INCIDENTS

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Grand Teton National Park (WY)
Lightning Strike Kills Climber, Injures Five Others

On the afternoon of July 26th, two groups of climbers, separated by 150 feet, were ascending the upper Exum Ridge around the 13,000 foot elevation when an active lightning storm moved over the Tetons. The lead group was climbing the Grand's Friction Pitch, a 5.5 climb, when lightning struck and killed E.S., 25, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and injured five others. C.S., E.S.'s husband, was sitting next to her and belaying R.L., 27, when the single lightning strike traveled down the ridge, severely burning R.L. who fell off the pitch. R.L. was found swinging in a pendulum fashion, mid-face on a vertical wall. He was unconscious, hanging from his harness and bent over backwards from the waist. Three other climbers — J.B., 27, R.L., 25, and J.T., 29 — were standing and anchored at the base of the Friction Pitch when the lightning struck. The impact blew all three of them off the ledge; they fell 70 feet and were stopped only when their rope wrapped around rock horns and caught in cracks. Rangers launched one of the most complex rescues in the history of the park. A contract helicopter flew 11 rangers to the Lower Saddle and inserted them at the top of Friction Pitch via short-haul. The short-haul technique involved flying two rangers at a time, suspended below the helicopter on a 100-foot long line, and inserting them directly at the top of the pitch. Rangers began setting anchors, retrieving stranded climbers, performing medical assessments and packaging the five patients who were all perched on steep technical terrain. By evening, the patients began suffering from hypothermia from the cold mountain temperatures. One by one, the helicopter short-hauled them to the Lower Saddle, where they were loaded into another helicopter and flown to the valley floor. R.L. was packaged into a litter mid-face on Friction Pitch and raised to a ledge 60 feet above. In fading light, R.L., the last patient to be removed from the mountain, was short-hauled from the Exum Ridge to Lupine Meadows, then flown to a regional trauma center via medevac helicopter. All five patients were admitted into area hospitals. R.L. and Bancroft are listed in serious condition; the other three are listed in good condition. This marks the eleventh major search and rescue in the park this year and the third fatality.
[Submitted by Bill Holda, Acting Chief Ranger]

Cape Cod National Seashore (MA)
Car Clout Arrests

On August 4th, D.M., 45, was arrested after a week of larcenies from about 30 motor vehicles in seashore parking areas and four adjoining towns. Rangers Chris Hartsgrove and Gregg Morris were setting up a surveillance of the Herring Cove Beach parking area that day when they saw D.M. parked suspiciously next to several vehicles. As D.M. exited the area, Morris and Hartsgrove saw that one of the nearby vehicles had been broken into prior to their arrival. A description of D.M. and his vehicle was broadcast to local PDs that were running similar surveillance operations simultaneously in their towns. The vehicle was spotted by an unmarked Provincetown and Truro unit that followed D.M. to several ATM and credit card use locations. D.M. was then arrested while attempting to use a stolen credit card at a bank machine. Search warrants were executed at D.M.'s campsite and a local residence, where additional evidence of larcenies was recovered. D.M. was charged in state court. On August 6th, another larceny from a motor vehicle occurred in the Nauset Light Beach parking lot. The next day, Eastham PD advised that several businesses and residences had also been broken into in that area. Later that afternoon, ranger Jeff Filosa saw two juveniles who matched descriptions of suspected car clouters riding bicycles that matched the descriptions of bikes stolen the previous night. They were stopped by rangers, who determined that the bikes were stolen and that one of the juveniles had an outstanding warrant against him. Rangers and Eastham PD officers then drove to the juveniles' summer rental within the park, where stolen items from the car clout and break-ins were recovered. Charges are pending. Rangers Garrett Moynihan and Russ Hughes are the handling the investigation.
[Submitted by Bob Grant, Acting Chief Ranger]

Amistad National Recreation Area (TX)
Pursuit and Arrest of Undocumented Aliens

On July 30th, Border Patrol agents attempted to stop a vehicle that was traveling in the breakdown lane on Highway 90. The vehicle's four occupants bailed out and fled on foot. A short search culminated in the apprehension of the four men, all of whom were undocumented aliens and extremely intoxicated. It was then discovered that they had stolen an old runabout boat in Mexico and had paddled it across Lake Amistad into the United States near Buoy 16. They left the boat half sunk on the park's shoreline along with a trail of human waste and trash leading inland. They then hiked north, broke into a hunting camp on a local ranch, and discovered and liberated several bottles of whiskey and they keys to an older model Jeep. The Jeep was crashed through several ranch gates while attempting to get to the highway. The Border Patrol is the lead investigating agency. Rangers are coordinating the removal of the boat and garbage. Just before midnight on the following day, rangers and Border Patrol agents conducting a special operation on Lake Amistad saw a commercial Mexican fishing vessel enter U.S. waters. After a short pursuit, rangers and agents were able to stop the vessel and apprehend all subjects onboard. The boat was seized and a total of five undocumented aliens were arrested — two Honduran nationals and three Mexican nationals, one of whom was the boat operator. Information obtained through interviewing one of the subjects revealed that each of them had paid $50 to be ferried across the lake into the United States. The Border Patrol is also leading on this investigation.
[Submitted by Bruce Malloy, Chief Ranger]

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (CA)
Fatal Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle accident fatality was discovered the evening of August 3rd on the Generals Highway near Little Baldy when park visitors stopped at a pullout to enjoy the sunset. After noticing the wrecked motorcycle, they discovered the body of a 60-year-old male ten feet off the road at the base of an oak tree. It's believed that the accident occurred earlier that day. The cause of the accident is still being investigated, although excessive speed or inattention are suspected. Pete Webster was incident commander.
[Submitted by Pat Grediagin, District Ranger]

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Drug Arrest

Ranger Greg Wozniak contacted W.N., 25, on the bank of the East Prong of the Little Pigeon River in the Greenbrier area on the afternoon of July 19th. W.N. had been swimming in the river with some friends just prior to the contact. The area is closed to the possession and consumption of alcohol beverages; as Wozniak approached W.N., he noticed he was drinking from an unmarked bottle, later found to contain beer. Wozniak was in the process of writing W.N. a citation for possession of alcoholic beverages when he noticed that Wozniak was acting suspiciously and seemed to be paying particular attention to his backpack, which was lying nearby. Concerned that it might contain weapons, Wozniak picked up the backpack and walked W.N. out toward the patrol vehicle. While carrying the backpack from the river bank to his patrol vehicle, Wozniak noticed that there was a very strong odor of marijuana coming from the backpack. He found a large plastic baggie containing several smaller baggies of prepackaged marijuana inside. W.N. later admitted that he sold the packages for $90 to $100. He was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of alcoholic beverages in a closed area.
[Submitted by Rick Brown, District Ranger]

FIRE MANAGEMENT

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National Interagency Fire Center
NIFC Situation Report - Monday, August 11, 2003

Preparedness Level 5

The preparedness level has gone back up to PL 5. Preparedness Level 5 goes into effect when the following conditions are met: Several geographic areas are experiencing major incidents which have the potential to exhaust all agency fire resources. A total of 550 crews committed nationally.

Initial attack yesterday was heavy in the northern Rockies, eastern Great Basin and southern California, moderate in the Rockies, and light elsewhere. A total of 305 new fires were reported, 18 of which became large fires.

An area command team (Greenhoe) has been ordered to manage the Fish Creek, Cooney Ridge, Bowles Meadow, North Howard, Cherry Creek and Gold 1 Fires.

Fire Danger

Day	8/6	8/7	8/8	8/10	8/11
Alaska	--	--	VX	VX	VX
Arizona	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
California	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
Colorado	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
Connecticut	--	--	--	VX	--
Hawaii	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
Idaho	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
Montana	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
Nevada	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
New Mexico	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
Oklahoma	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
Oregon	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
South Dakota	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
Texas	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
Utah	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
Washington	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX
Wyoming	VX	VX	VX	VX	VX

VH — Very high
EX — Extreme
VX — Very high to extreme

Fire Weather Watches and Warnings

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH has been issued for gusty winds, low humidity and isolated dry lightning for southwest Montana.

RED FLAG WARNINGS have been issued for gusty winds and low humidity for the southern panhandle of Idaho and for most of western Montana.

National Resource Commitments

Day	8/5	8/6	8/7	8/8	8/10	8/11
Crews	271	270	265	274	245	233
Engines	356	411	438	452	422	488
Helicopters	111	110	115	200	106	136
Air Tankers	0	1	0	9	0	2
Overhead	3,201	3,335	3,079	2,324	2,118	2,177

National Team Commitments

New team commitments or changes in teams are indicated in bold face.

State	Type Team	Team IC	Fire/Location	Acres	Percent Contain	Est Full Contain
MT	ACT	Mann	Flathead NF/Glacier NP Fires	---	---	---
MT	ACT	Greenhoe	Lolo NF/Bitterroot NF Fires	---	---	---
MT	T1	Ferguson	Robert Fire Flathead NF/Glacier NP	24,400	58	9/15
MT	T1	Ferguson Hart	Trapper Creek Complex Glacier NP	20,522	60	9/5
MT	T1	Hart	Wedge Canyon Fire Flathead NF	25,801	70	UNK
ID	T1	Mortier	Slims Fire Nez Perce NF	9,700	55	8/20
WA	T1	Lohrey	Fawn Peak Complex Okanogan-Wenatchee NF	81,075	85	8/12
MT	T2	Swope	Cherry Creek Fire Lolo NF	2,000	NR	UNK
ID	T2	Chrisman	Beaver Lake Fire Clearwater NF	2,000	0	UNK
MT	T2	Benes	Fish Creek Fire Lolo NF	1,000	0	8/27
MT	T2	Gray	Hobble Fire State Lands	10,000	0	8/12
MT	T2	Philbin	Gold 1 Fire Bitterroot NF	300	0	UNK
ID	T2	Broyles	Hall Fire Payette NF	850	0	UNK
ID	T2	---	North Fork Lick Fire Payette NF	700	50	8/25
ID	T2	Van Bruggen	Deep Fire Upper Snake River, BLM	37,862	100	CND
ID	FUM	Cones	Clear/Nez Complex Clearwater NF	125	NR	UNK

OPERATIONAL NOTES

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Office of Policy
NPS DUI Regulation Tightened

The NPS has revised downward the allowable blood alcohol concentration while operating or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle on park roads.  The 36 CFR 4.23 regulation previously prohibited operating or being in actual physical control while the concentration was 0.10 grams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 milliliters of breath.  The new levels are 0.08 grams, and will become effective September 5, 2003.  If applicable State law establishes more restrictive limits, then those limits will supersede the NPS limits.

[Submitted by Michael Shelton, michael_shelton@nps.gov, 202-208-7456] More Information...

Director/Deputy Directors
Wearing of Uniform on Founder's Day

Director Mainella has issued the following statement regarding the wearing of uniforms on Founder's Day:

"The National Park Service will celebrate Founder's Day this year on Monday, August 25, 2003. Our agency has worldwide renown and is known by the gray and green uniform and distinctive Stetson hat. The National Park Service uniform is an identifiable icon that we can all be proud of and our agency is one that stands tall in the eyes of the American people. In recognition of Founder's Day I am inviting all employees in the Washington Office, Regional Offices, and field administrative offices to wear their uniform (if you have one) proudly that day. We should all be in our summer uniforms. This is a great way to let everyone know how proud we are to be part of the National Park Service."

PARKS AND PEOPLE

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Fire and Aviation Management
FMPC Detail Opportunities

Tom Zimmerman, Fire Science and Ecology Program Leader and Tim Sexton, Fire Ecologist, will both be leaving their positions with the National Park Service this fall. Tom has accepted the position as Forest Service Region 3, Fire & Aviation Manager in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Tim has accepted the position as the National Fire Use Program Manager for the Forest Service located at NIFC.

We are anticipating a slight delay in filling their vacant positions at the FMPC in Boise. As a result, we are seeking several detailers to fill in for the Fire Science and Ecology Program Leader position (vice-Zimmerman) and Fire Ecologist (vice-Sexton) during the fall. While Tom and Tim's departures will occur during the end of fire season, we would not require any detailers to leave active fire situations but would work that out on a case-by-case basis. The detailers would be needed in the Boise office due to the work requirements and interagency demands.

All interested individuals can contact Sue Vap via email or at 208-387-5225.
[Submitted by Sue Vap, sue_vap@nps.gov, 208-387-5225]

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail (IA,ID,IL,KS,MO,MT,ND,NE,OR,SD,WA)
Detail Opportunities

Dates: 08/08/2003 - 09/30/2003

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail staff is offering 30-day detail opportunities for NPS employees during the month of Sept.  If you are interested and available to tour with the Corps of Discovery II mobile exhibit, this may be your perfect opportunity. Multiple details will be filled in the areas of interpretation, education, law enforcement, maintenance/logistics and volunteer management. Extensive travel will be required. Per Diem and all other travel costs are paid while in travel status.  Travel is with a GOV only and flights to and from duty station to Corps II.  Overtime is not uncommon. This is a great opportunity for a seasonal employee between seasons or someone looking to expand their knowledge and skills. Please call Betty Boyko at 402-514-9311 x 325 before August 15, 2003.
[Submitted by Betty Boyko, betty_boyko@nps.gov, 402-514-9311] More Information...

Acadia National Park (ME)
Three Positions Open

The park has announced three positions on USA Jobs,. The positions are GS-11 backcountry operations supervisor, GS-11 frontcountry operations supervisor, and GS-12 branch chief for remote areas. The job descriptions are as follows:

• Operations supervisors — Both positions are on Mount Desert Island. Each supervises and coordinates resource and visitor protection functions, including law enforcement, emergency medical services and SAR for their work groups. The work groups are assigned primary responsibility for frontcountry operations or resource protection operations (backcountry). Additional responsibilities may include supervising the park lifeguard program at Sand Beach and Echo Lake or serving as the horse patrol program manager. Both supervisors routinely address groups and individuals in formal and informal settings and develop working relationships with concession operators, IBP holders and a variety of state, local and federal agencies. These two positions are advertised on USA Jobs under vacancy announcement ACAD-CJ-03-10.
• Remote area branch chief — The branch chief reports directly to the chief ranger and provides professional management, leadership, supervision and coordination for complex and diverse resource and visitor protection operations on Isle au Haut, Schoodic District, Saint Croix Island International Historic Site, and the park's marine patrol program, which covers 70 remote islands. She/he manages/develops a variety of programs for the branch, including visitor use management, backcountry campground and day use management, enforcement of federal and state law, criminal investigation, search and rescue, emergency medical services, drug interdiction, tort claim, trespass and boundary encroachment investigations, wildland fire prevention, enforcement of commercial use violations, and natural and cultural resource protection. The branch chief represents the superintendent and the park at public and private meetings and frequently meets with representatives of state and local government agencies. The position is advertised on USAJobs, under vacancy announcement ACAD-CJ-03-10.

Applications for all three positions must be received at the park by August 22nd.
[Submitted by Dave Buccello, Chief Ranger]

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site (MT)
Park Ranger (Interpretation)

Dates: 08/11/2003 - 09/02/2003

The incumbent conducts the park's educational outreach program, interpretation and visitor services at Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS. Program themes and education programs revolve around this intact 1860-1972 cattle ranch, which maintains a working livestock operation for the benefit of the site's educational and resource management values. He/she coordinates the educational outreach program, the annual teacher workshop, park volunteer program, and fee collection program; conducts personal interpretive services and visitor center operations; trains, directs, and sets a positive example for seasonal interpretive rangers in summer park operations; manages the library/slide/photo file and public information services, including park web pages; and assists in livestock operations. Horsemanship is not required for the position, but would be useful. Collateral duties include historical research of themes relevant to the 19th to early 20th century western U.S. cattle industry; maintenance of Basic First Aid training; Red Card certification and requisite fitness for in-park fire protection; and oversight of park radios and fire extinguishers
[Submitted by Anita Dore, anita_dore@nps.gov, (406) 846-2070 ext 222]

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.