NPS Visitor and Resource Protection
The Morning Report
Friday, September 02, 2011


INCIDENTS

East Coast Areas
Hundreds Continue Working On Hurricane Recovery Operations

Hurricane Irene recovery operations continue in parks in Northeast and Southeast Regions. Today's status reports follow. As of yesterday morning, a total of 242 NPS employees were committed to these efforts. Here are updates from parks reporting significant issues, as of yesterday:

Cape Lookout - The park is being assisted by the Midwest IMT (Jim Hummel, IC) and a regional assessment team. Eighty-two people are committed to the recovery operation. Today's update:

  • Cape Lookout lighthouse is open on a first-come, first serve basis.
  • All ferry operators were personally visited regarding the opening of Shackelford and the Cape. Community member appreciated the information and were interested in what the NPS is doing to bring the park back to full operations.
  • Emergency repairs to the headquarters roof were completed and 80% of electrical work completed.
  • Almost all of the horses on Shackleford have been spotted and are in good health
  • The reconstruction of the dock at Shackleford is 60% complete.
  • A total of 17 turtle nests have been found and marked to date.
  • Water testing and pressure testing of cabins was undertaken at Great Island. One cabin needs water and septic replacement
  • The most damage in the park was at Long Point. The dock, ranger station, restrooms, water systems, fuel compound all need major reconstruction.
  • Assessment teams continued their assessments at Portsmouth and were joined by a historic architect. Assessments were completed.

Outer Banks Group - The three parks in the group - Cape Hatteras, Wright Brothers and Fort Raleigh - are being supported and assisted by the Eastern IMT (Zeph Cunningham, IC), a SETT team, a regional assessment team and sawyer teams. A total of 112 people are currently committed to the recovery operation. The park has reopened beaches and many ramps, but access to Hatteras and Ocracoke islands remains open only to residents already on the islands due to damage to roads and other infrastructure in this area. For updated beach access information for the park see the latest Google Earth beach access maps. The Oregon inlet campground and all other campgrounds remain, but Coquina Beach and all its facilities and many ramps have also reopened. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial are open and have resumed normal hours of operation.  Bodie Island Lighthouse and facilities and all park facilities on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands remain closed, including airports. For more information, contact 252-473-2111. Meanwhile, the incident IMT reports the following actions undertaken or completed yesterday:

  • Bodie Island - Coquina Beach opened and is fully operational. Resource management completed duck blind assessments - 12 of 20 are missing, six are functional and two were moved a distance of 16 to 50 feet from their original positions. Debris lean up and saw operations continued at the visitor center and started at the campground; 35 hazardous trees were trimmed or removed. The lift station at Oregon Island Fishing Center was fixed. Seasonal quarters 117 and 118 were evaluated by the electrician and can be used for housing again.  A small fire was reported on Boneyard Road that was started due to a downed power line.
  • Hatteras Island - Another ramp was opened. The group supervisor coordinated and facilitated transportation for an assessment team and gave a FEMA representative a tour. Cleanup was begun of the Frisco pier parking area, employing heavy equipment. Superintendent Murray conducted a site visit and held an all employees meeting.
  • Ocracoke Island - Debris clean up and saw operations occurred around the lighthouse and visitor center.  The group supervisor coordinated and facilitated transportation for a cultural assessment team and is interacting with local emergency management on a daily basis. A lighthouse assessment was conducted - cracks were observed requiring evaluation by an engineer. A radio tech evaluated the repeater and determined a new antennae is required. 
  • Air Operations- Forty-two passengers were transported yesterday.
  • Employee Assistance - Transition occurred to a new group supervisor. Three employee homes were checked on Hatteras.
  • Resource Advisors - Checked on tree cutting operation at Wright Brothers. Assessed cultural features around areas of flooding at Bodie Island.
  • Assessment Team - The eight members of the team flew to Hatteras Island and conducted assessments of all facilities and assets and then began to process the information at the office.

Delaware Water Gap - The entire length of U.S. Route 209 through the park reopened yesterday. Local, township-maintained feeder roads between SR 2001 and Route 209 reopened with Route 209. Since Monday, National Park Service crews have concentrated on clearing trees, repairing damaged shoulders, and removing silt and debris to make the road safe for travel. MetEd utility workers arrived on Wednesday to replace a broken power pole and dangling power line that blocked one lane of Route 209 north of PA 739. On the New Jersey side of the park, Old Mine Road has reopened between Route 560 and U.S. Route 206. The Sixty-four NPS personnel are presently dedicated to managing and carrying out the damage assessment and cleanup operations in the park. The efforts of park employees are aided by two four-person trail crews from Acadia National Park (Maine) and Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) and a seven-person facility assessment team. All are making a concerted effort to open park roads, trails, visitor centers, and recreation sites as quickly as possible. Most closures noted in yesterday's edition still stand. For updated information on the status of park facilities, roads, and trails, go to the park's website (www.nps.gov/dewa), Facebook (www.facebook.com/ DelWaterGapNPS), and/or Twitter (www.twitter.com/ DelWaterGapNPS).

Additional reports on Hurricane Irene's impacts will be posted as they are received.
[Submitted by Bill Halainen, Editor]



Glacier National Park
Search For Missing Seasonal Employee Continues

The search continues for missing seasonal employee J."J."R. Several crews endured rainy and cold conditions as they camped overnight in the search area. Snow was reported at approximately 6,400 feet and low cloud cover limited aerial operations until later in the day on Thursday. Ground crews, in addition to the crews that camped overnight, searched throughout the day. A small piece of red plastic was found in the search area, but it is has not been determined if it is related to J.R.. It is unclear what the plastic is or where it may have come from. Investigators do believe that J.R. may have in his possession, or may be wearing, a green Flylow jacket. The search area is located between the Ole Creek and Park Creek drainages in the southern end of the park.  Crews are searching in very steep and rugged landscapes.  The search effort will continue today.  Flathead Valley Search and Rescue and Flathead National Forest are assisting with the effort.  Posters with J.R.'s photo and key information have been posted in the park and other locations.
[Submitted by Denise Germann, Public Affairs Specialist]



Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (CA)
Marijuana Cultivation Sites Eradicated

Rangers and the resident special agent at Whiskeytown have been investigating marijuana cultivation activity in and adjacent to the park for many months. Investigative information led to the identification of the growing sites which were raided by rangers, the NPS agent, and officers from the Shasta County Sheriff's Department and the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP), with assistance from the California National Guard. The Grover 1 site was raided on August 10th, with officers eradicating 104 plants.  The Tahiti and Monarch sites were raided on August 23rd, with officers seizing 5,716 plants, 42 pounds of processed marijuana, and a loaded 9mm pistol.  Five suspects were seen but could not be caught when they ran from the area.  On August 24th, officers seized 3,000 plants at the Mad Ox site, while others on a simultaneous raid of the Iron Mountain site confiscated 6,759 plants. Two suspects ran from the site but could not be caught by the officers. The total estimated value of the marijuana seized from all sites came to $46,863,000. At all sites there was evidence that the cultivation activity was being undertaken by a criminal drug trafficking organization from Mexico.  Rangers and the NPS agent have also been assisting with drug raids on USFS property within Shasta County, which is one of the top producing counties in the nation.  Additional marijuana cultivation activity is under investigation at Whiskeytown.
[Submitted by Jim Richardson, Chief Ranger]



North Cascades National Park (WA)
Climber Rescued From Mixup Peak

Around midnight on August 25th, rangers received a 911 call reporting that a climber had taken a 60-foot "leader" fall near the summit on the east face of 7,440-foot Mixup Peak. Two members of the group of six climbers went for help and reported that the injured climber had sustained a potential head injury and broken lower leg. Meanwhile, the three remaining climbers lowered the injured climber to a shallow, down-sloping ledge that was nearly 2,000 feet above the glacier below. Rangers organized a rescue for the next morning after a reconnaissance flight determined that a helicopter short haul operation was the safest and most efficient recovery method to use. Two rangers were short hauled to the site to stabilize and package the patient, who was then short hauled to an ALS ambulance at the closest trailhead. Kelly Bush, Wilderness District Ranger, was incident commander.
[Submitted by Kinsey Shilling, Chief Ranger]



Cape Cod National Seashore (MA)
Woman's Body Found After Extended Search

Rangers working during the early morning hours of August 21st were informed of a missing person report that came back to a registered owner of a vehicle that had been run by rangers earlier. The vehicle was parked at the Nauset Light Beach parking lot overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the town of Eastham. The missing person, identified as Rachel Collins, 37, had attended a local high school and grown up within two miles of the parking lot. A two-day search took place.  The NPS was the lead agency and received assistance from Eastham police, state police, and the Coast Guard. The search covered both land and ocean areas and entailed the use of helicopters, a vessel with a dive team, dog teams and ground search teams.  After two days, the search was scaled back and entailed ATV patrols along the beach, cadaver dog work near the parking lot, and a vessel with a dive team working the water. Collin's body was found around noon by boaters on August 24th, about 11 miles from the Nauset Light Beach parking lot off the town of Chatham.  The Office of the Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine cause of death.
[Submitted by Craig Thatcher, Acting Chief Ranger]




FIRE MANAGEMENT

NIFC/NPS Fire and Aviation Management
National Fire/Incident Situation Highlights

National Fire Activity - Preparedness Level 3

NIFC is at PL 3. Just under 200 initial attack fires were reported yesterday.

Fire Weather Forecast

A cold front will stretch from the Great Lakes to eastern Colorado while another front drops into the northern Rockies and Plains. Dry and windy conditions will continue over North Texas and Oklahoma. Widely scattered thunderstorms will develop over the central and southern Rockies. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will move across the Gulf region from the central Texas coast to the Florida panhandle. Temperatures will warm in the West and East while the central and northern Plains remain in fall-like conditions.

Predictive Services Outlook products can be found at http://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/outlooks/outlooks.htm

Fire Summary (Five Day Trend)

Day

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Date

8/29

8/30

8/31

9/1

9/2

Initial Attack Fires

259

446

336

238

195

New Large Fires

12

13

19

15

18

Large Fires Contained

9

11

5

10

12

Uncontained Large Fires

40

42

46

47

46


National Resource Commitments (Five Day Trend)

Day

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Date

8/29

8/30

8/31

9/1

9/2

Area Command Teams

0

0

0

0

0

NIMO Teams

1

1

2

2

3

Type 1 Teams

1

1

0

0

0

Type 2 Teams

12

16

20

19

14


NPS Fire Summaries

No updates on National Park Service fires have been received since yesterday.

Additional Information Links




Additional Information on all Fires
For additional information on all fires, check the following web sites:


OPERATIONAL NOTES

NPS Law Enforcement Training Center
Ranger Honor Guard Now Accepting Applications

The National Park Service at FLETC is accepting applications for the Ranger Honor Guard until September 26th. Several positions may be filled from this applicant pool. 

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • The applicant must be a Type I commissioned ranger in a full time, year-round position.
  • The applicant must be in good physical condition, and must have participated in and passed a PEB within the last six months.
  • The applicant and her/his park must commit to at least two years on the team and to any team callouts.
  • The applicant must have a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and train hard, and a dedication to the team and its mission.

In order to apply:

  • We recommend that you contact a current team member during your application process.  This will allow you to ask any questions you have and will ensure that you are aware of the nature of the team and the commitment prior to submitting your application.  This team member will then help you through the application process.  See the Honor Guard website for names of current team members.
  • Complete the Honor Guard application, ensuring that it is filled out entirely, and that you, your supervisor, and your park's superintendent have signed the form.
  • Make sure you have a current PEB and attach proof of a passing score.
  • Attach a full-body photograph of yourself in full Class-A dress uniform.

Please submit a complete application, signed by your supervisor and superintendent, to Kent Keller at FLETC.  An application and additional information can be found on the Honor Guard website at http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?lv=3&prg=580. 

Fax or mail your completed application to: Advanced Programs Manager, National Park Service/FLETC, Building #64, Room 222, Glynco, GA 31524 (fax: 912-267-3188).
[Submitted by Anne Petersen, anne_petersen@nps.gov, 717-334-0909 ext 13]  More Information...



Servicewide
Upcoming Training And Conference Calendar

Please submit information on upcoming training courses to Bill_Halainen@nps.gov. New listings and revisions are in bold face.

Please note that the calendar includes ongoing, on-line training offerings. They appear at the end of this listing.

All entries must be brief and should have the following:

  • Beginning and ending dates.
  • Name and location of course.
  • A short one- to two-line description.
  • The closing date for application or registration.
  • Name(s) and number(s) for more information.
  • Most importantly, a link to a website where full announcements or detailed information can be found.

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Scheduled Training

Now - November 3 - Green Purchasing Topical Webinars. The Sustainable Operations Climate Change Branch will be hosting a series of one-hour webinars that will examine four facets of green purchasing. This training will provide participants with practical tools and techniques to make it easier to buy green products and services. Field staff will share their first-hand experience in how they have put green purchasing concepts into practice at their parks.  The four topics will be repeated four times during September, October and November.  To register and to see the full list of speakers, visit http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=4&prg=1226&id=10288 or contact Fred Sturniolo at 202-513-7078.

September 12 - September 16 - EMT Refresher/CPR For Health Care Providers, Wright-Patterson AFB, Fairborn, OH. No tuition. Reduced-rate lodging may be available on base. A DOI ID card or LE commission is needed to enter the base. Contact protection ranger Keith Gad by email (Keith_Gad@nps.gov) or by phone at 937-681-8308 to receive more information.

September 12 - September 16 - Equipment Operator Safety, Minute Man National Historic Park, Concord, MA. This course will examine the risks of operating heavy equipment and steps required to minimize them.  Learning and Development will pay a portion of participant travel.  To apply: Log on to DOI Learn, click on Catalog and open Advanced Search.  Uncheck all boxes except Course Code and search for "mnt7" without the quotation marks to find the Course and Scheduled Classes.  For more information or questions, please contact Sarah Polzin, 301-663-8206 x 115 or Steve Hastings, 301-663-8206 x 134.

September 13 - September 15 - NPS Structural Firefighter Recertification Course (Live Fire), Glacier NP, MT. Application deadline: August 12th. This 24-hour live fire based course satisfies the refresher requirements for NPS structural firefighters as outlined in Section 14 of Reference Manual 58, NPS Structural Fire Management. The course is designed to refresh previously certified NPS structural firefighting personnel with varied live fire scenarios with special emphasis on engine company response. NPS live fire qualified instructors direct the training in compliance with NFPA 1403 and OSHA requirements.  For further information, contact the Mark Gorman at 208-387-5244 or check this website.

September 19 - September 23 - EMT Refresher/CPR For Health Care Providers, Wright-Patterson AFB, Fairborn, OH. No tuition. Reduced-rate lodging may be available on base. A DOI ID card or LE commission is needed to enter the base. Contact protection ranger Keith Gad by email (Keith_Gad@nps.gov) or by phone at 937-681-8308 to receive more information.

September 19 - September 23 - Defensive Firefighter Training, Gateway NRA, NY. This course is designed to provide basic structural firefighter training at the NFPA Firefighter I level. Upon completion of the class, and the associated course requirements, participants may qualify for ProBoard certification. Participants are provided with the minimum skills necessary to function safely and effectively as a member of a structural firefighting team under direct supervision. Please register by August 19th. For more information, contact Mark Gorman (208-473-8136 or Mark_Gorman@nps.gov) or visit the structural fire SharePoint site at www.npsfamshare/structural/operations/default.aspx .

October 3 - October 7 - Equipment Operator Safety, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN. This course will examine the risks of operating heavy equipment and steps required to minimize them. Learning and Development will pay a portion of participant travel.  To apply: Log on to DOI Learn, click on Catalog and open Advanced Search.  Uncheck all boxes except Course Code and search for "mnt7" without the quotation marks to find the Course and Scheduled Classes.  For more information or questions, please contact Sarah Polzin, 301-663-8206 x 115 or Steve Hastings, 301-663-8206 x 134.

October 3 - October 7 - Active Shooter Threat Instructor Training Program, FLETC, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is September 7th. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions.

October 10 - October 14 - Motorboat Operator Instructor Certification Course, Page, AZ. This course is designed to prepare persons who have previously completed the MOCC program to instruct others in the field of motorboat operations. The deadline for applications is September 9th. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions.

October 10 - National Park Service Resource Law and Policy, Crowne Plaza Williamsburg in Fort Magruder, Williamsburg, VA. Registration deadline: September 30th. Workshop prior to the annual ANPR conference and rendezvous, which takes place from October 11th to October 14th. Have you ever wondered what the mission of the National Park Service really means, or why the NPS has so many rules and regulations in support of that mission? Understanding NPS resource stewardship laws and policies are foundational to anyone seeking or already in a career with the service. Join retired chief ranger and former ANPR president Scot McElveen at this informative workshop on what makes the NPS legally tick. There is no tuition for these workshops, but pre-registration for this training is required by contacting Rebecca Harriett at rebecca_harriett@nps.gov or calling (304) 535-6224 no later than September 30th.

October 10 - Interpreting Critical Issues: The American Civil War, Crowne Plaza Williamsburg in Fort Magruder, Williamsburg, VA. Registration deadline: September 30th. Workshop prior to the annual ANPR conference and rendezvous, which takes place from October 11th to October 14th. Over the next four years, the National Park Service will be commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. While this horrific national event has past, its lingering effects have not, challenging our interpreters in balancing its many compelling stories. This workshop will help interpreters gain skills in understanding the American Civil War in the full context of history. Participants will learn strategies on how to use controversial perspectives to their advantage when making these events relevant to today's generation. Join the Mather Training Center Interpretive team as they facilitate this workshop. There is no tuition for these workshops, but pre-registration for this training is required by contacting Rebecca Harriett at rebecca_harriett@nps.gov or calling (304) 535-6224 no later than September 30th.

October 11 - Using Oral History to Preserve and Protect NPS Heritage, Crowne Plaza Williamsburg in Fort Magruder, Williamsburg, VA. Registration deadline: September 30th. Workshop prior to the annual ANPR conference and rendezvous, which takes place from October 11th to October 14th.  This workshop introduces oral history methods and provides hands-on training. Topics include planning an oral history project; legal and ethical issues that relate to oral history; digital audio recording technologies; planning for and conducting in-depth oral history interviews; preserving and managing oral history collections; and processing interviews. Participants will practice skills by conducting short interviews with fellow students. Workshop will be conducted by Lu Ann Jones and Alison Steiner.  Lu Ann Jones is staff historian in the Park History Program, WASO. Alison Steiner has been a wilderness ranger/oral historian at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and is a member of the ANPR board. There is no fee for this workshop, but registration is required by emailing Rebecca Harriett at rebecca_harriett@nps.gov or calling at (304) 535-6224. Deadline for registration is September 30th.

October 17 - October 28 - Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Course, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ. Application deadline: September 23rd. This 80-hour class is designed to provide persons participating in National Park Service structure fire suppression efforts with technical information and primary skills essential for safe operation and proper maintenance of a fire apparatus.  After successful completion of this course the individual will be certified to drive, pump, and maintain structure fire apparatus for the NPS. For further information, contact the Mark Gorman at 208-387-5244 or check this website.

October 17 - October 28 - Law Enforcement Control Tactics Instructor Training Program, FLETC, Artesia, NM. The deadline for applications is September 7th. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions.

October 17 - October 28 - Firearms Instructor Training Program, FLETC, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is September 7th. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions.

October 17 - October 28 - Firearms Instructor Training Program, FLETC, Artesia, NM. The deadline for applications is September 7th. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions.

October 17 - October 28 - Use of Force Instructor Training Program, FLETC, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is September 7th. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions.

October 17 - October 28 - Law Enforcement Instructor Training Program, FLETC, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is September 7th.. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions.

October 23 - October 28 - Effective Interpretation of Archeological Resources (Module 440) Workshop, Presidio of San Francisco, CA. Application deadline: September 20th. Click on this link for course information and announcement; contact John Jameson (850-580-3011x243) with any questions.

October 24 - October 27 - NPS Fundamentals V: Building Trust, Teams and Leaders, Washington, DC. Free - all travel/tuition is paid for by Learning and Development. For more information, go to the NPS Fundamentals website and/or contact Samantha Paige at 202-354-1903.

October 25 - November 3 - NPS Fundamentals II: Introduction to NPS Operations, Grand Canyon, AZ. Free - all travel/tuition is paid for by Learning and Development. For more information, go to the NPS Fundamentals website and/or contact Haley Bercot (928-638-7985, Haley_Bercot@nps.gov).

October 31- November 3 - Concession Management Training for Superintendents, Santa Fe, NM.  The 35-hour intensive course enhances the knowledge and skills of superintendents and concession specialists on the fundamental requirements of concession management and supervision, operations, prospectus process, planning financial and legal framework of this complex and changing program of services in the national parks. Participants will gain a better understanding of contractual and operational requirements associated with providing commercial visitor services in parks. Tools and resources will be shared to assist superintendents in coordinating and communicating all aspects of management a concession contract. Interested participants must apply by September 23rd in DOILearn. For more information, please contact Lora Farabaugh at 303-987-6903.

October 31 - November 4 - Effective Oral History: Interviews, Project Management and Practical Applications, Everglades National Park, Homestead, FL. Application deadline: October 7th. This team-taught, hands-on course is designed for employees with oral history project responsibilities. For more details and application instructions see the training announcement. Registration is through DOI Learn. For more information contact Lu Ann Jones, Park History Program, WASO, at 202-354-2219 or luann_jones@nps.gov.

November 8 - November 18 - NPS Fundamentals II: Introduction to NPS Operations, Grand Canyon, AZ. Free - all travel/tuition is paid for by Learning and Development. For more information, go to the NPS Fundamentals website and/or contact Haley Bercot (928-638-7985, Haley_Bercot@nps.gov).

November 14 - November 17 - Interagency Regional Wilderness Stewardship Training Course, Gatlinburg, TN.  Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center.  Click on this link for course information.  Contact: Karen Lindsey, 406-243-4627, karen_lindsey@fws.gov with any questions.

November 14 - November 17 - NPS Fundamentals V: Building Trust, Teams and Leaders, Washington, DC. Free - all travel/tuition is paid for by Learning and Development. For more information, go to the NPS Fundamentals website and/or contact Samantha Paige at 202-354-1903.

November 14 - November 18 - Equipment Operator Safety, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, Moab, UT. This course will examine the risks of operating heavy equipment and steps required to minimize them.  Learning and Development will pay a portion of participant travel.  To apply: Log on to DOI Learn, click on Catalog and open Advanced Search.  Uncheck all boxes except Course Code and search for "mnt7" without the quotation marks to find the Course and Scheduled Classes.  For more information or questions, please contact Sarah Polzin, 301-663-8206 x 115 or Steve Hastings, 301-663-8206 x 134.

November 16 - November 17 - Federal Advisory Committee Act Training, American Institute of Architects, Washington, DC. The course is intended for federal committee management officers and their staffs, designated federal officers, FACA and ethics legal staff, FACA support staff, and managers and decision makers involved in advisory committee management and/or operations.  Agency contractor staff directly involved in FACA management or operations may also be nominated by their host agency. $450 course fee.  To register or to obtain further information, including the class agenda, please contact the Committee Management Secretariat Training Coordinator, Tabitha Dove, at tabitha.dove@gsa.gov.

November 28 - December 1 - Fee Supervisors Training Workshop, USFWS-National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV.  Application deadline: September 30th. The overall objectives for this workshop are to standardize Recreation Fee Program training for employees collecting fees for all parks within the system. To link to the full announcement, please visit this site. Visit the Administration and Business Practices, Commercial Services and Specialty Fields (ABCS) Careers Website. For registration questions, contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or email at debbie_cox@nps.gov. For questions about course content, contact Jane Anderson at 303-987-6902 or email at jane_anderson@nps.gov.

November 29 - December 8 - NPS Fundamentals II: Introduction to NPS Operations, Grand Canyon, AZ. Free - all travel/tuition is paid for by Learning and Development. For more information, go to the NPS Fundamentals website and/or contact Haley Bercot (928-638-7985, Haley_Bercot@nps.gov).

December 5 - December 8 - NPS Fundamentals V: Building Trust, Teams and Leaders, Washington, DC. Free - all travel/tuition is paid for by Learning and Development. For more information, go to the NPS Fundamentals website and/or contact Samantha Paige at 202-354-1903.

December 5 - December 9 - Company Fire Officer Class, location TBD. Application deadline: November 4th. Using the incident command system, participants will develop technical knowledge and leadership skills essential for the command and control of structural fire emergencies. Individuals are introduced to the management skills of preplanning, communications, decision-making, fire attack strategies/tactics, and logistical support functions and will practice their skills through dynamic group sessions and video simulations. For further information, contact the Mark Gorman at 208-387-5244 or check this website.

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Online Training

Cultural Resources

Nationwide Programmatic Agreement Toolkit. To help guide NPS staff on implementing the NPS nationwide programmatic agreement, which governs Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the NPS has developed a "toolkit." The toolkit is mandatory training that provides guidance to NPS superintendents and Section 106 coordinators, division chiefs, and facilities staff at region and park levels on using the programmatic agreement during Section 106 review. NPS employees may earn a certificate for their review of the toolkit through DOI Learn by taking a final assessment. Register for the course in DOI Learn, then review the contents of the toolkit website before returning to DOI Learn to complete a final assessment. The toolkit website is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/history/howto/PAToolkit/index.htm. For more information about the NPS nationwide programmatic agreement toolkit, please contact: Jeffrey Durbin, NPS Section 106 compliance program officer, at 202-354-1816 or Jeffrey_durbin@nps.gov

Managing Archeological Collections. Learn about caring for archeological collections and help to overcome the curation crisis. The course is designed to assist those who are interested in, or need to learn more about, preserving and managing archeological collections over the long term. Register for the course in DOI Learn, then review the contents of the course website before returning to DOI Learn to complete a final assessment. The course website is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/archeology/collections/index.htm. For more information, contact Teresa Moyer (202-354-2124, teresa_moyer@nps.gov).

Archeology for Interpreters. Through this training, interpreters and anyone with an interest and need to know - including law enforcement rangers, natural resource experts, and managers -- may gain basic knowledge about archeology. The course provides opportunities to learn about archeological methods and analysis and how to encourage concern for the preservation and protection of archeological resources. A park-based case study provides practice. Register for the course in DOI Learn, then review the contents of the course website before returning to DOI Learn to complete a final assessment. The course website is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/archeology/AforI/index.htm.  For more information, contact Teresa Moyer (202-354-2124, teresa_moyer@nps.gov).

Interpretation for Archeologists. Archeologists and other resource professionals can take this training to gain a firm foundation in and understanding of the purpose, philosophy, and techniques of interpretation. The course encourages archeologists to frame their work for the public and to work with interpreters to integrate archeological perspectives into interpretive products and tell compelling stories.  Register for the course in DOI Learn, then review the contents of the course website before returning to DOI Learn to complete a final assessment. The course website is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/archeology/IforA/index.htm.  For more information, contact Teresa Moyer (202-354-2124, teresa_moyer@nps.gov).

Study Tour of Archeological Interpretation. View interpretation with "fresh eyes" to evaluate choices and strategies for interpreting archeology in parks and historic sites. Download worksheets to assist in evaluating both onsite interpretation and virtual visits.  Register for the course in DOI Learn, then review the contents of the course website before returning to DOI Learn to complete a final assessment. The course website is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/archeology/studytour/index.htm.  For more information, contact Teresa Moyer (202-354-2124, teresa_moyer@nps.gov).

Assessment of Archeological Interpretation. Use the interpretive analysis model to evaluate the effectiveness of interpreting archeological resources on the basis of visitor experience at the levels of short-term outcomes, long-term outcomes, and audience feedback. Learn more about the National Park Service evaluation strategy. Register for the course in DOI Learn, then review the contents of the course website before returning to DOI Learn to complete a final assessment. The course website is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/archeology/aiassess/index.htm. For more information, contact Teresa Moyer (202-354-2124, teresa_moyer@nps.gov)

NPS Fundamentals

NPS Fundamentals I: NPS Mission and History. A cornerstone for your NPS career. Learn online at your own pace about the history of the NPS, how the NPS is organized, and how the NPS fits into the federal government. Completion of this course is a prerequisite for NPS Fundamentals II: Introduction to NPS Operations.  Cost: free. For more information, see the NPS Fundamentals website. Registration: DOI Learn. Contact: Judy Geniac, Judy_Geniac@nps.gov, 928-638-7881).

NPS Fundamentals III: NPS Career Management and Retirement Planning. Look ahead in your NPS career and eventual retirement. Learn online at your own pace about career and retirement planning, including sessions on advancing in your chosen career path, financial planning, insurance, and making healthy lifestyle choices. Cost: free. For more information, see the NPS Fundamentals website. Registration: DOI Learn. Contact: Judy Geniac, Judy_Geniac@nps.gov, 928-638-7881).

NPS Fundamentals IV: Managing Work Life in the NPS. What are the expected legal and ethical behaviors of NPS employees? Why should diversity matter to you? What can you do to ensure a safe work environment? Get these questions answered and more in this online course studying public ethics, diversity, and safety in the NPS. Cost: free. For more information, see the NPS Fundamentals website. Registration: DOI Learn. Contact: Judy Geniac, Judy_Geniac@nps.gov, 928-638-7881).

Wilderness

The Wilderness Act of 1964. Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands.  Click on this link for course information.  Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Minimum Requirements Analysis. Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands.  Click on this link for course information.  Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Wilderness Stewardship Planning Framework. Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands.  Click on this link for course information.  Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Wilderness Visitor Use Management. A suite of three courses: Fundamentals, Strategies, and Monitoring Impacts and Uses.  Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands.  Click on this link for course information.  Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Natural Resource Management in Wilderness. A suite of twelve courses: Fundamentals, Challenges in Natural Resource Restoration, Monitoring, Evaluating Proposals for Scientific Activity, Fish and Wildlife, Fish and Wildlife Inventory and Monitoring, Threatened and Endangered Species, Air Quality, Soil and Water, Vegetation, Soundscapes, and Night Sky.  Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands.  Click on this link for course information.  Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Managing Cultural Resources in Wilderness.  A suite of three courses: Fundamentals, Inventory and Monitoring, and Evaluating Scientific Proposals.  Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands.  Click on this link for course information.  Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Managing Paleontological Resources in Wilderness.  A suite of three courses: Fundamentals, Inventory and Monitoring, and Evaluating Scientific Proposals.  Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands.  Click on this link for course information.  Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

EMS

EMS Training. The Branch of Emergency Services is announcing various levels of emergency medical services (EMS) training. This is offered to NPS employees at no cost by the Air National Guard. A list of offerings and dates are located under the "Training" link on the NPS EMS InsideNPS website. If you wish to attend one of the listed sessions, please contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261 or bob_wightman@nps.gov.  He will provide additional details about the courses and will put you in touch with ANG liaison.

Administration

Fundamentals of Financial Management (V2). After many, many months of work by a select group of experts from AOC and various parks and assistance from The Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands, the Fundamentals of Financial Management (v2) is up and running.  The series of online modules covers the federal budget cycle, accounts payable and receivable, travel, payroll, year-end closing and much more.  The course is built to assist GS-4 through GS-9 administrative, accounting, budget and financial management personnel understand financial processes to soundly and effectively manage the budget and finances of a park or work unit. This course does not address the upcoming move to FBMS.  Please click here for more details.

Retirement

Firefighter/Law Enforcement Officer Retirement Training for Human Resource Specialists, Managers and Supervisors. This course is designed to provide firefighter and law enforcement officer retirement training for human resources specialists, managers and supervisors. Cost: Free. For more information, see DOI Learn website: http://www.doi.gov/doilearn. Registration: DOI Learn Help Desk 1-866-466-1998 or email at doilearn@geolearning.com. FLERT Contact: William (Alan) Sizemore, Alan_Sizemore@ios.doi.gov 208-334-1556.

FERS Retirement Training for Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers. This course is designed to provide firefighters and law enforcement officers with information on FERS special retirement provisions so that they can manage their careers in such a way that they maximize their benefits. Special retirement provisions apply to employees occupying these positions and they have specific responsibilities that are critical to know about and act upon throughout their careers if they expect to qualify for special retirement. Cost: Free. For more information, see DOI Learn website: http://www.doi.gov/doilearn. Registration: DOI Learn Help Desk 1-866-466-1998 or email at doilearn@geolearning.com. FLERT Contact: William (Alan) Sizemore, Alan_Sizemore@ios.doi.gov 208-334-1556.




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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.