Dinosaur National Monument
High River Waters Flood Deerlodge Area
Due to runoff from the higher than average snowpack in the Rocky Mountains this year, the Yampa River has been experiencing flooding along its entire length. The campground, boat ramp, pump house and parking lot at Deerlodge have flooded several times, and rafters have been forced to launch off the campground entrance road and from picnic tables. Some river camps have been affected, and monitoring continues at Echo Park and Green River campgrounds, where some campsites are threatened by rising water. The park has also developed an emergency plan to evacuate river rafters if necessary. The weather continues to be cold and rainy, with overnight temperatures dipping into the 30s. Several groups have cancelled their trips after arriving at Deerlodge and looking at conditions. Warm Springs Rapid has become extremely challenging, and river rangers have spent hours both guiding rafting parties through it and providing a downstream safety net. Forecasts are calling for the river to remain high. Videos of rafts flipping in Warm Springs have turned up on YouTube (search for "Yampa River, Warm Springs"). [Submitted by Kathy Krisko, Assistant Chief Ranger]
Yosemite National Park (CA)
Search In Progress For Missing Hiker
A search is underway for E.G.-B., a 22-year-old Honduran native who has been missing since last Sunday afternoon. for E.G.-B. is described as being about 5'8" tall and was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue t-shirt and black shoes. He speaks Spanish and broken English. Approximately 100 searchers from Yosemite National Park and Mono, Tuolumne, Marin, Santa Clara, and Sierra Madre Counties, including dog teams and aerial spotters, are participating in the search. Anyone who was in the area of Sentinel Dome, Washburn Point, or Glacier Point after 2 p.m. on June 8th or on the Illilouette, Panorama, or Pohono Trails is asked to please call the park at 209-372-0311 and advise on whether they saw for E.G.-B. or not. Any information, even from those who did not see him, will help park staff focus the search area. Media calls should be directed to public information officer Adrienne Freeman at 209-372-0480. [Submitted by Adrienne Freeman, Public Affairs Officer]
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (PA)
Man Drowns In Attempt To Swim Across Delaware River
A 34-year-old man drowned in the Delaware River late on the afternoon of Sunday, June 9th. The park received the report just before 6 p.m. Rangers, the park's dive team and New Jersey State Police officers all responded. Witnesses reported that the man swam from the Hialeah picnic area on the Pennsylvania shore out to Labar Island, then attempted to continue to the New Jersey shoreline about 50 yards further on. He began having problems between the island and shore, though, and disappeared in about twelve feet of water. Another visitor attempted to assist him, but without success. Divers found his body between the island and the New Jersey shoreline around 7:30 p.m. [Submitted by Phil Selleck, Chief Ranger]
Blue Ridge Parkway
Canadian Visitor Killed In Motorcycle Accident
A ranger was dispatched to investigate a motorcycle accident with injuries at milepost 206 on the Virginia section of the parkway on the afternoon of June 4th. When the ranger arrived, the injured man — G.H., 70, of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada — had been taken to a nearby landing zone for an air evacuation to a trauma center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. G.H. coded while en route to the landing zone, though, so the ambulance diverted to the emergency room at Twin Counties Hospital in Galax, Virginia. He was pronounced dead by the ER physician following unsuccessful resuscitation efforts. The cause of death was trauma to the chest and abdomen. Physical evidence and witness statements indicate that G.H. was traveling southbound on the parkway with three companions when his Honda Goldwing motorcycle drifted off onto the road shoulder, struck an embankment, rolled three times, then hit a reinforced concrete milepost marker with enough force to break it off at the base. Ranger Brent Pennington is leading the investigation. [Submitted by Brent Pennington, Highlands District Ranger]
FIRE MANAGEMENT
NIFC/NPS Fire and Aviation Management
National Fire/Incident Situation Highlights
National Fire Activity — Preparedness Level 2
Initial attack was moderate on Tuesday, with 245 new fires reported. No significant NPS fires are included on NIFC's national summary today.
Weather Forecast
Another day of significant fire potential with windy and dry conditions is on tap for eastern Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, and southern Colorado. North winds will develop across the northern Sacramento Valley and foothills, and the mid-coast. The Southeast will see increased relative humidity and thunderstorm development.
Fire Summary (Five Day Trend)
|
Date |
Thu |
Fri |
Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
|
Day |
6/5 |
6/6 |
6/9 |
6/10 |
6/11 |
|
Initial Attack Fires |
165 |
122 |
112 |
296 |
245 |
|
New Large Fires |
5 |
3 |
5 |
1 |
7 |
|
Large Fires Contained |
1 |
2 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
|
Uncontained Large Fires |
8 |
8 |
5 |
5 |
10 |
National Resource Commitments (Five Day Trend)
|
Date |
Thu |
Fri |
Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
|
Day |
6/5 |
6/6 |
6/9 |
6/10 |
6/11 |
|
Area Command Teams |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
NIMO Teams |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Type 1 Teams |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Type 2 Teams |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
FUM Teams |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
NPS Fire News
| Park | State | Fire | Type | Acres | Percent Contain |
Est. Full Contain |
| Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve | AK | Glenn Creek - ref#193, D7UD | Wildland Fire | 622 | October 2008 | |
 |
||||||
| Everglades National Park | FL | Context Road Fire | Wildland Fire | 0.3 | 100 | June 10 |
|
||||||
| Everglades National Park | FL | DOF 214/136 | Wildland Fire | 129 | 100 | June 6, 2008 |
|
||||||
| Everglades National Park | FL | Dogwood Fire | Wildland Fire | 5 | 100 | June 4 |
|
||||||
For additional information on all fires, check the following web sites:
- Archived fire news — http://www.nps.gov/fire/public/pub_firenews.cfm?archive=true
- Map of fire locations — http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/lg_fire2.php
- Details on all current major fires — http://www.nifc.gov/news/sitreprt.pdf
- Fire news and fire year in perspective - http://www.nifc.gov/fire_info/nfn.htm
- InsideNPS Fire and Aviation - http://inside.nps.gov/fire
- InsideNPS Structural Fire - http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=358&lv=3
- NPS Fire and Aviation - http://www.nps.gov/fire
OPERATIONAL NOTES
In The Media
Weekly NPS News Summary
Each Wednesday (more or less), InsideNPS carries a summary of recent news stories about or of consequence to the National Park Service and National Park System, including links to the text of these articles.
Media outlets manage their web pages in many different ways, so please be aware that you may run into ads or subscription requirements that do not always appear when links are first checked and established. Almost all stories are eventually archived, too, though media again have different policies about when they're archived and how they are to then be retrieved.
Please note that the articles are presented for your information only. Their appearance here does not in anyway imply an endorsement of any particularly policies or statements by the agency, the department or the administration.
Here's this week's listing:
**********************************************************************************************************
Peregrine Falcon At New River — The May 28th edition of the Charleston Gazette (West Virginia) ran a story with great illustrations about the relocation of peregrine falcons from urban areas into New River Gorge NR, part of a long-term project to bring the birds back to the park. http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200805270540
Valley Forge Visitor Center — The New York Times on May 30th ran an article on the debate over building a new VC on an inholding in the park. Here's the lead paragraph: "A local planning board has approved a proposal to build a $250 million visitor center and conference facilities on privately owned land in Valley Forge National Historical Park. Opponents say the decision increases the risk of commercial development in other scenic and historic national parks." http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/us/30valley.html?_r=1&em&ex=1212292800&en=9184262df7a24049&ei=5087%0A&oref=slogin
Adventure Travel To Alaska — According to an article in the Juneau Empire last Sunday, adventure travel is changing dramatically. Travelers are less inclined to engage in intensive outdoor activities and instead are taking shorter, easier trips with more amenities: "Sleeping on the ground, carrying a heavy backpack, bugs, rain ... that's out. With less time, more money and a desire to see and do everything on their visit, visitors are looking for day trips that expose them to the wonders of Alaska, followed by a stay in a bed and breakfast, hotel or ship cabin." This change is also evident in other areas of the country. http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/060108/loc_285173691.shtml
Yellowstone Thermal Features — The Casper Star-Tribune this week had a story on the effects of drought on the park's thermal features: "Geologists have known for years that earthquakes can affect geyser activity, but a new study suggests that climate, and even seasonal changes in precipitation, can also have an impact on these hot spring eruptions." http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/06/04/news/wyoming/doc48469fcdaa2b6592064377.txt
Sioux To Regain Parts Of Badlands — The Independent (London, England) posted a story yesterday on the return of part of the southern section of Badlands NP to the Sioux. The National Park Service is "planning to return the southern part of the park to Indian control. It will take an act of Congress to approve, but is expected to occur next year." http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sitting-bulls-tribe-to-regain-control-of-southern-badlands-843558.html
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Visitor and Resource Protection
Don Coelho To Retire
Don Coelho, the Service's chief of law enforcement, security and emergency services (LESES), will retire on July 3rd after 33 years of federal service.
For the past five years, Don has overseen numerous national programs in WASO, including investigative services, professional responsibility, security and intelligence, emergency services, incident management, search and rescue, law enforcement policy and commissioning, background investigations, and others. Don successfully took the lead on many critical issues, including border management, improving security of NPS critical asset parks (icon parks) post 9/11, implementing Secretarial law enforcement reforms, and building the integrity of the NPS law enforcement professional credentialing and qualifications program.
"Working with Don has been a true pleasure and I'm impressed with the large amount of work he was able to accomplish during his tenure here in Washington," said Karen Taylor-Goodrich, Associate Director for Visitor and Resource Protection. "Anyone who has worked with Don echoes those sentiments."
During his 33 years of federal service, Don worked in almost every ranger specialty, including law enforcement, criminal investigations, search and rescue, emergency medical services, SCUBA, structural fire, wildland fire, and frontcountry, backcountry, lake and river patrol.
Prior to WASO, Don worked in field law enforcement management positions in Yosemite National Park and Grand Teton National Park and also served as a special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service specializing in the interdiction of wildlife smuggling on the Southwest U.S. Border.
A retirement party will be held on July 1st in Washington DC at Bobby Van's Steakhouse on 809 15th St. NW. The party will begin with a social hour at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00. Anyone interested should contact Karen Ross at Karen_Ross@nps.gov or at 202-513-7255 by June 20th.
[Submitted by Cam Sholly]
Lake Mead National Recreation Area (AZ,NV)
GL-0025-9 Protection Rangers (Lateral)
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is recruiting for a number of protection rangers who are interested in lateral reassignments to the Mead and Mohave Districts. Lake Mead NRA is an industry-wide leader in proactive training and leadership; opportunities abound, including those in operational risk management, firearms, ECW, and the field training and evaluation program. Applicants should reflect a strong interest in team-oriented ranger operations and leadership. One of these positions may be filled as a non-required occupancy position. The opportunity to purchase home in a nearby community is plentiful, for those positions that are not subject to required occupancy in government housing.
Mead District — Located in Nevada and Arizona, the district offers a range of recreational experiences. Lake Mead's 1.5 million-acre size, nearly 1000 miles of shoreline, warm water, scenic settings and diverse natural and cultural resources draw millions of visitors to the park. Boulder City is located in Nevada within Clark County (population is approximately 15,000) and is 15 to 30 miles south of Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas (adjacent to the fastest growing county within Nevada). There are shopping facilities and excellent grade and high schools, numerous colleges, universities and hospitals are available in the area. Winter climate is mild and summer heat relieved by air-conditioning. Homes to buy/rent are usually available in Henderson, Las Vegas and Boulder City. The median price of houses in the greater Las Vegas area is $300,000. Nevada has no state income tax and there are unlimited recreational opportunities. For more information, contact the district ranger, Erik Lisnik, at 702-293-8860.
Mohave District — The Mohave District is comprised of five major visitor use areas, including Katherine Landing near Bullhead City, Arizona; Cottonwood Cove, Searchlight, Nevada; and Meadview, Willow Beach, and Temple Bar, near Kingman, Arizona. Katherine Landing is immediately adjacent to the rapidly growing community of Bullhead City, Arizona. The area consists of 252,800 acres with an annual visitation exceeding 1,800,000 visitors. Facilities include two developed campgrounds with a total of 173 sites, a major marina complex with 760 boat slips and a rental fleet of 800 boats, including 44 houseboats, fuel dock, restaurant, picnic areas, mobile home park with 104 sites, cabin site area with 26 leased cabins, dry boat storage area with 200 sites, grocery-souvenir store, two major paved launch ramps, ranger station, National Park Service concessioner employee housing area, unsupervised swim beach, and parking for an excess of 1700 vehicles. The area includes approximately 20 miles of primary roads, 58 miles of secondary roads and 45 miles of exterior boundary. For more information, contact the district ranger, Dirk Murphy, at 928-754-5607
Some positions have a required occupancy, and convenient park housing is available. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will be authorized. Alternate work schedules (5-4-9's) are also authorized. The following will be minimally required of candidates — NREMT-B certification, drug screening, acceptable physical clearance, acceptable fitness (PEB) score according to NPS standards, and an NPS law enforcement commission (Level II accepted for consideration; Level I preferred)
These are full-time, permanent positions. If you are interested in any of them, please respond to John Castaneda and submit the following forms:
- An OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, or a resume/application that includes the information identified in OF-510, Applying for a Federal Job.
- A copy of your Level I or Level II law enforcement commission and the following certifications if you possess one — wildland fire Red Card, DOIMOCC or U.S. Coast Guard certification, and/or standard first aid, CPR, EMT certification.
- A copy of your current or latest performance appraisal.
- A current SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, documenting permanent competitive civil service status.
These forms will be accepted by e-mail to john_castaneda@nps.gov , by fax to 702-293-8954, or by mail to National Park Service, Lake Mead NRA, Attn: Human Resources, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005. For further information, please contact John Castaneda at 702-293-8930. The closing date is July 18th.
[Submitted by John Castaneda]
Midwest Region
GS-0025-11 Park Ranger (Interpretation)
Dates: 06/10/2008 - 06/30/2008
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail in Omaha, Nebraska, is recruiting to fill a GS-0025-11 interpretive ranger position. The purpose of this position is to provide interpretive support, training, guidance, planning and evaluation to the National Park Service's partnership interpretive programs and to provide leadership and management recommendations for interpretive media and services provided by the trail's official partners. Please go to the "More Information" link below to view the complete announcement and application instructions. [Submitted by Midwest Region HR Office, MWR_Application_Questions@nps.gov, 402-661-1562] 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.