Cape Cod National Seashore (MA)
"Marconi: 1903-2003" Centennial Event A Great Success
Over the course of nine days in mid-January, the park held a number
of activities to commemorate Guglielmo Marconi's first transatlantic
wireless message, which was sent from South Wellfleet, Massachusetts, to
Poldhu, Cornwall, England on January 8, 1903 - an event that sparked a
global communication revolution. During the nine-day event, over 100
members of the Marconi Radio Club (W1AA) and the Marconi Cape Cod Radio
Club (KM1CC) contacted more than 12,000 other amateur operators
worldwide. It'ss impossible to know how many thousands of people
participated "virtually" by tuning in by radio. A commemorative message
from President Bush was transmitted on January 18. Through a partnership
with NASA and amateur radio organizations, the National Park Service was
able to provide local high school students with the opportunity to speak
to Commander Kenneth Bowersox aboard the International Space Station as
it orbited over Hawaii. Marconi's daughter, Princess Elettra Marconi,
also extended her greetings to the astronauts. The South Wellfleet post
office provided a commemorative cancellation, and Eastern National
sponsored a book signing with Princess Marconi, who signed copies of her
mother's book. NASA provided space communication/education programs, and
the park and the Wellfleet Historical Society partnered in the
production of an exhibit featuring photographs and artifacts. Local
school and youth groups participated in curriculum-based education
programs developed by staff and local educators. At a formal anniversary
reception program, presentations were made by Northeast Regional
Director Marie Rust, a former ship-to-shore radio operator, a local
student who had spoken to Commander Bowersox, a NASA official, a
representative of the Comitato Tricolore per gli Italiani nel Mondo, and
Princess Marconi. A local theatre company performed a short radio play.
The event featured a number of partnerships, as well as the support of
approximately 50 volunteers. Press interest was very high. The event was
managed by a park ICS team.
[Submitted by Sue Moynihan, Chief of
Interpretation and Cultural Resources Management]
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (AZ)
Illegal Alien Smuggling Operation Interdicted; Stolen Vehicle Recovered
On January 23, a ranger saw a full-size pickup stopped on the
highway, dropping off from 10 to 15 suspected undocumented aliens. A
traffic stop was attempted, but the driver took off at a high rate of
speed, heading south towards Mexico. The ranger made an instant decision
to use road spike, which were deployed before the truck had gone very
far. The pickup was found abandoned about three-quarters of a mile south
on the highway. The driver fled into the desert, but the Border Patrol
was able to collar a dozen of the illegal immigrants. A check of the
vehicle's VIN showed that it was a stolen vehicle. The elapsed time from
the beginning of the traffic stop to the deployment of the spikes was
only 20 to 30 seconds. The rangers' quick thinking kept the incident
from developing into a high speed pursuit.
[Submitted by Grant
Stolhand, Park Ranger]
Amistad National Recreation Area (TX)
Drug Seizures and Arrests
During the three days from January 25 to 27, an interagency drug
investigation into two separate drug smuggling cases resulted in the
seizure of a total of 426.5 pounds of processed marijuana. Nine people
were arrested; four vehicles and a dozen cellular phones were seized.
Each vehicle was equipped with mobile and handheld scanner units. The
two cases are linked by the suspects involved, but the loads were seized
at separate locations. Participating with the NPS were officers from
Customs, Border Patrol, Texas DPS's Narcotics Unit, Val Verde County SO
and Del Rio PD.
[Submitted by Bruce Malloy, Chief Ranger]
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Morristown National Historical Park (NJ)
GS-7 STF Protection Ranger
The park is seeking candidates for a lateral transfer to a permanent GS-7 STF protection park ranger position, with promotion potential to the GS-9 level. The ranger selected must currently be in a permanent GS-5/7/9 position. Park housing is available. For further info, contact Gregory Smith, the park's chief ranger, at 908-766-6841.
[Submitted by Gregory Smith, Chief Ranger]
Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found on the left side of the front page of InsideNPS. All reports should be submitted via email to Bill Halainen at Delaware Water Gap NRA, with a copy to your regional office and a copy to Dennis Burnett in Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO.
Prepared by the Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.