Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (CA)
Annual Celebration at the Nation's Christmas Tree
On the afternoon of December 14th, about 450 people attended the 78th
annual celebration of the two honors — Nation's Christmas Tree and
National Shrine — held by the General Grant Tree, the world's third
largest giant sequoia. The hour-long special event is organized by the
Sanger Chamber of Commerce and includes the singing of seasonal carols
by local choral groups and a seasonal message from a local minister.
Peter Rowlands, chief of natural resources, and Alex Picavet, public
information officer, laid a large memorial wreath at the base of the
tree during the ceremony to remember those Americans who have died
serving their country. Peter Rowlands, the park's acting superintendent,
welcomed the participants to the park and read a letter from President
and Laura Bush. Local TV and newspaper outlets covered the event. The
weather conditions were typical, with about a foot of snow on the
ground. Approximately 24 park staff from different divisions and from
both parks were assigned to the event. The General Grant Tree was
designated as the "Nation's Christmas Tree" by President Calvin Coolidge
in 1926, largely due to the efforts of the citizens of Sanger,
California. The tree was proclaimed a National Shrine in 1956 by
President Eisenhower and is the nation's only living shrine. This event
takes place every year on the second Sunday of December.
[Submitted
by Kinsey Shilling, District Ranger/IC]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (CA)
Critical Incident Stress Management - Peer Support Counseling & Emotional Survival
Dates: 02/02/2004 - 02/06/2004
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Golden Gate NRA - Fort Mason Officer's Club
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area will host a 4-day Peer Support Training (2/2/04-2/5/04) and two offerings of the Emotional Survival Workshop (2/6/04 & 2/9/04). Gilmartin, Harris & Associates will provide basic training for Peer Support Counseling. This training will teach you to help employees defuse personal crises, cope with traumatic incidents, and handle day-to-day difficulties and problems. The 4-hour Emotional Survival Workshop will show participants how they are affected by daily pressures, decisions and interactions with others at work during times of change. Practical techniques will be provided to help participants cope with workplace stress.
[Submitted by Melinda Moses, melinda_moses@nps.gov, (415) 561-4302]
Pacific West Region
Motorboat Operator Certification Course
Dates: 02/23/2004 - 02/27/2004
Location: Lake Mead Lodge
LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Motorboat Operator Certification Course
February 23 — 27, 2004
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) is targeted towards individuals whose job requires them to operate watercraft for the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. The course provides students with motorboat handling techniques and knowledge of safe operation utilizing the rules of the road, emergency operations/self rescue, and night operation. Course will take place both in the field learning hands-on practical experience and some classroom lecture.
LOCATION AND TIME: Lake Mead Lodge. Monday through Wednesday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Thursday, 8:00 am - 9:00 pm (with a dinner break). Friday, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm.
COSTS: Tuition is $200.00. Per Diem and Lodging paid by benefiting account.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: All employees/volunteers operating government boats. Priority will be given to job related needs.
HOW TO APPLY: For the upcoming course, please submit a Training Nomination form to Kevin Hendricks no later than January 30, 2004.
CLASS SIZE: Minimum class size is 16. Maximum is 24. If minimum class size is not met, course will be cancelled.
COURSE COORDINATOR: Kevin Hendricks, 702-293-8963
[Submitted by Kevin Hendricks, kevin_hendricks@nps.gov, 702-293-8963]
Fire and Aviation Management
S-390: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations
Dates: 01/13/2004 - 01/15/2004
Location: Frank Phillips College, Borger, TX (LAMR)
This course introduces fire behavior calculations by manual methods, using nomograms. The student gains an understanding of the determinants of fire behavior through studying input (e.g., wind, slope, fuels, and fuel moisture). Students also learn how to interpret fire behavior output. Local and regional environmental differences are stressed.
NWCG Nomination due by December 31.
Announcement
Nomination Form
[Submitted by Tambre Lumpkin, tambre_lumpkin@nps.gov, (806) 865-3360 EXT. 24]
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Saint Croix National Scenic River (WI)
Supervisory Park Ranger
Dates: 12/15/2004 - 01/20/2005
The park is seeking applications for a GS-025-11 Namekagon District Ranger position (Vacancy Announcement SACN-03-10) duty stationed in Trego, Wisconsin. The Namekagon District includes the entire 100 mile Namekagon River and the Upper 25 miles of the St. Croix River. This position plans and directs a district wide Resource Protection program to include law enforcement, emergency medical services, search and rescue, visitor safety, wildland fire, commercial operations and special park uses. In addition the incumbent oversees and implements the district's complex land use management program by monitoring scenic easements, use and occupancy properties, and other land use management activities within and adjacent to the park. The park is looking for someone with a broad range of traditional ranger skills and strong interpersonal skills as the incumbent often represents the the park at meetings and community events with representatives of other Federal, state, and local government agencies, commercial outfitters and businesses operating in the park, local community groups, special interest groups, Native American tribes and private individuals. Trego (population 200) is located 7 miles from Spooner, WI (population 2,500). There is no park housing: housing is available in the area to rent or purchase, but selection can be limited. Major shopping and medical facilities are located in Rice Lake and Superior, WI and Duluth, MN. Contact Chief Ranger Brian Adams at 715-483-3284 ext.629 with questions regarding the position. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resources Specialist Anne Adams at ext 603. [Submitted by Brian R Adams, Brian_R_Adams@nps.gov, 715-483-3284 ext. 629]
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.