The Morning Report for Friday, March 13, 2009

INCIDENTS

Hot Springs National Park (AR)
Resource Damage Leads To Restitution Payment

While on boundary patrol last December 20th, ranger Jeff Johnson came upon fresh ATV tracks leading over a berm at the edge of the park off Canterbury Road and heading into the woods. Johnson followed the tracks for about a half mile and discovered a large, freshly-cut, four-foot wide ATV track. The circular track covered an area about a quarter-mile square at the top of a ridge. Trees and brush had been damaged, fire rings marked spots where fires had burned, and there was evidence of paintball activity. Johnson and ranger Jason Flood photographed the entire area, mapped it with GPS coordinates, and inventoried the damage. A Kubota tractor with a front loader was seen operating in a nearby residential area while rangers were interviewing a suspected homeowner. The owner first denied involvement, but subsequently confessed after being confronted with photos of vegetation damage and tire tracks that matched those of the Kubota. The park has since received $2,400 in restitution. [Submitted by Dennis Stock, Chief Ranger]

OPERATIONAL NOTES

Servicewide
Upcoming Training Calendar

Please submit information on upcoming training courses to Bill Halainen. New listings and revisions are in bold face.

March 16 — March 20

EMT-B Refresher Training, Topeka, KS. Sponsored by the Air National Guard. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261.

March 16 — March 20

Backcountry Tactics and Tracking Training Program, FLETC, Artesia, NM. Students who successfully complete this training will be able to apply tactical tracking skills in remote backcountry settings and urban environments. These skills will aid in search and rescue operations, locating missing persons, border security, poaching, and fugitive apprehension. The program emphasizes the ability to work as a team or individually. For full details, go to the following website: http://www.fletc.gov/training/programs/artesia-fletc/backcountry-tactics-and-tracking-training-program . Contacts for more information are also listed on that page.

March 17 — March 19

Revegetation in the Eastern U.S. - Challenges and Opportunities, Great Smoky Mountains NP, NC/TN. The Revegetation Group, part of Denver Service Center's Transportation Division, is offering a three-day training course on the basics of revegetation in the eastern United States. The workshop will address the use of native and non-native plant materials in revegetating disturbances associated with Federal Lands Highway Program projects and various other disturbances in the eastern U.S. The course will be taught by National Park Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service revegetation practitioners, as well as several representatives from eastern Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units. Participants will have numerous opportunities to network with fellow revegetation practitioners. A visit to a park greenhouse and a revegetation project is also included. There is no deadline for registering. For general information, please contact the Li Will-Pettett, course coordinator, at (303) 987-6728 or at Li_Will-Pettett@contractor.nps.gov. For specific questions regarding the content, scheduling, etc, please contact Sarah Wynn, course technical expert, at (303)969-2292 or at Sarah_wynn@nps.gov. More information is available at http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewnpsnewsarticle&type=Conferences&id=1658

March 24 — April 2

Introduction to NPS Operations: Fundamentals II, Grand Canyon, AZ. Fundamentals II elaborates on the history, mission, and operations of the NPS and covers leadership, teamwork, communications, and interpersonal skills. In its entirety, Fundamentals is a five-part course of study based on NPS Universal Competencies, the foundation of all NPS careers and critical for all new and experienced employees to understand. All travel and tuition expenses are paid for by Servicewide Training and Development. Learn more and find registration information at http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm . Contacts: Mark Harner at 928-638-7983, Mark_Harner@nps.gov; Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277, Debbie_Cox@nps.gov.

March 26

Alternative Consultation Agreement Training. The Endangered Species Program is providing remote training to park staff on the use of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) alternative consultation agreement (ACA) procedures. For projects approved under the National Fire Plan, the free, three-hour ACA training and certification provides an optional procedure to the existing formal ESA section 7 consultation process. Similar procedures were extended to consultation on other projects in the ESA regulation changes adopted on January 15th. An update on those changes, currently under review and litigation, will be included in the training. To sign up, apply by March 20th on DOI Learn (search by "ESA — Alternative" or by NPS-NRS4040). For further information, contact Nancy Brian at 970-267-2103.

March 30

Retirement Planning for New Employees TEL broadcast, 1:00-3:00 p.m. ET. This training is designed to enable employees who are just beginning their careers to plan prudently for their retirement. An expert in Federal benefits and financial planner are the presenters. Discussion includes the importance of planning for retirement from the beginning of a career. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) options, and pitfalls to avoid when investing for retirement. This course is most appropriate for employees enrolled in FERS. This course is part of NPS Fundamentals III: Taking Charge of Your Future. The online course "Retirement Planning" in NPS Fundamentals III should, ideally, be completed before participating in the TEL course. Log on to DOI Learn to apply; course code is NPS-UNC6300. Check the TEL website for additional satellite broadcast opportunities or contact Katrina Fritts at 304.535.5089 or email katrina_fritts@nps.gov.

March 30 — April 3

Trail Management: Plans, Projects and People, Marshall, CA. Agency trail staff, contractors, and volunteers will develop sustainable and accessible trails of all kinds, using the best practices of the trail management process (TMP). The TMP is a collaborative process that includes planning, design layout, construction, maintenance, monitoring, crew leadership, interpretation, operations, and safety. NOTE: Registration closes seven weeks prior to the start of the training. At that time you will be notified if you have been selected to attend and receive information on the class and lodging. This course is specifically designed for those who have beginning to intermediate trail management and leadership responsibilities For more information and to register log on to DOI Learn & search the catalog for "trails" (without the quotation marks).

March 31 — April 2

Interviewing and Interrogation, Colonnade at Benton Place, Ringgold, GA. The goal of this training course is to familiarize new and seasoned investigators with the various disciplines of "detecting deception." This is accomplished through learning to recognize non-verbal body language and eye assessing cues and by being introduced to the newest form of conducting a detailed analysis of verbal and written statements. This training is being offered tuition free and will be conducted by Multijurisdictional Counter Drug Task Force Training of St Petersburg, Florida. Travel and per diem to be paid by benefiting account. Hosted by Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. If interested in this training, please contact ranger Chris Fraser at 423-290-9527 or email him via Lotus Notes.

March 31 — April 3

Accessibility Management for Parks and Recreation, Bloomington, IN. A comprehensive accessibility management program is the key to success for park and recreation agencies. This National Center on Accessibility training course is designed to give accessibility coordinators in parks and recreation the foundation for implementing an accessibility management program. This course is ideal for professionals with newly appointed responsibilities and for those looking to brush up on the latest information for accessibility compliance. For further information, please contact the National Center on Accessibility (phone: 812-856-4422; fax: 812-856-4480; TTY: 812-856-4421; email: nanasmit@indiana.edu ).

March 30 — April 3

Operational Leadership Facilitator Course, Golden Gate NRA, CA. A two-day content course followed by a three-day facilitator course. Participants must attend all five days of the course. To register, please submit a one page nomination via email to Jayeson Vance (425-561-4913) with a copy to PWR regional chief ranger Scott Wanek. Detailed area information for the course is posted on the Operational Leadership Sharepoint site. For additional information, please contact the course coordinator or Scott Wanek at 510-817-1386.

April 6 — April 10

Tactical Leadership ALERT, Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River, Beach Lake, PA. The ALERT course includes firearms qualifications, advanced tactical firearms skills, active shooter training, control tactics, shooting incident review, NLTA scenarios and legal updates from the FBI as well as other LE topics. For more information, contact Larry Neal at (570)-729-7862 or larry_neal@nps.gov .

April 6 — April 10

April 16 — April 17

ARPA Case Investigations and the Civil Penalty Process, Manassas, VA. This course is designed to train federal law enforcement personnel and archeologists in the basics regarding the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and applicable methods that can be used to integrate into their strategies for protecting archeological resources on public and Indian lands the civil penalty provision contained in Section 7 of ARPA (16 U.S.C. 470ff) and the uniform and supplemental regulations promulgated thereto. No tuition. For more information, contact ranger Lynne Stokes at Manassas National Battlefield Park via email or at 703-754-1504 ext, 1306.

April 20 — April 24

NPS Servicewide Basic Technical Rescue Training, Moab, UT (Canyonlands National Park). This training course is designed for personnel who may be required to evacuate injured or stranded persons from heights and difficult terrain. The course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to perform realistic risk assessments and safely complete difficult technical rescues, no previous experience is necessary. Participants will be required to bring technical gear, including seat harness, climbing helmet, carabiners, rappel device, ascenders, etc. This is a very physically demanding course conducted outdoors with frequent exposure to severe heights and possibly inclement weather. Class size is limited to 40 students; all participants must be in good physical condition. The nomination deadline is March 14th; there is no tuition for NPS employees, non-agency personnel may be subject to tuition based on program funding. For more information, contact Kevin Killian (435-772-7825, kevin_killian@nps.gov). For a copy of the announcement, go t http://www.nps.gov/zion/parknews/2009-basic-technical-training-announcement.htm

April 20 — April 24

2009 NPS Eastern High Angle Rescue Course, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC/VA. Blue Ridge Parkway will be hosting the course this year and training site locations will include such Eastern climbing jewels as Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock and Linville Gorge. This promises to be the best course ever. The course is designed for rescue personnel who are tasked with extrication of victims from potentially hazardous high angle environments. All students will be expected to be in good physical condition and can expect to spend long periods of time suspended on fixed ropes with lots of exposure. Students can expect to become proficient at the many aspects of rope work, including knots and anchors, raising and lowering systems, descending and ascending fixed lines. All students will receive advance information on the course including logistics, equipment lists, and any pre homework, including knots. This year the course will offer lodging at the Crossnore Mountain Training facility. It is highly recommended that all students make use of the lodging so as to keep all persons in close proximity and it is just a great facility to house everyone. This is something this course has never had available. The cost of the lodging is $20/night. There will be, however, a free camping alternative 15 minutes away. Dining hall meals will also be offered at a cost of $123 for the week. Again, participants do have the option of providing for themselves. All those interested in attending this class should notify Kevin Moses at Kevin_moses@nps.gov and submit a short paragraph stating personal information and indicating skill level and experience. Note that it is not necessary to have existing rope skills prior to attending this class. To get information about the training area please contact site coordinator Eddy Cartaya at eddy_cartaya@nps.gov.

April 21 — April 30

Introduction to NPS Operations: Fundamentals II, Grand Canyon, AZ. Fundamentals II elaborates on the history, mission, and operations of the NPS and covers leadership, teamwork, communications, and interpersonal skills. In its entirety, Fundamentals is a five-part course of study based on NPS Universal Competencies, the foundation of all NPS careers and critical for all new and experienced employees to understand. All travel and tuition expenses are paid for by Servicewide Training and Development. Learn more and find registration information at http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm . Contacts: Mark Harner at (928) 638-7983, Mark_Harner@nps.gov; Debbie Cox at (304) 535-6277, Debbie_Cox@nps.gov .

April 27 — May 1

Operational Leadership Facilitator Course, Santa Monica Mountains NRA, CA. A two-day content course followed by a three-day facilitator course. Participants must attend all five days of the course. To register, please submit a one page nomination via email to Evan Jones (805-370-2305) with a copy to PWR regional chief ranger Scott Wanek. Detailed area information for the course is posted on the Operational Leadership Sharepoint site. For additional information, please contact the course coordinator or Scott Wanek at 510-817-1386.

May 4 — May 8

May 5 — May 14

Introduction to NPS Operations: Fundamentals II, Grand Canyon, AZ. Fundamentals II elaborates on the history, mission, and operations of the NPS and covers leadership, teamwork, communications, and interpersonal skills. In its entirety, Fundamentals is a five-part course of study based on NPS Universal Competencies, the foundation of all NPS careers and critical for all new and experienced employees to understand. All travel and tuition expenses are paid for by Servicewide Training and Development. Learn more and find registration information at http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm . Contacts: Mark Harner at (928) 638-7983, Mark_Harner@nps.gov; Debbie Cox at (304) 535-6277, Debbie_Cox@nps.gov .

May 11 — May 15

Fundamentals of Special Park Uses, Midwest Regional Office, Omaha, NE. This training course covers all aspects of special park uses from First Amendment issues to commercial filming and still photography to wireless telecommunication sites. Temporary food services and other health and safety issues related to special park uses will also be discussed. DO-53/RM-53 is covered in depth, as well as 36 CFR and NPS Management Policies 2006. A draft agenda is posted on the special park uses page at http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=185&lv=3 . For more information, contact Lee Dickinson, special park uses program manager, WASO, at 202-513-7092.

May 11 — May 22

Physical Security Training, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is March 24th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

May 11 — May 22

Law Enforcement Fitness Coordinator Training, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is March 24th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

May 18 — May 22

Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, Boise, ID. The deadline for applications is March 23rd. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

May 18 — May 22

June 1 — June 3

Understanding Visual Resources Assessment, Midwest Regional Office, Omaha, NE. DOI Learn Class NPS-2009-0601-LECL. A combination of classroom and field experience is used to teach the scenic view evaluation process implemented at Blue Ridge Parkway. Initially developed for rural settings, this process has been successfully modified for urban landscapes by Mississippi River National Recreation Area. This process is an important tool for management and protection of scenic views and the park visitor's experience. The process is based on a theory of landscape composition employed by fine artists, photographers and those who study landscapes to capture and record beauty, scenic quality or to communicate attractiveness. Participants will learn the basics of the process and how to modify it for park-specific conditions and needs. The target audience is NPS staff responsible for park administration or management where viewsheds and vistas contribute to park values. Resource managers, includes staff in career fields of planning, cultural and natural resource protection, management, interpretation, etc. Tuition paid by the benefitting account. Registration deadline is May 8th. Contact Suzanne Gucciardo ( Suzanne_Gucciardo@nps.gov , 402-661-1874) for further information.

June 2 — June 5

Training the Talent: Preparing Instructors for Interactive Television, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET in Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry, WV. The NPS TEL Program will be offering this workshop which is designed to transition instructors and trainers from classroom style teaching to training using the National Park Service's interactive television network (TEL). Each participant will apply new skills to plan, design, and deliver training programs in the studio environment, using the TEL Distance Learning Technology. Participants will be given significant time to practice in front of cameras along with feedback to improve and fine tune their delivery techniques. Supervisory approval is required. Travel and per diem will be covered by the NPS TEL Program. Search using NPS-TEL3001 in DOI Learn.

June 16 — June 18

NPS Advanced Firearms Instructor Training, Camp Williams, Sandy, UT. Closes on May 25th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

June 16 — June 25

Introduction to NPS Operations: Fundamentals II, Grand Canyon, AZ. Fundamentals II elaborates on the history, mission, and operations of the NPS and covers leadership, teamwork, communications, and interpersonal skills. In its entirety, Fundamentals is a five-part course of study based on NPS Universal Competencies, the foundation of all NPS careers and critical for all new and experienced employees to understand. All travel and tuition expenses are paid for by Servicewide Training and Development. Learn more and find registration information at http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm . Contacts: Mark Harner at (928) 638-7983, Mark_Harner@nps.gov; Debbie Cox at (304) 535-6277, Debbie_Cox@nps.gov .

June 22 — June 26

Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, Moose, WY. The deadline for applications is April 10th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

June 23 — June 25

NPS Advanced Firearms Instructor Training, Camp Williams, Sandy, UT. Closes on May 25th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

July 7 — July 16

Introduction to NPS Operations: Fundamentals II, Grand Canyon, AZ. Fundamentals II elaborates on the history, mission, and operations of the NPS and covers leadership, teamwork, communications, and interpersonal skills. In its entirety, Fundamentals is a five-part course of study based on NPS Universal Competencies, the foundation of all NPS careers and critical for all new and experienced employees to understand. All travel and tuition expenses are paid for by Servicewide Training and Development. Learn more and find registration information at http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm . Contacts: Mark Harner at (928) 638-7983, Mark_Harner@nps.gov; Debbie Cox at (304) 535-6277, Debbie_Cox@nps.gov .

July 28 - August 6

Introduction to NPS Operations: Fundamentals II, Grand Canyon, AZ. Fundamentals II elaborates on the history, mission, and operations of the NPS and covers leadership, teamwork, communications, and interpersonal skills. In its entirety, Fundamentals is a five-part course of study based on NPS Universal Competencies, the foundation of all NPS careers and critical for all new and experienced employees to understand. All travel and tuition expenses are paid for by Servicewide Training and Development. Learn more and find registration information at http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm . Contacts: Mark Harner at (928) 638-7983, Mark_Harner@nps.gov; Debbie Cox at (304) 535-6277, Debbie_Cox@nps.gov .

August 3 — August 7

Trail Management: Plans, Projects and People, Homer, AK. Agency trail staff, contractors, and volunteers will develop sustainable and accessible trails of all kinds, using the best practices of the trail management process (TMP). The TMP is a collaborative process that includes planning, design layout, construction, maintenance, monitoring, crew leadership, interpretation, operations, and safety. NOTE: Registration closes seven weeks prior to the start of the training. At that time you will be notified if you have been selected to attend and receive information on the class and lodging. This course is specifically designed for those who have beginning to intermediate trail management and leadership responsibilities For more information and to register log on to DOI Learn & search the catalog for "trails" (without the quotation marks).

August 3 — August 7
Housing Management Course, San Diego, CA. The course will provide NPS employees responsible for management of employee housing with a better understanding and working knowledge of the NPS housing program. Specific topics will include: roles and responsibilities, QMIS inventory requirements, required and non-required occupancy, safety and health issues, needs assessments, total cost of facility ownership, condition assessments (FMSS/FCAS), housing management plans, PMIS projects, and tenant issues. The target audience for this course includes park housing officers, housing assistants, facility managers, and regional office housing management personnel. Priority will be given to those who have not had housing management training in the past five years. There is no tuition; all travel and per diem, however, are paid by benefitting account. Register for this course in DOI Learn by a search on "Housing Management". For specific questions regarding the content of this course, please get in touch with Pat Bantner at 402-661-1586. The application deadline is July 21st.

Servicewide
Upcoming Events Calendar

Please submit information on upcoming events to Bill Halainen. New listings and revisions are in bold face.

February 14 — March 28

Celebrating Gullah Heritage, Charles Pinckney NHS, Sullivan's Island, SC. Charles Pinckney, a principal author and signer of the United States Constitution, owned seven plantations. Enslaved Africans and African-Americans on Lowcountry plantations developed a unique culture known collectively today as "Gullah." Gullah people made significant contributions not only to the Lowcountry plantation system but also to American culture in general. A remnant of his Lowcountry plantation, Snee Farm, is preserved today as Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. These Gullah programs range from craft demonstrations such as quilting, cast-net making, indigo-dyeing and sweetgrass basket sewing to cooking, African drumming and story-telling, folk-tales, spirituals and other musical performances.

February 14 — Anita Singleton-Prather, "Aunt Pearlie Sue" Gullah Tales; Vera Manigault, sweetgrass basket demonstration
February 21 — Sharon and Frank Murray, rice production; Paul AND Loretta Hromoga, indigo dyeing
February 28 — Ann Caldwell and the Magnolia Singers, spirituals; Jeannette Lee, sweetgrass basket demonstration
March 7 — Veronica Gerald and Jesse Gant, Gullah cooking demonstration; Alada "Muima" Shinault-Small, African tales; NIA Productions, African drumming and dance
March 14 —The Brotherhood Singers, spirituals and gospel; Dorothy Montgomery, quilting; Elijah Ford, sweetgrass baskets
March 21 —Vermelle and Andrew Rodrigues, quilting & toys; Vera Manigault, sweetgrass baskets; Charles C Williams, castnet making & woodwork
March 28 —Ann Caldwell and the Magnolia Singers, spirituals; William Rouse, sweetgrass basket demonstration

March 1 — May 31

Women's National History Month, Seattle Unit — Klondike Gold Rush NHP, Seattle, WA. On display for the entire three months will be an interpretive exhibit entitled "Catharine Blaine: Seneca Falls and The Women's Rights Movement in the State of Washington." Developed by Women's Rights NHP and the Washington State Historical Society, the exhibit features the life of pioneer suffragist Blaine, who opened Seattle's first school in 1854. She also was one of the 100 signers of the historic 1848 Declaration of Sentiments, the document which called on the U. S. government to grant women "all the rights and privileges" enjoyed by enfranchised men. Other planned events include lectures, a play describing how women won the vote in Washington State, a children's workshop on the importance and value of voting, and a fashion show of clothes worn by women in the mid-1800s to early 1900s era. All events are free and open to the public:

March 1 — May 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Catharine Blaine interpretive exhibit.
March 14, 2 p.m.: Shanna Stevenson, coordinator of the Washington Women's History Consortium, will discuss the history of the women's suffrage movement in Seattle.
March 28, 2:30 p.m.: Vivien Rose, chief of cultural resources at the Women's Rights National Historical Park, will address the women's rights movement from a national perspective.
April 4, 2 p.m.: Actors Barbara Callander and Toni Douglas will stage "May's Vote," the story of prim-and-proper Emma Smith DeVoe and flamboyant May Arkwright Hutton who, despite contrasting styles, helped win the vote for women in Washington State. They'll follow with a children's workshop on the importance and value of voting.
April 5, 2 p.m.: Goodwill Industries and National Park Service/Discover Your Northwest Volunteers will present a fashion show demonstrating how the women's rights movement influenced women's clothing styles up to the time women gained the right to vote in 1910.
May 9, 2 p.m.: Heidi Walker, a local outdoors enthusiast and photographer, will offer a presentation on Fay Fuller, the first woman to climb Mt. Rainier (in 1910); Helen Thayer, an adventurer and explorer; and Minnie Peterson, a mountain guide.

The exhibit was developed as a cooperative project of the Washington State Historical Society, Washington Women's History Consortium, and National Park Service, funded by the NPS Challenge Cost-Share Program, Northeast Region.

March 11 — March 12

National Register Program Workshop, Washington, DC. Cultural-resource staff working in national parks are invited to attend a National Register (NR) program workshop offered by the National Park Service in cooperation with the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO). The workshop will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 on Wednesday, March 11th, and from 9:00 to 5:00 on Thursday, March 12th, at the Hall of the States, 444 N. Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC. Workshop sessions will address a variety of topics pertinent to the National Register nomination and listing process. Held in conjunction with the annual meeting of NCSHPO, workshop sessions are designed to provide an opportunity for direct, interactive dialogue between the staff at the NR program in Washington and state, tribal, and federal preservation offices, as well as cultural resource staff working in national parks. Information on registration, getting to the conference, and hotel accommodations can be found on-line at www.ncshpo.org . Sessions will address issues ranging from reviewing the NR listing process, changes in NR photographic imaging standards, and incorporating archeological information into nomination documents for buildings and structures to making effective determinations of eligibility for resources of the recent past. Additional sessions will explore understanding when exceptions to the "50-year rule" are appropriate, and an examination of the differing requirements for NR listing and National Historic Landmark designation. The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources. The staff of the NR Program in Washington, DC, reviews and lists nominations submitted by states, tribes, national parks, and other federal agencies.

April 1 — April 3

National Park Service Emergency Medical Services Workshop, Renaissance Dallas Hotel, Dallas, TX. This workshop is designed to update and continue the application of Directors Order 51, Reference Manual 51 and Field Manual 51 and provide necessary information and training to park EMS coordinators and NPS medical advisors who manage EMS programs at the park level. A park medical advisors conference will be held on April 1st, as will an EMS advisory group meeting. On April 2nd, there will be a park EMS coordinators conference. Reservations should be made before January 18th. The hotel web site is http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dalbr-renaissance-dallas-hotel/ . The conference coordinator is Dean Ross in the WASO Branch Chief of Emergency Services (202-513-7093, dean_ross@nps.gov). Please email him if you intend to attend. Attendees are invited to stay and participate in the ESF# 8 Summit (formerly the National Disaster Medical System Conference), which will be held from April 4th to April 8th in Dallas. A wide selection of educational tracks are available. Further information will be released in January.

April 30 — May 2

Employee and Alumni Homecoming Reunion, Great Smoky Mountains NP. Registration is now open for anyone who has ever worked for the park — National Park Service current and former employees, alumni, partners, volunteers, Civilian Conservation Corps members, etc. — and their families. For more than 75 years, people have played an important role in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most beloved national parks in the country. During this special anniversary, the park wants to pay tribute to those people who, in various capacities, have helped manage this precious resource. This is a social opportunity for the park family to renew acquaintances, share stories, and for those who have been away for a while, see the changes that have occurred over the years. To get a complete schedule of events and other registration information, check out the website www.greatsmokies75th.org, under the Employees and Alumni tab. Here's the agenda — note that an asterisk indicates that there's a fee to cover refreshments and meals:

Thursday, April 30

9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Check-in at Sugarlands Visitor Center Training Room
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Open House at Park Headquarters and other designated locations
4 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Meet the Authors Reception, W. L. Mills Conference Center, Gatlinburg *
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Barbecue Hoedown Dinner, Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion, Gatlinburg *

Friday, May 1

8 a.m. - 10 a.m. - Late Check-in - Sugarlands Visitor Center Training Room
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Field Programs, walks, talks, presentations
6 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Banquet and Silent Auction, Park Vista Hotel, Gatlinburg *

Saturday, May 2
11:30 a.m. — Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center Lunch and Programs *
1:00 p.m. — Optional hike to Cataloochee
5 p.m. — 7 p.m. — Dinner and Elk program in Cataloochee

PARKS AND PEOPLE

Capitol Reef National Park (UT)
GL-0025-9 Protection Rangers

Capitol Reef National Park is seeking interested candidates for two GL-9 protection ranger positions. Both positions are open to all qualified candidates possessing or able to obtain a type II commission. One position is permanent full-time and the other is subject to furlough.

Capitol Reef National Park provides an excellent setting for a protection ranger interested in a resource based protection position. The 242,000 acre park lies in the heart of canyon country on the Colorado Plateau and contains some of the most spectacular and significant resources in the region. The park is relatively undeveloped and park management emphasizes a strong program in natural and cultural resource protection. The ranger selected will perform duties in most of the traditional ranger activities, including emergency medical services, technical rescue, wildland fire, physical security, and resource protection; and will be expected to assist with program management in a select number of these activities.

Capitol Reef NP is uniquely shaped and contains two large remote districts north and south of the park headquarters. The rangers will perform routine patrols on foot, in 4WD vehicle, and potentially on horseback in all areas of the park. The park headquarters and visitor center are located in the Fruita Historic District, which also contains a 70-site campground, picnic area and popular hiking trails.

Both are required occupant positions with the duty station at park headquarters. Housing is located one block from the visitor center. The park housing assigned for these positions will be among the three bedroom/bath-and-a-half houses currently vacant. Housing at Capitol Reef is in excellent condition. The park headquarters is located in rural Wayne County, and all basic services are located within 30 minutes of the park, including schools, groceries, medical and dental facilities, a hardware store, and a small movie theater. Towns around Capitol Reef are quickly becoming popular destinations for art, music, and outdoor recreation activities in southern Utah. It is an area which attracts youthful energy and contains endless beauty.

Candidates must meet the National Park Service standards in law enforcement, including medical screening, drug screening, fitness standards, background investigations, and required training.

Please click on the link below for both announcements, which are open to March 17th.

Inquiries and/or questions may be directed to chief ranger Scott Brown at 435-425-3791x130 or human resource assistant Donita Pace at 435-425-3791x122. Additional park information may be obtained at www.nps.gov/care.
[Submitted by Scott Brown, Chief Ranger] More Information...

Devils Postpile National Monument (CA)
GS-0025-9 STF Protection Ranger (Lateral)

Devils Postpile NM and Mojave NP have a joint opening for a subject-to-furlough GS-9 protection ranger. This is a lateral reassignment. The ranger selected will work at Devils Postpile from May through October and at Mojave the rest of the year. The two parks offer a variety of law enforcement experiences, including primarily general ranger work at the former and lots of EMS, SAR and immense desert park challenges at the latter. For more information, contact Deanna Dulen at Devils Postpile via email or at 760-924-5505.
[Submitted by Deanna Dulen]

Fire and Aviation Management
GS-0401-13 Wildland Fire/Fuels Management Specialist

Dates: 03/11/2009 - 03/25/2009

The person selected for this position in the Service's Fire Management Program Center in Boise will be the focal point for the development, management, and implementation of the NPS wildland fire and fuels management programs. For complete details on duties and instructions on applying, click on the link below.
[Submitted by Dan Buckley, dan_buckley@nps.gov, 208-387-5174] More Information...

Hot Springs National Park (AR)
WG-4742-10 Utility Systems Repairer/Operator

Dates: 03/11/2009 - 03/31/2009

Hot Springs has issued merit promotion and all sources announcements for a utility systems repairer and operator. Both close on March 31st. For copies of both announcements, click on the link below.
[Submitted by Charlene Marsh, Charlene_Marsh@nps.gov, (314)655-1601] More Information...

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Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found at the following web site:

http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewnpsnewsarticle&type;=Announcements&id;=3363

All reports should be submitted via email to Lane Baker in the Division of Law Enforcement, Security and Emergency Services in the Washington Office and to Bill Halainen at Delaware Water Gap NRA, with copies to your regional office.