NPS Visitor and Resource Protection
The Morning Report
Friday, August 17, 2012


INCIDENTS

Yosemite National Park (CA)
Boy Drowns In Merced River, Search Underway For Second Boy

A ten-year-old boy was pronounced dead and a six-year-old boy remains missing following an incident near the Vernal Fall Footbridge on Thursday. Members of a family group from southern California were in the Merced River near the Vernal Fall Footbridge yesterday afternoon around 3:00 p.m.  They had begun their hike at the Happy Isles Trailhead and had hiked approximately one mile when they stopped at the footbridge. They were in the river when the two boys were swept away by the current.  The ten-year-old was pulled from the Merced about 150 yards downriver; CPR was begun by a park visitor and continued by rangers.  Their efforts proved unsuccessful, though, and the boy was pronounced dead. A search was begun for the six-year-old and continue at this time. The Mist Trail remains open during search and rescue operations.  Portions of the trail may close throughout the day to accommodate search and rescue operations.
[Submitted by Kari Cobb, Public Affairs Officer]




Lake Mead National Recreation Area (AZ,NV)
Man Arrested For Sexual Abuse Of Minors

On June 27th, special agents from the Investigative Services Branch served a felony arrest and search warrant on a 60-year-old Pennsylvania man, a former concession employee at Lake Mead who'd been indicted on eight felony counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. The indictment stemmed from a six-month-long investigation by agents. The man had sexually abused three victims, all 12 years old or younger, over a five-year period while working and living in the park. He was arrested without incident and transported to a federal holding facility in Philadelphia, and later transported by the US Marshals Service back to Las Vegas, where he was detained until trial.  Assisting with the warrant service were rangers from Independence and Valley Forge and troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police.
[Submitted by Brian Lake, Special Agent, ISB West]




FIRE MANAGEMENT

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

National Fire Activity – Preparedness Level 4

NIFC is at PL 4. Fifty-two uncontained large fires are burning nationwide; 31 incident management teams are committed.

Fire Weather Forecast

Widely scattered thunderstorms will develop across the Southwest, the central Rockies and the southern Great Basin. Isolated thunderstorms will also for over the Sierras in California. Hot conditions will continue over the West. Cooler weather will spread through the Plains and the mid and upper Mississippi Valley as a cold front pushes toward the East coast and the Gulf states. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will form ahead of the front from Texas and Oklahoma to the mid-Atlantic and north to New England.

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

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Date

8/13

8/14

8/15

8/16

8/17

Initial Attack Fires

157

288

187

122

132

New Large Fires

4

16

20

11

9

Large Fires Contained

8

11

6

12

11

Uncontained Large Fires

59

62

70

62

52

National Resource Commitments (Five Day Trend)

Day

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Date

8/13

8/14

8/15

8/16

8/17

Area Command Teams

1

1

1

1

1

NIMO Teams

2

2

2

2

2

Type 1 Teams

6

11

12

13

13

Type 2 Teams

11

11

14

15

15

NPS Fire Summaries

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

Details on these NPS fires have been extracted from current NIFC, InciWeb and other reports:

  • Buffalo Lake Road Fire, Colville Agency – Although this 8,500 acre fire is on BIA lands, it has had an impact on Lake Roosevelt NRA. Marty Huseman has sent along this report from the park: "After the Buffalo Lake Road Fire grew from 20 acres to 5000 acres overnight on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation on the morning of August 15th, park headquarters staff made preparations to evacuate personnel and a significant amount of heavy equipment and motorized vehicles. Headquarters is located outside of the park boundary in Coulee Dam, Washington. Grand Coulee Bureau of Reclamation staff cleared a large parking lot in anticipation of the vehicles. When the lookout reported flames starting to come down the ridge towards the buildings, a safe and orderly evacuation began. Through a tremendous team effort, all staff were accounted for through supervisory contact and a call-in system to the Fort Spokane office, and the most critical equipment, files, and one-of-a-kind items were secured. There were no injuries or property damage. Three employees in park housing were relocated to hotels for the evening. Thanks to the combined efforts of firefighters from the Confederated Tribes, Bureau of Reclamation, Grand Coulee, Elmer City, Okanogan and Grant Counties, and other local firefighters and pilots, back burns were successful and all headquarters buildings, and the residences of the three employees closest to the flames, were saved. Park rangers reported an increase in night boating activity on the lake due to interest in viewing the flames. A 14 foot aluminum vessel was swamped that night near Crescent Bay when the three intoxicated occupants overloaded its capacity. None were wearing personal flotation devices, however the two women managed to grab life jackets that were floating in the water, and the man held on to the cooler of beer. One woman was able to dial 911 on her cell phone, and Good Samaritans assisted with rescuing them. The women were treated at the local hospital for dehydration and hypothermia. Park employees returned to work on August 16th, retrieving the equipment and making headquarters operational. While the fire is no longer a threat to headquarters, it has grown to 8500 acres and continues to threaten resources on the reservation. The tribes have delegated authority for managing the fire to Larry Nickey's Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 4. Larry's day job is fire management officer at Olympic National Park, and he is very experienced in fire management."For more information on the fire, go to the team's InciWeb site (http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3169/ ).
  • Reading Fire, Lassen Volcanic NP – Pincha-Tulley's Type 1 IMT is managing the fire, which has now burned 27,167 acres – an increase of 1,925 acres from yesterday. It's now 28% contained, with full containment still forecast for next Tuesday. A total of 1,083 firefighters and overhead personnel are currently committed. For full details on the fire, including closures and maps, go to the team's InciWeb site (http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3112/ ) or the park's web page (http://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm).
  • Quail Fire, Joshua Tree NP – The fire has been 100% contained at 297 acres. For more information, see the park's web page (http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm) or its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/joshuatreenp). [Joe Zarki, Public Information Officer]

For additional information on all fires, check the following National Park Service and NIFC web sites:

NIFC

NPS




OPERATIONAL NOTES

Department of the Interior
Flags At Half Staff Today

Secretary Salazar has directed that flags at all Department of the Interior agencies be flown at half staff on Friday, August 17th, in memory of firefighter Anne Veseth, who lost her life when she was struck by a falling tree while working on the fire line on the Steep Corner Fire in Idaho on August 12th.




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.

Note: Listings are removed from the calendar once the application deadline has passed.

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Scheduled Training

August 20 – August 23 – 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 (http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm) and/or contact Samantha Paige at 202-354-1903 or via Lotus Notes.

August 30 – Bats in Buildings Webinar, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. EDT. Bat Conservation International and the NPS are teaming up to present this webinar for all NPS employees who may encounter bats in buildings, including natural and cultural resource, administrative, facilities and maintenance, interpretation, planning, concessions, and law enforcement personnel. Please register at this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7577222054788820480 . For more information, please visit the public site or intranet site, or contact Kevin Castle.

September 10 – September 14 – Strategic Conservation Planning Using a Green Infrastructure Approach (GI 101), Shepherdstown, WV.  This highly-acclaimed course, entering its 12th successful year, provides participants with a strategic approach for prioritizing conservation opportunities and a planning framework for conservation and development - integrating the green and the grey. Participants will experience firsthand how the green infrastructure approach can be used to connect environmental, social, and economic health across urban, suburban, and rural settings. Participants will also learn how green infrastructure planning can serve as a tool to inform land use decisions and build consensus among diverse interests. For more information, click on this link. Registration closes on August 17th.

September 10 – September 14 – Effective Oral History: Interviews, Project Management and Practical Application, Stephen T. Mather Training Center, Harpers Ferry, WV.  For more information or to apply go to DOILearn.  Travel scholarships are available – apply at this link. For more information, contact: Lu Ann Jones 202-354-2219 or luann_jones@nps.gov .

September 24 – September 28 – Law Enforcement Control Tactics Refresher Training, Glynco, GA. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is August 17th.

October 1 – Deadline for proposals for Protected Areas in a Changing World: The 2013 George Wright Society Conference on Parks, Protected Areas, and Cultural Sites, which will be held in Denver next year from March 11th to March 15th. The conference is the USA's largest interdisciplinary meeting focused on parks, protected areas, and cultural sites. The more information, go to the conference website: http://www.georgewright.org/gws2013.

October 2 – October 5 – Firearms Instructor Refresher Training, Fresno, CA. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is September 7th.

October 10 – October 20 – Use of Force Instructor Training, Grand Canyon, AZ. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is September 7th.

October 15 – October 18 – Interagency Regional Wilderness Stewardship Training Course, Jackson Hole, WY.  Sponsored by the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center.  Click on this link for course information.  Contact: Tim Devine (406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov) with any questions.

October 15 – October 26 – Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Course, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ. This 80-hour class is designed to provide persons participating in NPS structural fire suppression efforts with the technical information and primary skills essential for the safe operation and proper maintenance of a fire apparatus. Emphasis is on hands-on training of pumping skills critical to the support of personnel assigned to fire control functions. Personnel will become proficient in troubleshooting, hydraulics, drafting and multiple line pumping evolutions. This will be supported with technical literature and training manuals.  After successful completion of this course the individual will be certified to drive, pump, and maintain structure fire apparatus for the NPS. The closing date is September 14th. For more information, contact Mark Gorman at 208-387-5244 or check the website at http://npsfamshare/structural/operations/default.aspx.

October 17 – October 19 – Firearms Instructor Refresher Training, Cape Hatteras, NC. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is September 27th.

 

October 22 – October 25 – Interagency Wilderness Interpretation and Education Workshop, Estes Park, CO.  Sponsored by the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center.  Click on this link for course information.  Contact Tim Devine (406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov) with any questions.

November 5 – November 9 – Fire Instructor I Course, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ.  This course is designed to provide firefighters with the information needed to meet the job performance requirements in NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications. This 40-hour class prepares fire service personnel with the skills necessary to deliver instruction materials, including assembling course materials and the use of instructional aides and evaluation tools. Knowledge and skills will be tested throughout the course and course graduates will be qualified as fire instructors within the National Park Service with accreditation through the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications. The closing date is October 5th. For more information, contact Mark Gorman at 208-387-5244 or check the website at http://npsfamshare/structural/operations/default.aspx.

December 3 – December 7 – Engine Company Fire Officer Class, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ.  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. The closing date is November 2nd. For more information, contact Mark Gorman at 208-387-5244 or check the website at http://npsfamshare/structural/operations/default.aspx.

January 6 – February 2 – NPS Parkmedic Training, Fresno, CA. The biannual park medic training program is designed to refresh the student's knowledge of basic life support and to provide instruction in advanced life support and pre-hospital care. Patient care in the remote setting will be emphasized. Candidates successfully completing the course will be tested at the National Registry of EMTs, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), and receive NPS certification as a park medic. For more information, go to this PDF file: http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/Parkmedic%20Training%202013.pdf.

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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, go to the NPS Fundamentals website: http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm . 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, go to the NPS Fundamentals website: http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm. 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, go to the NPS Fundamentals website: http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm.  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.

Deciding to Keep Wilderness Wild: Four Cornerstones for Wilderness Managers. 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. 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. Remaining EMS Refresher/CPR offerings are on the following dates: 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.

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.

Supervision

New Supervisor Development Program. This new training and development program, which was begun last year, is designed specifically for first-time supervisors within the 12 month probationary period of their initial appointment. The New Supervisor Development Program (NSDP) is a blended learning program that is delivered both online and in residential (three day) sessions across the country in collaboration with Bureau of Land Management, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. The online modules (completely free of cost) are available on DOILearn as preliminary work, and include the basics of in knowledge and skills for a first-time supervisor. Completion of these modules is followed by a three day Supervisory Skills Workshop (SSW) that provides synthesis and skills practice. The NSDP satisfies the initial 40-hour new supervisory training required by OPM (5CFR 412.202). There will be no cost to parks and regions in FY 2012 – all costs (tuition and travel) are being funded by WASO Learning and Development. Registrations for the SSW are managed via regional employee development officers by slot allocation.  For more information, please contact Katrina Roberts, NSDP Training Manager, 202-354-1487, or Brigitte Keels, 202-354-1406, or your regional employee development officer. This program is expected to continue in FY 2013, but funding has yet to be determined. Additional information can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/training/ - click on the link under "Featured Links:New!"




PARKS AND PEOPLE

Pacific West Region
GS-025/340-14/15 Superintendent

Dates: 08/16/2012 - 09/13/2012

Pacific West Region is  recruiting for a superintendent for Redwood National Park.  Please click on the link below to see the full vacancy announcement.
 More Information...




Pacific West Region
GS-0025/0340-13/14 Superintendent

Dates: 08/16/2012 - 09/13/2012

Pacific West Region is currently advertising for s superintendent for Lake Roosevelt National Recreational Area.  Please click on the link below for the full vacancy announcement.
 More Information...




Southeast Region
Jessica Sharpe Joins Region As Public Health Consultant

Lieutenant (JG) Jessica Sharpe has reported for duty as Southeast Region's regional public health consultant. 

Jessica grew up in Atlanta and attended Colorado State University, where she obtained a BS in environmental health in 2002.  After graduation, she worked with the Tri-County Health Department in Denver.  While at Tri-County Health Department, she gained experience in routine health inspections and participated in the water remediation team for Rocky Mountain Arsenal. 

Jessica has also worked for the Florida Department of Health, where her job included the full range of environmental health duties, such as food inspections, pool inspections, septic system permitting and underground storage tank permitting.  She also worked for Allied Engineering and Testing, Inc., managing its wastewater department. While working at Allied, she obtained a BS in environmental engineering in 2009. 

In 2010 she began working for Indian Health Service in Montana.  Her duties included water and wastewater master planning for tribal communities, offering technical assistance in the operation of surface water plants, and project management on several construction projects.  In December 2011, she converted from the civil service to the U.S. Public Health Service commissioned corps.
[Submitted by William F. Reynolds, Assistant Regional Director for Communications]




Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Dana Soehn Selected As Park Management Assistant

Dana Soehn has been selected as the park's new management assistant. She will be filling the position vacated by Bob Miller, who retired earlier this summer.

In her new position, Dana will be involved in a wide variety of activities, including serving as the park's liaison and primary spokesperson with community leaders, news outlets, various federal, state and local officials, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other special interest groups who are essential in establishing and maintaining valuable relationships in both North Carolina and Tennessee.

In addition to managing the park's public affairs operation, Dana will also coordinate public planning efforts and briefings, manage the parks rights-of-way, commercial filming and photography programs, and coordinate park special events.

For the past three years, Dana has served as the park's volunteer coordinator in a complex program that manages the efforts of over 2,700 volunteers who provide over 135,000 hours of service annually. It is one of the largest volunteer programs in the National Park Service. She began her conservation career at the Smokies in 1989 as a Student Conservation Association intern and has worked in a variety of part time and permanent positions at the park in the natural resource management, resource education, and visitor and resource protection divisions. 

 "We are excited to have someone with Dana's skills and background accept this important and challenging position," said Dale Ditmanson, the park's superintendent. "She is no stranger to the park and surrounding communities and will be a valuable asset in establishing, maintaining and growing relationships on behalf of the park."

Dana obtained her bachelor of science degree in wildlife and fisheries science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1992, and her master's degree in wildlife and fisheries resources from West Virginia University in Morgantown in 1995. She and her husband Heath, who is a park ranger in the Tennessee District, reside in Gatlinburg along with their sons Grant and Garrett.

Dana will assume her new duties in late September.
[Submitted by Molly Schroer, Public Affairs Office]




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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.