Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
Search Underway For Three People Missing In Colorado River
Yesterday morning, park dispatch received a 911 call from Phantom Ranch and another call from an emergency phone located at the boat beach near the ranch, both reporting three people in the water. Witnesses said that they saw three people jump into the river near the beach and that they were last seen being swept downriver. Rangers began an aerial search of the river and positioned personnel along the river at two locations below the beach. Another ranger joined family members who were with the three people who entered the river. At the time of the report, additional personnel were responding. The park was also being assisted by a boat crew from Diamond River Adventures, a commercial concessioner. Water temperatures in the Colorado River in this area range from approximately 49 to 52 degrees. [Submitted by Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer]
National Capital Region
Eagle 1 Crew Assists In Rescue Of Man Stranded In Potomac
On the evening of Sunday, April 26th, Montgomery County fire and rescue units were dispatched to the Potomac River at Pennyfield Lock to rescue a person reported to be in distress in the river. The standard protocol for this type of rescue calls for the Park Police to also send a helicopter. Eagle 1, manned by pilot/sergeant Kevin Chittick and rescue technician/paramedic sergeant Chris Perkins responded. When Eagle 1 arrived, the crew spotted a man who'd apparently been swept about a quarter mile downriver by a swift current and had managed to swim to an island. Since there was no access from the shore, Perkins jumped about five feet from the helicopter while Chittick maintained a hover. Perkins evaluated the man's condition and found that he was not seriously injured. A Montgomery County fire department boat picked the man up and brought him to shore. The man declined further treatment and transport to a hospital for treatment of a leg injury. [Submitted by Sergeant David Schlosser, Public Information Officer]
Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
Body Found In Burned Car
A staff member from the west side of the park came upon a burned vehicle off U.S. 34 just south of the Kawuneeche Visitor Center at 7 a.m. on the morning of April 29th. There was the body of a person inside. An investigation is ongoing by the FBI, Rocky Mountain National Park and the Grand County Sheriff's Office. No further information is available at this time. [Submitted by Kyle Patterson, Public Information Officer]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Law Enforcement and Emergency Services
Victim Assistance Awards Conferred On Three NPS Employees
Every year, National Crime Victim's Rights Week spotlights our nation's response to victims of crime. This is a time that raises public awareness about victim's rights, protection and services. The week of April 26th through May 2nd is Crime Victim's Rights Weeks.
During this special week, the Department of the Interior and its victim assistance program recognize and honor bureau law enforcement officers for their outstanding efforts on behalf of crime victims. The Department presents a certificate of appreciation to those nominated by another Department or bureau employee.
This year, there are three National Park Service employees who are the recipients of the 2009 certificate of appreciation:
- Ranger Melody Morrison from Grand Canyon National Park is receiving this certificate for her outstanding assistance and work with a victim who had been sexually assaulted.
- Special Agent Christopher Smith from Grand Canyon National Park is also a recipient for his work and assistance to the family of a homicide-suicide.
- Special Agent David Barland-Liles from Yellowstone National Park is receiving this certificate for his work on not only investigating but advocating for two child female victims of sexual assault and child pornography.
The victim assistance program would like to extend its sincere appreciation and gratitude to these employees for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. All three will receive a medal and a certificate of appreciation from Kim Thorsen, the Department of the Interior's director for law enforcement and security.
[Submitted by Beth Shott, Special Agent]
Servicewide
Upcoming Training Calendar
Please submit information on upcoming training courses to Bill Halainen. New listings and revisions are in bold face.
Please note that the calendar now includes ongoing on-line training offerings, which will be posted for about a month at a time.
Online Training
Records Management and Orientation to the Privacy Act, computer-based training modules. The 2009 versions of these courses are now available via DOI Learn. These courses are meant to assist Department of the Interior personnel to understand the requirements set forth in statues and regulations concerning records management and the Privacy Act. Completion of both CBT modules can be accomplished in one hour or less. Staff members also have the option of taking each training module in parts, completing it in more than one session. The National Park Service has a deadline of August 31st for personnel to complete these training modules. If you have questions about the training modules, please contact Michael Grimes, the NPS Records Officer, at (202-354-1908) or Diane Cooke, the NPS Privacy Act Officer, at (202-354-1925).
Managing Archeological Collections — This course is open to DOI employees, who will receive credit and a course certificate through DOI Learn. "Managing Archeological Collections" is a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive distance learning course on the curation of archeological collections. Its ten sections address the key issues and practices in archeological collections management, such as planning in the field for curation, relevant laws and policies, cataloging and records management processes, the issues surrounding access and use, and much more. The course also provides guidance on topics that currently challenge archeological curators, like de-accessioning and the future of curation. It is intended not only for archeologists, but for CRM managers, superintendents, collections managers, and other persons interested in learning more about issues, concerns, and best practices in archeological curation. Register for Course # NPS-CRS3600 in DOI Learn to take the course. Complete the 20-question final assessment to receive the course certificate. To learn more about how to register for the course in DOI Learn and earn the certificate, go to http://www.nps.gov/archeology/collections/certificate.htm. If you have any questions about the online course or registration, please contact Terry Childs at 202-354-2125 or Terry_Childs@nps.gov , or Pam Koenig at 928-638-7930 or Pam_Koenig@nps.gov. The link to the course is http://www.nps.gov/history/archeology/collections/index.htm
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Scheduled Training
May 4 — May 8 — 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.
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 - Legal Update, TEL Broadcast, 12:30-4:30 p.m. ET. These sessions feature updates on current legal issues from recent court decisions affecting commissioned employees as well as reviews of legal standards affecting law enforcement. The course is presented multiple times through the year, with different instructors and topics depending on instructor availability and scheduling. Details for a specific broadcast can be found on the NPS Law Enforcement Training Center website. Apply through DOI Learn, chttps://doilearn.nps.gov_/lass code is NPS-LAW2000. Check the TEL website for more information about satellite broadcast opportunities or contact Katrina Fritts at 304-535-5089 or katrina_fritts@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 14 - Law Enforcement Refresher, TEL broadcast, 12:30-3:30 p.m. ET. The topics for this course will include Improving Your Investigations. Avoiding common errors in investigative techniques, from interviewing to evidence collection. Details for a specific broadcast can be found on the NPS Law Enforcement Training Center website. Apply through DOI Learn, chttps://doilearn.nps.gov_/lass code is NPS-LAW2010. Check the TEL website for more information about satellite broadcast opportunities or contact Katrina Fritts at 304-535-5089 or katrina_fritts@nps.gov.
May 18 — May 22 — 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.
May 18 — May 22 - Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Mather Training Center, Harpers Ferry, WV. This NPS Fundamentals V class is for those who missed their scheduled Fundamentals V opportunity. You must have attended Fundamentals II (or Compass I and II) prior to attending this class. This is a one-week classroom-based course that concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communication and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the final step in achieving the entry-level NPS Universal Competencies required for all NPS employees. The training is fully funded by Servicewide Training and Development (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOILearn at https://doilearn.doi.gov via a catalog search for class UNC005. For more information or questions, contact: Debbie Cox at (304) 535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov .
May 18 — May 20 — Environmental Planning: Integrating NEPA into NPS Activities. Lakewood, CO. This training will cover compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its related laws. We will focus on implementation of NEPA using Director's Order 12 (DO-12), Conservation Planning, Environmental Impact Analysis and Decision Making and its accompanying second-tier guidance, Handbook 12. For more information and to register, log on to DOI Learn and search the catalog for "environmental planning." Following your registration, you will receive an email confirming your attendance if space allows. Deadline to register is April 27th. Any questions can be directed to Madelyn Ruffner, WASO Environmental Quality Division, 970-267-2137.
May 21 — Introduction to Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC). Lakewood, CO. This hands-on computer training covers all the basic PEPC functions, including creating projects, editing project information, tracking compliance, uploading documents for review, entering internal document comments, and generating reports. For more information and to register, log on to DOI Learn and search the catalog for "PEPC" and choose the instructor-led course for Lakewood. Following your registration, you will receive an email confirming your attendance if space allows. Deadline to register is April 27th. Any questions can be directed to Madelyn Ruffner, WASO Environmental Quality Division, 970-267-2137.
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 25 - Flashpoint for the Fixed Assets Subsystem (NPS-ADM3010), National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV. The ABCS Program of the Stephen T. Mather Training Center will sponsor this class. The course is designed for employees who are responsible for entering data into the Property Accountability System. Training will consist of lecture and hands-on instruction in the fundamentals of data entry, correction, inquiry, and reporting features of the Fixed Asset Subsystem database. This course will include: Federal Financial System (FFS) Overview (purchasing subsystem and integration with fixed assets, accounts payable subsystem and integration with fixed assets, and the Fixed Assets Subsystem); Fixed Assets Subsystem Overview; Fixed Assets Subsystem Standard Model Processing Chain; Fixed Assets Subsystem Use Maintained Tables; Flashpoint for Fixed Assets Data Entry; and System Generated Reports. The target audience is only personnel responsible for entering data into the Fixed Assets Subsystem. There is no charge for tuition. Benefiting accounts will be responsible for travel and per diem. Deadline to apply is June 15th. Employees must register for this class through DOI Learn and complete a one-page nomination form. Please contact Jo Robinson of the Stephen T. Mather Training Center at 304.535.5016 or jo_robinson@nps.gov for more information.
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 13 — July 17 — Integrated Pest Management Principles, Homestead National Monument of America, Beatrice, NE. This 36-hour course addresses the principles and techniques of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Using the 11-step IPM process, participants learn through a combination of instructor presentations, demonstrations, hands-on exercises and field sessions. Click here for complete course description: http://www.nps.gov/training/nrs/IPM_Announce_Jul_09.doc Interested participants need to apply in DOI Learn (https://doilearn.doi.gov); to locate class, in search box type "Integrated Pest." Last day to register is June 5. For further information contact Chris Furqueron, acting chief, Science & Natural Resource Management Division, Southeast Region, 404-507-5812
July 27 — July 30 - Flashpoint for the Fixed Assets Subsystem (NPS-ADM3010), Mather Training Center, Harpers Ferry, WV. The ABCS Program of the Stephen T. Mather Training Center will sponsor this class. The course is designed for employees who are responsible for entering data into the Property Accountability System. Training will consist of lecture and hands-on instruction in the fundamentals of data entry, correction, inquiry, and reporting features of the Fixed Asset Subsystem database. This course will include: Federal Financial System (FFS) Overview (purchasing subsystem and integration with fixed assets, accounts payable subsystem and integration with fixed assets, and the Fixed Assets Subsystem); Fixed Assets Subsystem Overview; Fixed Assets Subsystem Standard Model Processing Chain; Fixed Assets Subsystem Use Maintained Tables; Flashpoint for Fixed Assets Data Entry; and System Generated Reports. The target audience is only personnel responsible for entering data into the Fixed Assets Subsystem. There is no charge for tuition. Benefiting accounts will be responsible for travel and per diem. Deadline to apply is July 17th. Employees must register for this class through DOI Learn and complete a one-page nomination form. Please contact Jo Robinson of the Stephen T. Mather Training Center at 304.535.5016 or jo_robinson@nps.gov for more information.
July 27 — July 31 — Natural and Cultural Resource Law and Policy for Superintendents, NCTC, Shepherdstown, WV. This course provides park managers with a fundamental understanding of their overarching legal and policy mandates to advance park resource management and protection, and of the ABC's of litigation. Special emphasis is placed on the statutory provisions of the Organic Act and the body of case law pertaining to park management actions. Class participants also explore other natural and cultural resource protection tools. Participants will be able t describe the fundamental legal and policy foundations upon which to base park natural and cultural resource management decisions; discuss the obligations and opportunities for preserving natural and cultural resources in the NPS; and identify tools, programs, and information available to help Superintendents make informed and legally-defensible decisions. Interested participants can apply through DOI Learn by searching on course code NPS-NRS 4021. The tuition is paid by Horace Albright Training Center and the application deadline is June 19th. For more information about the course please contact Jeri Hall, Albright Training Center, jeri_hall@nps.gov or at 928-638-7927.
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.
August 10 — August 14 — TTOS LEVEL 1 Tactical Tracking, B.H. Corpening Training Center, Crossnore, NC. Blue Ridge Parkway will be hosting this 40+ hour class focusing on tracking and tactical operations in the woodland environment. The lead instructor for the course is retired Virginia state game warden Mike Hull. The tuition is $250; lodging and meals are $300. The TTOS website is http://www.ttos.us/index.php . For more information and a course outline or to register for this class, contact Bobby D. Miller, Plateau district ranger, at 540-745-9681 (office), 540-239-4301 (cell), or Bobby_Miller@nps.gov.
September 14 — September 18 — National Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, Amarillo, TX. The deadline for applications is June 10th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .
PARKS AND PEOPLE
NPS Alumni
Passing Of Merrie Hinson
Retired NPS employee Meredith Hudson Hinson passed away on April 23rd after a prolonged illness at her home in Quitman, Texas. Her husband of 50 years and children were at her side.
Merrie was born in Dallas, Texas on August 14, 1937. She graduated from Greenville High School and went on to East Texas State University, where she majored in English and journalism and met the love of her life, retired NPS ranger Norman D. Hinson. They were married on August 30, 1958.
Merrie and Norm began their National Park Service adventures at Rocky Mountain National Park, where she was a reporter for the Estes Park Guide. They later moved to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White Sands National Monument, Catoctin Mountain Park, Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail and Yosemite National Park, where she retired as the park's housing officer in 1996.
During her tenure at Yosemite, Merrie developed, wrote and finalized the Yosemite housing management plan. One of the NPS's most diverse housing initiatives, it set precedents for business practices and provided guidelines for the entire Service. Merrie also participated in the development and implementation of NPS-36: Government Furnished Housing Management, and she played an integral role in the development and implementation of the quarters management information system, the Servicewide housing inventory tracking database.
Always active in the community, Merrie was an American Red Cross swimming instructor, a member of local school PTAs, a Girl Scouts of America troop leader, held office with the Yosemite Winter Club, and served as president of the Yosemite Chapter of Federally Employed Women.
Merrie is survived by her husband Norman D. Hinson; a daughter, Jenny (Hinson) Dems, Washington Office Facility Management Division; two sons, Norman "Scott" Hinson, Pacific West Region, and Jeff Hinson, Yosemite National Park; four grandchildren, Cody and Dylan Dems, of Littleton, Colorado and Tyler and Jerra Hinson of Boulder City, Nevada; a sister, Elizabeth Burnett of Waco, Texas; and a sister-in-law, Jane Hinson of Denver, Colorado.
Services will be held at a later date in Yosemite National Park. The family has requested that donations be sent to the Yosemite Fund. When making a contribution, please include Merrie Hinson's name in the memoriam.
Cards may be sent to the family at 148 County Road 3253 Quitman, TX 74783, and to the children at the following addresses:
- Jenny Dems, 7322 South Miller Street, Littleton, CO 80127
- Scott Hinson, 1620 Indian Wells Driver, Boulder City, NV 89005
- Jeff Hinson, PO Box 195, El Portal, CA 95318
Messages may be posted at a memorial website created in Merrie's honor: http://www.sympathytree.com/merriehinson
Donations may be sent to The Yosemite Fund, 155 Montgomery Street, Suite 1104
San Francisco, CA 94104 https://secure.entango.com/donate/NAaLUnUvUfc
[Submitted by Meg Leffel]
NPS Alumni
Former Mountaineering Ranger John Evans Dies In Accident
The National Park Service and the climbing community lost a great friend and a highly respected mountaineer this week. Former Denali National Park mountaineering ranger John Evans, age 54, died on Tuesday, April 28th, from injuries sustained in a fall in Snowdonia National Park near his winter home in North Wales.
Evans was on a recreational climb with the Ogwen Valley mountain rescue team, a local organization he has been been a member of since 1973, when he reportedly slipped and fell over 100 feet while descending in rocky terrain. He was airlifted to a hospital in nearby Bangor, Wales, where he succumbed to internal and head injuries.
John Evans enjoyed a longtime connection with the Alaskan military and mountaineering communities, beginning in the period from 1986 to 1989 when he was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base as a rescue technician and paramedic with the U.S. Pararescue Squadron. Through the 1990's, Evans worked internationally as an instructor in survival skills, wilderness studies and emergency medicine, including over a decade as a professional guide leading expeditions on Mt. McKinley with Genet Expeditions and Mountain Trip.
From 2000 to 2007, Evans was employed as a mountaineering ranger with Denali National Park and Preserve, based in Talkeetna, Alaska. During his combined guiding and ranger careers, Evans participated in a total of 25 mountaineering expeditions on Mt. McKinley.
John's extensive rescue skills, emergency medical expertise, and cooperative nature were highly valued at Denali National Park, and he occasionally extended his season by working as a park ranger stationed at the Toklat Road Camp.
After his final season with the National Park Service in 2007, Evans returned to the Alaska Range as a mountaineering instructor with Talkeetna-based Alaska Mountaineering School (AMS) in 2008. He was scheduled to return to Talkeetna on May 1st to work another season as an AMS instructor.
Evans is survived by his partner Lynn, his son David, daughter Rhiannon, as well as his parents and two sisters. His loss will be deeply felt not only in the Alaska Range, but throughout many mountaineering and rescue communities across the world.
[Submitted by Maureen McLaughlin, Mountaineering Administration and Public Information]
Blue Ridge Parkway
Seasonal Academy Manager Seriously Injured In Accident
While riding her motorcycle home from work last Friday, Southwestern Community College seasonal law enforcement training program manager Melissa (Missy) Hill struck a truck and was seriously injured. She is currently in a coma at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina.
Missy was reportedly doing better yesterday and was responding to more instructions. Her husband, Ron, has asked that cards be sent to this address: Melissa Hill, 4890 Old Hwy 64 E, Hayesville, NC 28904.
The rangers who assist the program as instructors send their best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Missy, her friends, co-workers, and family.
[Submitted by Steve Stinnett, Chief Ranger]
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.