The Morning Report for Friday, October 15, 2010

INCIDENTS

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (AZ,UT)
Celebration Of Rangers' Lives Held At Glen Canyon

Over 500 friends, family, and co-workers gathered together yesterday to celebrate the lives of Chief Ranger Brent McGinn and Dangling Rope District Ranger Laurie Axelsen. The two Glen Canyon NRA rangers lost their lives in a private plane crash in the Dixie National Forest on October 8th.

The celebration took place at the Lake Powell Resort overlooking Lake Powell. Some of Brent and Laurie's favorite music played in the background while friends and family gathered in their honor. Cheto Olais, the Intermountain Region's law enforcement specialist, began the celebration with the Pledge of Allegiance as a tribute to Brent's tradition of beginning meetings and other events in the same way. Speakers recounted fond memories and stories of experiences shared with Brent and Laurie. The theme for the day seemed to be captured by several speakers who quoted the lyrics of a Jimmy Buffet song, "Breathe in, breathe out, move on".

"It's been a difficult week for all of us and the reality of losing two wonderful people is just starting to sink in," said Acting Superintendent Kym Hall. "When today is done and we return to our lives and jobs and routines, the reality will be even starker. When each of us thinks about how our time on earth comes to an end, maybe we can hope that we are with friends or loved ones, that we are in the middle of doing something that truly brings us joy and that we are remembered for all the wonderful and lasting contributions we made to our families and to our jobs. That is how Brent and Laurie ended their time with us..."

The families were then presented with their flat hats and a plaque with a glass law enforcement badge and arrowhead along with an American flag. The celebration ended with the "last call" from dispatch and a helicopter flyover.

Friends and family gathered at the fire station to continue reminiscing. Members of the NPS family traveled from as far away as Alaska and Boston to participate in the celebration. Their impact on the local community was evidenced by the diverse representation of federal, state, and local agencies and members of the local community.

Biographies and the celebration program are posted on their memorial websites. Please continue to share your condolences, photos, and stories online at:

Brent McGinn Memorial Website — http://www.sympathytree.com/brentmcginnnps/
Laurie Axelsen Memorial Website — http://www.sympathytree.com/laurieaxelsennps/

In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted through Glen Canyon Natural History Association to establish a Seasonal Law Enforcement Ranger Academy scholarship. Please make checks out to Glen Canyon Natural History Association and note McGinn-Axelsen Scholarship on the memo line. Please mail checks to Glen Canyon Natural History Association, Attn: McGinn-Axelsen Scholarship, P.O. Box 1835, Page, AZ 86040 or call (credit card only): (877) GLEN-CYN

The Western Incident Management Team worked with Glen Canyon NRA staff on the celebration.
[Submitted by Michelle Fidler, Acting Management Assistant, and Patti Wold, Western IMT PIO]

Gulf Coast Parks
Sand Cleanup And Subsurface Sampling Continue

With guidance provided by Department of the Interior resource advisors from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service, and as part of the ongoing federal oversight of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response, hundreds of workers are cleaning oil from beaches in both the Florida and Mississippi districts of Gulf Islands National Seashore:

Florida District — Cleanup crews in the Fort Pickens area are operating large sifting machines called "Sand Sharks" on both day and night shifts. Workers also removed oiled debris in the Opal Beach/Santa Rosa area and Johnson Beach/Perdido Key. Between August 20th and October 13th, more than 311 tons of oiled debris were removed from these areas of the park. More than 300 workers, including 16 resource advisors, are currently assigned to the Florida district cleanup. In addition to surface cleanup, SCAT (shoreline cleanup assessment technique) teams are also conducting tests to determine how much oil is buried below the surface. Subsurface sampling is conducted using an auger powered by a small tractor. Teams have dug hundreds of pits up to 1.5 meters deep in order to determine how much oil remains embedded within the sand below the surface while archaeologists assess the sampling areas to prevent damage to buried artifacts or buildings. The pits were augered along transects spaced 150 meters apart, where between five to six sample sites (holes) were established from the wrack line near the water's edge to just below the dune ridge and vegetation line. Gulf Islands National Seashore personnel, in close coordination with the interagency command, are currently reviewing the results of recent subsurface sampling in order to outline long-term shoreline treatments.
Mississippi District — Crews continue to remove up to six tons of oiled debris daily from Horn Island. Each day, six resource advisors are monitoring 150 workers who clean up oiled debris along the barrier island's south shore, while another crew of nine contract workers and two resource advisors operate four Beach Tech sand sifting machines. Cleanup operations also continued on Petit Bois, West Ship, East Ship, and Cat Islands, with another 150 workers and 11 resource advisors divided among those sites. Between August 20th and October 13th, more than 465 tons of oiled debris have been removed from these areas of the park.

Planning is underway for subsurface profiling of embedded oil for all shoreline areas on the Gulf of Mexico side of each of the Mississippi barrier islands. Federal scientists continue working together to determine best practices to address the challenging questions associated with the cleanup.

For more information on current operations, click on the NPS, DOI and national oil spill response pages:

[Submitted by Terry Morris and Dave Reynolds, Gulf Coast Oil Spill Response]

OPERATIONAL NOTES

Servicewide
Upcoming Training And Conference Calendar

Please submit information on upcoming training courses to Bill_Halainen@nps.gov. New listings and revisions are in bold face. Please note that the calendar now includes ongoing on-line training offerings. They appear at the end of this listing.

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Scheduled Training

October 18 — Hiring AD Employees For Incidents And Events, Shenandoah NP, VA. This training will focus exclusively on the DOI AD pay plan, on when it's appropriate to hire AD employees (for SARs, FEMA assignments, Rx projects, NPS all-hazard incidents, etc.), and on the hiring paperwork. The target audience includes administrative assistants, supervisors, division chiefs, and anyone who anticipates hiring AD employees for future incidents/events. Training will include the DOI AD pay plan, all forms used for AD hiring, how to correctly complete the hiring forms, and the payment process thru the DOI Casual Payment Center. Contact Sue Imler, 540-999-3500 x 3442, or via email by October 8th. For more information on the session, contact Christine Peters at 208-387-4211.

October 19 — Hiring AD Employees For Incidents And Events, New River Gorge NR, WV. This training will focus exclusively on the DOI AD pay plan, on when it's appropriate to hire AD employees (for SARs, FEMA assignments, Rx projects, NPS all-hazard incidents, etc.), and on the hiring paperwork. The target audience includes administrative assistants, supervisors, division chiefs, and anyone who anticipates hiring AD employees for future incidents/events. Training will include the DOI AD pay plan, all forms used for AD hiring, how to correctly complete the hiring forms, and the payment process thru the DOI Casual Payment Center. Contact Peggy Ainslee, 304-763-3145 x 28, or via email by October 8th. For more information on the session, contact Christine Peters at 208-387-4211.

October 20 — Hiring AD Employees For Incidents And Events, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC/VA. This training will focus exclusively on the DOI AD pay plan, on when it's appropriate to hire AD employees (for SARs, FEMA assignments, Rx projects, NPS all-hazard incidents, etc.), and on the hiring paperwork. The target audience includes administrative assistants, supervisors, division chiefs, and anyone who anticipates hiring AD employees for future incidents/events. Training will include the DOI AD pay plan, all forms used for AD hiring, how to correctly complete the hiring forms, and the payment process thru the DOI Casual Payment Center. Contact Sue Imler, 540-999-3500 x 3442, or via email by October 8th. For more information on the session, contact Christine Peters at 208-387-4211.

October 21 — Hiring AD Employees For Incidents And Events, NCR (possibly at NCTC — location TBD). This training will focus exclusively on the DOI AD pay plan, on when it's appropriate to hire AD employees (for SARs, FEMA assignments, Rx projects, NPS all-hazard incidents, etc.), and on the hiring paperwork. The target audience includes administrative assistants, supervisors, division chiefs, and anyone who anticipates hiring AD employees for future incidents/events. Training will include the DOI AD pay plan, all forms used for AD hiring, how to correctly complete the hiring forms, and the payment process thru the DOI Casual Payment Center. Contact BJ Clancy, 301-432-6548, or via email by October 8th. For more information on the session, contact Christine Peters at 208-387-4211.

October 19 — October 22 — Fee Supervisors Training Workshop, Albright Training Center, Grand Canyon, AZ. The overall objectives for this workshop are to standardize the recreation fee program training for employees collecting fees for all parks within the system. This will be accomplished by using the essential competencies developed for fee supervisors, which include supervising employees, making effective visitor contacts, collecting and accounting for fees, preparing remittance reports and deposits, and disseminating information. The session will include information on the interagency pass program, analyzing business practices, cost of collection, and internal controls. Participants attending the workshop will be able to prepare a training plan that can be implemented at their park sites. Attendees who complete the workshop will receive credit for 20 hours of supervisory training. These are the only two classes being held in FY2011. The following is information for the October class dates. Read the full announcement and instructions on how to apply in DOI Learn. Visit this website for more information on DOI Learn. Contact Tara Edwards (304-535-5052 or tara_edwards@nps.gov)mail to_ for registration information or Jane Anderson (303-987-6902 or jane_anderson@nps.gov) about course content.

October 20 — Monthly Contracting Conference Call: Contracting Issues, 1 p.m. EDT. The call in number is 1-800-369-3387 and the pass code is Park Service. There is also an "instant replay" number (1-866-501-8775) that is available for about 30 days after the scheduled call.

October 24 — October 29 — Advanced Trails Program: Maintenance and Management - Climbing & Rigging, William Penn Mott Jr. Training Center - Benbow Lake SRA, Garberville CA. This is the third in Mott's award winning Trails Program Management course of study. Topics include climbing and rigging applications in trail projects, climbing and rigging tool and equipment, rigging applications & theory, climbing and rigging safety, knot tying, climbing techniques, rigging sets, skyline and haulback line layout, highleads and direct pulls, setting bridge stringers, griphoist applications, and mechanized winch applications. For information on the Mott Training Center and their curriculum -- which is accredited through the University of California -- click here. To apply, log on to DOI Learn, click on Catalog, select Alphabetically tab, open Advanced Search, Click on Course Code and enter "mnt4" without the quotation marks, Details and Submit Request. Supervisory approval is required so please let your supervisor know you have applied. Remember you must log back on and apply for the Class after your application is approved. NPS' Office of Learning & Development has paid tuition. "Tuition" includes all class costs. Parks are responsible for travel, lodging and meals. Contact: Steve Hastings 301-663-8206 x134 or Dorothy Printup 301-663-8206 x101.

October 31 — November 4 — Annual Professional Conference and Ranger Rendezvous - Building Bridges to the Future, Association of National Park Rangers, The Riverhouse, Bend, OR. This annual professional conference is designed for NPS employees and associates at any level, with a focus on topics and tools for actively leading the NPS forward in the areas of stewardship, education, relevance, and employee support and development, initiatives of NPS Director Jon Jarvis. The conference features keynote speakers: NPS Director Jon Jarvis on the Current and Future State of the NPS; Liz Parrish, Iditarod competitor and co-founder of Life through Dogs, on leadership style and motivation; and Gary Machlis, NPS Science Advisor to the Director on The State of Science in the NPS. Other sessions include discussions on current NPS topics; a half-day volunteer work project with Oregon State Parks; three affiliated NPS training courses; previews of new NPS films, valuable networking opportunities, and a great conference setting. Hotel accommodations available at the conference site. To learn more and register, visit the Rendezvous registration site. Scholarships and lower cost housing available; visit the website soon. New participants welcomed.

October 31 — Interpreting Critical Issues in Climate Change, The Riverhouse, Bend, OR. Learn theory, strategies and best practices for interpreting controversy as it relates to climate change. Maximum number in course: 30 (minimum number is 10); David Larsen, lead instructor; no fee, but preregistration required through Rebecca Harriett, 304-535-6224, or rebecca_harriett@nps.gov. This course is offered in conjunction with the Association of National Park Rangers Annual Professional Conference and Ranger Rendezvous. For more information on the conference and hotel reservations at the training site, visit ANPR's web page.

October 31 — Operational Leadership, The Riverhouse, Bend, OR. Learn leadership skills for managing a safe work environment in this NPS-sponsored training. Maximum number in course: 20 (minimum number is 10); no fee, but preregistration required through Rebecca Harriett, 304-535-6224 or rebecca_harriett@nps.gov. This course is offered in conjunction with the Association of National Park Rangers Annual Professional Conference and Ranger Rendezvous. For more information on the conference and hotel reservations at the training site, visit ANPR's web page.

November 1 — November 4 — Leadership Seminar for New and Developing National Park Leaders, The Riverhouse, Bend, OR. 8 a.m. November 1st through noon on November 4th (32 hrs). This course is targeted at new and developing (mid-level) leaders within the NPS or those who are relatively new to the NPS whose supervisor or superintendent believes possess leadership potential within the NPS. To better equip and prepare NPS employees for leadership challenges and success, this course will focus on leadership competencies, which will be obtained through a series of classroom instruction, workshops and interactive presentations by NPS leadership. Topics include the effectiveness of leadership style, the development of leadership competencies, and providing technical information on current trends and direction within the NPS, with a special emphasis on environmental leadership. Offered in conjunction with the Association of National Park Rangers Annual Professional Conference and Ranger Rendezvous, students will attend plenary and interactive conference presentations by the Director of the National Park Service and other senior NPS leaders, noted authors, and leaders in conservation and park management. The final day of the seminar will focus on group discussions with past and present senior NPS leaders on leadership skills, style and commitment. The course provides credit for eight hours of supervisory training. Benefiting accounts will pay for travel and per diem, the course fee is $86-$115, including conference registration. For additional information, see the course web page. For more information on the conference and hotel reservations at the training site, visit ANPR's web page.

November 1 — November 4 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

November 1 — November 5 — Leadership Academy, USFS Crossnore Training Facility, NC. Sponsored by Blue Ridge Parkway. This training is an interactive, five-day workshop for law enforcement and emergency services personnel that is designed to address a leader's role as follower and inspirational leader — in day-to-day operations, in financing and budgeting, in people management, and in community and media relations. Tuition for the course is $785, which includes meals and lodging on site. Contact Lena Koschmann at lena_boesser-koschmann@nps.gov or 828-271-4779 x 240 for more information.

November 8 — November 10 — Water Operator Refresher & Certification, William Penn Mott Jr. Training Center - Annex, Pacific Grove CA. This course targets NPS staff operating public drinking water systems in the State of California. Topics include bacteria and lab testing, pumping plant operations, water system regulations, hazmat for water systems, water math refresher, SCADA systems and HACH testing instruments. Successful completion will satisfy state certification refresher requirements. To apply, log on to DOI Learn, click on Catalog, select Alphabetically tab, open Advanced Search, click on course Code and enter "mnt4" without the quotation marks, Details and Submit Request. Supervisory approval is required so please let your supervisor know you have applied. Remember you must log back on and apply for the Class after your application is approved. NPS' Office of Learning & Development has paid tuition. "Tuition" includes all class costs plus lodging and meals from Monday supper through Friday lunch. The only cost to your park is the travel to central California (the Monterey peninsula). Contact: Steve Hastings 301-663-8206 x134 or Dorothy Printup 301-663-8206 x101

November 9 — November 12 — Law Enforcement Refresher, Canaveral NS, Titusville, FL. Canaveral National Seashore is sponsoring a competency-based training opportunity for law enforcement personnel. This training focuses on knowledge and skills necessary for law enforcement personnel to function effectively. This training will fulfill the annual law enforcement training requirement. For more information, contact Ben Hansel at 321-861-8673 or 321-403-5625.

November 10 — November 12 — 2010 Hampton University Executive Leadership Summit, Hampton, VA. Co-sponsored by the DOI Office of Civil Rights, the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), Hampton University. The summit, as a bridge builder, will connect the represented federal agencies' programs with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Keynote speakers at the Summit will be Dr. William R. Harvey, President of Hampton University, and Mr. Robert Stanton, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Department of Interior and former NPS Director. Sessions will include speakers from Hampton University, DOE, DOD, and SBA, as well as NPS. The target audience for the Summit includes both university leaders as well as federal government leaders who seek to enhance their leadership skills through better understanding of financial management, technology management, relationship building, historic preservation, and minority outreach. Employees interested in registering for this summit must complete the Request for Training (SF-182), have supervisory approval and email or fax the signed SF-182 to Priscilla Jones-Estes, Priscilla_Jones_Estes@nps.gov or fax: 202-371-6465 by October 15th. The course coordinator is Bessie Sherman, Minority University Outreach Officer, Workforce Management , 1201 Eye Street, NW, Washington, DC (202-354-1818).

November 15 — November 19 — Intermediate Carpentry Skills - Framing & Roofing, William Penn Mott Jr. Training Center - California Citrus SHP, Riverside CA. This is a transitional-level training program designed to meet the needs of the semi-skilled park maintenance worker. Program content includes an introduction to plan reading, the Uniform Building Code, care and uses of stationary power tools, wall and roof system framing, installing doors and windows and the installation of common roofing materials. For information on the Mott Training Center and their curriculum -- which is accredited through the University of California -- click here. To apply, log on to DOI Learn, click on Catalog, select Alphabetically tab, open Advanced Search, click on Course Code and enter "mnt4" without the quotation marks, Details and Submit Request. Supervisory approval is required so please let your supervisor know you have applied. Remember you must log back on and apply for the class after your application is approved. NPS' Office of Learning & Development has paid tuition. "Tuition" includes all class costs. Parks are responsible for travel, lodging and meals. Contact: Steve Hastings 301-663-8206 x134 or Dorothy Printup 301-663-8206 x101.

November 15 — November 19 — Command and General Staff Functions for Local Incident Management Teams (H-337/I-300 and I-400), National Conference Center, Leesburg, VA. This 45+ hour course offers incident command system training to Department of the Interior (DOI) employees who may serve in command and general staff positions on local incident management teams involving a significant number of local and/or mutual aid resources. Successful completion of the training will credit participants for a Command and General Staff course for local incident management teams AND I-300 and I-400. For additional details and a registration form, contact Lisa Branum, Department of the Interior/Office of Emergency Management, 202-208-5673 or Lisa_a_branum@ios.doi.gov.

November 17 — Monthly Contracting Conference Call: Financial Assistance Issues, 1 p.m. EDT. The call in number is 1-800-369-3387, the pass code is Park Service. There is also an "instant replay" number (1-866-501-8775) that is available for about 30 days after the scheduled call.

November 28 — December 3 — Basic Carpentry Skills, William Penn Mott Jr. Training Center - Annex, Pacific Grove CA. This course provides entry level park maintenance workers with an introduction to construction and woodworking. Program content includes an introduction to wood products & common construction materials, wood frame construction, simple shop woodworking, material handling and storage, hand held tool use and care, wood preservation, glazing, and safety. For information on the Mott Training Center and their curriculum, which is accredited through the University of California -- click here. To apply, log on to DOI Learn, click on Catalog, select Alphabetically tab, open Advanced Search, click on Course Code and enter "mnt4" without the quotation marks, Details and Submit Request. Supervisory approval is required so please let your supervisor know you have applied. Remember you must log back on and apply for the Class after your application is approved. NPS' Office of Learning & Development has paid tuition. "Tuition" includes all class costs plus lodging and meals from Sunday supper through Friday lunch. The only cost to your park is the travel to central California (the Monterey peninsula). Contact: Steve Hastings 301-663-8206 x134 or Dorothy Printup 301-663-8206 x101.

December 6 — December 9 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

December 6 — December 10 — Fire Officer Class, Zion National Park, UT. Using the Incident Command System, participants will develop technical knowledge and leadership skills essential for the command and control of structural fire emergencies. Individuals are introduced to the management skills of preplanning, communications, decision-making, fire attack strategies/tactics, and logistical support functions and will practice their skills through dynamic group sessions and video simulations. The closing date is November 8th. For more information, contact the Mark Gorman (208-473-8136 or Mark_Gorman@nps.gov). Additional information and the application can be found at the NPS Structure Fire SharePoint Site at (npsfamshare/structural/operations/default.aspx).

December 7 — December 9 — Wildlife Field Anesthesia, Fort Collins, CO. Designed for NPS personnel, the class offers instruction on field anesthesia of wildlife. Topics include regulations on the use of pharmaceuticals in wildlife, physiological effects of drugs, dose calculations, darting equipment, animal and human safety, euthanasia, and establishing a wildlife capture and anesthesia program. The class will consist of two classroom days, a half day using darting equipment on a shooting range, and a half day participating in a field exercise with elk at Rocky Mountain National Park. There is no tuition charge, but students are responsible for their own travel and per diem costs. The registration deadline is November 12th. To register for this class or to find out more, call or email Ryan Monello at 970-267-2170 or Ryan_Monello@nps.gov.

December 14 — March 8 — Criminal Investigator Training Program, FLETC, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is October 18th. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions.

December 15 — Monthly Contracting Conference Call: Contracting Issues, 1 p.m. EDT. The call in number is 1-800-369-3387, the pass code is Park Service. There is also an "instant replay" number (1-866-501-8775) that is available for about 30 days after the scheduled call.

January 24 — January 27 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

January 25 — February 3 - NPS Fundamentals II: Introduction to NPS Operations, Grand Canyon, AZ. NPS Fundamentals training is designed to help you build a foundation in NPS operations, gain a big picture perspective, expand teamwork and leadership skills, and develop a strong NPS employee support network. Cost: Free! All travel and tuition paid for by Servicewide Learning and Development. All permanent and term NPS employees are strongly encouraged to attend, ideally within the first two years of their NPS career. Learn more and find registration information at the Fundamentals website. For more information, contact Calvin Liu (928-638-7991, Calvin_Liu@nps.gov) or Debbie Cox (304-535-6277, Debbie_Cox@nps.gov).

February 7 — February 10 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

February 8 - 17 - NPS Fundamentals II: Introduction to NPS Operations, Grand Canyon, AZ. NPS Fundamentals training is designed to help you build a foundation in NPS operations, gain a big picture perspective, expand teamwork and leadership skills, and develop a strong NPS employee support network. Cost: Free! All travel and tuition paid for by Servicewide Learning and Development. All permanent and term NPS employees are strongly encouraged to attend, ideally within the first two years of their NPS career. Learn more and find registration information at the Fundamentals website. For more information, contact Calvin Liu (928-638-7991, Calvin_Liu@nps.gov) or Debbie Cox (304-535-6277, Debbie_Cox@nps.gov).

February 7 — February 11 — Backcountry Tactics and Training Program, Carlsbad, NM. This is a five-day advanced training program that is specifically designed for law enforcement officers whose jurisdictions lie in remote backcountry settings or the urban interface. For more, contact Dave Brewer (575-748-8088, Dave.Brewer@dhs.gov) or Al DeLaCruz (575-746-5884, Alfed.delacruz@dhs.gov).

February 14 — February 18 — Command and General Staff Functions for Local Incident Management Teams (H-337/I-300 and I-400), National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV. This 45+ hour course offers incident command system training to Department of the Interior (DOI) employees who may serve in command and general staff positions on local incident management teams involving a significant number of local and/or mutual aid resources. Successful completion of the training will credit participants for a Command and General Staff course for local incident management teams AND I-300 and I-400. For additional details and a registration form, contact Lisa Branum, Department of the Interior/Office of Emergency Management, 202-208-5673 or Lisa_a_branum@ios.doi.gov.

February 14 — February 18 — Asset Management 101, Santa Monica Mountains, CA. This introductory course is designed to provide park concession specialists with a basic knowledge of asset management as it relates to the daily responsibilities associated with concession contract management. This workshop will give participants the opportunity to become more familiar with the application of asset management ideas, share ideas, work through project challenges, gain networking skills, and enhance individual professional development. NPS employees interested in attending the training must apply through DOI Learn by November 28th.

February 21 — February 25 — Backcountry Tactics and Training Program, Carlsbad, NM. This is a five-day advanced training program that is specifically designed for law enforcement officers whose jurisdictions lie in remote backcountry settings or the urban interface. For more, contact Dave Brewer (575-748-8088, Dave.Brewer@dhs.gov) or Al DeLaCruz (575-746-5884, Alfed.delacruz@dhs.gov).

February 28 — March 3 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

March 1 - 10 - NPS Fundamentals II: Introduction to NPS Operations, Grand Canyon, AZ. NPS Fundamentals training is designed to help you build a foundation in NPS operations, gain a big picture perspective, expand teamwork and leadership skills, and develop a strong NPS employee support network. Cost: Free! All travel and tuition paid for by Servicewide Learning and Development. All permanent and term NPS employees are strongly encouraged to attend, ideally within the first two years of their NPS career. Learn more and find registration information at the Fundamentals website. For more information, contact Calvin Liu (928-638-7991, Calvin_Liu@nps.gov) or Debbie Cox (304-535-6277, Debbie_Cox@nps.gov).

March 14 — March 17 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

March 14 - 17 - Fee Supervisors Training Workshop, National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV. The overall objectives for this workshop are to standardize the Recreation Fee Program training for employees collecting fees for all parks within the system. This will be accomplished by using the essential competencies developed for fee supervisors that include: supervising employees, making effective visitor contacts, collecting and accounting for fees, preparing remittance reports and deposits, and disseminating information. The session will include information on the interagency pass program, analyzing business practices, cost of collection, and internal controls. Participants attending the workshop will be able to prepare a training plan that can be implemented at their park sites. Attendees who complete the workshop will receive credit for 20 hours of supervisory training. Read the full announcement and instructions on how to apply in DOI Learn. Visit this website for more information on DOI Learn. Contact Tara Edwards (304-535-5052 or tara_edwards@nps.gov for registration information or Jane Anderson (303-987-6902 or jane_anderson@nps.gov) about course content.

March 14 — March 18 — Backcountry Tactics and Training Program, Capitan, NM. This is a five-day advanced training program that is specifically designed for law enforcement officers whose jurisdictions lie in remote backcountry settings or the urban interface. For more, contact Dave Brewer (575-748-8088, Dave.Brewer@dhs.gov) or Al DeLaCruz (575-746-5884, Alfed.delacruz@dhs.gov).

March 28 — April 1 — Backcountry Tactics and Training Program, Capitan, NM. This is a five-day advanced training program that is specifically designed for law enforcement officers whose jurisdictions lie in remote backcountry settings or the urban interface. For more, contact Dave Brewer (575-748-8088, Dave.Brewer@dhs.gov) or Al DeLaCruz (575-746-5884, Alfed.delacruz@dhs.gov).

March 29 - April 7 - NPS Fundamentals II: Introduction to NPS Operations, Grand Canyon, AZ. NPS Fundamentals training is designed to help you build a foundation in NPS operations, gain a big picture perspective, expand teamwork and leadership skills, and develop a strong NPS employee support network. Cost: Free! All travel and tuition paid for by Servicewide Learning and Development. All permanent and term NPS employees are strongly encouraged to attend, ideally within the first two years of their NPS career. Learn more and find registration information at the Fundamentals website. For more information, contact Calvin Liu (928-638-7991, Calvin_Liu@nps.gov) or Debbie Cox (304-535-6277, Debbie_Cox@nps.gov).

April 10 — April 15 — Backcountry Tactics and Training Program, Carlsbad, NM. This is a five-day advanced training program that is specifically designed for law enforcement officers whose jurisdictions lie in remote backcountry settings or the urban interface. For more, contact Dave Brewer (575-748-8088, Dave.Brewer@dhs.gov) or Al DeLaCruz (575-746-5884, Alfed.delacruz@dhs.gov).

April 11 — April 14 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

April 25 — April 28 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

April 25 — April 29 — Backcountry Tactics and Training Program, Capitan, NM. This is a five-day advanced training program that is specifically designed for law enforcement officers whose jurisdictions lie in remote backcountry settings or the urban interface. For more, contact Dave Brewer (575-748-8088, Dave.Brewer@dhs.gov) or Al DeLaCruz (575-746-5884, Alfed.delacruz@dhs.gov).

May 9 — May 13 — Backcountry Tactics and Training Program, Capitan, NM. This is a five-day advanced training program that is specifically designed for law enforcement officers whose jurisdictions lie in remote backcountry settings or the urban interface. For more, contact Dave Brewer (575-748-8088, Dave.Brewer@dhs.gov) or Al DeLaCruz (575-746-5884, Alfed.delacruz@dhs.gov).

May 16 — May 19 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

May 23 — May 27 — Backcountry Tactics and Training Program, Capitan, NM. This is a five-day advanced training program that is specifically designed for law enforcement officers whose jurisdictions lie in remote backcountry settings or the urban interface. For more, contact Dave Brewer (575-748-8088, Dave.Brewer@dhs.gov) or Al DeLaCruz (575-746-5884, Alfed.delacruz@dhs.gov).

June 6 — June 9 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

July 18 — July 21 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

August 8 — August 11 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

August 29 — September 1 — Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Washington, DC. This four-day classroom-based course concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communications, and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the next step in achieving the entry-level NPS universal competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Learning and Development Division (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOI Learn. Search the catalog for the class, listed as NPS Fundamentals V. For more information or questions, please contact Debbie Cox at 304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov.

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Online Training

Fundamentals

NPS Fundamentals I: NPS Mission and History. A cornerstone for your NPS career. Learn online at your own pace about the history of the NPS, how the NPS is organized, and how the NPS fits into the federal government. Registration: DOI Learn. Cost: free. Completion of this course is required for NPS Fundamentals II: Introduction to NPS Operations (training held at Grand Canyon for permanent and term NPS employees). For more information, see the NPS Fundamentals website. Contact: Debbie Cox (304-535-6277, Debbie Cox @nps.gov).

NPS Fundamentals III: NPS Career Management and Retirement Planning. Look ahead in your NPS career and eventual retirement. Learn online at your own pace about career and retirement planning, including sessions on advancing in your chosen career path, financial planning, insurance, and making healthy lifestyle choices. Registration: DOI Learn. Cost: free. For more information, see the NPS Fundamentals website. Contact: Debbie Cox (304-535-6277, Debbie Cox @nps.gov).

NPS Fundamentals IV: Managing Work Life in the NPS. What are the expected legal and ethical behaviors of NPS employees? Why should diversity matter to you? What can you do to ensure a safe work environment? Get these questions answered and more in this online course studying public ethics, diversity, and safety in the NPS. Registration: DOI Learn. Cost: free. For more information, see the NPS Fundamentals website. Contact: Debbie Cox (304-535-6277, Debbie Cox @nps.gov).

Wilderness

The Wilderness Act of 1964. The purpose of The Wilderness Act of 1964 course is to acquaint you with the contents of this law and encourage you to consider its impact in managing a wilderness area. Registration: Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. Cost: free. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov

Minimum Requirements Analysis. This course describes the Minimum Requirements Analysis concept, including a process for analyzing potential decisions using the Minimum Requirements Decision Guide developed by the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. The benefits and applications of this process will be explained as you move through several case studies. Misconceptions about traditional tools and skills will be clarified. Registration: Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. Cost: free. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov

Wilderness Stewardship Planning Framework. The Wilderness Stewardship Planning Framework course contains nine modules designed to assist you in understanding, developing and selecting management action alternatives and in implementing an action plan. Registration: Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. Cost: free. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov

Wilderness Visitor Use Management: Fundamentals. This first Visitor Use Management course (VUM I) is designed to introduce you to the fundamental principles of Visitor Use Management. It is a prerequisite for the other VUM courses. Registration: Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. Cost: free. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov

Wilderness Visitor Use Management: Strategies. This second Visitor Use Management course (VUM II) contains four modules that explain management strategies in general and then delves deeper into specific strategies for biophysical and social impacts. You will also learn about visitor education and the essential role it plays in managing visitor use. Registration: Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. Cost: free. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov

Wilderness Visitor Use Management: Monitoring Impacts and Uses. This third Visitor Use Management course (VUM III) contains four modules and introduces you to the process for monitoring campsites, trail impacts, and visitor use. An optional section on monitoring visitor encounters is also included. Registration: Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. Cost: free. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov

EMS

EMS Training. The Branch of Emergency Services is announcing various levels of emergency medical services (EMS) training. This is offered to NPS employees at no cost by the Air National Guard. A list of offerings and dates are located under the "Training" link on the NPS EMS InsideNPS website. If you wish to attend one of the listed sessions, please contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261 or bob_wightman@nps.gov. He will provide additional details about the courses and will put you in touch with ANG liaison.

PARKS AND PEOPLE

Dinosaur National Monument
GS-0025-11/12 Chief of Interpretation

Dinosaur National Monument is seeking a chief of interpretation. The job announcement has been extended until October 20th.

The person selected will have an outstanding opportunity to develop a new interpretive program with the opening of the new Quarry Visitor Center and new Quarry Exhibit Hall. For further details, see the announcement at the link below.
More Information...

Death Valley National Park (CA)
GS-0560-9/11 Budget Analyst

Death Valley National Park is seeking qualified applicants for a budget analyst position.

The person selected will provide a full range of budget oversight to the park's complex budget operation. Base funding totals approximately $9 million, with $25 million managed from all funding sources. She/he will provide financial planning advice and develop guidance for managers to accomplish management objectives, prepare budget summaries, establish and maintain control records, conduct financial reviews, analyze overall unit budgets, compute general and special assessments, and provide technical budget and financial services. He/she will also design and present training sessions in budget preparation, budget execution, status of funds, and financial controls.

For more information about this position, please contact Chief of Administration Sherry Wood at (760) 786-3278.

More Information...

NPS Alumni
Passing Of Former Smokies Superintendent Dave Beal

Great Smoky Mountains National Park's tenth superintendent, Merrill D. (Dave) Beal, 84, passed away on September 21st at his home in Eugene, Oregon.

Beal's final NPS assignment was as Smokies superintendent from December 1978 to 1983. He also served as assistant superintendent from 1969 to 1972.

"One of Dave's major accomplishments during his tenure at the Smokies was his involvement in completing the park's general management plan, a core planning document that continues to guide park managers in balancing visitor use and facility development with preservation," said Superintendent Dale Ditmanson.

The GMP described the future operations of the park after the major work was done in completing construction of park facilities — roads, trails, picnic areas, campgrounds — for visitor use. A draft of the document, which took several years under previous administrations to develop, was released to the public for comment one year after Beal took the park's top job. A major undertaking in its time, the planning initiative received many public comments on a number of controversial issues and was finalized and released in 1982, setting the park's direction for coming years.

Beal was also known for work that he did to improve the park's utility infrastructure, roads, trails and backcountry areas, and for his development of new interpretive guides, handbooks, and exhibits to serve park visitors. He also worked with neighboring communities on regional planning for the 1982 Knoxville World's Fair and felt the pressures to provide improved services to accommodate the predictions of higher park use due to the influx of national and international tourists to the area.

Beal believed strongly in cooperative relationships with surrounding communities. In a News Record & Press article dated June 15, 1981, he was quoted on that subject: "We do need to work together — all of us — to provide visitors to this region a satisfying and rewarding experience," stressing the statistically proven fact that tourism here is a 'regional' thing. "They don't come in ever increasing numbers just to visit the park or to see Gatlinburg and explore the varied attractions in Pigeon Forge . . . They come to do all these things."

A biographical sketch filed in park archives says that Beal began his association with the NPS at age 17 as a seasonal employee at Yellowstone National Park. While holding the chief naturalist position at Grand Canyon National Park, he wrote a popular book entitled Story Behind the Scenery.

During his 34-year career, he served in several top management positions, including deputy regional director and regional director for Midwest Region.

"Dave will be remembered for his effective leadership skills and his positive approach in dealing with Park neighbors and stakeholders," said Ditmanson.
[Submitted by Nancy Gray]

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NPS serious incident submission standards can be found at the following web site:

http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custompages.cfm?prg=45&id;=8728&lv;=2&pgid;=3504

All reports should now be submitted via this automated system.