NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
                           MORNING REPORT

To:        All National Park Service Areas and Offices

From:      Division of Ranger Activities, Washington Office

Day/Date:  Wednesday, March 26, 1997

Broadcast: By 1000 ET

INCIDENTS

97-115 - Sequoia-Kings Canyon NP (California) - Burglary Conviction

A long-term investigation of a burglary in Kings Canyon NP recently concluded
with the conviction of C.P., a concession employee at the Flagg
Ranch at Grand Teton NP.  C.P. moved to the Flagg Ranch after committing
the burglary in Kings Canyon NP.  Grand Teton rangers and law enforcement
specialist Bob Maguire assisted with the investigation; they contacted
witnesses, seized evidence of the crime, and obtained a confession from
C.P..  A change of venue agreement resulted in the C.P. case being tried
in Casper, Wyoming.  C.P. was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and
another three years of supervised probation, ordered to pay $2,360 in
restitution to the victim, and charged court costs.  [Al DeLaCruz, SA, SEKI,
3/25]

97-116 - Yosemite NP (California) - Falling Fatality

H.T., 21, a student at Stanford University, sustained serious head
injuries when he fell an unknown distance while hiking on the Upper Yosemite
Falls trail on the afternoon of March 24th.  H.T. had been hiking just below
Columbia Point with his girlfriend.  She had gone ahead on the trail, and did
not witness the accident.  About 30 park personnel were involved in the
rescue effort.  H.T. was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Modesto, where
he later died.  [Kendall Thompson, PIO, YOSE, 3/25]

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Isle Royale NP (Michigan) - Annual Wolf-Moose Study

Winter field work studying the populations of wolves and moose on Isle Royale
has been completed for the 39th consecutive year.  Dr. Rolf Peterson of
Michigan Technological University heads the study, which focuses on
completing wolf/moose population surveys and related research.  Park staff
and other university personnel assist with the research effort, which this
winter revealed surprising results.  The study team found that the moose
population has dropped to near record lows, down to about 500 animals, an 80%
decline since the 60-year population high of 2,400 animals in 1995.  The
harsh winter of 1995/1996 produced high moose mortality attributable to
severe cold and deep snow, poor browse conditions, and a severe infestation
of winter ticks.  By February of 1996, moose numbers had dropped to about
1,200 animals.  The late arrival of spring resulted in additional moose
mortality.  The moose calf ratio this winter is only 3%, the lowest recorded
in the history of the study.  The wolf population continued to inch upward,
reaching 24 individuals.  A total of seven pups were born to three separate
groups.  With the severe drop in moose numbers, food availability once again
will be a concern for the wolves.  One pack was observed to have gone a full
month between fresh kills this winter.  This pack was seen dragging a year-
old moose carcass out of the snow for food.  The moose population now
consists largely of young, healthy individuals.  On-going efforts in 1997
will include the attempted collaring of two additional wolves and a more
intensive assessment of browse conditions.  [Jack Oelfke, Chief, NRM, ISRO,
3/24]

OPERATIONAL NOTES

No submissions.

MEMORANDA

No memoranda.

EXCHANGE

No submissions.

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Prepared by the Division of Ranger Activities, WASO, with the cooperation and
support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.

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