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NATIONAL PARK SERVICE MORNING REPORT BLACKBERRY EDITION Friday, January 20, 2006 =============================================================================================================== INCIDENTS Olympic NP Queets Road Again Damaged; Closure Extended Queets Road, closed since last March because of a major slide, was further damaged late last week after extensive heavy rain. Another landslide in the same area completely destroyed about 150 feet of the road and created a 200-foot vertical drop to the river. Last March, a large amount of rock, clay and other material broke loose from a point next to the road and slid about 100 feet down to the river. The roadbed was severely compromised and large cracks developed in the road surface, making the road unsafe for vehicle traffic. A site inspection by road engineers revealed that groundwater seepage on the hillside most likely caused the slide. The recent prolonged rains added to the groundwater seepage; a creek is now flowing from the base of the new slide. National Park Service employees have been developing an environmental assessment (EA) to analyze a proposal to reroute the road around the slide area. Initial public input was gathered this past summer to help define the issues and alternatives to be addressed in the EA. The EA will be released within the next several months for public review and comment and will consider the current repair challenge. All other park roads remain open, with the exception of the Deer Park and Obstruction Point roads, which are closed for the season, and the Dosewallips Road, which is closed outside the park boundary due to a washout. The 14-mile-long Queets Road is closed at the Matheny Creek bridge (milepost 8), leaving the last six miles of the road off limits to vehicle traffic. The Queets campground, ranger station, trailhead and two boat ramps above the slide are closed. [Barb Maynes, Public Affairs Officer] Padre Island NS Aggravated Kidnapping Conviction Last April 18th, rangers received a report of a disturbance at the entrance station involving a stolen car. A female case worker for the local office of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR) told rangers that she had been giving an MHMR client a ride to his destination when the man suddenly pulled out a knife and ordered her to drive to the beach. Upon reaching the park's entrance station, the woman bolted from her vehicle. The man ran after her, brandishing the knife. He knocked her to the ground and began dragging her by the hair back towards the van, but then threw the knife into a nearby field and drove away in the woman's vehicle. Rangers arrested him a short while later when he returned to the scene. On January 12th, he was convicted of aggravated kidnapping in Texas district court and sentenced to life imprisonment. [Randy Larson, Chief Ranger] UPCOMING TRAINING NOTE: Insofar as is possible, new training submissions will now be run as separate, discrete entries when they are received, then will be briefly summarized and posted in this weekly training calendar, which comes out on Fridays. This will provide readers with two opportunities to catch new training postings. Please submit information to HYPERLINK "mailto:Bill_Halainen@nps.gov" Bill_Halainen@nps.gov. New listings and revisions are in bold face. ********************************************************************************************************** January 30 - February 3 LE Refresher, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Pensacola Beach, FL. Sponsored by Gulf Islands NS. In addition to the required established curriculum, the course will include sessions on ethics, sexual assault forensics from a nurse expert, Fish and Wildlife case updates, SFTS and DRE updates, and victim/witness updates. There will also be an optional taser certification course. For room reservations, call 850-932-6000 or 888-287-9400. If you are interested in attending, contact DeDe Mladucky (850-232-3623, HYPERLINK "mailto:Deanna_Mladucky@nps.gov" Deanna_Mladucky@nps.gov) or John Bandurski (850-934-2651, HYPERLINK "mailto:John_Bandurski@nps.gov" John_Bandurski@nps.gov). January 30 - February 3 Archeological Resources Protection Training (CP-ARPTP-601), Port Hueneme, CA. Training in asll aspects of archeological investigation and subsequent prosecution of crimes. Taught by instructors who are nationally-recognized subject-matter experts in the fields of law enforcement, archeology and law. Questions should be directed to Charles Louke (912-280-5188, HYPERLINK "mailto:charles.louke@dhs.gov" charles.louke@dhs.gov); for NPS course registration information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, HYPERLINK "mailto:Wiley_Golden@nps.gov" Wiley_Golden@nps.gov). January 31 - February 3 EMT Refresher, Lassen Volcanic NP, Redding, CA. The refresher will meet NREMT standards. Tuition is $50. For more information, contact Kelly Roche at 530-595-4444 ext. 5183. February 22 - February 24 EMT Basic Refresher, Everglades NP, Homestead, FL. The training will follow the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians requirements for a 24-hour biennial EMT-Basic refresher. Nominations should be mailed to HYPERLINK "mailto:Curt_Dimmick@nps.gov" Curt_Dimmick@nps.gov by close of business on Monday, February 13th. They can also be faxed to 305-242-7716. For further information, contact Curt at 305-282-7860 or 239-695-3096. February 27 - March 3 Interaction of Science and Policy in Natural Resource Management, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL. This pilot interdisciplinary course focuses on the interaction of science and policy in addressing problems of natural resource management, stressing the need for effective communication and collaboration among scientists and non-scientist policy makers. Participants, including superintendents, resource managers, and scientists, will gain experience utilizing essential tools for working together to analyze and articulate complex natural resource issues using a case study based on real NPS issues. The allocation of water to the natural areas of South Florida (particularly Everglades National Park) will be used as the case study. Participants will evaluate and assess an issue, identify needed decisions, determine priorities, and develop a range of decision options along with probable consequences of each decision. Participants will be required to present a briefing on their findings to a panel including legal, congressional, executive branch, media, and special interest stakeholders. This pilot course is being developed in partnership with University of Miami, Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy. Instructors will include both University faculty and NPS employees. Interested participants can apply through My Learning Manager for this course under NRS 4030. There is no tuition and the application deadline is COB January 27th. For more information about the course, see the announcement and draft agenda at: HYPERLINK "http://www.nps.gov/training/nrs/nrshome.htm" http://www.nps.gov/training/nrs/nrshome.htm or contact Jeri Hall, Horace Albright Training Center, at 928-638-7927. February 27 - March 3 Law Enforcement for Managers Training Program (NPS_LEM-601) FLETC, Glynco, GA. For more information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, HYPERLINK "mailto:Wiley_Golden@nps.gov" Wiley_Golden@nps.gov). Closes on January 20th. February 27 - March 3 LE Refresher, Moab, UT. The Southeast Utah Group will host a 40-hour NPS law enforcement refresher in the Moab area on the above dates. Tentative topics include a live Telnet legal update direct from FLETC, tactical shooting (not qualifications), eight hours of FLETC defensive tactics, scenarios, and other topics. One night session is likely, and a half day on Friday, March 3rd, to facilitate travel. All participants will be charged $100 from a benefiting account (or $20 a day if not attending the entire week) to support the cost of the refresher. Please contact Jason Ramsdell ( HYPERLINK "mailto:Jason_Ramsdell@nps.gov" Jason_Ramsdell@nps.gov or 435 719-2224) by February 6th if you plan on attending any or all of the refresher. Attendees will receive detailed agenda, venue, and lodging information. March 3 - March 5 EMT-B Refresher, Statue of Liberty NM, Ellis Island, New York City, NY. No tuition. Travel, lodging and per diem paid by benefiting account. For more information, contact Eugene Kuziw, 212-363-3200 ext. 208. March 6 - March 10 Archeological Resources Protection Training Program (ARPTP-601), Glynco, GA. Training in all aspects of archeological investigation and subsequent prosecution of crimes. Taught by instructors who are nationally-recognized subject-matter experts in the fields of law enforcement, archeology and law. Questions should be directed to senior instructor Charles Louke (912-280-5188, charles.louke@dhs.gov); for NPS course registration information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, Wiley_Golden@nps.gov). Closing date for applications is February 10th. March 6 - March 10 Motorboat Operators Instructor Certification Courses, Lake Mead NRA, Boulder City, NV. This course is designed to prepare persons who have previously completed the MOCC program to instruct others in the field of motorboat operations. Applications must be submitted by January 31st. For further information and a nomination form, contact Lena Koschmann at 702-297-2018 or via email at HYPERLINK "mailto:lena_boesser-koschmann@nps.gov" lena_boesser-koschmann@nps.gov. March 14 - March 30 Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP-622X), , FLETC, Glynco, GA. For more information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, HYPERLINK "mailto:Wiley_Golden@nps.gov" Wiley_Golden@nps.gov). Closes on January 25th. March 14 - March 17 Boundary Management, Catoctin Mountain Park, MD. Funded by benefiting accounts. Rustic accommodations are available free on site. For more information, contact Mike Barnhart or Holly Rife at the park. March 20 - March 24 NPS Housing Training and Workshop and QMIS/Rates Training, National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV. This training and workshop will provide National Park Service employees responsible for employee housing a better understanding and working knowledge of the NPS Housing Program. Specific topics will include roles and responsibilities, WASO updates, QMIS inventory requirements, required and non-required occupancy, safety and health issues, needs assessments, condition assessments (FMSS/FCAS), GPRA, housing management plans, PMIS projects, DAB, budget tracking and conflict resolution. The housing training and workshop will begin at 1 p.m. on March 20th. QMIS and rates training will follow on March 21st. The housing training and workshop will then resume and continue for the remainder of the week. The deadline for applications is February 21st. For additional info, contact Hala Bates, regional housing officer in Intermountain Region, at 303-969-2742. Her fax is 303-969-2063. March 20 - March 31 Physical Fitness Coordinator Training Program (PFCTP-603), FLETC, Glynco, GA. For more information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, HYPERLINK "mailto:Wiley_Golden@nps.gov" Wiley_Golden@nps.gov). Closes on January 31st. March 20 - March 30 Driver Instructor Training (DITP-603), FLETC, Glynco, GA. For more information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, HYPERLINK "mailto:Wiley_Golden@nps.gov" Wiley_Golden@nps.gov). Closes on February 2nd. March 27 - April 7 Special Operations (SPEOPS), Tucson, Gila Bend and Ajo, AZ. This session is designed for personnel who are directly involved in special law enforcement operations in National Park Service areas. It is intended for those who are actually performing special enforcement field duties that relate to terrorism and security, counter-narcotics, and anti-poaching operations. For more information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, HYPERLINK "mailto:Wiley_Golden@nps.gov" Wiley_Golden@nps.gov). Closes on January 30th. March 28 - March 30 Assistance Agreements for Assistance Representatives, National Capital Training Center, Washington, DC. This course, which will be given by the National Procurement Institute, Inc., has room for 35 attendees, but only 10 slots have been filled so far. The course coordinator needs to know ASAP if anyone else is interested in attending. If you are, please contact Madonna Baucum at 970-225-3544. April 17 - April 21 Archeological Resources Protection Training Program (XP-ARPTP-602), Custer, SD. Training in all aspects of archeological investigation and subsequent prosecution of crimes. Taught by instructors who are nationally-recognized subject-matter experts in the fields of law enforcement, archeology and law. Questions should be directed to senior instructor Charles Louke (912-280-5188, charles.louke@dhs.gov); for NPS course registration information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, Wiley_Golden@nps.gov). Closing date for applications is March 17th. April 19 - April 21 Basic EMT Refresher, ALS Refresher, Zion NP. The park will be hosting a 24-hour EMT refresher from April 19th to the 21st and an ALS refresher on April 18th. No fee/tuition. For more info, contact Cody Cole at 435-772-7826 or via email at HYPERLINK "mailto:Cody_Cole@nps.gov" Cody_Cole@nps.gov. April 30 - May 6 Advanced Resource Protecting Training, San Luis Obispo, CA. This 50-hour course beings at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 30th, and ends at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 6th. The course includes classroom, outdoor and evening sessions. For more information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, HYPERLINK "mailto:Wiley_Golden@nps.gov" Wiley_Golden@nps.gov). Closes on March 20th. UPCOMING EVENTS NOTE: Insofar as is possible, submissions on upcoming events will now be run as separate, discrete entries when they are received, then will be briefly summarized and posted in this weekly events calendar, which comes out on Fridays. This will provide readers with two opportunities to catch new event postings. Please submit information to HYPERLINK "mailto:Bill_Halainen@nps.gov" Bill_Halainen@nps.gov. New listings and revisions are in bold face. ********************************************************************************************************** February 7 - February 9 Eighteenth Annual Conservation Law Enforcement Conference, Prescott, Arizona. The conference provides 18 hours of AZPOST certified training to local, state and federal conservation law enforcement officers, and features a competition pistol shoot. For further information, visit the conference web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.azclea.org" www.azclea.org. October 13 - October 16 Alumni Reunion, Mesa Verde NP, Colorado. One of the events commemorating Mesa Verde National Park's centennial this year will be an alumni reunion. The reunion will include a welcome social on the first day, followed by field trips, sessions on the park's past and future, talks, and evening gatherings with music and food. All past employees are invited. If you know of past employees who don't have access to InsideNPS, please pass the word to them. For further information, contact Beverly Cunningham ( HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/mailtBev_Cunningham@nps.gov" Bev_Cunningham@nps.gov, 970-529-4610), Linda Martin ( HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/mailtLinda_Martin@nps.gov" Linda_Martin@nps.gov, 970-529-4632), Sue Johnson-Erner ( HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/mailtSue_Johnson-Erner@nps.gov" Sue_Johnson-Erner@nps.gov, 970-529-4612) or Don Ross ( HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/mailtdkjlross@fone.net" dkjlross@fone.net, 970-560-9984 or 1-888-882-2840). To register for the reunion, go to HYPERLINK "mailto:meve_alumni@mesaverde2006.org" meve_alumni@mesaverde2006.org. * * * * * Prepared by Visitor and Resource Protection, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA. --- ### --- |