Richmond National Battlefield Park (VA)
Follow-up on Significant Vandalism
On September 19, 2002, two adults and two juveniles were arrested by
rangers for vandalizing the Parker's Battery unit of the park. All the
unit's interpretive signs, its walking bridge and its Civil War monument
were covered with profane words that had been spray-painted on in a
variety of colors. In a plea agreement, the original felony charge was
changed to a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property.
All four pled guilty to that charge. Both juveniles then violated their
probation before the sentencing hearing; they were again arrested and
each served two days of jail time. On December 13, the juveniles were
each sentenced to four days in jail, 250 hours of community service and
two years' probation; banned from the park for two years; and required
to pay a quarter of the overall $5,050 in restitution to the park. On
February 21, adults C.T. and N.W. were
sentenced in federal court. C.T. received 15 days in jail, a
year's supervised probation, and 250 hours of community service; N.W.
received two years' supervised probation and 250 hours of community
service. Each was also banned from the park for two years and required
to pay a quarter of the $5,050 in restitution to the park. Civil War
News has been covering the story. Leslie Winston was the
investigating ranger.
[Submitted by Tim Mauch, Supervisory Park
Ranger]
Death Valley National Park (CA)
Human Remains Discovered; Possible Homicide Victim
On February 18, ranger Radford Dew received a report from hikers who
claimed to have found numerous human bones and clothing in the Panamint
Dune area of the park. The dunes are located in a remote part of Death
Valley and receive little visitation throughout the year. The hikers
initially thought that they'd found coyote bones, but soon found human
dental work. They were able to provide rangers with GPS coordinates for
the site. The Inyo County Sheriff's Office was contacted and provided an
investigator, a deputy and a coroner to document and recover the
remains. Dew led the team to the location, which was exactly at the
point that the hikers had identified. Numerous bones and a pair of sweat
pants and a sweatshirt were recovered. The age, sex and time of death
have not yet been determined. The county is leading the investigation.
[Submitted by Nancy Wizner, Chief Ranger]
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park (AL)
GS-9 Chief Ranger
The park is recruiting for candidates for a GS-9 chief ranger position. They are seeking an experienced individual ready to manage an active law enforcement and resource management program. This is the only protection position in the park and combines managerial responsibilities with field duties. It's covered by 6c. The chief ranger develops park policies and its compendium, drafts general agreements, prepares needs assessments and PMIS requests, and carries out all other duties of a chief ranger. She/he also manages the natural resources program for the park, including wildland fire, IPM, invasive plant/animal control, NEPA, PMIS, etc. This is an excellent position for the skilled protection ranger with a natural resources background who wants to prepare him/herself for a chief ranger position in a medium-sized park. If you would like more information or a copy of the announcement (SESO-03-43), contact the park at 256-234-7111 or visit www.usajobs.opm.gov. The announcement closes on March 13.
[Submitted by Mark Lewis]
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.