National Capital Region
NPS Co-Hosts Nation's 55th Inaugural Celebration
As the nation and the world watched the 55th inaugural celebration
amid cold and blustery weather Thursday, the months-long efforts of
large numbers of staff from the National Capital Region, WASO and the
U.S. Park Police culminated in a successful series of events. NCR staff
from various parks, along with WASO and U.S. Park Police staff, joined
numerous other federal and District of Columbia agencies to pay
attention to a multitude of details, ranging from the placement of
bleachers along both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue National Historical
Park and the issuing of numerous permits for First Amendment
demonstration activities to the involvement in the construction and
set-up of the Presidential reviewing stand in front of the White House
and the covered, multi-tiered news media platform in Lafayette Square.
Nearly two inches of snow fell on Washington Wednesday afternoon, so
maintenance crews from the National Mall and Memorial Parks, National
Capital Parks-East and Rock Creek Park had to work late into the evening
to help clear snow from sidewalks, roadways and parkways in the District
of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. The staffs from President's Park and
White House Liaison were especially tested, as they moved from the
annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree ceremony on the Ellipse
in early December directly into preparations for Wednesday's
pre-inaugural event, also on the Ellipse, featuring the President, First
Lady and family, Hollywood celebrities and numerous country western
musical performances. U.S. Park Police joined forces to form an
approximately 4,000-person strong Washington-based police effort along
with 2,000 out-of-town officers to aid in all facets of security, the
largest group of police officers ever to work for the official
swearing-in and inaugural festivities. Park rangers from Presidents Park
and the National Mall and Memorial Parks and NCR's Communications
Office staff welcomed large number of visitors to Washington and
answered literally thousands of calls asking for information and
guidance related to the Inauguration and related events.
[Submitted
by Bill Line, Public Affairs, NCRO]
Padre Island National Seashore (TX)
Major Structural Fire at Park Headquarters
On Sunday, January 16th, rangers received notification that a fire alarm had activated in the ranger trailer at park headquarters. This structure houses both ranger and resource management offices. Responding rangers found smoke billowing from the building, with the fire well established in the trailer's attic. Although numerous Corpus Christi FD and Nueces County emergency services engines responded, firefighters were hindered by a limited water supply and high winds. Those winds also blew flaming debris onto nearby grasslands and started a fast-moving brushfire. Campers at the Malaquite Beach campground were quickly evacuated and the main park road was closed due to heavy smoke. Wildland firefighters and brush trucks were called in from surrounding communities and from Aransas and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuges to assist NPS firefighters. The wildland fire was eventually extinguished later in the day after burning 267 acres. The ranger trailer was a total loss. Resource management lost historic documents and maps from the 1930s to the present and $80,000 in equipment. Ranger losses were significant, including the park's EMS cache, law enforcement operational gear, wildland fire supplies, computers, uniforms, new office furniture, and many years of law enforcement records and reports. Of particular significance was the loss of recently purchased digital radio equipment — valued at $136,000 — that was being stored in preparation for converting the park to a narrowband radio system. A preliminary investigation by a Corpus Christi fire marshal indicated that the origin of the fire was likely electrical. [Submitted by Randy Larson, Chief Ranger]
National Capital Parks-East (DC)
Fire at Kennilworth Maintenance Facility
A fire of undetermined origin caused significant damage to two storage rooms and a garage bay in a multi-use maintenance building on Wednesday evening. Damage is estimated to be in excess of $50,000. According to the park's safety officer, portions of the building exhibit signs of structural instability as a result of the fire. Damage and structural assessments will continue today. A DC fire investigator was on scene Wednesday evening, but exploding aerosol cans and other flammables obscured natural flame char patterns and made it impossible for him to determine the point of origin or a cause. [Submitted by Don Boucher, NCR Fire and Emergency Program Manager]
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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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. Please note that the deadline for making hotel reservations has been extended to January 28th. For additional information, contact Virginia McCleskey at 912-554-4828 or Virginia.mccleskey@dhs.gov.
February 14 — February 18
Annual Law Enforcement Refresher, Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino, Biloxi, MS. Sponsored by Gulf Islands NS. If you're interested in attending, please contact course coordinator Todd Clark at 228-875-9057 ext. 109 or email him at Todd_Clark@nps.gov . If he's not available, call Robert Harris at ext. 107, or email him at Robert_Harris@nps.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 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, 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 4 — April 8
Tactical Tracking Operations Level I: Basic Tactical Tracking, Pinnacles NM, CA. The course covers basic tracking techniques, assessing tracks, collecting foot sign evidence, team tracking, tactical tracking, tactical formations, encounter action drills, cover shoot and a few other firearms activities. This is a challenging week of tracking, hiking, shooting and hiking some more, and participants should be prepared for both wet or dry and hot weather. Class size limited to 15; tuition is $400 for NPS, $450 for non-NPS. Ammunition is not provided. The closing date is March 28th. For more info, contact Wendy Artz at 831-389-4485 x 236.
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.
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
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).
March 8 — March 9
"Genetic Considerations When Introducing Plant Materials for Restoration Projects on National Park Lands," Fort Collins, CO. The objective of this workshop will be to improve the incorporation of genetic information into decisions when considering the introduction of plant materials for proposed restoration/rehabilitation projects occurring on NPS lands. There will be presentations from genetic experts on principles and applications of genetics including: nature of genetic diversity, influences on genetic diversity, gene flow, what 'genetically local' or 'adapted means, risk (or not) from genetically modified plants, the special cases of clonal plants and polyploid species, and other related topics. Ample time will be provided for question/answer and discussions. Case studies from selected parks will be given when plant materials were used for restoration projects. For more information, contact Bruce Rittenhouse at 970-225-3591 or email him at Bruce_Rittenhouse@nps.gov .
May 16 — May 20
"Current Archaeological Prospection 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.
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.