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NATIONAL PARK SERVICE MORNING REPORT BLACKBERRY EDITION Friday, March 31, 2006 =============================================================================================================== INCIDENTS Blue Ridge Parkway Sentencing of Employee on Felony Charges On March 29th, a park maintenance supervisor pled guilty in US District Court in Lynchburg, Virginia, to charges of possession of child pornography, theft of government property, and possession of a machine gun. As a condition of a plea agreement, twelve additional felony charges were dismissed. The employee has been in federal custody since his arrest last November 10th after being indicted by a federal grand jury in Roanoke. The guilty plea culminates a seven-month-long investigation involving special agents from the NPS Investigative Services Branch and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and protection rangers from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park. Sentencing will take place on June 12th. He faces a maximum penalty of 21 years in prison and a fine of $600,000. He will also forfeit all firearms and computer equipment used in the furtherance of these criminal acts. For more information, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/vaw/press_releases/amacher_29mar2006.html" http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/vaw/press_releases/amacher_29mar2006.html [Christopher Smith, Special Agent] TRAINING Please submit information on upcoming training courses to HYPERLINK "mailto:Bill_Halainen@nps.gov" Bill_Halainen@nps.gov. New listings and revisions are in bold face. ********************************************************************************************************** April 3 - April 7 Wireless Telecommunications Systems, BLM National Training Center, Phoenix, AZ. This is a multi-agency course taught in conjunction with industry representatives. The course provides information about the construction, operation, and management of wireless telecommunication systems. Participants will learn to distinguish among different wireless technologies and services. The course number is BLM-2000-21. There is no tuition for NPS participants. Contact Lee Dickinson at 202-513-7092 for more information. April 18 - April 21 Fundamentals of Special Park Uses, Omaha, NE. Midwest Region is sponsoring a competency-based training course on special park uses. Topics include authorities for special park uses, the permitting process, compliance issues, special events, filming, use of parks for First Amendment activities, rights-of-way for public utilities, telecommunications, commercial use authorizations and leasing, and cost recovery. For more information, contact Floy Westermeier at 402-661-1652 or Lee Dickinson at 202-513-7092. 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 25 - April 27 Wildlife Field Anesthesia, Fort Collins, CO. Designed for NPS personnel, the class offers instruction on the field anesthesia of wildlife. Topics include regulations on the use of pharmaceuticals in wildlife, physiological effects of drugs, dose calculations, darting equipment, animal and human safety, euthanasia, and establishing a wildlife capture and anesthesia program. The class will consist of two classroom days, a half day using darting equipment on a shooting range, and a half day participating in a field exercise. Class size is limited. For more information and to reserve a spot in the class, contact Mark Graham at 970-267-2160 or email HYPERLINK "mailto:mark_graham@nps.gov" mark_graham@nps.gov. May 1 - May 5 Eastern High Angle Rescue Course, Big South Fork NRRA, TN. This course is designed to instruct rangers and response personnel who are tasked with the extrication of victims in a high angle environment. All participants need to be in good physical condition and are expected to spend periods of time on fixed lines with high exposure. The course will begin with basic knots and anchors and will progress to rigging rescue load anchor systems and finally to patient packaging in a litter, attending a litter on a cliff face, and raising and lowering rescue loads. Participants need to supply their own harnesses, helmets, gloves, and personal locking carabiners. Travel and per diem will be benefiting account. Participants will be staying at a park campground in order to reduce costs and make night operations and exercises more accessible. For more information, contact any of the following via email or at the indicated phone numbers - Rob Turan at 706-866-6627, Randy Scoggins at 423-569-2404 ext. 260, or Kevin Moses at 423-569-2404 ext. 267. May 1 - May 5 Preservation and Treatment of Park Cultural Resources - Module #2, March-Billings NHP, Woodstock, VT. Module #2 is part of a two module competency-based curriculum designed specifically for facility managers and chiefs of maintenance. The curriculum focuses on 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. This module provides the knowledge and skills to improve performance in providing essential direction and oversight relating to the management and maintenance of park cultural resources with specific emphasis on historic structures, cultural landscapes, and archeological resources. Contact Kevin Turner at Albright Training Center (928-638-7988) for more information. May 8 - May 12 Annual Law Enforcement Refresher, Holiday Inn Express Convention Center, Hot Springs, SD. Sponsored by Wind Cave NP. Participants should bring defensive gear - a $25 fee will be charged to cover the cost of qualifying ammunition. Some session will require athletic gear, and participants in the optional PEB should bring both running and court shoes. For an application and for answers to any questions you might have, please contact Rick Mossman at 605-745-1151. May 9 - May 26 Law Enforcement Control Tactics Instructor Training (LECTITP-604), FLETC, Glynco, GA. For more information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, HYPERLINK "mailto:Wiley_Golden@nps.gov" Wiley_Golden@nps.gov) or go to HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024" http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024 . May 15 - May 19 Submerged Cultural Resources Law Enforcement, Homestead, FL. Biscayne NP will host the class. Diver certification is desirable, but not mandatory. There will be snorkeling during the class, but no scuba diving. There are two steps in the registration process. First contact class coordinator Larry Murphy at 505-988-6750 or via email, then make arrangements for payment of the $400 tuition with archeologist Martin McAllister (406-728-7195, HYPERLINK "mailto:ari@bigsky.net" ari@bigsky.net). The registration deadline is April 14th. May 18 - May 19 GPS for Law Enforcement Applications, Barataria Preserve Education Center, Jean Lafitte NHP, Marrero, LA. This two-day course will focus on the history, function, capabilities and applications of PGS to search and rescue, mapping and map applications, law enforcement activities and courtroom testimony. Training will include lectures, lab/field exercises, and “homework.” Attendees must bring their own GPS receives. First priority will be given to LE officers; second priority will be given to all other applicants. Tuition: $75. For more information, contact Leigh Zahm at 504-589-2330 ext. 17. June 5 - June 16 Physical Fitness Coordinator Training (PFCTP-605), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on April 17th. For more information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, HYPERLINK "mailto:Wiley_Golden@nps.gov" Wiley_Golden@nps.gov) or go to HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024" http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024 . June 13 - June 16 “GPS to GIS: Pathfinder Systems,” training course, Anchorage, AK. The class will focus on the field and office work flow for using Trimble GPS equipment to generate data for use in the ArcGis 9.1 environment. For details, go to HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewtrainingarticle&type=Conferences&id=1079" http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewtrainingarticle&type=Conferences&id=1079 or contact Joel Cusick via email. June 19 - June 23
Police Bicycle Training (PBTP-604), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on May 4th. For more information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, HYPERLINK "mailto:Wiley_Golden@nps.gov" Wiley_Golden@nps.gov) or go to HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024" http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024 . June 19 - June 23 Law Enforcement Advanced Interviewing Training Program (LEAINTP-606), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on May 15th. For more information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, HYPERLINK "mailto:Wiley_Golden@nps.gov" Wiley_Golden@nps.gov) or go to HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024" http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024 . June 20 - June 23 Instructor Techniques For Non-Lethal Training Ammunition (ITNTA-602), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on May 5th. For more information, contact Wiley Golden (912-267-2246, HYPERLINK "mailto:Wiley_Golden@nps.gov" Wiley_Golden@nps.gov) or go to HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024" http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024 . June 21 - June 23 Housing Training and Workshop, Anchorage, AK. The course will provide employees responsible for employee housing a better understanding and working knowledge of the 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. Closes on May 17th. For more information, contact Hala Bates via email or at 303-969-2742. August 9 - August 10 Interviewing and Interrogation, Federal Mine Safety and Health Academy, Beaver, WV. It is the goal of this course to familiarize both new and seasoned investigators with the various disciplines of "detecting deception." This is accomplished though learning to recognize non-verbal body language, eye-assessing cues (neuro-linguistics), and by being introduced to the newest form of conducting a detailed analysis of verbal and written statements. This unique course offers investigators insight as to what a person is actually saying, and, most importantly, what they are not saying. No tuition. Nearby lodging is available at government rates. Anyone interested in this training should contact Chuck Noll at HYPERLINK "mailto:chuck_noll@nps.gov" chuck_noll@nps.gov or call him at 304-763-3145 x16 for more information. October 16 - October 20 Housing Training and Workshop, Denver, CO. The course will provide park staff responsible for employee housing with a better understanding and working knowledge of the 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. Closes on September 27th. For more information, contact Hala Bates via email or at 303-969-2742. EVENTS Please submit information on upcoming events to HYPERLINK "mailto:Bill_Halainen@nps.gov" Bill_Halainen@nps.gov. New listings and revisions are in bold face. ********************************************************************************************************** April 27 - April 30 “Preserving the Historic Road,” conference, Omni Parker House Hotel, Boston, MA. This biannual, national conference will attract engineers and designers, preservationists and grassroots advocates and will showcase the historic roads and parkways of greater Boston and Massachusetts. A downloadable conference registration brochure is available at HYPERLINK "http://www.historicroads.org/sub7_1.htm" http://www.historicroads.org/sub7_1.htm (look under “Register now”). Space is limited, so register early. More information on historic road issues can be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.historicroads.org" www.historicroads.org. May 2 - May 4 Cultivating A Culture of Sustainability, du Bois Conference Center, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ. This no-cost conference will provide technical assistance and educational opportunities to field staff in maintenance, procurement, warehousing, and administration in federal and state land management agencies and local governments. The focus of the conference is integrating more environmentally-friendly practices into the public sector, while dealing with contrasting issues of limited resources, budget reductions, smaller travel budgets, and unfunded mandates. Participants will leave the two-day conference with technical information, resource information and contacts regarding: Pollution prevention (P2), nuts and bolts of environmental compliance, green purchasing, environmentally preferred products, green energy, solid waste management, water conservation, alternative fuels, and green buildings. HYPERLINK "http://www.cultivatingsustainability.com/" http://www.cultivatingsustainability.com/ June 14 - June 20 International Ranger Federation Fifth World Congress, Stirling, Scotland. IRF is a federation of about 35 national ranger organizations from around the world - from Uruguay to Scotland, from India to Iceland. Meetings are held every three years in different continents. The four main themes of this congress are:
Access- Managing access from doorstep to wilderness Benefits- Sharing environmental values and perceptions Connections - Benefiting people and places Delivery - Making the connections work For details on the congress, go to HYPERLINK "http://www.ranger-irfc.com/scotcover2006.htm" http://www.ranger-irfc.com/scotcover2006.htm October 5 - October 8 Employee and Alumni Association Reunion, Grand Canyon, AZ. Open to all E&AA members and their guests. Come see old friends, make some new ones, and enjoy the festivities! The reunion will include a welcome western barbeque the first day, a campfire with western singing and music, tours of the canyon, and an E&AA overview. Enjoy a weekend filled with fun, laughter, great fellowship and plenty of food. For more information, contact Veronica Manley at 215-283-6900x 135 or email HYPERLINK "mailto:VeronicaM@easternnational.org" VeronicaM@easternnational.org. A registration form and additional information will also be available in the next issue of the Arrowhead. Start making plans & save the date! 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. November 2 - November 4 “Backyards and Beyond,” Second Annual National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Education Conference, Denver, CO. This conference provides a great opportunity to network with other like-minded professionals and to share best practices. The diverse group of attendees will provide invaluable information to take back with you to your community and workplace. You will be able to customize your educational experience by choosing from more than 70 educational sessions over six conference tracks. Please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.firewise.org/conference06/" http://www.firewise.org/conference06/ for registration materials and conference updates as they become available. November 11 - November 14 Ranger Rendezvous XXIX, The Association of National Park Rangers, Coeur d'Alene Resort, Coeur d'Alene, ID. For more information, go to HYPERLINK "http://www.anpr.org/coeurdalene-rr.htm" http://www.anpr.org/coeurdalene-rr.htm . Additional details will appear as the event gets closer. * * * * * Prepared by Visitor and Resource Protection, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA. --- ### --- |