Mojave National Preserve (CA)
Pursuit with Arrest for Multiple Felonies
Ranger Kirk Gebicke attempted to stop a speeding vehicle on January 6th, but the driver declined to stop. A check of the plate revealed that the vehicle was stolen. A seven-mile chase ensued at speeds up to 90 mph. Gebicke was the only protection ranger on duty in the park at the time. The vehicle left the park and entered the town of Baker; CHP and San Bernadino SO officers were notified. The vehicle crossed a four-way controlled intersection, struck two parked vehicles, then rammed into the side of a moving trailer truck. The driver, later identified as S.M., bailed out and fled on foot. Gebicke caught him in an alley after a short pursuit and took him into custody. S.M. was found to have burglary tools in his possession, and a computer check revealed that there was a $250,000 felony warrant out against him. A search of the stolen vehicle led to the recovery of $30,000 worth of stolen gold, rubies, diamonds and antique jewelry. S.M. also had hundreds of credit card numbers in his possession. He's been linked to at least nine burglaries in and around the Los Angeles area. No one was injured in the collisions, but four vehicles were damaged. Pending charges include possession of a stolen vehicle, evading with disregard for the safety of persons or property, possession of stolen property, burglary, speeding, reckless driving and other traffic violations.[Submitted by Denny Ziemann, Chief Ranger]
Colorado National Monument (CO)
MVA with Fatality
On the morning of January 10th, three hikers on the Monument Canyon Trail came upon the burning wreckage of a vehicle that had fallen from Rim Rock Drive, some 450 feet above. Rangers, Mesa County deputies, Colorado State Patrol troopers, and members of the Glade Park Volunteer Fire Department responded. The remains of a body were removed by litter up four-and-a-half miles of a backcountry trail. Fire consumed much of the vehicle, though it is believed to have been a Jeep Cherokee. The victim was subsequently identified as J.C., 46, of Grand Junction. Rim Rock Drive was wet but not icy at the time of the accident, and there was no indication of skidding or any other attempt to avoid the cliff. Rangers, deputies, troopers and the Mesa County coroner are continuing the investigation. Removal operations will be planned upon completion of the investigation. [Submitted by Ron Young, Chief Ranger]
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (CA)
Closure Due to Landslide
A landslide across US 101 in La Conchita, California, has closed both the driving and recreational segments of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail until further notice. CalTrans crews are currently working to clear mud and debris from the highway while rescue teams search for survivors caught in the landslide. As of Wednesday at 10 a.m., ten residents had been confirmed dead. The landslide followed an unseasonably wet winter season with over two weeks of continuous rainfall. Over-saturated land gave way along the relatively narrow segment of the Anza Trail between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal cliffs in La Conchita on Monday. [Submitted by David Smith, Acting Superintendent]
Castillo De San Marcos National Monument (FL)
Suicide Victim Found
Visitors found the body of a 77-year-old man in the park around 11:30 a.m. on January 10th. Ranger Andrew Rich and St. John's County Fire and Rescue personnel were fist on scene. They checked for signs of life, but found none. Based upon evidence found at the scene, the death has been ruled a suicide. [Submitted by Kimberly Kirk, Chief Ranger]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Servicewide
Upcoming Training Calendar
This listing is updated every Friday. It is not meant to replace any of the various training center calendars — just to augment them and provide a heads-up on new training courses. Please submit information to Bill_Halainen@nps.gov. New listings and revisions are in bold face.
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January 24 — January 28
CISM/Peer Support, BLM National Training Center, Phoenix, AZ. The class is open to all employees interested in critical incident stress management and peer support. Peer support is a collateral, volunteer duty. Peer supporters are interested in helping fellow employees deal with normal reactions to abnormal incidents that they may encounter in the workplaces as a result of job-related duties. Please complete the application, nomination and supervisors approval letter found at the web site below and submit to Pat Buccello via secure fax at 202-371-5148. For more info, call Pam McMillan at 209-375-9520 ext 230. Web site: http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewtrainingarticle&type=Conferences&id=784
February 14 — February 18
Archeological Resources Protection Training (XP-ARPTP-502), Las Vegas, NV. Presented by FLETC. The class will be held at the Interagency Building; accommodations are at Santa Fe Station and should be reserved by January 14th. For additional information, contact Virginia McCleskey at 912-554-4828 or Virginia.mccleskey@dhs.gov.
February 15 — February 16
SIGARMS Academy Pistol Armorer Course, Sugarlands Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Gatlinburg, TN. Interested individuals will need to register and pay directly through the SIGARMS Academy by February 1st. The course number is 05-AC-06F. Tuition is $350. The course is limited to a maximum of 30 students. For additional information, contact Scott Kalna at 865-430-0343 or Scott_Kalna@nps.gov.
February 18 — February 20
Wilderness First Responder Refresher, Great Smoky Mountains Institute, Townsend, TN. A 20-hour refresher course hosted by the institute and taught by Roane State Community College. Classes run from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The curriculum meets Tennessee, DOT and NREMT standards, with emphasis on the wilderness setting. The cost is $256 for NPS personnel ($305 for others) and includes meals and lodging. Books are extra, for more information, contact the institute at 865-448-6709 or check the website at http://www.gsmit.org/Programs/schedule.html.
February 22 — February 27
National School of RV Park and Campground Management, Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV. Week one of a two year program addressing the fundamentals of managing campgrounds and new developments in the RV park and campground industry. The program has extensive participation from both the public and private sectors, including military installations that operate campgrounds. The cost of the program is $1,095, which includes room and board. For more information, contact the school's web site at www.campgroundschool.org or Mark Maciha at 505-785-3035 or Mark_Maciha@nps.gov.
February 28 — March 3
"Managing the Unexpected in Prescribed Fire and Wildland Fire Use Operations: A Second Workshop on High Reliability Organizing," Clarion Hotel Airport Conference Center, Jacksonville, FL. Sponsored by the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center, this four day workshop explores 'high reliability organizing' (HRO) and 'immunity to change' principles to help improve prescribed fire and wildland fire use programs. The workshop is part of an organized effort to lessen the chance of future fire use escapes and increase the chances to replicate successes. The content is also relevant to wildland fire suppression operations. There is no tuition for the workshop. Participation is limited to 120 people; applications are due no later than February 1st. Additional information and an application form are available at the Lessons Learned Center Web site at: http://www.wildfirelessons.net
February 28 — March 11
Seized Computers and Evidence Recovery Specialist (SCERS-501), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Course on how computer data is created, stored, modified and manipulated. Students will access and extract evidence from computers. Closes on January 19th. For a copy of the announcement, go to http://www.nps.gov/training/announcements/scers501.doc
February 28 — March 4
LE Refresher Training, Cape Hatteras Group, Ramada Inn, Kill Devil Hills, NC. Annual refresher training, including survival shooting instructed by Steve Buchholz and other staff from FLETC. Email nominations to Michelle_DeMatteo@nps.gov by close of business on February 14th or fax to her at 252-473-1847. For forms and agendas, contact Michelle at 252-473-2111 ext. 18.
March 1 — March 3
Situational Leadership II (SLTP-503), FLETC, Glynco, GA. The course teaches the leadership model developed by Dr. Ken Blanchard, which has been customized for law enforcement leaders and managers. Closes on January 27th. For a copy of the announcement, go to http://www.nps.gov/training/announcements/sltp503.doc
March 8 — May 11
EMT Refresher, Lassen Volcanic NP, CA. Meets NREMT refresher standards. For more information, call Kelly Roche or Ron Martin at 530-595-4444.
March 8 — May 23
Criminal Investigator Training (CITP-521Z), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Basic criminal investigator training. Closes on February 1st. For a copy of the announcement, go to http://www.nps.gov/training/announcements/CITP-521Z.doc
March 14 — March 18
Vehicle Ambush Countermeasures (VACTP-503), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Training for experienced drivers on the tactics and skills needed to protect dignitaries during vehicle ambushes and assassination attempts. Closes on February 3rd. For a copy of the announcement, go to http://www.nps.gov/training/announcements/vactp503.doc
March 21 — April 1
Firearms Instructor Training (FITP-503), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Basic firearms instructor training. Closes on February 14th. For a copy of the announcement, go to http://nps.gov/training/announcements/index.doc
March 22 — June 7
Criminal Investigator Training (CITP-523X), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Basic criminal investigator training. Closes on February 8th. For a copy of the announcement, go to http://www.nps.gov/training/announcements/CITP-523X.doc
March 29 — March 30
Communicating Critical Air Resource Issues in National Parks, Dallas, TX. The workshop will focus on bringing air quality specialists and resource managers together with interpreters and educators to collaborate on efforts on conveying complex air quality issues to the public. Experienced park interpreters, air quality educators, research scientists and academic scholars will speak about several important topics, including climate change, ecological effects of air pollution, air quality and visibility, and the night sky. Participants will also benefit from, and contribute to, a library of curriculum examples and lesson plans that will be accessible for further reference at a later date. The workshop will precede the National Science Teacher's Association Convention (March 31st to April 3rd). To enable NPS employees to attend this training, the Air Resources Division will reimburse the employee's home park for personnel services up to $750 for each participant attending the workshop. However, it will be the park's requirement to pay for all travel costs associated with their employee attending this workshop. For more information, contact Nina Roberts at 970-267-2115 or Nina_Roberts@nps.gov or go to http://www1.nrintra.nps.gov/ConfMeet/AIRworkshop.pdf
March, 2005 — March 2007
Preservation and Skills Training, various NPS sites. The Preservation and Skills Training (PAST) program is a two-year, competency-based, trade and preservation skills development training program. Slots are available for both trainees (WG 3-7 maintenance employees who maintain or repair historic structures) and for mentors (GS-9 or WG/WL/WS-9 or above). There are 16 slots for the former, eight for the latter. Register at http://mylearning.nps.gov — "Search Catalog" for 'preservation,' click on the "Catalog Item Title" to see details, then "View Events" to "Apply." For more detailed information, contact dorothy_printup@nps.gov.
April 25 — April 29
NPS Servicewide Basic Technical Rescue Training, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands NP, Moab, UT. This training course is designed for personnel who routinely evacuate injured or stranded persons from heights and difficult terrain. Students will be required to bring technical gear, including seat harnesses, climbing helmets, carabiners, rappel racks, ascenders, etc. This is a very physically demanding course, conducted outdoors with frequent exposure to severe heights. All participants must be in good condition. Applications are due by March 7th. A direc email from your supervisor is sufficient for a nomination. Contact Ken Phillips at 928-638-7792 or Ken_Phillips@nps.gov.
Servicewide
Upcoming Conference/Meetings Calendar
This listing is updated every Friday. Please submit information to Bill_Halainen@nps.gov. New listings and revisions are in bold face.
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February 8 — February 10
Seventeenth Annual Conservation Law Enforcement Conference, Prescott, Arizona. This year's conference will include a competition pistol shoot on the afternoon of February 8th. The training over the following two days will include 16 hours of AZPOST-certified training. For further information, got to www.azclea.org.
March 6 — March 10
Annual Convention, Association of Partners for Public Lands, Portland, Oregon. The theme for this year's convention, Portland Pathways, was selected "to move us forward along our lines of learning and commitment to an increasingly connected systems of parks, forests, refuges, waters, open spaces and historic places." Basic registration is open through January 10th, regular through February 18th, and late thorough March 5th. For more information, call APPL at 301-946-9475 or go to http://www.appl.org
March 14 — March 18
George Wright Society Biennial Conference on Parks, Protected Areas and Cultural Sites, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The theme of this year's convention is People, Places and Parks: Preservation for Future Generations. Proposals are being accepted in all areas of natural and cultural resources. Details on the conference can be found at http://www.georgewright.org/2005.html. For further information, contact the society at 1-906-487-9722, or via conferences@georgewright.org.
April 7 — April 8
"New Currents in Conserving Freshwater Systems: A Biodiversity Science Symposium," American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY. The American Museum of Natural History will host a forum for scientists and conservation practitioners to highlight recent successful initiatives in freshwater conservation, to discuss cutting-edge ideas and tools, and to investigate how and where these innovations might be implemented on the ground. The symposium will showcase projects that are rooted in the best available science, integrate scientific fields, and link science with other disciplines. This cross-disciplinary integration will generate a fertile landscape for discussing the way forward in freshwater conservation. "New Currents in Conserving Freshwater Systems" is sponsored by the American Museum's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and National Park Service. Major funding is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Additional support is provided by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, The Nature Conservancy, and the American Fisheries Society. A limited number of posters will be accepted for presentation. Poster subjects must relate to the symposium's general theme (innovations in freshwater biodiversity conservation), but are not limited geographically. Case studies are encouraged. For abstract submission guidelines, go to http://cbc.amnh.org/symposia/freshwater/. The submission deadline has been extended to Monday, January 31st. Early registration and student pricing are available until March 18th; regular registration is open until April 7th. For more information, got to the above noted web site or contact Fiona Brady at the American Museum of Natural History (brady@amnh.org).
May 16 — May 20
"Current Archaeological Propsection Advances for Non-Destructive Investigations in the 21st Century," NPS 2005 Archeological Prospection Workshop, Hopewell Culture NHP, Chillicothe, OH. Lodging will be in Comfort Inn in Chillicothe. This will be the 15th year of the workshop, which is dedicated to the use of geophysical, aerial photography, and other remote sensing methods as they apply to the identification, evaluation, conservation, and protection of archaeological resources across the nation. The workshop this year will focus on the theory of operation, methodology, processing, interpretation, and on-hands use of the equipment in the field. The special topic for this year is the introduction of geophysical techniques in archaeological excavations. In addition to the workshop, there will be an equipment fair on Friday, May 20th, with the major geophysical equipment manufacturers attending. There is a tuition charge of $475. Application forms are available on the Midwest Archeological Center's web page at http://www.cr.nps.gov/mwac/. The deadline is April 22nd. For further information, please contact Steven L. DeVore, archeologist, National Park Service, Midwest Archeological Center, Federal Building, Room 474, 100 Centennial Mall North, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508-3873 (telephone: 402-437-5392, ext. 141; fax: 402-437-5098; email: steve_de_vore@nps.gov.
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Office of Human Resources
ES-0025 Regional Director (Northeast Region)
Dates: 01/10/2005 - 02/11/2005
The NPS is currently advertising (NPS-SES-04-03) for an ES-0025 regional director for Northeast Region (salary $107,550 - $149,200). The duty location is the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The opening date is January 10th; the closing date is February 11th. Among other duties, the regional director, Northeast Region, insures that NPS programs are interpreted and carried out properly and in accordance with policies and procedures, and establishes necessary policies and procedures pertinent to the effective direction, operations, and evaluation of programs within the jurisdiction. The vacancy announcement can be found on OPM's website at http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/ses.asp Enter 'National Park Service' on the keyword search and it should come right up. For more information, contact Susan Woods at 202-354-1977 or Susan_Woods@nps.gov.
More Information...
Canyonlands National Park (UT)
GS-025-11 Supervisory Park Ranger (LE)
Canyonlands National Park in southeast Utah is currently recruiting for a GS-025-11 supervisory park ranger (LE). The position is covered as secondary/administrative. The duty station is located in the Needles District, 80 miles distant from headquarters offices in Moab. The Needles District includes a landscape of sculptured rock spires, arches, canyons, grabens and potholes. Annual visitation reaches 125,000. Moab, population 9,000, provides all amenities. The person in this position serves as the Needles district ranger and supervises seasonals, VIPs, and a staff of three GS-9 commissioned rangers who respond to criminal violations, medical emergencies, SARs, fires, etc. In addition to these duties, the ranger selected will provide division program development and management on all levels for the district. Occupancy is required; relocation expenses are authorized. Visit USAJOBS for full details on this opportunity. The announcement number is SEUG-MP-05-02 and it closed on February 4th. Questions should be directed to Brenda Tupek at 435-719-2117.
[Submitted by Nancy Y. Wilson]
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.