The Morning Report for Friday, October 21, 2011

INCIDENTS

Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
Park Resident Arrested For Sexual Abuse Of Minors

The Grand Canyon Field Office of the Investigative Services Branch was contacted by the Norton Shores Police Department in July and asked to assist with an investigation of a park resident for sexually abusing two boys in Michigan. A joint investigation was conducted by the ISB and NSPD, with assistance provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Polygraph Unit. As a result of the joint investigation, a nationwide extraditable warrant for the subject's arrest was issued. On October 7th, special agents and park rangers arrested the man without incident at his place of employment inside the park. If he proves unable to post a $250,000 bond, he will be extradited back to Michigan.
[Submitted by Christopher Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Investigative Services Branch-Central]

OPERATIONAL NOTES

Servicewide
Upcoming Training And Conference Calendar

Please submit information on upcoming training courses to Bill_Halainen@nps.gov no later than the Thursday morning before the Friday calendar update. 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.

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 24 - October 28 - Annual Law Enforcement Refresher, San Juan National Historic Site, Puerto Rico. The park is hosting a training opportunity for law enforcement personnel. This training will fulfill the annual law enforcement training requirement (IMARS, defensive driving, EVOC, defensive tactics, use of force, report writing, taser refresher). The deadline for applications is October 16th. The point of contact is Acting Chief Ranger Ernesto J. Padilla, ernesto_padilla@nps.gov , 787-729-6777.

October 31 - Retirement Planning for New Employees, TEL broadcast, 1:00-3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. This class is designed for employees who are just beginning their careers and enrolled in FERS. Registration deadline in DOI Learn is October 31st at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. Search term in DOI Learn: retirement planning. For more information, contact Katrina Fritts at 304.535.5089 or katrina_fritts@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.

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 (928-638-7880, Haley_Bercot@nps.gov). Note: Friday, November 11, is Veterans Day - to honor this day, the class will have a three-day weekend.

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 9 - Use of Force Instructor Training, FLETC, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is October 21st. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions.

November 28 - December 2 - Inland Boat Operator Training, FLETC, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is October 22nd. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions.

November 29 - December 1 - NPS Digital Preservation Conference: Fundamentals of Creating and Sustaining Digital Content, USFWS - National Conservation Training Center, Shepardstown, WV. Application deadline: October 26th. To link to the full announcement, please visit this site. For further information, contact Liz Banks at liz_banks@nps.gov or (617) 242-5613 x 222.

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 (928-638-7880, Haley_Bercot@nps.gov).

December 5 - December 9 - Inland Boat Operator Training, FLETC, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is October 22nd. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions.

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 - Introduction to Park Program Management, Northeast Regional Office, Philadelphia, PA. The deadline for applications is October 24th; apply via DOILearn. POC: Jo Robinson, jo_robinson@nps.gov or 304.535.5016.

December 5 - December 9 - H337: Command and General Staff Training (I-300/400), Rocky Mountain National Wildlife Refuge, Denver, CO. Free. For a copy of the registration form, please contact Elaine C. Wolff at Elaine_Wolff@ios.doi.gov .

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.

December 6 - December 9 - Creative and Instructional Techniques, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, Greensboro, NC. This is a new course for instructors and builds on the basics of applying the principles of adult learning, writing instructional objectives, determining course content for your training sessions, and focusing on the delivery of your content. This course is designed for those who have some instructional experience already and who are looking for new ideas and methods to enhance training delivery. Registration deadline in DOI Learn is November 9th. For more information, contact Jo Robinson at 304.535.5016 or jo_robinson@nps.gov.

January 15 - Proposals are due for this coming June's National Underground Railroad Conference. For details on that conference, see the entry below. Information on the call for proposals can be found on the Organization of American Historians website at: http://www.oah.org/programs/nps/2012ugrr/index.html. For more information on the conference, visit the Network to Freedom website at http://www.nps.gov/ugrr/community/annual-conference.htm, or contact Turkiya L. Lowe, SER Program Manager, at turkiya_lowe@nps.gov, 404-507-5830.

January 23 - January 27 - Introduction to Park Program Management, Pacific West Regional Office, San Francisco, CA. The deadline for applications is December 12th; apply via DOILearn. POC: Jo Robinson, jo_robinson@nps.gov or 304.535.5016.

January 23 - January 27 - Investigation of Complex Archeological Resource Crimes, FLETC, Glynco, GA. This training will provide the experienced officer/agent with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and manage more complex cultural heritage resource crimes. The program consists of 40+ hours of instruction, plus pre-course work. Students should be highly motivated and expect instruction to run into the evening hours. The target audience is journeyman officers with experience in archeological resource investigations and special agents seeking to expand their investigative abilities. If you have specific questions regarding this class, contact FLETC senior instructor Charles Louke at 912-280-5188. Registration is through your agencies national academy at FLETC.

January 24 - February 2 - 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 (928-638-7880, Haley_Bercot@nps.gov).

February 6 - 10 - Introduction to Park Program Management, Assateague Island National Seashore, MD. The deadline for applications is December 30th; apply via DOILearn. POC: Jo Robinson, jo_robinson@nps.gov or 304.535.5016.

February 13 - February 17 - Introduction to Park Program Management, Lake Mead NRA, NV. The deadline for applications is December 30th; apply via DOILearn. POC: Jo Robinson, jo_robinson@nps.gov or 304.535.5016.

March 26 - March 30 - Introduction to Park Program Management, MWRO, Omaha, NE. The deadline for applications is February 13th; apply via DOILearn. POC: Jo Robinson, jo_robinson@nps.gov or 304.535.5016.

April 30 - May 4 - Concessions Management Training for Superintendents, NCTC, Shepherdstown, WV. The deadline for applications is February 17th; apply via DOILearn. POC: Lora Farabaugh, lora_farabaugh@nps.gov, 303.987.6903.

June 20 - June 23 - National Underground Railroad Conference, St. Augustine, FL. The 2012 conference theme explores resistance to slavery through escape and flight to and from the South, including through international flight, from the 16th century to the end of the Civil War. The conference will highlight how southern freedom seekers seized unique opportunities to escape enslavement through flight into Spanish Florida and the Seminole Nation, to the Caribbean Islands, and into the western borderlands of Indian Territory, Texas, and Mexico. Other conference topics include preservation and interpretation of stories of southern freedom seekers during the War of 1812 and the American Civil War, in commemoration of the 200th and 150th anniversaries, respectively. The conference will also observe the upcoming 450th anniversary of the City of St. Augustine's founding and the city's ongoing legacy in the Civil Rights history with the impending 50th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This conference provides an opportunity to answer our recent "Call to Action" and NPS parks are especially welcome to participate. The conference will bring together a mix of grass roots researchers, public historians, community advocates, site stewards, government officials, local youth, and the general public. NPS staff participation as presenters, exhibit hall posters, volunteers, and attendees illustrates our service-wide commitment to interpret the full diversity of United States history, to expand the meaning of parks to new audiences, and to provide an opportunity for communities to learn more about their heritage. The call for proposals is now available on the Organization of American Historians website at: http://www.oah.org/programs/nps/2012ugrr/index.html . The submission deadline for proposals is January 15th. For more information, visit the Network to Freedom website at http://www.nps.gov/ugrr/community/annual-conference.htm, or contact Turkiya L. Lowe, SER Program Manager, at turkiya_lowe@nps.gov, 404-507-5830.

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Online and Ongoing 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.

EMS Training. The 445th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio, is offering 22 EMS refreshers, each combined with American Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Provider classes and two four-week-long accelerated NREMT certification courses throughout FY 2012. These courses are offered tuition free to NPS employees. Reduced-rate lodging may be available on base. Refreshers, or portions, may be attended for CEU's. Offerings and dates:

Accelerated NREMT - April 16 - May 11 and August 6 - August 31
EMS Refresher/CPR - October 31 - November 4, November 14 - November 18, November 28 - December 2, December 5 - December 9, December 12 - December 16, January 9 - January 13, January 23 - January 27, February 6 - February 10, February 27 - March 2, March 5 - March 9, March 19 - March 23, May 21 - May 24, June 4 - June 8, June 25 - June 29, July 9 - July 13, July 16 - July 20, July 23 - July 27, September 10 - September 14, September 17 - September 21, and September 24 - September 28

Contact Keith Gad by email (Keith_Gad@nps.gov) or by phone at 937-681-8308 to receive more information and instructions.

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.

PARKS AND PEOPLE

Yosemite National Park (CA)
GS-2210-11/12 IT Specialist (Data Management/Intranet)

Yosemite is seeking candidates for a position as GS-11/12 IT specialist. For a copy of the announcement with full details, click on the link below. The closing date is October 27th.
More Information...

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HI)
Jessica Ferracane Selected As Park's Chief Media Contact

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has appointed public relations specialist Jessica Ferracane to its communications team.

Ferracane brings tem years of experience in public relations to the position, having served as the president of Irondog Communications and the primary PR contact for the Big Island Visitors Bureau from 2006 to 2011 and as PR director for The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai'i resort from 2002 to 2005.

Prior to becoming a PR professional, she worked as a print journalist. She is currently pursuing a masters of arts degree in public relations from Webster University. Ferracane is a lifelong resident of Hawai'i.

"We are delighted to have Jessica Ferracane as part of the communications team at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park," said Cindy Orlando, the park's superintendent. "Her diverse background in public relations, the visitor industry and in journalism will serve the park, its visitors, and the media who cover park news, very effectively."

Ferracane is the chief media contact for the 333,086-acre national park. Her duties will include creating and distributing press releases, reviewing and processing filming and photography permit requests, coordinating VIP visits, assisting in crisis communications, and more.

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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.