Theodore Roosevelt National Park (ND)
Update: Additional Details Received On Helicopter Crash
A contract helicopter owned by El Aero Services of Elko, Nevada, crashed while rounding up feral horses in the park late on the morning of Thursday, October 18th. The helicopter had herded several groups of horses to the park's wildlife handling facility and was attempting to get them into a pen when the accident occurred. The pilot, Ted McBride, and the passenger, wildlife biologist Mark Oehler, suffered minor injuries and were taken by separate ambulances to St. Joseph's Hospital in Dickinson, North Dakota, as a precaution. Both men were treated and released that afternoon. McBride has been flying since 1955 and is extremely experienced in working with wildlife. He flew for the park during the 2004 and 2005 bison roundups and had completed work on a bison roundup in Wind Cave National Park earlier in the week. Oehler is the park's wildlife biologist and is a certified helicopter crewmember. Most of the park staff members were working the horse roundup and many witnessed the crash. Six emergency medical technicians were on scene and responded within moments of the accident. Several members of the local news media and the Associated Press were covering the horse roundup and were photographing and filming during the incident. Media attention was high and information was on the radio and internet within minutes of the crash. The cause of the accident is under investigation. [Submitted by Valerie Naylor, Superintendent]
Natchez Trace Parkway (AL,MS,TN)
Driver Killed In Single-Vehicle Accident
Park dispatch received a report of a single-vehicle accident a mile north of the Witch Dance comfort station near milepost 235 at 6:30 a.m. on October 19th. When rangers Scott Jamison and Larry Brown arrived on scene, they found that a Ford truck heading northbound on the parkway had crossed to the opposite side, gone off the pavement and down an embankment, and struck two trees. The driver, D.C., 68, of Guin, Alabama, was killed in the crash, which had occurred the previous night. The area was under a severe thunderstorm advisory at that time and had been hit by heavy rain showers. Rangers also found that D.C. had a history of heart ailments. An autopsy will be conducted. Brown is the investigating ranger. [Submitted by Allen S. Etheridge, Chief Ranger]
FIRE MANAGEMENT
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (CA)
Park Lands Closed Due To High Fire Danger
All National Park Service lands in the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills have beenclosed due to extreme fire danger until Tuesday, October 23rd. Strong Santa Ana wind conditions are forecast through that time, creating hazardous conditions and greatly increasing the likelihood of a wildland fire.
"Our first priority is to ensure the safety of the public," said Woody Smeck, superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains. "The risk of someone being trapped by a wildland fire or accidentally starting one during this exceptionally dangerous weather is too high, and has forced us to act with caution."
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning from early Sunday through Tuesday due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures, which can create explosive wildland fire spread potential.
The closure includes all parking lots, trailheads and trails. The Satwiwa Native American Culture Center will also be closed, as well as the contact stations at Circle X Ranch and Cheeseboro Canyon. However, the NPS visitor center in Thousand Oaks will remain open daily from 9 am until 5 pm. Fire and law enforcement personnel will be working extended hours patrolling the park.
All California State Park lands in the Santa Monica Mountains are also closed for this time period, except for coastal beaches.
The National Park Service manages numerous sites throughout the national recreation area in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. These include:
- Fryman Canyon
- Franklin Canyon Ranch
- Solstice Canyon
- Castro Crest
- Peter Strauss Ranch
- Paramount Ranch
- Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons
- Rocky Oaks
- Zuma/Trancas Canyons
- Arroyo Sequit
- Circle X Ranch
- Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
More information is available at www.nps.gov/samo . Visitors may also call the visitor center at 805-370-2301 or e-mail samo_fire@nps.gov. Media should contact 805-370-2364.
[Submitted by Marty O'Toole, Fire Education, Prevention and Information Specialist]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Servicewide
Upcoming Training Calendar
Please submit information on upcoming training courses to Bill Halainen. New listings and revisions are in bold face.
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FY 2008
NPS Fundamentals Courses for 2008. Employees can now enroll in fiscal year 2008 NPS Fundamentals courses. The 2008 schedule for NPS Fundamentals has been posted on DOILearn at https://doilearn.doi.gov. NPS Fundamentals is a five-part course of study that encompasses a broad understanding of the mission and goals of the National Park Service. It is designed to sustain a workforce committed to achieving the NPS mission. All new permanent and term employees with the agency should ideally complete NPS Fundamentals within their first two years of employment. Experienced employees have also found the training program very beneficial and are accepted if space is available. Travel and per diem expenses are fully funded by Servicewide training and development for all selected employees. Classes are expected to fill fast, so register early. Questions should be directed to Mark Harner at 928-638-7983 or Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277.
October 29 — November 9
Certified Structural Firefighter Training, Glen Canyon NRA, UT. The course presents the students with a strenuous hands-on curriculum that includes extensive training scenarios and live-fire drills. For details, go to http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custompages.cfm?prg=284&id=2653&lv=4&pgid=902
November 3 — November 7
National Outdoor Leadership School, Leave No Trace Master Educator Course, Grand Canyon NP, AZ. For additional information, go to http://www.nols.edu/lnt/lntmasters.shtml
November 5 — November 9
Introduction to Park Program Management, Bryce Canyon NP, UT. This is a Servicewide training course, open to all NPS employees, with priority placement given to Intermountain Region employees. It is a 36-hour course that provides an overview and introduction to the NPS budget/finance processes. The target audience is new superintendents, new division chiefs and first-line supervisors or program managers who are responsible for formulation, tracking and management of a program. The course counts as 24 hours of supervisory training. Tuition of $300 is charged to cover the cost of providing the training. Register through DOI Learn (the Bryce class is listed below the Fairbanks, Alaska class). Contact Carolyn_I_Barker@nps.gov for more information.
November 14 — November 15
NFPA 72 — Fire Alarms, Blue Ridge Parkway, Ashville, NC. This is a 16-hour course that will provide the participants with a general understanding of fire alarm systems and key in on the inspecting, testing and maintenance of those same systems. More information: http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custompages.cfm?prg=284&id=2729&lv=4&pgid=922
November 27 — November 30
Basic Critical Incident Stress Management Peer Support Training, Yosemite NP, CA. The course is designed for those employees interested in helping their fellow employees deal with the emotional aftermath of a critical incident. CISM peer support is a collateral and volunteer duty. Nominations are due by October 23rd. For more information, contact Pam McMillan (559-760-5085, pmcmillan1@wi.rr.com or pam_mcmillan@nps.gov ).
December 11 — December 13
NFPA 25 — Water-Based Fire Protection, Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD. This is a 24-hour course that will provide the participants with the knowledge and required resources to monitor the inspection, testing and maintenance of water based fire suppression systems, such as sprinkler systems. For more information, go to http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custompages.cfm?prg=284&id=2725&lv=4&pgid=921
January 14 — January 18
Producing NPS Publications, Zion National Park, Springdale, UT. This 40-hour, hands-on course will give participants the basic knowledge and skills needed to design and produce publications, including site bulletins, newspapers, posters, and other graphics. It will incorporate the new NPS graphic design standards and templates. Subjects will include design principles, layout, typography, image preparation, maps, printing prep, and working with printing companies. This course will not cover writing and editing. Following successful completion of this course, participants will be able to effectively use NPS identity graphics in publications, produce a site bulletin, make an effective map, design a poster, use skills and knowledge to produce newspapers and signs, and get good work from your commercial printer. Computers will be used but this should not be considered a computer course. Participants will need to bring their own laptop with full and complete editions of Microsoft Word, Adobe Creative Suite( which includes InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) installed. Adobe PageMaker will not be acceptable. The tuition is $150. Nominations are due by December 7th. Two assignments are required for course certificate. For a nomination form contact Vicki Parson (vicki_parkinson@nps.gov). For additional information, contact Tom Haraden after November 6th (tom_haraden@nps.gov, 435 772-0161).
Summer, 2008
Helicopter Training Academy, Grand Canyon NP, AZ. Two-week training sessions will be offered between May 12 and September 27, 2008 on HECM, HELM, HELB or Project Manager task books. The courses include both classroom work and hands-on experience. Topics include helicopter safety, flight following, aircraft capabilities and limitations, wildland firefighting tactics, search and rescue, medevacs and managing different types of aircraft. Nominations are due between October 15th and February 16th. Fore more information, contact Jessica Sherwood (928-638-7823, Jessica_Sherwood@nps.gov).
Servicewide
Upcoming Events Calendar
Please submit information on upcoming events to Bill Halainen. New listings and revisions are in bold face.
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October 28 — October 31
Annual Meeting, Geological Society of America, Denver, CO. For more info, go to www.geosociety.org.
November 2 — November 4
Lackawanna Railfest 2007, Steamtown NHS, Scranton, PA. Scheduled activities include a banquet on November 2nd, a steam-powered passenger excursion to Delaware Water Gap on November 3rd, and another steam-powered excursion to Moscow on November 4th. For details, go to http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=vieweventscalendararticle&type=Events&id=776
November 6 — November 10
National Association of Interpretation Workshop, Wichita, KS. For details and registration information, go to http://www.interpnet.com/workshop/
January 3 — January 6
American Historical Association Annual Meeting, Washington, DC. The association will hold its 122nd annual meeting in Washington in January. The program has not yet been posted to the web page, but will be soon. That and registration information can be found at http://www.historians.org/annual/2008/index.cfm
January 8 — January 11
2008 NPS EMS Conference, National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV. The conference is designed to facilitate the implementation of DO 51, RM 51 and Field Manual 51 and provide necessary tools to park EMS coordinators and NPS medical advisors to manage EMS programs at the park level. For complete details, go to the following page and click on the relevant PDF file: http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=177&id=6431 . To register for the conference, please email or call Dan Pontbriand (202-513-7093, Dan_Pontbriand@nps.gov ) by November 23rd.
February 24 — February 28
"Going The Extra Mile, Embracing The Future," Annual Convention and Trade Shows, Association of Partners for Public Lands, Denver, CO. http://www.appl.org/
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Natural Resource Stewardship and Science
Mike Soukup To Retire In November
After 31 years of working to ensure parks are "unimpaired for future generations," Dr. Michael A. Soukup, chief scientist and associate director for natural resource stewardship and science, is retiring on November 3rd.
Come celebrate Mike's outstanding career at a reception on November 1st at the South Penthouse, Main Interior Building, from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Mike began his distinguished career with the National Park Service in 1976 as a research scientist focused on coastal park issues. He specifically tackled mosquito control practices in coastal wetlands of Cape Cod National Seashore. As North Atlantic Region's regional chief scientist from 1982 to 1989, he provided strong science leadership. Mike recognized that the ability of the agency to bring high level science to decision-making was hampered by its limited ability to hire and support the scientific expertise needed. He, therefore, forged strong relationships with universities and research institutions, bringing recognized science leaders and their students to work on these complex issues.
In July, 1989, Mike was asked to apply for the position of director of the South Florida Natural Resources Center (SFNRC) at Everglades National Park. In late 1988, the local federal land managers had filed a lawsuit against the state of Florida for water quality violations in Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and Everglades National Park. Mike's expertise in limnology and skills in interagency coordination made him the perfect person to lead the joint NPS/FWS team, ultimately consisting of over 20 scientists and seven attorneys from the Department of Justice. He was able to work through these difficult technical and legal issues (including 36 counter suits by the sugar cane industry) to reach agreement on a complex remedy jointly funded by the sugar cane industry, state, and federal parties. That settlement set the stage for comprehensive restoration of the Everglades.
In April 1993, Mike stepped down as the SFNRC director to head a new form of cooperative park study unit (CPSU) located at both the University of Miami and Florida International University in Miami — the prototype for later cooperative ecosystem studies units — where he held visiting professor appointments at both universities. He was further convinced from his Everglades experience that parks in complex landscapes would need major scientific support from both site-based NPS and academic scientists.
In November, 1993, the unit became part of the newly established National Biological Survey (NBS), which ultimately became the Biological Resources Division of the U. S. Geological Survey. In March 1995, Mike left the USGS when he was invited to apply for his current position as the associate director of natural resources stewardship and science in the Washington D.C. office.
The crowning achievement in Mike's career was the Natural Resource Challenge. He envisioned and worked toward a multi-year initiative to improve the management of natural resources in national parks. Mike orchestrated the challenge as a collaborative effort, organizing a field-based advisory council, soliciting ideas from throughout the Service and its partners, and continually engaging others to make his vision their own. The Natural Resource Challenge has been widely praised by national organizations concerned with parks, emulated by other federal agencies, and supported by park superintendents throughout the 391 units of the National Park System.
As part of the challenge, Mike played a leading and essential role in the founding and development of the cooperative ecosystem studies unit (CESU) network. The CESU network is an extraordinary partnership of 13 federal agencies, over 200 universities and NGOs, and covers all 50 states and US territories. Combining federal and university expertise in support of research, technical assistance and education, CESUs deliver high-quality and cost-effective science to federal cultural and natural resource managers. The CESU network is simply one part of his extensive legacy of achievement. For example, he also seized the opportunity to establish a long-awaited NPS research mandate by working with Senator Thomas' staff on Title II of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998.
Mike is a leader who inspires National Park Service employees and their partners to work with him in carrying out the agency's mission. He understands that an important factor in leading people is empowering them to act within a shared vision.
Mike once said that he was "always amazed at the motivation and selflessness of those who work in National Parks to protect and restore them, and to facilitate public understanding and enjoyment of their nation's natural and cultural heritage." But it is he who has worked long and selflessly and we celebrate his achievements.
[Submitted by Bert Frost]Alaska Region
GS-025-13/14 Regional Chief Ranger
Dates: 10/16/2007 - 11/05/2007
Alaska Region has issued an announcement for a GS-025-13/14 regional chief ranger. It will be open until November 5th. The regional chief ranger provides expertise, leadership, and program direction for a wide range of ranger activities and protection functions, including law enforcement, regulations development, wildland and structural fire, aviation, safety, incident management, special event teams, and search and rescue programs. Full details are available on the announcement, which can be obtained by clicking on "More Information." The announcement closes on November 5th.
[Submitted by John Quinley, john_quinley@nps.gov, 907-644-3512]
More Information...
Pacific West Region
GS-561-7 Budget Technician
Dates: 10/18/2007 - 11/07/2007
Pacific West Region's Seattle office is soliciting resumes from those interested in a lateral reassignment opportunity to a permanent GS-561-7 budget technician position.
The person in this position provides support to two programs in that office - the park planning and environmental compliance program and the partnerships program. Primary duties are providing technical, budget, and account tracking assistance as well as a wide variety of miscellaneous administrative and clerical support.
If you are interested in a lateral reassignment or are a reinstatement eligible at the GS-07 level, please submit an application or resume, and a copy of your recent SF-50, to the following address: National Park Service, Pacific West Region, Attn: Human Resources, 909 First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. Your application must be postmarked no later than November 7th.
If not eligible for reassignment or reinstatement, please note that this position is being advertised on USAJOBS as a GS-561-6/7, open to current permanent federal government employees and those eligible under special hiring authorities. Click on the "More Information" button for a link to the vacancy announcement in USAJOBS.
If you have further questions about the position, please contact Keith Dunbar, chief of the park planning and environmental compliance program, at (206) 220-4104, or Michael Linde, branch chief for the partnerships program, at (206) 220-4113.
[Submitted by Chris Murdock, christine_murdock@nps.gov, 206-220-4068] More Information...
Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found at the following web site:
http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewnpsnewsarticle&type;=Announcements&id;=3363
All reports should be submitted via email to Lane Baker in the Division of Law Enforcement, Security and Emergency Services in the Washington Office and to Bill Halainen at Delaware Water Gap NRA, with copies to your regional office.