20 people were involved in the recovery
efforts. Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee Commercial Vehicle
Enforcement officers are assisting with the investigation. Cleanup of
debris and the cargo of hardwood lumber was underway at the time of the
report on Friday and was expected to require several more days. The
incident was run under ICS with Tim Grooms as IC.
[Submitted by F.
Graham, Chief Ranger]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Interpretation/Education Division
2003 George B. Hartzog, Jr. Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service
Director Mainella is pleased to announce the 2003 George B. Hartzog, Jr. Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service to be presented during National Volunteer Week April 27 - May 3, 2003. Recognizing and awarding volunteers for their contributions is an important responsibility. Our volunteers take great pride in their accomplishments and we are expanding our efforts to show them our pride and gratitude for their efforts.
The award categories are as follows:
• The George B. Hartzog Jr. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, also called the "George Hartzog Volunteer Award."
• The George B. Hartzog, Jr. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Group Service, also called the "George Hartzog Volunteer Group Award."
• The George B. Hartzog, Jr. Award for Outstanding Park VIP Program, also called the "George Hartzog Park VIP Program Award."
The link below will take you to the award information and criteria. Nominations are due to your Regional VIP Coordinator by COB March 7, 2003.
[Submitted by Joy M. Pietschmann, joy_pietschmann@nps.gov, 202-513-7141] More Information...
Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found on the left side of the front page of InsideNPS. All reports should be submitted via email to Bill Halainen at Delaware Water Gap NRA, with a copy to your regional office and a copy to Dennis Burnett in Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO.
Prepared by the Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.