The Morning Report

Thursday, April 02, 2015

INCIDENTS


Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
Climber Suffers Multiple Injuries In Fall

The park received a 911 call reporting a falling accident above The Loch late on the morning of Tuesday, March 31st.

It was later determined that 28-year-old J.H. of Boulder, Colorado, took an 80 to 100 foot roped fall near or on a climbing route called Deep Freeze. She was with a climbing partner at the time.

J.H. was located in steep scree roughly 500 feet above The Loch on Thatchtop Mountain. The Loch is three miles from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Rangers reached her at 2:30 p.m.; they found that she'd sustained numerous injuries but was conscious.

Rangers lowered J.H. down a steep scree slope to The Loch, where an air ambulance was able to land on the frozen lake. At a little after 7 p.m., Flight for Life transported her to St. Anthony's Hospital.

Fortunately, weather conditions and the location were conducive for assistance from a helicopter. Otherwise, it would have been an even lengthier rescue operation. A total of eighteen rescue personnel had reached the Glacier Gorge Trailhead by approximately 8 p.m., including the park SAR team, Larimer County Search and Rescue and Rocky Mountain Rescue.

[Submitted by Kyle Patterson, Public Information Officer]


Lake Mead National Recreation Area - NV, AZ
Teen Dies In Jump From Cliff Into Lake Mohave

A body has been recovered in Placer Cove on Lake Mohave where a teen disappeared on April 1st after jumping from a cliff.

Rangers began searching the area around 12:30 p.m. after witnesses said a teen jumped from a cliff to help a swimmer below. The swimmer made it to safety, but witnesses said the teen was seen going underwater.

Rangers located the body underwater using sonar and called in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Search and Rescue Dive Team for support. The dive team recovered the body.

The Clark County Medical Examiner will confirm the victim's identity and determine the cause of death. The incident is under investigation.

[Submitted by Public Affairs Office]


NEWS AND NOTES


Office of Communications
Find Your Park Campaign Launched

Following months of collaborative work from many of you across the organization, the Find Your Park public awareness campaign gets its first moment in the sun today with a media event in New York City.

Passers-by will be able to connect virtually with NPS rangers and other visitors on a Virtual View Tour of Grand Teton National Park, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area using interactive kiosks.

Leading up to National Park Week (April 18-26), one of the kiosks will travel to Los Angeles on April 9-10 and Washington, D.C. on April 16-17 to continue inspiring a new generation to discover their national parks and other public lands. This is just the start of our centennial activities and events, so stay tuned for more exciting updates.

Social media provide an important tool that you can use to connect to the Find Your Park campaign. In coordination with the campaign launch, we will be creating a national-level Instagram account to promote all parks and programs.

During National Park Week, parks and programs will be encouraged to participate in national social media events, Including an "Instameet on April 19th when you can invite visitors to take and share their photos in a park on the same day. You can also use your park or program's social media presence to highlight diverse park experiences. Specific guidance on how to participate is included in the Media and Events update of the Find Your Park toolkit.

As we invite everyone to find their park, here are some actions you can take now:

  • Share (via CMS) your National Park Week events and tag them NPS Centennial and National Park Week.
  • Use #FindYourPark widely.
  • Display the Find Your Park campaign materials in high-traffic, accessible areas in your parks and offices.
  • Visit www.FindYourPark.com to share your story, view other inspiring stories, browse the experiences section, and create your own park or program's experiences.

Visit the Centennial Office google site to get the latest updates on centennial plans and activities, Find Your Park campaign toolkits, guidance, and more. Also email nps_centennial@nps.gov if you have any questions about the Find Your Park campaign launch.

[Submitted by Suki Baz, Employee Communications Specialist]


Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (MD)
Plays Highlight Forts Role During World War I

Although the bicentennial of the War of 1812 is over, the "work in the trenches" for the Fort McHenry staff continues. In March, a series of three one-act plays were staged highlighting the fort's role during World War I.

While best known as the birthplace of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812, Fort McHenry's also served as the site of a vast hospital during World War I. The complex numbered over 100 buildings and housed over 30,000 patients from 1918-1923. The surgeons at Fort McHenry specialized in facial reconstruction. This inspired playwrights to title the performances "Facing the Great War."

The performances represent a significant achievement of the fort's "Parks for Every Classroom" program, which is made up of staff from the Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore School for the Arts and interpretive staff from Fort McHenry.

Students began the project by conducting research at the Maryland Historical Society. MDHS education staff Kristin Schenning (director of education) and David Armenti (student research coordinator) led the students through a trove of letters, original photographs, diaries and original magazines.

Through this research students gained a deeper understanding not only of the horrors the soldiers faced at the front, but also of the societal issues people faced at home. For example, students captured issues relating to women's' rights, racial discrimination and the infamous influenza epidemic of 1919 in the performances.

After conducting research, the students visited Fort McHenry NM&HS and the War Memorial in downtown Baltimore for place-based learning. For most of these students it was their first time visiting these sites that are literally in their own backyard.

The plays contained a modern relevancy and the park staff learned from the students and their teachers. Norah Worthington, the teacher at the Baltimore School for the Arts who spearheaded the project, conducted research in the park.

"I read the park's copy of the diary of Emily Raine Williams, the leading nurse at the fort, as well as issues of the Baltimore Afro-American," she says. "Often the roles of women and minorities have been marginalized in history but these plays give them a voice."

Historically, over 300 women served at Fort McHenry as nurses and reconstruction aides. Reconstruction aides assisted the wounded in physical therapy and helped them to fight depression.

Telling the broader story attracted new audiences and fostered a bond between the student and the site. Ifeteyo Kitwala portrayed an African-American reconstruction aid.

"Before being in the play, I had no idea African-American women served at the fort during World War I," said Kitwala.

Other students portrayed blind patients or wounded veterans who were forced to wear masks to conceal their faces from severe disfigurement.

"This is something we are facing today," remarked visitor Jane Plank. "I am a strong supporter of the Wounded Warriors Project that helps Veterans today cope with disabilities coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq — I am glad that these students, the Historical Society and the park are doing this."

The performances also captured some of the progressive elements of the fort's hospital. For example, the U.S. Army at Fort McHenry offered job training to reintegrate the wounded veteran back into society. This formed the basis for modern programs for the disabled American veteran today.

[Submitted by Vince Vaise, Chief of Interpretation]


Southeast Region
Steve Black To Head Little River Canyon And Russell Cave

Steve Black has been selected as the next superintendent of Little River Canyon National Preserve and Russell Cave National Monument in Alabama. Black has been the superintendent of Big Hole National Battlefield in Montana since 2009. He will arrive at his new assignment in mid-April.

"We are very pleased to have Steve join our Southeast Region family," said Regional Director Stan Austin. "He has a great sense of history and deep appreciation for our natural and cultural resources, making him a great fit to lead Little River Canyon and Russell Cave. We know he will do a great job of working with park staff, partners and supporters as we approach the National Park Service Centennial."

Black was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Virginia. He obtained a bachelor of science degree in history from Kansas State University in 1987.

Black started his National Park Service career in 1989 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. In 1998 he became chief of interpretation at Washita Battlefield National Historic Site in Oklahoma. He became the chief ranger at Pea Ridge National Military Park in 2003. He has also had the benefit of numerous detail assignments at national park units around the country.

"This is an exciting time to be in the National Park Service," Black said. "Next year we will observe its 100th birthday, and it is an honor to be picked to lead Little River Canyon National Preserve and Russell Cave National Monument through the Centennial celebration and into our next century."

Black is married to Rhonda Terry, a former NPS employee. They care for two rescued Labrador retrievers.

[Submitted by Bill Reynolds]


Midwest Region
Students Hosted For United Nations Global Student Video Conference

On Friday, March 27th, twelve 11th grade honors history students from Arlington High School (Arlington, Nebraska) came to Midwest Regional Office to participate in the United Nations Seventh Annual Global Student Video Conference.

The conference is held each year in conjunction with the United Nations International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This year's theme focused on "Woman and Slavery" and looked at women's resistance to the institution of slavery.

As parents, teachers, regional staff, and people around the world looked on, the Arlington students presented "Rachel Bundy: A Symbol of Hope." The students' presentation examined the life of freedom seeker, Rachel Bundy, an enslaved women who escaped slavery in Burlington, Iowa, in 1839 and then sued to legally gain her freedom.

The presentation was based on the research that the students are conducting as part of Forever Free Program, which was developed by teacher and former NPS employee, Barry Jurgensen. The program actively engages students in the study of history by having them complete nominations for the NPS National Underground Road Network to Freedom Program in the Midwest Region.

Over the past five years, Arlington students have nominated over 14 sites to the Network to Freedom (NTF) program. They are currently working on nominating an additional five sites, including two that relate to the history of Rachel Bundy.

The conference was based in New York at the United Nations Headquarters and moderated by NTF Northeast Regional Coordinator Eola Dance. The conference also included presentations from students in Brazil and Trinidad/Tobago and a lecture by Dr. Margaret Washington, professor of history and American studies at Cornell University. The conference concluded with a discussion of why it is important to share this history and what young people can do to fight prejudice and racism in their communities.

The Arlington students did a great job representing the U.S. Their efforts are to be commended.

[Submitted by Deanda Johnson, deanda_johnson@nps.gov, 402.661.1590]

More Information...


CAREER OPPORTUNITIES


Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (GA)
GS-0025-11 Supervisory Interpretive Ranger

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park has issued an announcement for a supervisory interpretive ranger.

Click on the link below for a copy of the announcement with full details on duties, area information, and procedures for applying.

It closes on April 6th.
More Information...


Fort Pulaski National Monument (GA)
GS-0025-4/5 Interpretive Rangers (Term)

Fort Pulaski National Monument is recruiting for a GS-4 term interpreter from the Pathways program and a GS-4/5 term interpreter open to recent graduates.

For both announcements the terms are extendable up to four years. This is an opportunity to join a small but dynamic interpretive operation that relies on the personal creativity of all individuals.

The link for current students is https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/398328500 and the link for recent grads is https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/398296100.

For more information, contact Mike Weinstein at 912-786-5787 ext. 109.

Both announcements close on April 6th.


Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park (GA)
GS-0341-11 Administrative Officer (Detail)

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is seeking applicants interested in a temporary 90 day detail (NTE 120 day) assignment as the park's administrative officer.

The person selected will be responsible for providing a variety of management services essential to the direction and operation of the organization. She/he will

  • Interpret administrative policies, define administrative requirements, and/or provide advice to management on related issues
  • Lead and guide a staff in a variety of administrative areas, including budget and finance, human resources management, internal controls, contracting and property management, employee development, information management, safety and occupational health, and office support services.

The tentative start date is May 3rd. This is a temporary 90 day/NTE 120 day detail. Salary, travel and per diem will be covered by Chickamauga & Chattanooga NMP, including temporary promotion to GS-11 if candidates are at the GS-9 grade. No park housing is available in the park but there are a number of lodging choices to select from within the greater Chattanooga area. The temporary duty station for this detail opportunity is Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Selectee is entitled to temporary duty allowances in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations.

Park headquarters is in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, located 10 miles south of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and centrally located to all major mid-south localities. Summers are hot and humid with average highs in the upper 80's; winters are mild with the highs in the mid-50's. Housing in the area is plentiful and reasonably priced. Government housing is not available. Cost of living is moderate. Public schools are easily accessible and include "Schools of Excellence". There is a variety of higher education institutions located near the park including community and 4 year colleges as well as universities.

If you are selected, you will obtain training, equipment, support services and supervision required to safely and successfully complete the park's mission. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is looking for candidates who have strong leadership abilities and enjoy team-based work

Candidates must have experience in the following programs:

  • Federal Business Management System (FBMS).
  • Administrative Financial System (AFS4).
  • QuickTime
  • ConcurTravel

To apply, submit the following:

  • OF-612, Optional Application for Employment; Resume, or equivalent. Please include all experience, training and/or education related to the position.
  • Copy of most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
  • Copy of your most recent performance appraisal.
  • Letter of support from candidates' supervisor

Interested individuals should submit application package via email by close of business on April 15th to marcus_banks@nps.gov, Marcus Banks, Administrative Officer, Chickamauga and Chattanooga NMP.

For more information, please email or contact Superintendent Brad Bennett at Brad_Bennett@nps.gov or 229-591-3972.


Denver Service Center
GS-1084-13 Supervisory Visual Information Specialist (Lateral)

Denver Service Center is seeking candidates for a lateral transfer into a supervisory visual information specialist position.

This position is located in the Planning Division. The division provides comprehensive assistance associated with land use planning, recreation and visitor experience planning, natural and cultural resource management and compliance and public involvement and facilitation for the national parks and associated areas and programs.

The person in this position acts as a supervisor for the visual information specialists in the DSC Planning Division. She/he conveys information related to planning, facility design, and management of units of the NPS through visual media. This involves application of artistic and design skill in using multiple media to communicate to the public, special stakeholders, and agency and elected officials. He/she independently plans a course of action for assigned jobs and also communicates graphic design and technical guidance to contractors and provides critique and management of their work.

Candidates must currently be a permanent GS-13 and qualified for the visual information specialist series.

Those interested in applying for the position should email the following information listed below to Nancy Shock (303-987-6653) at nancy_shock@nps.gov or Barbara Johnson (303-969-2208), Barbara_J_Johnson@nps.gov, no later than April 10th:

  • A statement of interest
  • A current resume
  • A current SF-50 that is not for an award or detail (please redact your SSN)