Mount Rainier National Park (WA)
Rangers Assist In Saving Life
On the afternoon of May 16th, the Greenwater Volunteer Fire Department, which serves an area north of the park, was dispatched to a report of a man down and suffering seizures just off Highway 410 about two miles outside the park's east entrance. Rangers Geoff Walker and Gavin Wilson responded to a mutual aid call and arrived first on scene. According to friends who were with him, the 19-year-old, who had a preexisting heart condition, had stopped on the side of the highway to view an elk and was following it into the forest when he fell face first to the ground and began seizing. One of the friends began CPR while the other went to a nearby resort to call 911. Upon arrival, Wilson and Walker took over CPR. Within minutes Greenwater firefighters, including ranger Jen Rudnick, arrived on scene and an AED was used to restore his pulse. He was then carried to the Greenwater ambulance and transported to nearby Ranger Creek airstrip, where an American Medical Response ALS unit had just arrived. Soon thereafter an Airlift Northwest air ambulance landed. For over two hours, the flight nurses and a Buckley paramedic, assisted by rangers, firefighters, and EMTs, attempted to stabilize the man for the 25-minute flight to Harborview Hospital in Seattle. He required multiple successive shocks, continual CPR, and a high volume of cardiac medications before he was stable enough to fly. The nurses and paramedic remarked that they had never used so many medications before in such a situation, nearly exhausting everything they had with them. Two days later, the man's parents reported that he was breathing on his own and responding to yes or no questions. [Submitted by R. Chuck Young, Chief Ranger]
Lake Mead National Recreation Area (AZ,NV)
Timely Intervention Saves Would-Be Suicide
On April 21st, supervisory visitor use assistant Victoria Stone noticed a woman in her vehicle in the Lake Mead Marina parking lot who appeared to be unconscious. She notified both park dispatch and two protection rangers on a traffic stop near the marina. Rangers Jeff Glossop and Jesus Robles responded and found prescription pill containers, alcoholic beverages, and a suicide note inside the car. The rangers, assisted by park wildland firefighters, provided medical care. The woman was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Rangers credit Stone for preventing the woman's death. [Submitted by Ben McKay, Park Ranger, Mead District]
FIRE MANAGEMENT
NIFC/NPS Fire and Aviation Management
National Fire/Incident Situation Highlights
National Fire Activity - Preparedness Level 2
NIFC is at PL 2. Critical fire weather conditions are forecast for parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas today.
Fire Weather Forecast
Critical fire weather conditions associated with strong, gusty winds of 20 to 35 mph and low relative humidity of 5 to 13 percent will affect eastern Arizona, much of New Mexico and west Texas. A deepening trough over the western US will create windy and dry conditions across the Southwest while rain and a few thunderstorms will develop over much of the Northwest, northern and central Rockies and the Great Basin. A slow-moving frontal system in the East will produce showers and thunderstorms from New England, across the Ohio Valley to north Texas. In Alaska, scattered showers will develop over the central Interior and southwest Coastal regions.
To see a NOAA map of today's critical fire weather areas, click on this link: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/fire_wx/fwdy1.html
Fire Summary (Five Day Trend)
|
Day |
Tue |
Wed |
Thu |
Fri |
Mon |
|
Date |
5/17 |
5/18 |
5/19 |
5/20 |
5/23 |
|
Initial Attack Fires |
123 |
89 |
141 |
73 |
92 |
|
New Large Fires |
1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
|
Large Fires Contained |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
Uncontained Large Fires |
10 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
10 |
National Resource Commitments (Five Day Trend)
|
Day |
Tue |
Wed |
Thu |
Fri |
Mon |
|
Date |
5/17 |
5/18 |
5/19 |
5/20 |
5/23 |
|
Area Command Teams |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
NIMO Teams |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Type 1 Teams |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Type 2 Teams |
6 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
NPS Fire Summaries
No updates on National Park Service fires have been received since yesterday.
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/fireInfo/fireinfo_nfn.html
- InsideNPS Fire and Aviation - http://inside.nps.gov/fire
- InsideNPS Structural Fire - http://inside.nps.gov/fire/structuralfire
- NPS Fire and Aviation - http://www.nps.gov/fire
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Mount Rushmore National Memorial (SD)
Memorial Service Held For Fallen Rangers
On May 16th, as part of Peace Officers Memorial Week, rangers attending the Northern Great Plains advanced law enforcement refresher at Mount Rushmore held a memorial service to honor the 38 protection rangers who have fallen in the line of duty.
Rangers marched into the Mount Rushmore outdoor amphitheater, where Wind Cave chief ranger Rick Mossman gave a short speech reminding rangers of the history and tradition of being a ranger and to always honor our fallen comrades.
The two newest seasonal law enforcement rangers attending presented a wreath in their honor. Each participant read the name of one of the fallen rangers with a bell rung after each name. A bugler then played taps.
[Submitted by Rick Mossman]
Saint Croix National Scenic River (WI)
Two Fallen Rangers Remembered
To commemorate National Police Week, rangers from St. Croix NSR started over 10 years ago laying flowers on the graves of NPS protection rangers who died in the line of duty. Two were remembered this year.
Ranger Karl Jacobson, who is buried in Eagle Lake, Minnesota, was shot and killed by a poacher on November 13, 1938 while on boundary patrol in Acadia National Park. Ranger Jeff Christensen is buried in St. Paul, Minnesota. Christensen died on July 29, 2005 when he suffered head injuries as a result of a fall in a rugged and remote section of Rocky Mountain National Park while on backcountry patrol.
Director Horace Albright's sage words were recalled:
"We have been compared to the military forces because of our dedication and esprit de corps. In a sense this is true. We do act as guardians of our country's land. Our National Park Service uniform which we wear with pride does command the respect of our fellow citizens. We have the spirit of fighters, not as a destructive force, but as a power for good. With this spirit, each of us is an integral part of the preservation of the magnificent heritage we have been given, so that centuries from now people of our world, or perhaps of other worlds, may see and understand what is unique to our earth, never changing, eternal."
[Submitted by Bob Whaley, Chief Ranger]Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs
Weekly Legislative Activities Report
The Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs puts out weekly reports on hearings, new legislation and other activities on the Hill. The following is the May 20th summary.
In order to obtain the full text of any of the bills that appear below, click on the following link: http://thomas.loc.gov/ . That will take you to Thomas, the Library of Congress legislative tracking system. Enter the bill number in the "Search Bill Text" block, being sure to also click on the "Bill Number" option below the block.
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New Public Laws
Nothing to report.
Floor Action
On May 19th, the Senate passed by unanimous consent, S. Res. 192 (Udall, D-CO), a resolution designating May 21, 2011, as "National Kids to Parks Day".
Committee Activity
On May 18th, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests (Wyden) held a hearing on S. 896 (Bingaman, D-NM), a bill to amend the Public Land Corps Act of 1993 to expand the authorization of the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior to provide service opportunities for young Americans; help restore the nation's natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational and scenic resources; train a new generation of public land managers and enthusiasts; and promote the value of public service. The bill would strengthen and facilitate the use of the Public Land Corps authority. The Department strongly supports the bill with amendments. The DOI witness was Mike Pool, Deputy Director for Operations, Bureau of Land Management.
New Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest to the NPS were introduced:
- H.R. 1931 (Tsongas, D-MA) - To authorize the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Groundwork USA national office, to provide grants to certain nonprofit organizations.
- S. 901 (Tester, D-MT) - To amend the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to ensure that amounts are made available for projects to provide recreational public access, and for other purposes.
Upcoming Committee Activity
On May 25th, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests (Wyden) will hold a hearing on S. 730 (Murkowski, R-AK), A bill to provide for the settlement of certain claims under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and for other purposes, at 2:30 pm in Room SD-366 Dirksen. The DOI witness has yet to be determined.
On May 26th, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs will hold a hearing on H.R. 1408 (Young, R-AK), to provide for the settlement of certain claims under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and for other purposes, at 11:00 am in Room 1324 Longworth. The DOI witness has yet to be determined.
*****************
For additional information, please visit the Legislative and Congressional Affairs Office website at http://www.nps.gov/legal/
[Submitted by LaTonya R. Ward, Legislative Specialist]
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Northeast Region
Mike Caldwell Named Deputy Regional Director
Mike Caldwell has been selected as deputy regional director/chief of staff for Northeast Region.
Caldwell, the superintendent at Valley Forge National Historical Park, is currently serving on a temporary assignment as superintendent of the National Mall. He will assume his duties on June 5th, replacing Michael T. Reynolds, who is now regional director for Midwest Region.
"Mike Caldwell knows the parks, programs and people of the region," said Dennis Reidenbach regional director for Northeast Region, "and has also developed a view of the `big picture' with assignments in Washington. I am confident he is the right person to help lead Northeast Region."
In his new position, Caldwell will be responsible for national parks in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, as well as oversight for programs in natural resources, cultural resources, administration, construction and facility management,.
"This is an exciting time for the nation and for Northeast Region," said Caldwell, "as we mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and look ahead to the second century of the National Park Service. I look forward to the future, and leading a region known for innovation and stewardship of some of the most significant places in America."
A 20 year veteran of the NPS, Caldwell came to Valley Forge from Fort Stanwix, where he served as superintendent from 2001 until 2004. Prior to his assignment at Fort Stanwix, Caldwell served three years as a management assistant at New Bedford Whaling, where he played a vital role in the park's start-up operations.
He previously served as a park ranger at various NPS sites, including Lowell, Monocacy, Greenbelt and Baltimore-Washington Parkway, and the National Mall and Memorial Parks. In addition to his experience as a park ranger, he served as an employee development assistant for the National Capital Regional Training Office. During college, Caldwell worked seasonally at Mesa Verde as the assistant manager for ARA Mesa Verde Company's Morefield Campground.
A second-generation NPS employee and native of Alexandria, Virginia, Caldwell holds a bachelor's degree in political science and American history from the University of Colorado at Boulder (1991) and a master's degree in public administration from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia (1996). He is a 2010 graduate of the Department of the Interior's Senior Executive Service candidate development program and a 2001 graduate of the Northeast Region's management development program.
Caldwell has received many honors from the communities he has worked with, including the Rome Historical Society's Medal of the Order of 1777 in 2002 in recognition of his contribution to the preservation of local history and a 2003 Accent on Excellence Award that honors individuals under the age of 40 who excel in making significant contributions to the Mohawk Valley's business, cultural, and services climate.
In 2006, Caldwell was recognized by the Greater Valley Forge Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Public Service and in 2008 he was recognized as one of the top under-40 leaders in the Philadelphia region by the Philadelphia Business Journal. In 2010, Caldwell was awarded the Stephen T. Mather award from the National Parks Conservation Association for his preservation and stewardship work at Valley Forge.
Mike and his wife Debbie live in Wayne, Pennsylvania with their three children - daughter Michaela (13) and sons Ryan (15) and Reese (10).
[Submitted by Phil Sheridan, Assistant Regional Director, Communications]Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park (GA)
Sam Weddle Is Retiring
Sam Weddle, management assistant at Chickamauga and Chattanooga, will retire on June 3rd after 36 years of service.
Sam began his career as a seasonal ranger at Shenandoah while attending college, working one season as a fee collector and three seasons as a backcountry patrol ranger in the North District. In his first permanent NPS assignment he worked as a road patrol ranger in the Cherokee Subdistrict on the Natchez Trace Parkway in northwest Alabama, followed by a road patrol assignment on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Roanoke Valley. Sam then worked as assistant district ranger in the parkway's Peaks of Otter District, followed by a transfer to Vicksburg, where he served as chief ranger. Sam's last assignment was at Chickamauga and Chattanooga, where he served as chief ranger for 16 years, followed by three years as management assistant.
Sam and his wife Marianne plan to remain the Chattanooga area for another year, and will decide at that time where they are most needed. After retirement he can be reached via email at sam.weddle@gmail.com.
Mementos (photos, cards, stories about your interaction with Sam, and other highlights you would like to share) are being solicited. Please email to Pamela Vandergriff at Pamela_Vandergriff@nps.gov. For more details, you can also contact Pam at 423-752-5213 ext. 111. In an effort to ensure that all memorabilia is received and included in Sam's retirement festivities, please submit by Friday May 27th.
A retirement party is planned at the Chickamauga Battlefield at 6:00 pm on Friday June 3rd. Please RSVP to Pam Vandergriff (423) 752-5213 ext. 111, or Virginia Harris (423) 752-5213 ext. 112 by close of business on Friday May 27th.
[Submitted by Bill Reynolds, Southeast Regional Office]NPS serious incident submission standards can be found at the following web site:
http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custompages.cfm?prg=45&id;=8728&lv;=2&pgid;=3504
All reports should now be submitted via this automated system.