NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

MORNING REPORT

BLACKBERRY EDITION

Monday, January 30, 2006

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INCIDENTS

Grand Teton NP

Lost Skier Found in Park Backcountry

On Wednesday, January 25th, a search was begun for a 49-year-old local man who was reported overdue from a backcountry skiing trip into Granite Canyon on Wednesday, January 25th. The man was a member of a group of 11 skiers who planned to ski in the upper Granite Canyon area that day, then return to Teton Village at day's end. Around 2:30 p.m., he decided to leave the group and follow a different route out of the canyon. While crossing Granite Creek, he fell through a snow bridge, broke a ski pole, and got soaked up to his knees in icy water. By 4 p.m., daylight was fading. The lost skier made his way to one of the park's backcountry cabins and was able to warm himself and dry out his clothing and ski skins. As a safety precaution, he also made the decision to wait until dawn before attempting to ski out. He was prepared for his backcountry trip and carried an emergency blanket, headlamp, extra water, high energy bars, and other food items. After his companions reported him as overdue that evening, rangers began packing a trail that night from the Granite Canyon parking area into the mouth of the canyon for rescue skiers to use the next morning. At first light, rangers coordinated with a Teton County contract helicopter and personnel from Teton County Search and Rescue to begin rescue operations. Meanwhile, three of the man's companions packed some outdoor equipment - tents, jackets, snow pants, a stove, and Motorola radios - and began their own search by skiing back into Granite Canyon at 1 a.m. on Thursday morning. They found the missing man around 5:20 a.m. and attempted to make radio contact with other friends. Rangers called off the search after being notified at 7 a.m. that he had been found, that he was okay, and that the group was skiing out. The man had reportedly skied in Granite Canyon several times over the past several years. Rangers credit him for being prepared with emergency gear and for making decisions that kept him safe. [Jackie Skaggs, Public Affairs Officer]

Independence NHP

Arrest Made in Bomb Threats to Independence Hall

On January 26th, protection staff made an arrest following a five-month-long investigation into a series of bomb threats against Independence Hall, Based on evidence gathered during the investigation and a confession, the U.S. Attorney's Office charged the suspect with 28 separate US Code violations. The investigation was conducted jointly with the FBI, Philadelphia PD and U.S. Attorney's Office. For a related news article, click on “More Information” below HYPERLINK "http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/13729731.htm" http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/13729731.htm. [Joe Nicholson, Chief of Operations]

PARKS AND PEOPLE

NPS Alumni

Interpretation Specialist Grant Sharpe Dies

Grant Sharpe, professor emeritus from the University of Washington College of Forest Resources (Outdoor Recreation), passed away on January 17th. He was a leader in interpretation and a teacher of many interpreters over the years. After a stint in the Navy during World War II, he took advantage of the GI Bill and entered the College of Forestry at the University of Washington, eventually choosing outdoor recreation as his major. After earning his Ph.D. in 1955, Grant was offered a position at the University of Michigan teaching dendrology and fire management. For the next 13 years, during summer breaks, he worked as a seasonal ranger-naturalist, initiating and upgrading interpretative programs in Glacier, Olympic, Shenandoah, Crater Lake, Acadia, and Mount Rainier National Parks. A memorial is planned for Sunday, February 12th, in Port Ludlow. For a detailed obituary, click on “More Information” below. HYPERLINK "http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/sited/story/html/228250" http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/sited/story/html/228250 [Mark Forbes]

JOBS

Denali NP&P

GS-025-9 Park Rangers (Protection) - Two Openings

Denali National Park and Preserve is currently recruiting for park ranger candidates interested in lateral reassignments at the GS-9 level. The two current vacancies are located in the North District, which encompasses park headquarters, the Kantishna Historic District/Wonder Lake area, the 90 miles of historic road linking the two, and the major portion of the park's spectacular backcountry. Rangers in the district are tasked with performing the wide range of law enforcement, emergency service and resource management duties in both “frontcountry” and backcountry settings. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in resource law enforcement, community policing, backcountry travel, winter skills, and various search and rescue disciplines. Persons selected will be required to obtain a NREMT-B certification if they do not currently possess same. The ranger in one of the two open positions will be designated as the Toklat area ranger and will be stationed at the Toklat Road Camp at mile 54 on the park road during the core summer months (housing will be available at park HQ for the remainder of the year.) The ranger who fills the second position will be duty stationed at park HQ and will be responsible for programmatic aspects of the district search and rescue and EMS programs in addition to regular duties. The opportunity for diverse ranger activities and patrols, significant autonomy, and independent work exists for rangers in both positions. Dual career couples are encouraged to apply. For more information contact Richard Moore, North District Ranger, at 907-683-9527. Salary includes a 25% cost of living allowance, which is exempt from Federal income tax. Relocation expenses will be paid, and occupancy of government housing is required. Persons interested in reassignment should send application materials, consisting of a SF171 or equivalent, most current SF50, and most current performance appraisal, to Bill Allen, Human Resources, Denali National Park and Preserve, PO Box 9, Denali Park, AK 99755-0009. Applications must be postmarked by February 13th.

[Peter Armington, Chief, Division of Visitor and Resource Protection]

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Prepared by Visitor and Resource Protection, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.

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