Mojave National Preserve (CA)
Armed Assault on Park Rangers
A man who resides east of Barstow has been arrested on federal
charges of assaulting and impeding federal law enforcement officers when
he confronted them with an assault rifle last weekend. L.H.S.,
62, who lives in the high desert near Newberry Springs and Yermo, was
arrested on February 16th by agents with the National Park Service. On
February 12th, rangers saw L.H.S. and another man operating a
trenching machine near a desert spring located in the Cut Springs area
of Mojave National Preserve. The area near the spring is documented as
containing sensitive archeological and cultural resources. The two
uniformed National Park Service rangers contacted L.H.S. and his
friend to discuss their trenching activity. While one of the rangers was
photographing the scene, L.H.S. removed a .30-caliber M-1 carbine
from a vehicle. According to the affidavit in support of the criminal
complaint, L.H.S. placed a magazine in the weapon and chambered a
round. He then allegedly pointed the weapon at the ranger taking the
pictures and began to advance on the ranger. Despite repeated commands
to drop the weapon, L.H.S. continued to advance with his weapon,
which he had shouldered in the ready firing position. The threatened
officer was forced to draw his weapon and take defensive cover behind a
nearby cabin. During the ensuing stand-off, an eight-year-old child of
L.H.S.'s friend was between L.H.S. and the ranger. In order to
protect the child and everyone else at the scene, the two rangers
decided to de-escalate the situation by slowly withdrawing to their
marked patrol vehicle and leaving the area. L.H.S. is charged with
assaulting, resisting, intimidating, and impeding federal law
enforcement officers, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years
in federal prison. A criminal complaint contains allegations that a
defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent
until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The case
against L.H.S. is the result of an investigation by the United States
Department of the Interior, National Park Service.
[Submitted by
Debra Yang, United States Attorney, Central District of California]
Denali National Park & Preserve (AK)
Climber Missing on Mt. Huntington
A search is underway for a climber who was reported missing after a probable avalanche on Mt. Huntington. The climber's partner reported the incident directly to the Talkeetna Ranger Station staff via satellite phone just after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15th. The missing climber, J.S., 26, of Trapper Creek, was last observed by his partner between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. that morning as the two-person team approached the West Face Couloir route on Mt. Huntington, a 12,240-foot peak situated just south of Mt. McKinley. J.S. was skiing up ahead of his partner, J.R., as the two ascended the peak near its 8,800-foot level. J.R. saw his partner reach a bench, then J.S. skied out of view. When J.R. reached the same bench, he was unable to see or hear the lost climber. Although J.R. did not see an avalanche occur, debris covered the area. After searching for over three hours, the partner descended to the team's base camp at 8,000-feet and phoned for assistance. An aerial search has been underway since Wednesday. [Submitted by Maureen McLaughlin]
Pinnacles National Monument (CA)
BASE Jumping Incident
On the afternoon of Sunday, February 6th, three BASE jumps leapt
sequentially from the middle tier of Balconies Cliffs, an ecologically
sensitive area currently under visitor advisories for nesting prairie
falcons, peregrine falcons and golden eagles. The park raptor monitor
witnessed the jumps, as well as extreme disturbance to raptors in their
nesting territories as a result of the sounds and motions of the
deploying parachutes. The jumps were also seen by a ranger who was on
the Balconies Cliffs trail almost directly underneath the BASE jumpers.
The jumpers, later identified as D.D., 26, R.V., 34,
and B.C., 26, were immediately apprehended at the talus base of
the Balconies Cliffs in an area closed to visitors due to revegetation
efforts. All three were issued mandatory appearance citations for air
delivery and were released after their equipment was seized as evidence.
Numerous other charges are pending. Glenn Yanagi is the case
ranger.
[Submitted by Glenn Yanagi, Park Ranger]
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (LA)
Ranger Assists at Serious Accident
Ten people were injured in a head-on collision that occurred just
outside the southeast boundary of the park's Barataria Preserve on the
afternoon of February 7th. A pickup truck veered across the median and
into oncoming lanes on the Leo Kerner-Lafitte Parkway and struck a
tourist passenger van, which then caught fire. Ranger Erin Mackin
arrived on scene with the local fire department and EMS. Shortly
afterward, the local sheriff's department and Louisiana state troopers
took charge of the scene. The driver of the pickup remains in critical
condition and faces a possible citation. Alcohol and/or drugs are not
considered factors in the crash according to troopers. The van had been
returning from a swamp tour with Mardi Gras revelers.
[Submitted by Leigh Zahm, Supervisory Park Ranger]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Servicewide
Upcoming Training Calendar
UPCOMING TRAINING
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. New listings and revisions are in bold face.
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March 3 — March 9
NFPA 25 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Fire Sprinkler Systems, Aiken, SC. Instruction includes both a lecture and skills training on inspecting, testing and maintenance of sprinkler systems. For more information, contact Donna Baumgaertner at 215-597-3044; for nomination forms, go to http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custompages.cfm?prg=284&id=2725&lv=4&pgid=921
March 7 — March 18
Structural Fire Driver/Operator, Golden Gate NRA, CA. The class is designed to provide structural firefighters with information and skills essential for safe operation and proper maintenance of fire apparatus. For an announcement and additional information, go to http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custompages.cfm?prg=284&id=2647&lv=4&pgid=897 or contact Jim Traub at 928-608-6535.
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 10 — March 11
NFPA 72 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Alarms Systems, Aiken, SC. Instruction includes both a lecture and skills training on inspecting, testing and maintenance of fire alarm systems. For more information, contact Donna Baumgaertner at 215-597-3044; for nomination forms, go to http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custompages.cfm?prg=284&id=2729&lv=4&pgid=922
March 14 — March 18
Managing Museum Property, San Diego Museum of Man, San Diego, CA. This five-day course provides training in the fundamentals of managing museum property. The course is oriented to collateral-duty staff. There is no tuition. Benefiting accounts cover travel and per diem. Additional information and an application can be found at the Interior Museum Program website address: http://museums.doi.gov/ training/managing.html , or contact Donald Cumberland at 202-208-4698.
March 15 — March 17
Interagency Serious Accident Investigation Course, NTC-BLM National Training Center, Phoenix, AZ. For full details on the training session, go to http://classicinside.nps.gov/headline.cfm?type=Conferences&id=837 or contact Al King at 208-387-5967.
March 15 — March 17
Stepping into Supervision — Adventures in Leadership, Mammoth Cave NP, Mammoth Cave, KY. A three-day seminar for first-time supervisors, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of a supervisor, human resources management, the new five-tier performance management system, leadership style, and strategies for team-building and managing and appreciating differences. The catalogue code is SML-6650. The deadline for nominations is March 2nd; applications should apply via My Learning Manager. For more information, contact Mary Conner at 270-758-2171.
March 15 — March 18
Law Enforcement Refresher, Sugarlands Training Room, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Gatlinburg, TN. The agenda will include death investigations and field interviewing, a legal update, defensive tactics and an update on gang activity in the Appalachian states. Email nominations to rick_brown@nps.gov by close of business on March 1st or fax them to 865-436-1267. For forms and agendas, contact Rick at 865-436-1268.
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 4 — April 8
Preservation and Treatment of Park Cultural Resources - Module #2, Tumacacori NHP, Tumacacori, AZ. A 40-hour competency-based course, sponsored by the Horace M. Albright Training Center, for facility managers and chiefs of maintenance. The course addresses the foundation knowledge and skills crucial for facility managers/chiefs of maintenance, as frontline stewards, to provide essential direction and oversight relating to the preservation, treatment, and maintenance of park cultural resources. There are 24 slots. There is no tuition; benefiting accounts pay travel and per diem. Register online in the NPS My Learning Manager system at: http://mylearning.nps.gov . Click on "Learning Categories," then "Maintenance,", then "Catalog Item Title" to see details, then "View Events to Apply." For more detailed information, contact Tony Knapp, 928-638-7986 or Steve Hastings, 301-663-8206, ext. 134.
April 5 — April 7
Stepping into Supervision — Adventures in Leadership, Midwest Regional Office, Omaha, NE. A three-day seminar for first-time supervisors, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of a supervisor, human resources management, the new five-tier performance management system, leadership style, and strategies for team-building and managing and appreciating differences. The catalogue code is SML-6650. The deadline for nominations is March 18th; applications should apply via My Learning Manager. For more information, contact Floy Westermeier at 402-661-1652.
April 10 — April 16
Advanced Resource Protection Training, San Luis Obispo, CA. A 50-hour course that includes classroom, outdoor and evening classes. Sessions will include a legal update, resource crimes, tactical shooting, building clearing, defensive tactics and two days of scenarios. Closes on March 25th. For a copy of the announcement, go to http://www. nps.gov/training/announcements/advancedresprot.doc
April 11 — April 14
Introduction to Accessibility Management in Parks and Recreation for Accessibility Coordinators, National Center on Accessibility at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Training designed specifically for newly-appointed accessibility coordinators. Tuition $495. Closes on April 1st. Course registration forms can be found at http://www.ncaonline.org/training/accessibility_management.shtml. For more information, contact Nan A. Smith at 812-856-4421, or see the course summary at http://classicinside.nps.gov/headline.cfm?type=Conferences&id=841.
April 11 — April 14
First Annual OLES Security Conference, Ellis Island Conference Room, Statue of Liberty NM, NY. The conference has been designed to provide senior security personnel with a collaborative forum in which to examine current DOI security efforts. A primary focus will be on the introduction of the recently developed national monument and icon assessment methodology, using a combination of lecture and practical exercise. Other conference topics include Departmental policy updates, introduction to new security technologies, operational security considerations, employee security awareness training initiatives, blast assessments, DOI Watch Office operations, and current threat intelligence overview (unclassified). The conference is directed toward those permanent Departmental security personnel having significant responsibility for the development, implementation or monitoring of bureau/office security programs. Closes on February 25th. For a copy of the announcement, go to http://www.nps.gov/training/announcements/OLES-Security-Conference.doc
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.
May 10 — May 12
Colt M-16/AR-15 Armorer's School, Barataria Preserve, Jean Lafitte NHP&P, LA. The course will focus on the theory, nomenclature, dynamics, compatibility, interchangeability, detailed disassembly, assembly, maintenance, and trouble-shooting of the M-16/AR-15 family of weapons. Students must demonstrate proficiency as well as attain a score of 70% or higher on the written test in order to pass. The certification lasts for three years and costs $375. For more information, contact ranger Erin Mackin at 504-589-2330 ext. 27.
May 23 — May 27
Fundamentals of Special Park Uses, National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV. The 36-hour course, listed as VRPSPU3003 on My Learning Manager, covers all aspects of special park uses, from First Amendment to filming and photography to wireless telecommunication sites. Temporary food services and other health and safety issues related to special park uses will also be discussed. DO-53/RM-53, 36 CFR and NPS Management Policies (2001) will be covered in depth. A draft agenda is posted on the special park uses page. For more information, contact Lee Dickinson, WASO special park uses program manager, at 202-513-7092. For an agenda, go to http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=185&id=3225
May 24 — May 26
Midwest Cemetery Monument Conservation Workshop, Omaha, NE. The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training has scheduled its third workshop on the conservation of cemetery monuments. The program will include a three-day, hands-on learning experience in cemetery and materials conservation. Partners include the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center and the Midwest Regional Office of the National Park Service. A lecture and a hands-on session on metal conservation will also be added to this year's training. For more information, contact Mary F. Striegel at 318-356-7444 or mary_striegel@nps.gov.
June 14 — June 24
National Center for Preservation Technology and Training Summer Institute, Natchitoches, LA. Includes courses in preservation engineering that offer participants fieldwork using nationally significant structures in the Cane River region of Louisiana where NCPTT is headquartered. For more information, contact Andy Ferrell at 318-356-7444 or Andrew_ferrell@nps.gov .
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Midwest Region
GS-025-14 Park Manager (Superintendent)
Dates: 02/18/2005 - 03/18/2005
Midwest Region has an opening for a GS-025-14 park manager (superintendent) at Lincoln Home NHS. It's open to federal employees with career or career-conditional status with the National Park Service only. The announcement opens today and closes on March 18th.
The superintendent serves as the Illinois state coordinator for the National Park Service. The coordinator is the principal representative of the Service insofar as state-level external contacts are concerned. The superintendent is expected to have working contacts with appropriate state officials, conservation leaders, and other segments of the public, and will also play a key role in planning, organizing and coordinating local, regional, and national activities to commemorate the bicentennial of President Lincoln's birth in 2009.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site is in downtown Springfield, Illinois. Springfield, population 111,000, is the state capital and is located approximately 200 miles south of Chicago and 100 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri. Amenities usually found in an area this size are available in the metropolitan area such as a wide variety of educational and cultural opportunities, and professional, commercial, and health services. The climate is cold in winter and hot and humid in summer. Government housing is not available, but a variety of options are available and housing is considered to be among the most affordable within the United States. Additional information about Lincoln Home can be found on the park's Website http://www.nps.gov/liho and information about the Springfield area can be found at http://www.springfield.il.us/.
Please refer to announcement MWRO-05-MP-0013 on http://www.usajobs.gov for application instructions. For additional information, contact Lynda Orbik at 402-661-1646.
[Submitted by Lynda Orbik, Lynda_orbik@nps.gov, (402) 661-1646]
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 Visitor and Resource Protection, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.