NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
                               MORNING REPORT

To:         All National Park Service Areas and Offices

From:       Division of Ranger Activities, Washington Office

Day/Date:   Wednesday, January 20, 1999

INCIDENTS

98-787 - Arlington National Cemetery (VA) - Assist; Worker Fatality

On December 29th, Park Police officers and investigators conducted an
investigation of an accident at Arlington National Cemetery in which a 20-
year-old contract worker was fatally injured.  Although the cemetery is under
the jurisdiction of the Army, the Park Police investigate accidents and
criminal activities under an interagency agreement.  The victim was driving
an ATV which was pulling a trailer with a dozen headstones, each weighing 208
pounds.  He was driving down a hill in the sleet and rain when he lost
control of the vehicle and attempted to jump off.  His clothing got caught on
the vehicle, though, and he was subsequently pinned against a tree by the ATV
and its cargo.  [Richard Murphy, USPP, NCRO, 1/14]

99-13 - Shenandoah NP (VA) - Major Bear Poaching Investigation 

On Monday, January 18th, Operation SOUP (Special Operation to Undercover
Poaching), a three-year investigation into illegal hunting and commercial
sale of black bear parts, came to a head with the arrest of 25 individuals
who were charged with a total of 112 state violations.  The investigation was
a joint effort by the NPS and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland
Fisheries, with assistance provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  A
total of 110 rangers, officers and wardens from the NPS, state, FWS and
Forest Service made the arrests.  Twenty-two of those arrested have been
charged with offenses related to illegal bear hunting in the Blue Ridge
section of Virginia that includes Shenandoah NP; the remaining three have
been charged with state counts of illegally buying or selling bear parts. 
Eleven federal search warrants were also executed, furthering the
investigation into the trade of bear gall bladders and paws.  Seized were
five vehicles, several freezers, and a large quantity of bear parts, firearms
and cash.  Federal misdemeanor and felony indictments may be forthcoming in
the weeks and months ahead for violations of the Lacey Act and for hunting
within Shenandoah NP.  A dozen individuals were arrested over the eight
months prior to this operation and charged with selling bear parts for use in
the jewelry trade.  Participating in the execution of the warrants were 35
rangers from several Mid-Atlantic parks and a Northeast Region SET team. 
Criminal investigator Skip Wissinger has been the lead NPS case agent.  It's
expected that this investigation, when completed, will lead to one of the
most significant and extensive prosecutions pertaining to the
commercialization of bear parts in the nation's history.  [Clay Jordan, IO,
Operation SOUP, 1/18]

99-14 - Independence NHP (PA) - Special Event

Tipper Gore, wife of the vice president, gently tapped the Liberty Bell at
noon on Monday, January 19th, as part of the national bell-ringing ceremony
commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The event received extensive
coverage by news media and was simulcast to the annual King Day luncheon in
Philadelphia.  Also attending the ceremony was the music group Boyz II Men,
whose members were later honored at the luncheon.  A group that is protesting
the on-going impeachment proceedings exercised its First Amendment rights in
a designated area.  Rangers cooperated with Secret Service agents and other
law enforcement agencies.  There were no incidents.  [Phil Sheridan, PAO,
INDE, 1/19]

99-15 - National Capital Parks Central (DC) - Drug Arrests

On January 12th, Park Police motor lieutenant Robert Kass stopped a vehicle
for a traffic violation on Constitution Avenue.  The operator was unable to
produce a valid license and was placed under arrest.  The subsequent search
of the operator, his passenger and the vehicle yielded a total of 129 grams
of crack cocaine with a street value of $12,900, a stolen, loaded, laser-
sighted 9mm handgun, and a total of $1,888 in cash.  Both were charged with
possession with intent to distribute cocaine and multiple firearms
violations.  [Henry Berberich, RLES, NCSO, 1/13]

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION

No entries.

PARK DISPATCHES

No entries.

OPERATIONAL NOTES

No entries.

MEMORANDA

No entries.

INTERCHANGE

No entries.

UPCOMING IN CONGRESS

The following activities will be taking place in Congress during coming weeks
on matters pertaining to the National Park Service or kindred agencies.  For
inquiries regarding legislation pertaining to the NPS, please contact the
main office at 202-208-5883/5656 and ask to be forwarded to the appropriate
legislative specialist.

Hearings/Mark-Ups

Thursday, February 25, 10 a.m.

House Interior Appropriation Subcommittee (Regula): Hearing on the Department
of Interior's FY00 budget request.  Date tentative.

Wednesday, March 3, 10 a.m.

House Interior Appropriation Subcommittee (Regula): Hearing on recreation fee
program oversight.  Date tentative.

Thursday, March 18, 10 a.m.

House Interior Appropriation Subcommittee (Regula): Hearing on the National
Park Service's FY00 budget request.  Date tentative.

Floor Action

No votes scheduled.

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coordinator.

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

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