Coronado National Memorial (AZ)
Ranger Fires in Self-Defense at Assailant
Rangers responded to sensor hits near the Montezuma Pass area of the
park, indicating cross-border traffic, just after
9 p.m. on February 6th. One of the men smuggling undocumented
aliens through the area pointed a handgun at and presented a threat to
one of the rangers, who fired one round from his park-issued M-16 rifle
at the smuggler. The round is believed to have missed him; no injuries
have been reported. The man's identity is unknown, as he immediately
fled toward Mexico, and is believed to have made it back across the
border. About 30 undocumented aliens were apprehended at the scene. The
FBI was immediately notified and took the investigative lead in the
case. Two other NPS enforcement rangers were also at the scene of the
incident. Chief ranger Thane Weigand coordinated an immediate search of
the area, utilizing rangers, Border Patrol agents, and a Border Patrol
helicopter. The search yielded no evidence that the suspect was still in
the park, that he was struck by the ranger's bullet, or that the
suspect's handgun had been left behind. Rangers processed the crime
scene. NPS special agents have been assigned to the case.
[Submitted
by Dale Thompson, Superintendent]
Blue Ridge Parkway
Search and Recovery of Suicide Victim
A park maintenance employee came upon a vehicle parked in the woods
near the Humpback Gap overlook earlier this month. A check of the
vehicle on NCIC resulted in a hit for a missing person from Stuarts
Draft, Virginia. Rangers Bruce Bytnar and Zeph Cunningham were first on
scene. A hasty search team was formed that included officers from three
local agencies, a dog team and a state police helicopter with an
infrared sensing unit. A search was begun that afternoon, but was
terminated before dusk due to severe weather. A larger search was set
for the following day, but family members began their own search after
midnight. Several hours later, they found
the body of the victim off a social trail. A joint investigation is
being conducted by the park and the Nelson County Sheriff's Office.
There's no indication of foul play. Ranger Vince Clarks is the NPS
investigator.
[Submitted by Chief Rangers Office]
FIRE MANAGEMENT
National Interagency Fire Center
Wildland Fire Outlook Issued
On February 6th, NIFC issued its wildland fire outlook for the period from February through August of this year. The text follows:
Overall, the 2004 fire season is expected to be near normal in terms of the expected number of fire and acres burned. However, much of the interior West is expected to experience above normal fire potential this season. Some highlights of the upcoming season include:
- Long-term drought persists over much of the interior West. Drought stressed and/or insect damaged vegetation continues to increase in the West leading to greater potential for large, destructive wildfires at mid to high elevations.
- The Southwest is the driest area of the West. The fire season is expected to start early and has the potential to be comparable to 2002.
- Mountain snowpack and winter precipitation is above normal mainly in the Pacific Northwest and northern California. The spring and summer should be warmer than normal in the West. Spring should be drier than normal in the Southwest but wetter than usual in the Northwest. Even with a wet spring, the unknown factor will be June weather in the Northwest and Northern Rockies. The combination of a hot, dry June and long-term drought could mitigate the benefits from a wet winter and spring.
- The South (outside of west Texas and the Oklahoma Panhandle), East and Alaska are expected to have a near to below normal fire season.
Weather
Current projections are for continued neutral to weak El Niño conditions and this should result in little if any impact on the weather this spring and summer. Since October, much of the Northwest, northern Rockies, Midwest and the Northeast have seen normal to above normal precipitation with drier than normal weather across the southern tier of states, particularly over the Southwest. Snowpacks are higher than last year in most areas, except for Arizona and New Mexico. The outlook for spring and summer indicate warmer than usual temperatures in the West with a wet spring in the Northwest. This will likely lead to an early start for the fire season in the Southwest.
Geographic Area Discussions
Alaska: Potential: Normal. Snowpacks have been near to above normal across most of the state except for drier than average conditions in the upper Tanana Valley and adjacent drainages in eastern Alaska. The upcoming fire season is expected to be normal. Eastern Alaska should see the greatest potential for large fires due to the low snowpack and an expected warmer than normal spring and early summer.
Southwest: Potential: Above Normal. The fire season has potential to be comparable to 2002. This is based on continued drought, less than normal winter precipitation and the forecast of a warmer and drier than normal spring. These conditions could lead to an early onset of the primary fire season, with both live and dead fuel components being drier than usual and more readily available for combustion. Grass and brush are more abundant in some areas than in past drought years due to rainfall received during the late winter and spring of 2003. The total area of deforestation caused by drought and insect damage has continued to increase resulting in additional dead fuel loading. A significant unknown is how spring weather, especially precipitation, may affect the overall situation. Spring precipitation can mitigate fire season severity in forested areas while leading to increased fire potential in grass and brush fuels.
Northern Rockies: Potential: Normal to Above Normal. Long-term drought continues to plague the Northern Rockies Area. Given that snowfall has been near normal and a normal spring is expected, most of the area should have average fire potential. However, portions of southeast Montana and the east slopes of the Continental Divide will see an elevated fire risk as this area has seen less than normal winter precipitation to date.
Great Basin: Potential: Normal to Above Normal. Winter rain and snow has been near to above average in most areas except for a few areas including southeast Idaho, southern Utah and portions of southern and western Nevada. The combination of drought with an expected warmer and drier than usual spring should lead to an above normal fire season for most of the eastern Great Basin, excluding the central Idaho mountains and western Wyoming. Most of Nevada should experience more normal fire potential.
Northwest: Potential: Normal to Above Normal. Current snowpack indicates a normal fire season in the Northwest, except in the Okanogan/Wenatchee area in north-central Washington. The Oregon snowpack is 124% of normal to date with every river basin registering 2-3 times greater than in 2003. The Washington snowpack has shown some improvement since mid-January and is near 100% of normal, except 85% on the Chelan/ Entiat/ Wenatchee River Basins. The Chelan, Wenatchee and Methow River Basins are all similar to last year at this time. Both the mountain snowpack and rainfall at the lower elevations indicate that the Wenatchee/Okanogan is the only area in the Northwest that remains in a moisture deficit. The long range forecasts through the spring and summer indicate a wet spring and dry summer. If snowpack remains above 110% of normal through the first of April and the area experiences a wet spring, fire statistics show the threat of a severe fire season to be minimal However, the probability of a severe fire season increases considerably if June is dry. A hot, dry June combined with the drought could rapidly dry both the live and dead/downed fuels.
Northern and Southern California: Potential: Normal to Above Normal. Winter precipitation has greatly favored northern California with above average rainfall and snowpack. On the other hand, southern California has been drier than normal. Much of southern California will have an above average fire potential due to a dry winter, long-term drought and associated tree/brush mortality, and the forecast of a warmer and somewhat drier than normal spring. The heavy, low elevation snowfall in northern California has crushed some of the brush in the foothills surrounding the northern Sacramento Valley. This area may see an elevated risk of fires later this summer when the grasses cure out.
Rocky Mountain: Potential: Normal to Above Normal. Snowpacks generally are much improved over the last two years with most readings currently in the 80-105% range as compared to 50-90% last year at this time. The exceptions to this include portions of the Colorado Front Ranges and the Black Hills where values are around 65% of average. Most of the area is expected to have near normal temperatures and precipitation. Given the long-term drought effects, most of the area will have above average fire potential. However, an early start to the fire season is unlikely.
Eastern Area: Potential: Normal to Below Normal. Much of the region has experienced near to above normal precipitation. However, some dryness and lingering drought effects continue in portions of Minnesota, western Wisconsin, Iowa and northwest Missouri. While these areas may see an elevated risk for large fires during short-term episodes of dry weather, prolonged periods of above normal fire activity are unlikely. The remainder of the geographic area is expected to have a normal to below normal fire season.
Southern Area: Potential: Below Normal to Above Normal. No significant long-term trends for widespread dry conditions are evident. Chances remain for short episodes of elevated fire danger which is typical of normal fire seasons. West Texas and the Oklahoma Panhandle are the primary areas of concern based on current conditions, drought, and a modest potential for above normal temperatures and near to slightly below normal rainfall. Another area of concern is in North Carolina where increased fuel loadings are found in the Northeast Coastal Plain (Hurricane Isabel) and North Central Piedmont (January 2004 ice storm damage).
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Canyon De Chelly National Monument (AZ)
Passing of Ranger Randy Davis
Ranger Randy Davis passed away on Friday, February 6th, following a prolonged battle with cancer. During his 20 year career, Randy served at Independence NHP (1984 — 89), Lincoln Boyhood NM (1989 — 93), Hubbell Trading Post NHS (1993 — 97), Allegheney Portage Railroad NHS (1997 — 2000), and Canyon de Chelly NM (2000 — 04). Superintendent Scott Travis offers the following remembrance: "Randy was a remarkably dedicated member of the National Park Service, sharing his considerable skills, energy, and knowledge with all those around him. Although Randy clearly loved the southwest and Canyon de Chelly, he surrounded himself with memories of past assignments — often launching into both thoughtful and humorous stories of his experiences at each of his former parks. With Randy's passing, the National Park Service loses a truly generous, kind spirit who indelibly influenced friends and colleagues alike."
Petrified Forest National Park (AZ)
GS-9 Protection Ranger (Lateral)
The park is seeking interested applicants for a lateral reassignment opportunity at the GS 9 level. This is a field protection ranger position. The emphasis will be on patrol of visitor use and park backcountry areas. The protection operation encompasses law enforcement, EMS, structural and wildland fire, and limited SAR. The park has two type 1 structural engines, and there's an opportunity to receive structural fire training and experience. There are a moderate number of EMS and LE incidents. The park has three horses for patrol purposes and will conduct horsemanship training, although experience with stock is a plus. If you are interested in pursuing reassignment to Petrified Forest, contact chief ranger Greg Caffey at 928-524-6228, extension 226, for more information on the job, or Ferral Knight in personnel at 928-524-6228, extension 243.
[Submitted by Greg Caffey, Chief Ranger]
Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network (MD)
GS-11/12 Outdoor Recreation Planner (Term)
Dates: 02/11/2004 - 03/01/2004
The National Park Service (NPS) seeks a highly motivated individual to coordinate projects and provide technical assistance for interpretation, public access and conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay region. The individual will serve as an Outdoor Recreation Planner in the NPS Chesapeake Bay Program Office (CBPO) in Annapolis, Maryland.
The CBPO coordinates NPS involvement in the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership (www.chesapeakebay.net), which guides restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Chesapeake Bay Program partners include the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia, the Chesapeake Bay Commission and the federal government.
NPS roles focus on: enhancing interpretation and communication of Chesapeake Bay themes, enhancing public access to Bay and tributary waters, implementing Bay stewardship practices at existing NPS units, and assisting communities and organizations in developing locally based conservation efforts. A core aspect of NPS work is coordination of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, a partnership system of over 120 parks, refuges, historic sites, museums and water trails (www.baygateways.net).
The individual selected will: provide technical assistance to Chesapeake Bay Gateways, NPS units, non-profit organizations and local and State governments on issues related to natural and cultural resource protection, outdoor recreation, public access and interpretation; administer the Gateways Network grants program, working with applicants on project concepts, organizing grant workshops, and assisting grantees; consult with the Gateways Network Working Group and others on strategies for managing the Gateways Network and achieving CBP goals; and coordinate implementation of various Gateways Network-wide initiatives and projects, including workshops for designated Gateways, development of thematic linkages between sites, and creation of Network-wide plans and strategies for public access and conservation.
This full-time term position (not to exceed 4 years) is being advertised at the GS-11/12 grade levels with a salary range between $49,479 - $77, 096 annually. For more information contact Catherine Mueller at 410.267.5720 or view the vacancy announcement (HRF 04-033) at www.usajobs.opm.gov.
[Submitted by Catherine Mueller, catherine_mueller@nps.gov, 410 267 5720] More Information...
Big Thicket National Preserve (TX)
Range Technician
Dates: 02/13/2004 - 03/05/2004
The Exotic Plant Management Team at Big Thicket National Preserve is looking for another person to join their team to assist with the exotic plant control program. A Range Technician, GS-455-04 will be advertised beginning February 13 through March 5, 2004. Incumbent will be involved in exotic plant control program using chemical, manual, mechanical, and biological control techniques. Other duties include plant identification, vegetative monitoring, map reading, data collection, and record-keeping. Applicants must be in good physical condition as the work involves standing, walking, and hiking while carrying a three-gallon backpack sprayer. A pre-employment medical exam is required prior to entry-on-duty date of the person selected for this position. Frequent travel is required as the team travels to other parks. For more information about this position please contact Eric Worsham at 409-839-2689, ext. 238 or Cullen Minter at ext. 246.[Submitted by Nellie Martinez, Nellie_Martinez@nps.gov, 409-839-2689, extension 240] More Information...
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.