Blue Ridge Parkway
Galax Poaching
Ranger Chip Buchanan was investigating a suspicious vehicle on April
29th when he came upon three men in the woods near Mount Pisgah. They
had three garbage bags containing about 12,500 galax leaves in their
possession. Galax is an evergreen ground cover plant that is used in the
floral industry. The leaves range from bright green to a deep burnt red
color, depending on the season. Reduced populations on Forest Service
lands, a growing international market, and an available labor pool have
resulted in increased pressure on galax growing in the park. All three
were charged with violations of natural resource preservation
regulations and will appear in court at a later date. Two of the three
are juveniles.
[Submitted by Tim Francis, District Ranger, Pisgah
District]
Coronado National Memorial (AZ)
Two Smuggling Incidents
During a Border Patrol shift change on the afternoon of April 25th,
rangers saw suspicious activity on East Forest Lane, which runs along
the border within the park. As they headed toward the road's entrance,
they saw a silver SUV approaching the gate from a distance. The driver
saw the rangers, though, and pulled a U-turn and sped back south.
Rangers pursued for the better part of a mile, at which point the SUV
reached the border. The rangers were close enough to see six people on
foot holding the fence down so that the SUV driver could cross over it
back into Mexico. Three days later, a ranger on patrol in the park saw
several men loading bales of marijuana into a 1990 Ford F-150 pickup.
The loaders ran south toward the border while the truck headed off at a
high rate of speed. The ranger pursued, with backup provided by Border
Patrol agents. When the truck entered the freeway, the ranger broke off
pursuit and fell back. The vehicle was identified by its Arizona plates,
however, and a be-on-the-lookout message was transmitted to neighboring
agencies. Sierra Vista PD officers found the truck about 15 miles from
the park in a grocery store parking lot. As they pulled up, the driver
fled. Border Patrol agents seized the truck and 540 pounds of marijuana.
The park will be working with the Border Patrol to obtain title to the
vehicle for park use.
[Submitted by James Mar, Park Ranger]
FIRE MANAGEMENT
National Interagency Fire Center
NIFC Situation Report - Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Preparedness Level 2
Initial attack was light to moderate nationally on Tuesday. Five of the 121 newly-reported fires escaped initial attack, all in the central states. Four large fires continued to burn — two in Michigan, one in Illinois, and the 5,320-acre Boiler Fire in the Gila NF, which is being managed to meet resource objectives.
Three Type 2 teams are assigned to the Columbia Response. About 85% of the search areas has been covered, and 37% of the total shuttle weight has been recovered.
Fire Danger
| State |
4/24 |
4/25 |
4/28 |
4/29 |
4/30 |
| Arizona |
VH |
VX |
VX |
VX |
VX |
| Colorado |
-- |
-- |
-- |
VX |
VX |
| Indiana |
VH |
-- |
-- |
VX |
-- |
| Massachusetts |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
VX |
| Michigan |
-- |
-- |
-- |
VX |
-- |
| Minnesota |
-- |
-- |
VX |
VX |
VX |
| N. Hampshire |
-- |
-- |
-- |
VX |
VX |
| New Mexico |
-- |
VX |
VX |
VX |
-- |
| Pennsylvania |
-- |
-- |
-- |
VX |
VX |
VH — Very high
EX — Extreme
VX — Very high to extreme
National Resource Commitments
| Day |
4/23 |
4/24 |
4/25 |
4/28 |
4/29 |
4/30 |
| Crews |
74 |
74 |
73 |
70 |
63 |
54 |
| Engines |
27 |
27 |
29 |
19 |
48 |
73 |
| Helicopters |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
11 |
10 |
| Air Tankers |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Overhead |
1,675 |
1,656 |
1,494 |
1,492 |
1,351 |
1,356 |
National Team Commitments
| State |
Type Team |
Team IC |
Incident/Fire |
Acres |
Percent Contain |
Est Full Contain |
| TX |
T2 |
Mollinex |
Columbia Response |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| TX |
T2 |
Swope |
" |
" |
" |
" |
| TX |
T2 |
Dietrich |
" |
" |
" |
" |
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Servicewide News
Police Week Event Schedule Posted
Final changes have been made in the schedule of Police Week events in Washington, during which fallen rangers and USPP officers will be recognized.
Friday, May 9th
9th Annual Blue Mass
12:00 p.m. @ St. Patrick's Church
10th & G Streets, NW
Washington, D.C.
Information: (202) 347-2713
Monday, May 12th
Wreath Laying Ceremony
Main Interior Bldg., E Street Entrance
18th Street and C Street
Washington, D.C.
Information: Flyer will be distributed in DOI and Eye Street
Note: The time will be announced as soon as it is known.
Police Unity Tour Arrival Ceremony
2:00 p.m. @ National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
Judiciary Square, F Street and 5th Street
Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, May 13th
U.S. Park Police/Park Ranger Law Enforcement Officer Reception
3:00-6:00 p.m. @ USPP Anacostia Operations Facility
1901 Anacostia Drive
Washington, D.C.
Information: Gil Goodrich, MANA @ 571-237-8133
Note: Following this event, USPP officers and NPS rangers will have the opportunity to go to the candlelight vigil as an NPS group.
15th Annual Candlelight Vigil *
8:00 p.m. @ National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
Judiciary Square, 400 block of E Street, NW
Washington, D.C.
Information: (202) 737-3400 or www.nleomf.com
See additional information below
Wednesday, May 14th
Reception for NPS Survivor Families and co-workers (by invitation)
4:00-6:30 p.m. Business dress.
Dirksen Senate Office Building Building, Capitol Hill
Washington, D.C.
Information: Pat Buccello, WASO (pat_buccello@nps.gov)
Eight Annual Emerald Society & Pipeband March and Service
6:00-7:00 p.m. from New Jersey Avenue and F Street to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
Information: (301) 858-0972
Thursday, May 15th
Police Bike Patrol Procession
10:00-1130 a.m. from Silver Spring, MD, to U.S. Capitol Building
Information: Gil Goodrich, MANA @ 571-237-8133
22nd Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Services
12:00 p.m. @ West Lawn, U.S. Capitol Building
Information: (202) 547-1651
FOP/FOPA Wreath Laying Ceremony
3:30 p.m. @ National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
Judiciary Square, 400 block of E Street, NW
Washington, D.C.
* The candlelight vigil ceremony will be held rain or shine. Parking will not be available for private or law enforcement vehicles at or near the memorial. It is strongly advised that attendees utilize public transportation, particularly the Metro subway system; the Judiciary Square subway station is located at the memorial. The ranger uniform of the day is full winter service uniform for this solemn occasion.
Please note: District of Columbia law stipulates that if law enforcement officers are authorized by their agency to be in uniform and/or is representing their agency at an event, they may carry sidearms. Officers are not allowed to carry firearms when out of uniform.
[Submitted by Pat Buccello, Visitor and Resource Protection, WASO]
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Fire and Aviation Management
Edy Williams-Rhodes Named New Chief, Division of Fire and Aviation
Director Fran Mainella yesterday announced the selection of Edy Williams-Rhodes as the Chief, Division of Fire and Aviation located in Washington, DC. Williams-Rhodes will assume her new responsibilities June 15. "Edy brings with her a wealth of experience in the natural resources field, all of which have been in support of fire management activities," Mainella said. "She is one of only four area commanders in the interagency fire arena and is highly respected by her peers across agency boundaries. We are fortunate to have Edy join our team, and I look forward to working with her."
As the Chief of the Division of Fire and Aviation, located within the office of the Associate Director for Visitor and Resource Protection, Williams-Rhodes will be responsible for overall program formulation, direction, and coordination of the National Park Service wildland fire, structural fire, and aviation management programs.
"It is an absolute honor and privilege to be selected as the next Chief of Fire and Aviation for the National Park Service," said Williams-Rhodes. "I have devoted most of my career to wildland fire management activities which has given me a profound sense of purpose and pride. I look forward to working with the employees of the NPS as well as our interagency partners on the resource and public protection challenges and opportunities that we share."
Since February of 2000, Williams-Rhodes has served as Regional Director for Aviation and Fire Management for the Southwestern Region of the USDA Forest Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Prior to that position, she was stationed in Washington, D.C., at the Forest Service national headquarters. While there, from October 1996 through February 2000, Williams-Rhodes served in the Aviation and Fire Management staff unit in three positions including Assistant Director Planning, Branch Chief for Cooperative Fire, and Branch Chief for Planning, Analysis and Information Resource Management. Prior to her experience in Washington, she worked in various staff and line officer positions in the Southern Region of the Forest Service.
Williams-Rhodes has actively served in incident management since 1979. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees from Mississippi State University; one in Forest Management and one in Education.
[Submitted by David Barna, david_barna@nps.gov, 202-208-6843]
Zion National Park (UT)
Instructor Joe Martin Receives Honorary Ranger Award
On March 7, 2003, which marked the end of the first- week of NPS special operations training, an "Honorary Ranger" commendation was presented to Joe Robinson for his longtime commitment as a mentor and trainer for the National Park Service. Robinson has participated as a master instructor in this course since 1996, instructing such topics as tactical pistol, non-lethal ammunition training, leadership and team building concepts, defensive tactics, physical fitness, officer survival applications, and program evaluations. Over 200 NPS rangers have been instructed under his tutelage, and continue to utilize his talents for law enforcement refreshers, chief ranger conferences, and leadership presentations. Along with a certificate of commendation, Joe received a NPS shield encased in Lucite and a Stetson ranger hat. The 32 rangers (30 NPS rangers and 2 Oklahoma state park rangers) who attended this year's course commend his dedication to this course. Many rangers across the country continue to be inspired by him. Joe Robinson is presently detailed to the office of the mayor in Orlando, Florida. He is a member of the Orlando Police Department and is an adjunct instructor for the national law enforcement-training curriculum "Caliber Press."
[Submitted by Cheto Olais, Chief Ranger, Zion NP]
Dry Tortugas National Park (FL)
GS-025-12 Site Supervisor
The park is recruiting for a GS-025-12 supervisory park ranger (site supervisor). This is a re-announcement and will remain open until filled. The vacancy announcement number is DRTO-03-04 and it is currently listed on USA Jobs. Applications received by May 19th will be reviewed and qualified candidates will be referred to the selecting official; applications received after May 19th will be reviewed and qualified candidates will be referred to the selecting official as the need for additional names arises. This is a 6c covered position. The person selected must have knowledge of law enforcement practices gained from significant experience in one or more primary law enforcement positions. Approval of 6c secondary coverage is pending. The person selected for this restructured position will be responsible for the day-to-day operations at Dry Tortugas. She/he will directly supervise protection and interpretation staff, and will indirectly supervise maintenance operations at the site. The park is seeking a highly-motivated professional with a strong background in team building and the ability to operate independently. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong ranger background to broaden his/her career development and gain experience dealing with parkwide operations. Dry Tortugas National Park lies 70 miles due west of Key West and has an annual visitation of around 100,000. The park has a small staff, but it deals with very diverse issues surrounding the sensitive marine environment and the culturally significant Fort Jefferson. This position requires an individual who would enjoy a "hands-on" management style requiring a supervisor to participate in all aspects of the operation. For additional information, contact Bill Wright, chief ranger, Everglades National Park at 305-242-7730, or email him at bill_wright@nps.gov.
[Submitted by Bill Wright, Chief Ranger, Everglades NP]
Home Of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site (NY)
GS-9 Protection Ranger
The park has an immediate opening for a lateral reassignment to fill a GS-9 PFT protection ranger position. This position is open to any protection ranger at the GS-9 level or above; it's a primary 6c covered law enforcement position and requires a current NPS Level I or Level II law enforcement commission. Government housing may be available; housing locally is expensive and the person selected will be required to live within a 35 minute response zone. ROVA is in the New York City law enforcement pay scale area. The parks include three separate historic sites, 1,000 acres of estates and woodlands, miles of trails, 55 historic structures, and a new, $15 million visitor center that opens this November. If you're interested, send an application (OF-612 or SF-171) or resume, your most recent SF-50, and your last performance appraisal to Roosevelt/Vanderbilt NHS, Personnel Office, 4097 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park, NY, 12538. For further information, contact Bruce Edmonston, chief ranger, at 845-229-9380, or Deanna Kette, personnel, at 845-229-9115. Fax applications to 845-229-7210.
[Submitted by Bruce Edmonston, 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.