Fire Island |  |
The following Incident Reports were extracted from the NPS Morning Reports/Coalition Reports from 1989-current. They are not a complete record of all incidents which occurred in this park during this timeframe. INCIDENTS | |
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Friday, March 16, 1990 At about 5 p.m. on the afternoon of the 14th, a fire was discovered in a 30' by 30' storage structure owned by Watch Hill Concessions about one mile from park headquarters. The Patchogue volunteer fire department was summoned, and they had the fire under control by 6:10 p.m. Although the fire apparently began outside the building, both the interior and exterior of the structure suffered severed damage. When last appraised in 1979, the building was valued at $15,000. The concessioner also reported that the building contained a number of two-way radios and seven year's worth of business records. The Suffolk County PD is in the process of conducting an arson investigation. Watch Hill Concessions runs a marina, restaurant, snack bar and grocery in the off-shore Watch Hill section of the park. (Don Weir, CR, FIIS, via CompuServe report from Jim McKay, RAD/NARO, 10 a.m., 3/15/90).
Early on the evening of the 28th, park rangers and Suffolk County detectives responded to an intruder alarm from the 260-year-old William Floyd Manor, and arrested 26-year-old A.L. of Mastic Beach as he was leaving the building with historical documents which had been on display in the manor. The artifacts were said to be of irreplaceable historical significance. A.L., an unemployed ironworker, was charged with burglary and was to be arraigned in court on Tuesday. (United Press news story, 5/29/90).
On the afternoon of August 13th, a 30-year-old woman was sexually assaulted while walking along the south portion of the Smith Point nature trail. She was eventually able to fend off her assailant, though, and fled to the nearby visitor center. Park rangers and local police officers responded and began a search of the area. A police helicopter assisted in the effort. The search proved fruitless and was called off at sunset. Rangers were able to get a good description of the man from both the victim and a witness, however. On the 15th, rangers were summoned to the beach at Smith Point to meet people who said they could identify the suspect, who was reported to be lying on the beach there. The rangers arrested the man, identified as 26- year-old D.D. of Patchogue, New York, and transported him to a precinct office in Patchogue, where D.D. confessed to the assault. He was to be arraigned in federal court on the 16th. (Telefax from J. Roll, FIIS, 8/29).
On May 28th, rangers Richard Stavdal and Thomas Lobkowicz responded to an intrusion alarm at the William Floyd Estate and apprehended 26-year-old A.L. as he was leaving the building. The ensuing investigation revealed that A.L. had forcefully broken through six doors within the building and had tossed around the furnishings and other contents within many rooms. A.L. had no artifacts in his possession at the time of the arrest, probably due to his awareness of the presence of the two rangers. A cache of artifacts was found in one room, however, suggesting that A.L. had consolidated his stolen goods with the intent of carrying them out of the building. On September 27th, a Suffolk County grand jury indicted A.L. on third-degree burglary charges. At this time, it is unclear whether he will request a jury trial or plead guilty. The four CFR charges lodged against A.L. - tampering, preservation of cultural resources, trespassing and vandalism - were dropped by the U.S. Attorney in favor of local charges which carry a stiffer penalty. (Telefax from Richard Stavdal, FIIS, 9/24).
NPS-administered seashores along the East coast from North Carolina to Massachusetts have prepared or are preparing for potential impacts from Hurricane Bob. The following reports summarize the scope and nature of activities as of yesterday evening: * Fire Island (New York) - The park began emergency preparations yesterday. Watch Hill campground and marina were closed and evacuated on Sunday, and park staff will be evacuated early this morning. Some horses and vehicles were moved off the island yesterday, and the remainder will be moved today. Grounds and facilities have been secured; anything that can be blown by winds has either been tied down or moved. Boats will be moved to park headquarters at Patchogue today. If Hurricane Bob arrives late tomorrow afternoon, its arrival will coincide with high tides and could lead to serious flooding. Further updates on Hurricane Bob's impacts will appear in Tuesday's morning report. [Telephone conversations on 8/18 with Bill Harris, CALO; Alan Whalon, ASIS; Bob Woody, CAHA; Frank Mills, Sandy Hook, GATE; Don Weir, FIIS; Andy Ringgold, CACO telephone reports on 8/19 from Mary Moran, CAHA, and Bill Munsey, CALO, via Bill Sturgeon, RAD/SERO]
Preliminary reports on the effects of Hurricane Bob on a number of eastern parks have been received. Further reports will appear once damage assessments have been completed and phone service has been restored: * Fire Island (New York) - The evacuation of the island was completed on Monday morning. All visitors and staff moved to the mainland, with the exception of six people in two boats at Watch Hill Marina who opted to ride out the storm on their boats. All horses, boats and vehicles were moved off the island. The park took about 20 people from campgrounds and boats to mainland shelters. As of yesterday evening, it appeared that damage to park structures and resources had been minimal. There was some leakage in park residences, and a few roofs will have to be repaired. Tree damage was also reported at the William Floyd Estate. Although the hurricane hit at low tide, which minimized problems with high water, waves were very high and beaches were entirely covered. Most areas, including the park, lost electricity only briefly. Winds were around 70 mph and several inches of hard rain fell on the area.
North Atlantic Regional Office has contacted all parks in the region to determine the impacts of Hurricane Bob. Most areas reported nothing more than minor tree damage. About $3,000 in damage was inflicted on the historic house which serves as a visitor center at Roger Williams in Rhode Island, and some roof repairs will be required on structures at Fire Island. The big exception was Cape Cod. The eye of the hurricane passed between most of New England and the cape; since areas to the east of the eye had high winds and little rain and areas to the west had heavy rain but less intense winds, the park suffered more than any other NPS area. Because of the very large number of downed trees on park roads, including accesses to private residences, the park has asked for additional assistance and has implemented the incident command system to manage cleanup operations. Region has sent 15 people from five parks to the cape along with needed vehicles, saws and chippers. Resource orders have been submitted to BIFC, and two administrative overhead people are being dispatched to the park. Some structural damage was also inflicted on park buildings the walls of the Highland House in North Truro separated from the roof in several places, the windows and porch of the NPSowned Coast Guard Station in Eastham were damaged, the walls of the bath house at Race Point blew away, and windows were blown out of the historic Salt Pond House. Several fee booths and the ORV booth at Race Point were also damaged. Park staffers were checking the 70 or so park residences yesterday to determine if any repairs will be required. Most areas in the park and elsewhere on the cape are still without power. The only beach currently open to the public is Marconi Beach. [Telephone report from John Lynch, RAD/NARO, 8/21]
The severe storm off the North Atlantic coast has had a major impact on several NPS areas: Fire Island NS The storm has caused major damage to areas within the park. At the time of the report (10:00 a.m.), staff members were beginning a full assessment of the damage, much of which occurred last night, but preliminary reports are that: - Most of the shoreline is now underwater, even at low tide. - At least six houses were lost from communities within the park, and the total is probably higher. - There has been significant damage to the marinas and visitor centers at Sailor's Haven and Watch Hill. More damage is expected during high tide at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. A full report will follow.
The following updates have been received from East Coast parks within the last hour regarding the impacts of the offshore storm. Reports have also been received from Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout. Parks not included in this summary had no significant updates to information presented this morning. A storm surge and waves higher than those previously predicted were occurring along the New Jersey and New York shorelines, and significant damage is therefore expected at parks in those areas. An updated report will be prepared this evening and tomorrow morning and distributed before 8:00 a.m. through the Morning Report. Fire Island NS The superintendent, chief ranger and others were in the field this afternoon and unavailable for updated reports. It appears that the island was breached at Old Inlet, however, and radio reports have been received at headquarters of extensive damage at Sailor's Haven and Watch Hill marinas.
Virtually all park staffs report that they are still fully involved in making assessments of the scope and nature of damages incurred as a result of the storm and that these will not be completed until early next week. The following information is supplemental to that which appeared in yesterday's briefings and today's morning report. It is worth noting, however, that we have received no reports of employee or visitor injuries from any area. Fire Island NS The park reports that the marinas at Sailor's Haven and Watch Hill have been largely destroyed and that the cost to repair them will be significant. There was also some minor structural damage to the William Floyd estate, the Fire Island light station, and the Carrington house and cottage. All vehicles will have to be brought in for desalting due to constant immersion in ocean water.
The severe storm off the North Atlantic coast has had a major impact on NPS areas all along the Eastern seaboard. The following information was compiled from preliminary reports received yesterday and early today; fuller reports will appear as soon as park staffs are able to complete assessments of damages inflicted on their areas. * Fire Island (New York) - The storm has caused significant damage to areas within the park, but the full extent of its impact will not be known until a full assessment is completed today: - The Watch Hill marina was fully submerged at least twice during the storm, and major rehabilitation will likely be necessary. Damage appraisals of the Sailor's Haven marina and park structures are underway but incomplete. The park boat house, however, was reported to have been significantly damaged. - Many dune crossings and substantial sections of the boardwalks at Sailor's Have and Watch Hill were washed away. - It appears that the island was breached at Old Inlet. - At least six houses were lost from communities within the park, and the total is probably higher. Community services, including sewage systems and power lines, have also been seriously impacted.
Virtually all park staffs report that they are still fully involved in making assessments of the scope and nature of damages incurred as a result of the storm and that these will not be completed until later this week. The following reports provide updates on the situation in affected parks as of early Friday afternoon. Although serious damage has occurred in several areas, it is worth nothing that no reports of employee or visitor injuries have been received from any areas. * Fire Island (New York) - The park reports that the marinas at Sailor's Haven and Watch Hill have been largely destroyed and that the cost to repair them will be significant. There was also some minor structural damage to the William Floyd estate, the Fire Island light station, and the Carrington house and cottage. All vehicles will have to be brought in for desalting due to constant immersion in ocean water. [Summaries to date compiled from telephone and telefaxed reports from John Lynch, RAD/NARO; Dennis Burnett and Bill Hooper, CACO; Don Weir and Jack Hauptman, FIIS; Kevin McMurry and Jim Reinhart, GATE; Brion Fitzgerald and Alan Whalon, ASIS; Larry Roush, CAHA; Chuck Harris, CALO; Bill Springer, RAD/SERO]
C.M., 20, sustained a severe laceration to his upper right arm when he was struck by his surfboard's skeg while surfing in park waters on the afternoon of August 22nd. Visitors who witnessed the incident summoned rangers, who in turn requested EMS assistance. In the interim, a doctor who was visiting the park attended to C.M.. A Suffolk County PD helicopter evacuated C.M. within 15 minutes of the incident's occurrence and took him to a local hospital. [Robert Ditolla, RLES, RAD/NCRO, 8/27]
On December 10th and 11th, a winter storm which has been characterized as the worst of its kind this century pounded the Eastern seaboard and had serious impacts on a number of parks, particularly in North Atlantic Region. The following reports came in on Friday afternoon; updates will appear as soon as these and other parks are contacted today. * Fire Island - The superintendent reported that high winds and extremely high tides caused damage to park boardwalks and a marina. Park housing may also have been damaged, but housing areas were inaccessible at the time of the report because of very high tides. [Bob Ditolla and John Lynch, RAD/NARO, Derrick Cook, Superintendent, HOFU, Jon Montgomery, Superintendent, APCO, 12/11]
Damage reports from last week's winter storm have been received from a number of parks along the Eastern seaboard. The brunt of the damage occurred in North Atlantic Region, and the regional office has established a team to coordinate response activities. The following information was received yesterday; daily updates will follow: * Fire Island (New York) - It is presently estimated that up to 100 homes within the park have been severely damaged, including the superintendent's quarters. From 50 to 70 feet of the dune line has been lost, and all dune crossings need repair or replacement. Structural damage occurred at the Sailor's Haven marina; Watch Hill is still underwater, so the extent of damage to facilities there remains unknown. [John Lynch, RAD/NARO; Jim Rienhart, CR, GATE; Scott Pfeninger, CR, STLI; Brion Fitzgerald, CR, ASIS; Tony Bonanno, CR, CACO; 12/14]
Additional information has been received on the impact of the storm on East coast areas: * Fire Island (New York) - Some trees were lost at the William Floyd estate and there was some minor windblown rain damage to the front of the house. No further information is yet available on the status of park housing and coastal areas. [John Lynch, RAD/NARO; Superintendents of GATE, FIIS, MORR and FONE/FRHI; 12/15]
Preliminary reports have been received regarding the impacts of the weekend blizzard on a number of NPS units along the East Coast. Despite the storm's strength, relatively little damage has been reported, although almost all areas in the storm's path were closed all or parts of the weekend. The following information was current as of Sunday evening: * Fire Island - A survey of the park has not yet been completed, but it doesn't appear that significant damage was inflicted. Between 20 and 30 feet of dune has been eroded from the beach front and a good deal of marine debris covers the beaches. Three employees and one employee family were evacuated from the area as a precaution on Thursday, but will return to their government housing today. [John Lynch, RAD/NARO, and Scot McElveen, ASIS, 3/14]
On the afternoon of April 6th, a plane piloted by V.A. landed on the beach 200 yards east of Fire Island Pines. Neither V.A. nor his passenger was injured. FAA inspectors determined that the plane had run out of gas while V.A. was returning to the Suffolk County airport after a flight to New Jersey. V.A. was forbidden from attempting to take off because the beach surface was uneven and the landing gear could have dug into the sand. Around 4 a.m. the next morning, Nikolaos Marnierakis, owner of the Dedalos Flight School at Suffolk County airport, landed a second plane on the beach; V.A. was with him, and the two planned on refueling the first plane. At 8:20 a.m., a park employee found Marnierakis' plane stuck in the sand. He was cited and is due to appear before a federal magistrate on June 2nd. The planes were towed down the beach to Smith Point and removed from the island. [FIIS, 4/9]
Maintenance employees and a ranger observed smoke from a brush fire within the historic zone at the William Floyd Estate on the afternoon of November 8th. Fire danger at the time was very high due to extremely dry conditions and winds of up to 40 mph. The investigating ranger came upon a man standing next to the fire, watching it spread; several beer cans were in the area around him. The suspect, subsequently identified as R.G., fled on foot into a section of dense woods. The ranger ordered him to stop, but he ignored them and ran into an area of heavier brush. Suffolk County police officers were summoned and set up a perimeter around the area. A canine team subsequently found R.G. and he was taken into custody. During processing, it was determined that R.G. had a history of mental illness and alcoholism. He was charged with setting timber afire (18 USC 1855), a felony. The U.S. magistrate found R.G. mentally incapable and had him interred in federal prison for psychiatric evaluation prior to a hearing on the charges. [CRO, FIIS, 11/10]
Over the past two months, a number of white tailed deer have been found dead from poisoning within the park. Investigation revealed that the poisoning occurred because of improper application of rat poison in several communities located on Fire Island, most recently in Fire Island Pines. Using information provided by a confidential informant, a joint investigation was begun by rangers, resource managers and state conservation officers which led to the identification of the sources of the poisoning. Fines totaling $3,000 have since been levied against various island contractors for improper commercial application of rodenticides and for failure to obtain state licenses. An investigation into similar incidents in other communities is underway. [CRO, FIIS, 12/2]
On the afternoon of April 20th, a two-seat, homemade, kit-type airplane developed engine trouble and was forced to land on the beach about two-and-a- half miles east of Watch Hill. The pilot, L.J., 63, who's flown planes for over 30 years, made a perfect dead-stick landing on the hard beach below the high water mark. He was shaken but uninjured. L.J. let his engine cool down, then attempted to take off from soft sand above the high water mark. As he approached take off speed, he went over a large pile of sand and nosed over, destroying the propeller and cowling and causing another $1,000 in damage to the aircraft. The FAA has investigated the accident. [DR, West District, FIIS, 4/24]
Late on the evening of May 5th, the West District barn facility was vandalized and two district patrol horses were taken from their corral. The horses were spooked while on an elevated boardwalk, and were injured when they walked off the boardwalk. They were retrieved by rangers shortly thereafter. The horses were treated and placed on light duty status. An investigation into the incident is underway. [Jay Lippert, DR, West District, FIIS, 5/9]
Around 1:30 a.m. on July 1st, four people in an 18-foot Donzi speedboat left Ocean Bay Park in the fog at a high rate of speed. The operator, who later admitted to have been drinking heavily, thought he was headed north (the boat had no compass) when he was in fact headed east, parallel with the park shoreline. The operator subsequently made a sharp turn to the right while travelling at about 45 mph and struck the shoreline at a 45 degree angle, rolling the boat 37 feet into Sunken Forest, a quarter mile west of Sailors Haven marina. All four occupants were thrown clear of the boat along with more than a dozen empty beer cans. When two of them eventually sobered up, they realized that they were injured. The two were treated by rangers, county officers and Coast Guard EMTs, then taken to local hospitals. The operator has two previous convictions for boating while intoxicated (BWI) and was issued citations for reckless operation of a motor vessel and for littering. [Jay Lippert, PR, FIIS]
Ranger Paul Gaspar was on patrol on the west end of the beach around midnight on July 24th when he picked up a report of a house fire over the county radio net. Gaspar drove to the house, which was within the park's administrative boundary, and found that the two-story structure was fully engulfed in flame. Gaspar advised the county of the nature of the fire, then set about accounting for the house's nine occupants, some of whom were highly intoxicated, and getting their names and statements. He also acted as incident commander until relieved by other supervisors, and assisted the arson squad with its investigation. The source of the fire appears to have been faulty wiring running to an ancient refrigerator on the building's second floor. Several of the occupants said that they'd heard smoke detectors despite their acute intoxication, and had therefore been able to evacuate the structure. [Jay Lippert, DR, FIIS]
The park reports two lifeguard saves on August 13th - both involving serious back injuries. A 44-year-old New York City police officer got in trouble offshore and was rescued by lifeguards Caccuitto, Witte and Munnich. The officer later told them that he was glad that they'd come when they did because he'd given up and stopped swimming. He was also unable to move any of his extremities. He was medevaced from the park to Stonybrook hospital. Later that day, a 21-year-old dove head first into two feet of water and suffered a severe back injury. Lifeguards Tooney, Caccuitto, Witte, Munnich and EMT Lippert responded, stabilized the victim on a board, and brought him to shore on the bow of a 25-foot Whaler. He was taken to the same hospital, where he was scheduled for surgery to fuse his spinal column. The doctor said that he would have been paralyzed or perhaps not even survived if he hadn't been extricated on a board. [Jay Lippert, Supervisory Park Ranger, FIIS]
The first visitors of the season to the Sunken Forest discovered the body of a 50- to 60-year-old man at the waters edge about a quarter mile west of the Sailors Haven marina on January 22nd. The victim has not yet been identified, and the cause of death has not yet been established. Several baymen and duck hunters were reported missing in Great South Bay in December and were subsequently presumed to have been lost. The bay was nearly completely covered with ice over a foot thick for much of December and January, but opened up after temperatures rose and heavy rains fell late last week. Rangers and county officers are investigating the death. [Jay Lippert, DR, West District, FIIS]
Hurricane Bertha's overnight weakening and steady but slow approach to the Carolina shoreline has led to standdowns and resumption of regular operations to the south of the projected landfall, continued preparations and vigilance in the hurricane warning area, and preparations for tropical storm conditions to the north: o Fire Island (New York) - Bertha is expected to pass about 100 miles south of the park as a tropical storm on Saturday afternoon. Easterly winds of up to 50 mph could cause erosion to the island's south shore, and some overwash is possible. [Ray Morris, CR/IC, FOFR; Chip Davis, SA, FLETC; Frank Mills, CR, Sandy Hook Unit, GATE; John Tucker, FOSU and MOCR; Kent Cave, FOPU; C. Dale, CR/IC, CASA/FOMA; Don Weir, CR, FIIS; Bob Woody, CI&VS, CAHA; Steve Smith, SEFDO]
Ten maintenance employees and rangers from the park assisted the Coast Guard throughout last night on the search for victims and wreckage from the TWA 747 which exploded yesterday evening about eight to ten miles to the south of Moriches Inlet, which is at the east end of the park. There are no indications that any of the 229 people aboard the plane survived the explosion. Search operations were begun immediately after the incident occurred around 9 p.m. Park staff recovered bodies, personal belongings and debris through the night, standing down at 7 a.m. this morning. The park is standing by to offer further assistance as needed. The park has requested assistance from one of the Service's national critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) teams. Personnel involved in the incident will probably be debriefed tomorrow afternoon. [Don Weir, CR, FIIS]
On the afternoon of July 14th, two brothers, ages four and two, were making sand cakes near the lifeguard stand at Sailor's Haven beach when the older fed a piece of sand cake to the younger, completely blocking his airway. The child's father realized what had happened and brought the boy to the lifeguard stand, where head lifeguard Mike Caccuitto immediately began efforts to clear his airway. Following a series of back blows and finger sweeps, a wad of sand the size of a golf ball was dislodged from the boy's throat and he began breathing normally again. Ranger/EMT Irene Rosen examined the boy, and found he had no associated medical problems. The two children were lead away by their father, who explained to them the finer points of playing in the sand. [Jay Lippert, DR, FIIS]
The park's staff continues to support the Coast Guard's efforts in the aftermath of the TWA Flight 800 incident. One park vessel is being utilized by the Coast Guard to shuttle crash site materials from Coast Guard cutters to the facility where they are being sorted and examined. This is being done because the larger vessels are too big to enter local harbors and waterways. This support will be provided as long as it is needed. Park rangers have assisted local law enforcement agencies with security at a number of areas and at the memorial service conducted Monday evening near the ocean. They have also maintained perimeter security on the water to keep unauthorized vessels from entering near the docks where materials from the crash are being unloaded. Patrols are monitoring beach areas in case additional materials are washed ashore. Two members of the Service's national critical incident stress management team, both from Delaware Water Gap, have debriefed and assisted staff. All activities are being coordinated through the Coast Guard command post. [John Lynch, Staff Park Ranger, NESSO]
Fire Island personnel continue to support the Coast Guard's efforts in the aftermath of the TWA Flight 800 explosion and crash. A funeral was held yesterday at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City for flight attendant J.A.Z., 23, sister of Statue of Liberty ranger M.Z. The park's staff is providing support for M.Z. and his family. Condolences may be sent to him in care of Statue of Liberty National Monument, Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004. A fund is being established to help the family. Contributions may be sent to ranger Robert Irish at the Statue of Liberty (212-363-3260/1) or ranger Patricia Montague at Morristown (201-539-2016). Either can be contacted for additional information. [Scott Pfeninger, CR, STLI]
The Gay Men's Health Crisis held its 14th annual fund raiser east of the community of Fire Island Pines on August 18th. Several arrests were made last year, so a more organized undercover operation was put into effect this year. Rangers Ambrose and Parsons from Gateway worked in plain clothes, pointing out people snorting cocaine and smoking marijuana to Fire Island rangers Malone and Stonehill. A suspected dealer was observed, but disappeared among the more than 5,000 attendees. He dropped his stash, however, which contained crystal methedrine and heroin. Numerous vials of cocaine and a substance known as ketomine (called "Special K" by users) were also seized, along with a quantity of marijuana and numerous hits of a drug called "Ecstacy." A total of ten arrests were made. [Jay Lippert, DR, FIIS]
Two additional reports have been received on the impacts of the hurricane: o Fire Island - The park experienced some high winds and a little erosion, but nothing more than a normal off-shore storm would have caused. The primary impact was economic, as the park concession lost a good deal of business. [Don Weir, CR, FIIS; Rob Yates, DR, ACAD]
On June 7th, rangers were notified of a missing boater. A.C., 39, was last seen on his vessel anchored in the Great South Bay at Talisman on the afternoon of June 6th, when he told another party that he was going to replace some of the mooring chain on his sailboat. Suffolk County police divers and helicopters were searching the anchorage at the time of the report. Although the water is only ten feet deep, eel grass in the area is hampering search operations. [CRO, FIIS, 6/9]
The body of A.C., 49, was found by police divers shortly after noon on June 9th. A.C. went to the park on Saturday to work on his 28 foot sailboat, which was moored at Barrett beach. A.C. had donned SCUBA gear and had gone diving near his boat. He apparently drowned. [CRO, FIIS, 6/10]
On July 10th, rangers, New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers, and members of a Coast Guard pollution investigation team conducted a joint investigation into a complaint of raw sewage being dumped into Great South Bay from Michael's Restaurant in Cherry Grove. They found what appeared to be raw sewage being pumped from a cesspool adjacent to the restaurant under an adjoining dock to a point behind a bulkhead. The operator, M.R., contended that he hadn't been pumping anything, but said that he'd been having sewage problems. Further investigation revealed that M.R. had in fact pumped sewage into the bulkhead, and that the bulkhead emptied into the bay via a four-inch hole cut into the bulkhead staving whenever the tide went down. Water samples were taken from the bay as evidence by the park's resource management specialist. The pollutants consisted of what appeared to be food residue from the dishwashing station and human waste. Numerous violations were issued by rangers and DEC officers; Coast Guard charges are pending. This is the first time that, following considerable planning, the three agencies have worked together in a combined investigation. [Jay Lippert, DR, FIIS, 7/15]
Additional reports have been received regarding the impacts of the series of unusually strong winter storms that have struck or are striking the country: Fire Island NS (NY) - Last week's northeaster caused only minor changes to the park. The dunes in the park's wilderness area and at Lighthouse Beach, however, were severely diminished. Overwash of the lighthouse road occurred at high tides due to the absence of the dunes. There was little damage to Fire Island communities, but they also experienced flooding and significant beach erosion. The village of Ocean Beach declared a state of emergency due to flooding and loose propane canisters that broke away from their supports. The park's headquarters in Patchogue was unreachable at high tide last Friday morning due to flooding around the building from the Patchogue River. This is the fifth time in six weeks that the headquarters site has flooded during working hours. Reports from other parks that have also been significantly affected by these storms would be appreciated. [Norm Dodge, CR, ACAD, 2/6; Constantine Dillon, Superintendent, Fire Island NS, 2/6; Bryan Swift, CR, LAVO, 2/6; Bob Martin, CR, REDW, 2/6; Gary Candelaria, Superintendent, PINN, 2/7; Greg Stiles, SHEN, 2/6]
Additional reports on the effects of recent severe storms on parks have been received: Fire Island NS (NY) - The park is keeping an eye on several "hot spots" on the beach, the most significant of which is just east of the Fire Island lighthouse. The offshore bar has a hole in it and is causing erosion on the beach. The park lost about 800 feet of dunes and the ocean is washing over what remains of the dunes and flowing onto a park road about 100 yards further north. Reports from other parks that have also been significantly affected by these storms would be appreciated. [Frank Graham, CR, BISO, 2/11; Jay Lippert, DR, FIIS, 2/12]
Reports have been received from a number of areas, all in various stages of preparation for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Bonnie. Those appear below. Several incident management teams have also either staged or been placed on standby. Southeast's interagency "Blue Team", comprised of representatives from the NPS, Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife Service, has staged at Fort Bragg and will be supporting FEMA operations. A second interagency incident management team will also be dispatched to that location to support FEMA. Southeast Region's lead Type 2 team (Bob Panko, IC) is on immediate standby for response to NPS areas and is ready to go. The NPS national Type 1 team, SERO's two remaining Type 2 teams, and a CISD team are on standby and available for callout to parks. An innovative maintenance response vehicle, based out of Great Smoky Mountains NP, has been prepared and is ready to go. The truck and gooseneck trailer, which was developed following responses to several of the recent big hurricanes to strike Southeast Region, contains a complete maintenance shop (generators, compressors, saws, drill press, etc.), sleeping quarters for four people, a restroom and a kitchenette. As for the parks themselves: o Fire Island NS (NY) - The park put its hurricane plan into effect yesterday morning and activated its ICS team (Dave Griese, IC). Beaches were closed to swimming due to high surf and severe undertow, small boats have been removed from the island, emergency supplies were secured, emergency contacts were obtained from all staff members, and tentative plans were made to evacuate park personnel from housing on the island. A representative from the park will be at the Suffolk County emergency management headquarters, effective this morning. Parks in the track of Hurricane Bonnie are urged to transmit reports on storm preparations or impacts to this cc:Mail address at their earliest convenience. [Ken Garvin, SERO, 8/26; Ann Childress, Superintendent, MOCR, 8/25; Bob Woody, CAHA, 8/25; Jim Burnett, CR, COLO, 8/25; John Burns, CR, ASIS, 8/25-26; Barry Sullivan, Assistant Superintendent, FIIS, 8/25]
Further updates on the impacts of the hurricane on North Carolina parks - and preparations for its passage along the New York coast - have been received: o Fire Island NS - Although the storm will pass to the south of the park, it was upgraded from a tropical storm to a hurricane this morning and will likely affect the island. The park's incident management team continues to develop emergency response plans. The beach was closed yesterday due to swells approaching eight to ten feet in height. Some minor sand movement was reported. All boats and park equipment have been secured, and plans are in place to protect and evacuate staff living on the island. Parks in the track of Hurricane Bonnie are urged to transmit reports on storm impacts to this cc:Mail address at their earliest convenience. [Ken Garvin, SERO, 8/28; Ann Childress, Superintendent, FOSU, 8/28; Barry Sullivan, Assistant Superintendent, FIIS, 8/27]
Local agencies received 911 calls on August 7th reporting a diving accident at Democratic Point on the west end of Fire Island on the evening of August 7th. One of the callers reported that the victim had no pulse; fire rescue dispatchers gave CPR instructions to the caller over the phone. Rangers Dan Malone and John Stewart were the first land units to arrive on scene and assisted the crew of a Coast Guard patrol boat with provision of CPR to the victim, identified as R.K. of Lindenhurst, New York. They provided rescue breathing and stabilized his back and neck. He was taken to Stonybrook University Medical Center, where he was listed in critical but stable condition with suspected neck and back injuries at the time of the report. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. R.K. would likely not have survived without the rangers' intervention. [CRO, FIIS, 8/13]
The following reports have been received from parks over the past 24 hours: o Fire Island NS (NY) - Seas were running at approximately five feet yesterday. Some beach has been lost, but dunes remain unaffected so far. Ocean beaches have been closed to swimming due to strong currents and rough surf. [Bob Woody, IC, CAHA, 8/31; Jim Burnett, CR, COLO, 8/31; Kevin Fitzgerald, CR, CACO, 8/31; Jim Zahradka, IC, CALO, 8/31; Dave Griese, CR, FIIS, 8/31; John Burns, CR, ASIS, 8/31]
The following updates have been received from parks being affected by Hurricane Floyd: o Fire Island NS (NY) - The park has activated its hurricane plan and is operating under ICS. Staff met yesterday morning with personnel from the Suffolk County emergency operations center and coordinated efforts for the possible evacuation of Fire Island. By the end of this morning, vehicles and vessels will be secured, the campground at Watch Hill will be closed, exhibits and equipment will be protected by tarps or moved away from windows, and residents and visitors will be notified of predicted weather conditions. Housing on Long Island has been reserved for employees who live on Fire Island and don't have a place to go nearby in case of evacuation. [Ken Garvin and Daryl Rhodes, SERO, 9/15-16; Barbara Goodman, Superintendent, TIMU/FOCA, 9/15; Linda Brown, CR, MOCR, 9/15; Jim Zahradka, IC, CALO, 9/15; Gary Bremen, IO, BISC, 9/15; Mike Johnson, CR, FRSP, 9/15; Doyle Nelson, CR, DEWA, 9/15; Rick Nolan, CR, FOMC, 9/15; Dave Griese, CR, FIIS, 9/15; Mike Litterst, PAO, COLO, 9/15; Denise Pearce, CAHA, 9/15; LES, CAHA, 9/16; Nora Martinez, CR, CANA, 9/16; Hattie Squires, MOCR, 9/16; Martha Bogle, COSW, 9/16; Dave Parker, FOMA, 9/16; Wally Mattis, CM, FOFR, 9/16; Gordie Wilson, FOMA/CASA, 9/16; John Tucker, Superintendent, FOSU/CHPI, 9/16; John Burn, CR, ASIS, 9/16]
The following updates have been received from parks affected by Hurricane Floyd (north to south): o Fire Island NS (NY) - Rangers assisted Suffolk County with the mandatory evacuation of the communities within the park's boundaries. Based on information received from parks in both Southeast and Northeast Regions, the NPS Type II team (Bob Panko) was released on Friday afternoon. [Einar Olsen, RCR, NCRO, 9/17; Mike Shaver, ACR, SAHI, 9/17; Sandy Rives, FRSP, 9/17; Bob Woody, IO, CAHA, 9/17; Ann Childress, MOCR, 9/17; George Liffert, IC, PRWI, 9/17; Jim Burnett, CR, COLO, 9/17; Paul Henry, NPS Superintendent, FLETC, 9/17; John Burns, CR, ASIS, 9/17; Jeffrey Collins, CR, HOFU, 9/17; Kevin FitzGerald, CR, CACO, 9/17; John Tucker, FOSU/CHPI, 9/17; Scott Kalbach, VAFO, 9/17; Martin Zweig, RLES, NERO, 9/17; Gordie Wilson, Superintendent, CASA/FOMA, 9/19]
Last week, the park hosted the 2000 Blue Wave Campaign ceremony recognizing America's cleanest and safest beaches. The event was sponsored by the Clean Beaches Council, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to focus attention on the nation's cleanest beaches and to recognize examples of best beach management practices. "Blue Wave" certification, denoted by a distinctive blue flag displayed on site, is awarded to beaches that meet a series of criteria, including excellent water quality and high quality visitor safety services, such as lifeguarded beaches and emergency services. Fire Island NS, Assateague Island NS, and the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway NRA were recognized with Blue Flag certification at the ceremony, which took place at the park visitor center. About 60 people attended. [Barry Sullivan, IC, FIIS, 5/19]
On the afternoon of October 3rd, a visitor saw what he thought was a body rolling in the surf four miles west of the Wilderness Visitor Center and notified resource management specialist Jim Ebert. Rangers responded to the area. The body was removed from the surf and left just below the high water mark. County homicide detectives, the medical examiner and crime scene investigators arrived and investigated. The victim was later identified as Joseph Glover, reported missing from a boating accident in Moriches Inlet about seven miles from the point where his body was found. Foul play is not suspected. [Jay Lippert, DR, West District, FIIS, 10/4]
Several reports have been received regarding the impacts of the major winter storm that struck the Northeast over the past three days: o Fire Island NS (NY) - Initial reports indicate moderate beach loss after the wind shifted and reduced ocean wave heights. There was some undermining of dune crossings, two- to three-foot scarps, and snow accumulations up to a foot. The beach has been closed for two days. High tides and north winds of 20 to 30 mph in the bay have caused some damage to docks at the Fire Island Lighthouse, Sailors Haven and Watch Hill marinas. [Kevin FitzGerald, CR, CACO, 3/6; Bruce Edmonston, CR, ROVA, 3/6; Dave Griese, CR, FIIS, 3/6; Bill Halainen, IO, IMT, DEWA, 3/6]
On the afternoon of May 17th, a single-engine Cessna 150 lost power and was forced to make an emergency landing on the beach in front of the park's designated wilderness area a mile west of Smith Point. There was no damage to the plane and no injuries to the two operators, a training instructor and his student. The plane was safely towed off the beach by an experienced recovery team. There was no damage to park resources. (George Leone, IC, FIIS, 5/18)
On June 26th, Columbia Pictures shot the opening scenes of "Men In Black II" at the Fire Island lighthouse. A special use permit was issued for the 16-hour shoot, which brought a crew of over 250 to the site. Actors Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith were on site all day. Smith made himself available to staff members for pictures and small talk. There were no incidents during the shooting, which was managed under ICS. The 16 hours of setup, filming and breakdown will result in from four to six minutes of film. [Jay Lippert, IC, FIIS, 6/30]
Ranger John Stewart received a cell phone call on the afternoon of Friday, August 10th, reporting that a swimmer had been carried out beyond the breakers off Lighthouse Beach in the park's West District. The subsequent search involved rangers, lifeguards, and personnel from the Coast Guard, Suffolk County Police Marine and Aviation, and New York State Park Police. The victim was identified as L.K., 50, a resident of Richmond Hill, New York. He was reportedly swept out to sea in the rough, seven- to ten-foot surf. The search continued through the weekend. At 1:30 a.m. on Monday morning, a body was found in the park about six miles east of Lighthouse Beach. An autopsy is being performed by the Suffolk County Coroner's Office to determine identity and cause of death. [Jay Lippert, DR, West District, FIIS, 8/13]
The national NPS Type 1 team (Skip Brooks, IC) is currently organizing in WASO and should be fully operational by tomorrow afternoon. Their delegation of authority and goals will appear in the Morning Report tomorrow. The NER Type 2 team (Rick Brown, IC) is operating in Philadelphia, and has prepared a summary of the status of the region's parks as of late this morning (below). All employees in the New York area have been accounted for and are okay. A CISD team is en route to the Statue of Liberty to provide support for NPS employees throughout the New York metropolitan area. o Fire Island NS (NY) - The park has returned to regular operations, but continues to lend assistance to other parks in the area. One 41-foot boot and nine staff members are on assignment to New York area sites. [Rick Brown, IC, Type 2 Team, NER, 9/13]
Over this past weekend, seven agencies participated in a joint
boating safety enforcement operation in Suffolk County waterways,
including park waters. This multi-agency effort enabled the law
enforcement community to maximize its efforts in promoting boating
safety. Participating in the operation were the Suffolk County Marine
Bureau, New York State Park Police, New York State Environmental
Conservation Marine Police, United States Coast Guard, Islip Harbor
Police, Babylon Bay constable and the National Park Service. A total of
431 recreational vessels were inspected and 229 violations were issued.
Voyages of 12 vessels were terminated for failure to have required basic
safety equipment and one person was arrested for boating while
intoxicated.
The power outage that struck much of the Northeast on August 14th caused some problems and led to a few closures in area parks:
[Submitted by Bob Martin, Chief Ranger, NER; Cynthia Garrett, Superintendent, STLI; Maj. Richard Murphy, USPP; SHEN EICC]
Preparations continue along the East Coast for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Isabel. Reports received as of this morning follow, from south to north:
Parks to the south of the Carolinas are all keeping a wary eye on the storm, just in case the course changes, but generally remain in a "stand by" mode. Prepared from reports submitted by Bob Vogel, Superintendent, CALO; Dann Trexler, IC, CAHA; Tom Nash, CR, COLO; Vince Santucci, CR, GWMP; Laura Illige, CI, ROCR; Einar Olsen, RCR, NCRO; Mike Hill, Superintendent, ASIS; Bill Halainen, IO, DEWA; Frank Mills, IC, STLI; and Wayne Valentine, IC, FIIS.
Despite its weakening, Hurricane Isabel remains a serious threat to portions of the northeast coastline and to nearby inland areas. Parks in those regions continue to prepare for its arrival. As a precautionary measure, one of the Service's two national Type 1 teams (JD Swed's team) will be staging in Charlotte, North Carolina, in order to be prepared to respond as needed to any park or area. A number of Type 2 teams are also on standby. Here's a rundown on the status of many of the parks in or near the storm's path (south to north):
This summary was compiled from reports submitted by Randy Coffman, DL&ES, WASO; Wouter Ketel, IC, CALO; Ann Childress, Superintendent, MOCR; Mark Hardgrover, Deputy Superintendent, CAHA; Mike Hill, Superintendent, ASIS; Duane Erwin, Chief Ranger, and Russ Whitlock, Deputy Director, WOTR; Stephen Syphax, NACE; Laura Illige, CI, ROCR; Doug Wallner, Acting Regional Chief Ranger, NERO; Wayne Valentine, IC, FIIS; Tom Nash, Chief Ranger, COLO; Charles Strickfaden, Chief Ranger, FOMC; Frank Mills, Assistant Superintendent, STLI; and Wayne Sanders, Chief of Maintenance, GEWA/THST.
Eastern parks in the path or potential path of Isabel have completed preparations. As a precautionary measure, one of the Service's two national Type 1 teams (JD Swed's team) has staging in Charlotte, North Carolina, in order to be prepared to respond as needed to any park or area. A number of Type 2 teams are also on standby. All federal agencies in the Washington area are closed today, including the NPS Washington Office. OPM will monitor the weather and make a determination later today on whether or not offices will reopen on Friday. Here's a rundown on the status of many of the parks in or near the storm's path (south to north):
This summary was compiled from reports submitted by Ken Garvin, SERO; Brenda Ritchie, EICC, SHEN; Russ Wilson, Superintendent, SAHO/GATE; Ann Childress, Superintendent, MOCR; Mark Hardgrove, Assistant Superintendent, CAHA; Mike Litterst, PIO, COLO; Bob Kirby, Superintendent, PETE; Wayne Valentine, IC, FIIS; José Rosario, Acting Chief, Park Operations Support, GATE; Cindy MacLeod, Superintendent, RICH; William Kenyon, NCR Dispatch; Scot McElveen, Chief Ranger, HAFE; Wayne Sanders, Chief of Maintenance, GEWA/THST; Tom Nash, Chief Ranger, COLO; Russ Smith, Superintendent, FRSP; Clay Jordan, IC, SHEN; Steven Ambrose, Park Ranger, HOFU; Frank Mills, IC, STLI; Ed Whitaker, IC, DEWA.
Due to the ongoing passage of Hurricane Isabel through the eastern states, not all parks have been able to report on their status. Here's a rundown of those that had been heard from as of late yesterday evening (south to north):
Meanwhile, the NPS Type 1 IMT (JD Swed, IC) is currently staged in Charlotte, North Carolina, working with the regional emergency response coordinators for the three regions (SER, NCR, NER) on providing assistance to parks currently being affected by Hurricane Isabel. The Type 1 team has compiled contact lists and has provided a team liaison to assist at the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center. Parks should report their current situations to their respective emergency response coordinators and make requests for resources and assistance to them. The Type 1 team will coordinate these requests with the regional emergency coordinator to determine the appropriate response. More information will be available later today, once parks have had an opportunity to complete preliminary assessments on their needs. This summary was compiled from reports submitted by Ken Garvin, SERO; Brenda Ritchie, EICC, SHEN; Cindy MacLeod, Superintendent, RICH; Bob Vogel, Superintendent, CALO; Mark Hardgrove, Assistant Superintendent, CAHA; Barry Munyan, ADR, CAHA; Vince Santucci, Chief Ranger, GWMP; Doug Wallner, Acting Regional Chief Ranger, NERO; Laura Joss, General Superintendent, FOMC/HAMP; Bob Martin, Regional Chief Ranger, NERO; Carla Hauser Hahn, Executive Assistant, UPDE; Phillip Correl, Director, NEJE; Reed Johnson, Superintendent, APCO; Wayne Valentine, IC, FIIS; Ed Whitaker, IC, DEWA; Kris Fister, IO, Type 1 IMT.
The fire siren in Davis Park — a private community within the
park near the NPS marina and campground at Watch Hill — went off
just after 8 p.m.on the evening of
Saturday, April 19th. Ranger Andrew Blake, who resides in Watch Hill,
responded to offer assistance for any emergency operation other than
structural firefighting. He arrived on scene within minutes and was
confronted by a combative and apparently intoxicated man, later
identified as R.B., who was trying to enter a building that was
engulfed in flames. Blake determined as best he could from the almost
incoherent R.B. that nobody was in the building, and also learned
that R.B. had previously entered the burning building and had been
escorted out by firefighters. Blake continued to bar R.B. from
entering the building and was physically threatened by R.B.'s dog and
with a Leatherman tool. Blake called for assistance; several Suffolk
County officers responded and arrested R.B., who by that time had
been subdued by Blake. In the ensuing investigation, Blake and the
officers learned that R.B. and his roommate, Thomas Woods, both
supposedly intoxicated, had made a bet as to which one could stay in the
house the longest after setting it on fire. A rug was reportedly set
ablaze and two rounds from an automatic pistol were fired before R.B.
ran from the house to call 911 at a neighbor's house. Woods, who won the
dare, was found dead inside the house. Charges are pending against
R.B.
The Suffolk County missing persons bureau contacted the unit manager at the William Floyd Estate around 10:30 p.m. on December 12th and advised him that a 45-year-old man who lived on the park's boundary had been reported missing by family members and that a suicide note had been found in his bedroom. Since the man had a 25-year-long association with the estate, detectives felt that the grounds there were the most logical place to search first. Two rangers guided county canine teams and patrol vehicles through the maze of roads servicing the 613-acre estate. The man's body was found at 11 p.m. He had a rifle in his lap and had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. [Richard Stavdal, Unit Manager]
A near-drowning that almost became a double drowning occurred off the beach at Watch Hill late on the afternoon of May 27th. A 41-year-old man got caught up in rough surf and was being carried out to sea by a rip current. His companion, a poor swimmer, attempted to help him, but almost drowned in the process. Three teens in wetsuits who were surfing nearby responded. They used their surfboards as flotation devices and brought him to shore. Although conscious when he reached the beach, he was incoherent, vomiting, and appeared to be suffering from both hypothermia and shock. Rangers from the East District helped the man from the water and immediately began administering oxygen and providing other medical assistance. He was medevaced by helicopter to a local hospital, where he was treated and kept under observation, then released. The man's companion was able to get to shore without assistance and was unharmed. This beach is one of two in the park that has lifeguards during the summer, but they do not come on duty until June 25th. [Wayne Valentine, Chief Ranger]
On the afternoon of July 15th, ranger John Stewart received a call reporting an unconscious man at Lighthouse Beach. Stewart and seasonal ranger Sean Miller found a large crowd on the beach gathered around two people who were performing CPR on the man. They turned out to be an emergency room doctor and an emergency room nurse. An AED, brought to the beach by the doctor, was hooked up to the man, but no shock was administered. Miller inserted an oral airway and employed a bag valve mask while CPR was continued. Efforts to revive the man proved unsuccessful, though. People at the scene reported that the man had been pulled from the surf by friends and that CPR was started almost immediately. The victim was in his early 50s and reportedly a Chinese national. [Wayne Valentine, Chief Ranger]
At 11:22 a.m. on the morning of Monday, January 15th, Suffolk County 911 dispatch received a report of a man in the woods off the side of the Robert Moses Causeway, calling for help and claiming to have been kidnapped. The responding ranger and other officers determined that the 22-year-oold man had been involved in a motor vehicle accident in the park along its western boundary with Robert Moses State Park. It appears that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and going the wrong way down the divided four-lane highway through the state park. At the end of the paved roadway, the car careened over a berm, going airborne before landing in a dense shrub thicket almost 300 feet beyond the pavement. The accident is believed to have occurred around 8 a.m. The unseasonably warm weather appears to have staved off hypothermia until the victim was discovered. He was extricated by noon and admitted to a local hospital, where he's in stable condition with internal injuries and a broken arm. He's been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, damaging natural features and making a false report. [Paula Valentine, Public Affairs Specialist]
Although the severe nor'easter that struck the East Coast on Sunday and Monday moved a substantial amount of sand along the south shore of Long Island, it appears at present that damage to park facilities and resources has not been significant. Piping plovers, which have been in the area for about a month, have not yet begun to nest, so have not been seriously affected. Seventeen preexisting communities lie within the boundaries of the park. Several oceanfront homes within those communities have been threatened, as more than 30 feet of sand was eroded from the beach in many places. High surf also cut into the dunes and caused overwash in a number of locations. Park management is involved in working collaboratively with the Corps of Engineers and with state, county, and local agencies to address mutual concerns and issues related to shoreline protection. [Paula S. Valentine, Public Affairs]
On May 27th, ranger Jason Flynn investigated a report of a burglary at Water Island, one of the 17 pre-existing communities within the boundaries of the park. A witness provided a description of one the suspected burglars, who was seen fleeing from the isolated community. Flynn joined Suffolk County marine, canine and aviation officers in a search of adjacent island communities and several miles of park lands and apprehended one of several suspects. Interviews conducted by Flynn led to descriptions of more suspects. Aviation officers were then able to locate two of them several miles away from the location of the incident. Rangers Bernie Felix, John Stewart and John Swindle and county officers joined the effort, finding property on the men that linked them to the five burglarized homes. Questioning led to the recovery of stolen property - including cell phones, I-Pods and flat screen televisions - within several other communities and on wooded park lands. The search then extended into Great South Bay and involved Suffolk County police divers. An extensive investigation led to the arrest of three juveniles, who were charged with burglary and arraigned at Suffolk County First District Court. All three pled not guilty. The park has concurrent jurisdiction and often works closely with its local law enforcement partners on Fire Island. [Paula Valentine, Public Affairs Officer]
The park received a 911 call on the afternoon of Sunday, July 6th, reporting that a person was caught in the rip tide at Ocean Ridge, a small hamlet about a half mile west of the NPS area at Watch Hill with an unguarded beach. Rangers Bernie Felix, Rich Fhaner, Jason Flynn and Conan Pelc responded along with seasonal lifeguards Victoria Olivotti and James Lever. The lifeguards helped the 78-year-old man out of the ocean to a standing ovation from beachgoers. The man had gone out for a swim when he'd gotten caught in the rip tide. He was near exhaustion, with an elevated heart rate, but otherwise in good condition and good spirits. Due to the numerous incidents that were occurring at the same time, local authorities were unable to respond or assist. Rip tides were extreme at the time due to tide and sea conditions. Without the rapid, professional response by all concerned, an otherwise quiet evening could have had a less then favorable result for the victim and his family. [Jay Lippert, Chief Ranger]
Park rangers responded to two small aircraft incidents within three weeks this month, one of them fatal. On the afternoon of April 5th, a small plane crashed into the ocean about a mile east of the park's Wilderness Visitor Center, killing the pilot. The crash site was about 300 yards offshore in front of Smith Point County Park property but still within the park's thousand-foot boundary into the Atlantic Ocean. The vintage Curtiss P-40 Warhawk crashed while its pilot, Robert Barnaskas, 61, was flying over the ocean, practicing maneuvers for an upcoming Memorial Day air show. Rangers Bernie Felix and Jason Flynn joined law enforcement and emergency services personnel from several agencies in the response. Suffolk County PD detectives and NTSB investigators conducted the investigation. Three weeks later, on the afternoon of April 26th, backcountry campers in the park's Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness reported a plane landing on the ocean beach adjacent to the wilderness area and between Bellport Beach and Watch Hill. Rangers Felix and Flynn and John Eleby responded. The pilot, 74-year-old E.K. from West Hampton, New York, experienced engine trouble while flying over the ocean near Fire Island in his 1941 World War II-era De Havilland DH82a plane. E.K. reportedly lost oil pressure and decided to make an emergency landing rather than attempt a return to the airport and landed safely on the beach. There were no injuries. The National Park Service, lead agency on this incident, responded to the scene immediately, with assistance from Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau units and Suffolk County Park Police. The FAA was notified and later was on scene to assist with the investigation. It was determined that a ruptured oil line caused the plane to rapidly lose oil pressure. The plane was transported off the beach by a specially-equipped trailer, in coordination with NPS rangers who served as monitors for piping plovers which have started to nest on the beach. Arrangements were made with Suffolk County Park Police and Suffolk County Police Department's 7th precinct to escort the plane off Fire Island to the Bayport Aerodrome on Long Island. Ranger Bernie Felix served as the incident commander in this multiagency response. [Paula Valentine, Public Affairs Officer]
Suffolk County PD dispatch received a 911 call on the afternoon of Sunday, July 18th, reporting that a man had suffered a deep laceration to his leg from a boat propeller in Great South Bay near Davis Park. Since Suffolk County Marine Bureau vessels had an ETA of about 20 minutes, rangers Bernardo Felix, Edward Page and Richard Fhaner responded by boat and were on scene within minutes. The operator of a 17-foot Boston Whaler - a Good Samaritan who was transporting the injured man to Davis Park Marina - flagged down their patrol boat. The rangers found that a 50-year-old man had sustained a severe open wound on his lower right leg from just below the knee to just above the ankle. He'd sustained it while climbing back on board his anchored vessel, striking his leg on the propeller blade in the process. The engine was not running at the time. Felix treated the man for injury and shock, while Page and Fhaner cleared a helicopter landing zone and assisted with crowd control and getting the man on board the helicopter. A flight medic assumed care when the man was onboard. He was flown to a regional trauma center, where he received more than 60 stitches to close the wound. Indications are that there may be no permanent damage to the leg from the injury. [Jay Lippert, Chief Ranger]
Hurricane Earl will approach the North Carolina coast late today and move near or over the Outer Banks tonight. The center is then expected to pass near or offshore of the Delmarva Peninsula. The hurricane will then track northeast along the coast, probably passing over Cape Cod. Parks along the coast from North Carolina to Maine are watching the storm closely and taking necessary actions. Here's today's summary: Fire Island NS - Storm preparations are underway. There will be no mandatory evacuation of the island. [Barry Munyan, CALO; Cyndy Holda and Paul Stevens, CAHA; Stuart West, ACAD; Skip Brooks, COLO; Bob Grant, CACO; Peter Totorell, GATE; Carl Zimmermann, ASIS; Jay Lippert, FIIS; Stephen Clark, NERO]
Parks from Big Cypress to Acadia are in the midst of completing preparations for Hurricane Irene. All three East Coast regions - Southeast, National Capital and Northeast - held regionwide telephone conferences yesterday that collectively included representatives from the scores of potentially affected areas. Without exception, they reported that they were putting hurricane or emergency plans into effect, mobilizing local incident management teams, making or planning closures as needed, and otherwise taking all necessary steps to protect facilities and assure public and staff safety. The following reports are from areas where there have been closures and/or are from locations potentially most exposed to the storm, particularly parks bordering the ocean. They are listed from south to north: Fire Island NS - The hurricane plan is in effect, and park and facility closures will begin on Friday. Hotel rooms have been reserved for employees as needed. The regions have incident management and damage assessment teams on standby for deployment as needed. The National Interagency Fire Center has prepared a list of available resources, which include an area command team, a NIMO team, five Type 1 and five Type 2 incident management teams. [Regional, WASO and FAM reports]
Hurricane Irene is poised to strike the Outer Banks of North Carolina with winds of up to 100 mph or more tomorrow, then move northeastward along the coast and over the metropolitan New York City area and into New England later in the weekend. Forecasters expect it to be a "major event" from North Carolina to Massachusetts and possibly further north. Parks have completed preparations for the storm. Incident management and damage assessment teams have been called out and will be in place and on standby by midday today. The Eastern IMT (Zeph Cunningham, IC) and Midwest IMT (Jim Hummel, IC) will be staged in Greensboro, North Carolina, with the former prepared to assist the Outer Banks Group and the latter set to support Cape Lookout NS and Moores Creek NB. Two Southeast Region assessment teams will also be staged in Greensboro and will be available to assist these parks as needed. Since all potentially affected parks are prepared and ready for the storm, only those with new closures or developments are listed below, south to north: Fire Island NS - The park will move into ICS today and likely begin closing down. A report on the storm and its impacts on park will appear in Monday's edition.
Since many parks that reported closures over the weekend will reopen today and since most have reported minor damage and power outages, only those with significant issues are reported here (south to north): Fire Island NS - Communities within the park had up to four feet of standing water yesterday. Four breaches occurred along the island. Details on other impacts will not be known until assessments are completed - neither headquarters not the maintenance complex could be reached yesterday because they were within the mandatory evacuation zone. The park is operating under ICS; the incident command post is located in a nearby Hilton Hotel. Additional reports on Hurricane Irene's impacts will be posted as they are received. Meanwhile, Washington, regional and park staffs will be keeping an eye on the Atlantic, where a new potential hurricane is brewing. According to Denver Ingram, meteorologist at the Southern Area Coordination Center, who provides tropical storm updates to the NPS, there is "a large significant tropical wave" now off the coast of Africa, which forecast models project will be "a significant event for the East Coast in about 10 days..." [Bill Halainen, Editor]
Although many East Coast parks have reopened and resumed normal operations, a number are still completing assessments and a few are dealing with serious problems. Most parks affected by Irene have reported some downed trees, minor structural damage and/or water infiltration, and some flooding. Those with more significant issues appear below, from south to north. Fire Island - Assessments are still underway. The island was not breached, as was reported yesterday; rather, there have been several overwashes. The park has reported a need for assistance with tree removal at the Floyd Bennett Estate and debris removal on the beach. Outside resources to assist the park will be coordinated by the IMT based at Fort Wadsworth. Additional reports on Hurricane Irene's impacts will be posted as they are received. [Bill Halainen, Editor] HYPERLINK "http://latimesphoto.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/la-na-0829-irene03.jpg?w=165"
Recovery operations continue in parks in Northeast and Southeast Regions. Today's status reports follow. As of yesterday morning, a total of 242 NPS employees were committed to hurricane recovery operations. Here are updates from parks reporting significant issues, as of yesterday morning (south to north): Fire Island - The park is now out of ICS and has reopened. All concession facilities are open and the ferries are back up and running. Additional reports on Hurricane Irene's impacts will be posted as they are received. [Bill Halainen, Editor]
On the afternoon of Saturday, October 20th, rangers heard a report of a plane crash over Suffolk County Police Department's command radio. Rangers Bernie Felix and Steve Olijnyk responded immediately. The plane came down in the middle of Moriches Inlet at the eastern end of the seashore and just inside the park's boundary. The Coast Guard was already on scene when rangers arrived and the plane was completely submerged and upside-down. Witnesses at the scene said that the plane was flying low when it went into the water and that they'd heard the engine sputtering. Volunteer fire department dive teams from the local area soon arrived on scene and attempted to recover the occupants of the plane. Initial efforts were unsuccessful, though, due to strong currents and low visibility. Suffolk County Marine Bureau vessels and divers arrived on scene shortly thereafter and took over recovery operations. The plane and bodies of the two adult male occupants were recovered late that evening. The deaths are being investigated by Suffolk County Police Department and the National Transportation Safety Board. Both men were from Queens; one was 51 and the other 72. The plane, a Globe Swift Aircraft, departed from Spadaro Airport, located in East Moriches. [Lena B. Koschmann, Chief Ranger]
Hurricane Sandy, a HYPERLINK "http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php" Category 1 storm with current maximum sustained winds of about 75 mph, was southeast of Cape Hatteras this morning and continuing on its northerly course. It is expected to pass the Outer Banks at a distance of about 250 miles, further out than the 175 miles previously forecast. It's still expected to make landfall on the New Jersey coast around daybreak on Tuesday. At 11 a.m. this morning, the National Hurricane Center had tropical storm warnings posted for the area from Cape Fear to Duck in North Carolina and for Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. The center also issued this statement: "Hurricane-force winds are expected along portions of the coast between Chincoteague, Virginia, and Chatham, Massachusetts. This included the middle and upper Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, the coasts of the northern Delmarva Peninsula, New Jersey, the New York City area, Long Island, Connecticut and Maryland. Tropical storm force winds are expected north of Chatham to the Merrimack River in Massachusetts, in the lower Chesapeake Bay, and south of Chincoteague to Duck, North Carolina. Other coastal and inland watches and warnings are in effect for these areas. Please see statements from local National Weather Service forecast offices." National Park Service meteorologist Denver Ingram is also issuing daily updates with specifics pertinent to the NPS. Here are the key points from his Sunday morning update: Winds - The hurricane's wind field is large and extensive. Tropical storm force winds now extend outward as far as an unprecedented 520 miles from the center and hurricane force winds go out to 105 miles. Early this morning, winds were already gusting to 35 to 45 mph along the Outer Banks of North Carolina and these conditions will likely continue into Tuesday morning. The hurricane is expected to strengthen a bit before making landfall, at which time it should have winds of 80 to 85 mph. There are a number of locations from Maryland and Washington to Connecticut and Massachusetts that could see 40 to 50 hours of tropical storm force winds persisting into Wednesday. While these sustained winds are strong enough, wind gusts will be stronger. The eastern shore of Maryland may see wind gusts (not sustained) of 85 to 90 mph Monday night and Tuesday morning. Seas, Tides and Storm Surge - Due to its strengthening, the hurricane will bring higher tides and greater storm surges to areas along and north of the track. Strong winds will continue to create rough seas and elevated tides. Storm surges will vary by location, but if they coincide with high tide, areas from Maryland to Rhode Island could experience storm surges of four to eight feet. Long Island and Raritan Bay may see those values increase to as much as ten feet. Smaller surges of three to six feet are expected along the North Carolina sounds, and the Chesapeake Bay could see values from one to four feet with higher totals where it meets the sea. Rainfall - Totals of three to six inches will be common across eastern North Carolina today. Over the past 24 hours, Cape Hatteras has seen about two-and-half inches of rain. Most of the rest of the Outer Banks has received one to two inches since daybreak Saturday. The storm was producing a band of heavy rain this morning that extended from southeast Pennsylvania, across Delaware and eastern Maryland, into southeast Virginia, and into the eastern third of North Carolina. Flooding will be an ongoing threat. Rainfall totals of ten inches or more are expected near the area of landfall. New England in general will likely see totals of one to three inches, with some isolated totals close to six inches. Snow - The hurricane will combine with a strong trough of low pressure; when it does, cold air will pour southward, bringing snow to the mountains of Tennessee, the mountains of northwestern North Carolina, southwest Virginia, and eastern West Virginia. Strong upslope flow may produce one to four inches of snow in these areas on Monday and Tuesday, with some totals close to eight inches above 3000 feet. The following new reports have been received from parks in the hurricane's path: Fire Island NS - The Suffolk County executive and the fire commissioner have issued a mandatory evacuation of Fire Island for today at 2 p.m. The park officially moved into ICS at 5 p.m. yesterday. Emergency preparedness staff in the three affected regional offices - Southeast, National Capital and Northeast - are working through the weekend. Three NPS Type II incident management teams - East, Intermountain and Midwest - are fully staffed and on standby for use as needed. Discussions are underway about prepositioning the teams so that they will be quickly available after the storm passes.
Hurricane Sandy, a HYPERLINK "http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php" Category 1 storm with current maximum sustained winds of about 75 mph, was east of the Outer Banks early this morning and moving to the north at about 15 mph. It is expected to turn to the northwest today, with the center coming ashore along the New Jersey coastline this evening or tonight. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 175 miles, mainly to the southwest of the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 520 miles. The following hazards are expected: Winds - Gale force winds are being reported from coastal North Carolina to New Jersey and are expected to arrive along other portions of the coastline from Long Island to southern New England later this morning. Winds of hurricane force are expected later today. Surge - A combination of tides and "extremely dangerous" storm surge will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters. The water could reach the following depths above ground if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide - 4 to 6 feet in North Carolina; 2 to 4 feet in southern Virginia and Delmarva, including the lower Chesapeake Bay; 1 to 3 feet in the upper and middle Chesapeake Bay; 6 to 11 feet in Long Island Sound, Raritan Bay and New York Harbor; 4 to 8 feet elsewhere from Ocean City, Maryland, to the Connecticut-Rhode Island border; 3 to 6 feet from there to Cape Cod; 2 to 4 feet from Cape Cod to the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border; and 1 to 3 feet from there to Canada. Rain - Rainfall totals of from 4 to 8 inches are expected over portions of the Mid-Atlantic states, including the Delmarva peninsula, with isolated amounts of up to 12 inches. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are forecast from New York to New England, with isolated amounts of 5 inches. Snow - Snow accumulations of from 2 to 3 feet are expected in the mountains of West Virginia, from 1 to 2 feet in the mountains of southwestern Virginia, and 12 to 18 inches in the mountains near the North Carolina/Tennessee border and in the mountains of western Maryland. The following park status reports are based on regional phone calls conducted on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and on email updates. Every park in the hurricane's very broad path has made preparations for downed trees, flooding, power outages and related problems; just about every park and office in the hurricane's broad path is closed today. Rather than list all of them, the summary below focuses on parks and offices that have been or are being impacted by the storm or that have substantial closures or other issues: Fire Island NS - A mandatory evacuation of Fire Island was ordered and implemented on Sunday afternoon. Three NPS Type II incident management teams - East, Intermountain and Midwest - are fully staffed and on standby for use as needed. Two of the teams are currently being staged, the Eastern IMT in Hagerstown, Maryland, and the Midwest IMT in Columbus, Ohio. Other NPS offices and specialized teams are also on standby.
The National Park Service incident management team overseeing the response to Hurricane Sandy yesterday completed its second day of operation from its command center operation at HYPERLINK "http://www.nps.gov/gate/historyculture/fort-wadsworth.htm" Fort Wadsworth, part of Gateway National Recreation Area. Specialized support crews are continuing their work supporting employee emergency needs, conducting damage assessments, and removing debris in the affected areas. At present, 253 National Park Service employees from 38 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia are working with the team, with more staff continuing to arrive. National park sites assigned to this team are widespread and include all of national parks in the New York Harbor area - the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, African Burial Ground, Castle Clinton, Federal Hall, Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace, General Grant, Hamilton Grange, St. Paul's Church, and Gateway. The team is also supporting parks on Long Island and in New Jersey, including Sagamore Hill, Fire Island, Morristown, and Thomas Edison. Preliminary damage assessments and response to critical needs of the parks continue. The response is being framed by the need to work safely and provide support for all NPS employees in the affected areas. Yesterday, a meteorologist arrived on site to forecast the nor'easter predicted for Wednesday night. In preparation for the storm, field operations are developing an inclement weather contingency plan. The following actions were also undertaken: Fire Island National Seashore and Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Plumbers and electricians began to winterize and secure homes. Water service wells currently are running on generators; getting power to them is a priority. Police patrols have been increased and five four-person teams of tree cutters arrived and are clearing trees and brush. Beach areas and overwashes continue to be assessed. As one of the member agencies of the National Interagency Fire Center, the National Park Service is also involved in NIFC hurricane recovery operations. As of yesterday, eleven incident management teams had been committed to the recovery - three HYPERLINK "http://www.nifc.gov/nimo/nimo_summary.htm" NIMO teams, two Type 1 teams, and six Type 2 teams. They are variously engaged in managing staging areas or emergency operations centers, clearing roads, or otherwise providing support in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Fifteen NPS employees were committed to this effort. More information on the Hurricane Sandy response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" listing of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. NPS Superstorm Sandy Response - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. SandyResponseNPS - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. [Linda Friar, Incident Information Officer]
The National Park Service incident management team overseeing Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts in New York and New Jersey continued its work yesterday. Operational efforts on Tuesday were similar to the past few days - specialized support crews provided assistance for employee emergency needs, conducted damage assessments, and removed debris in the affected areas. The Employee & Alumni Association of the National Park Service, managed by Eastern National, donated 40 cash cards worth $250 each (total donation of $10,000) to help National Park Service employees displaced by the storm. United States Geological Survey staff visited Fire Island National Seashore to evaluate the breach in the island cut by Hurricane Sandy. The Texas Baptist Men's Group, a non-government organization, arrived with 40 volunteers to set up a First Responders food tent at Floyd Bennett Field in Gateway National Recreation Area. Cape Cod's fire crew worked on debris removal from Liberty Island on the grounds around the Statue of Liberty A nor'easter is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday of this week, bringing high winds gusting to 50 miles per hour and cooler temperatures. Beach erosion and overwash is expected in coastal areas along Long Island Sound and shoreline. A National Park Service task force has put a contingency plan in place based on predicted weather conditions to ensure the safety of individuals responding to the incident during inclement weather. Response operations will continue today to assist National Park Service employees and park units while favorable weather conditions persist. Stabilization and preparation efforts will be a focus with the approaching storm. Alternative support projects, such as equipment maintenance, administrative work, and documentation, have been identified if inclement weather causes unsafe work conditions for crews in the response area. There are currently 283 National Park Service employees committed to recovery operations. Collectively, they represent 101 National Park Service units in 38 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Visitation to the Facebook site has reached nearly 17,360 individuals to date. The Twitter site continues to re-tweet incoming information from the parks and other agencies. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. NPS Superstorm Sandy Response - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. SandyResponseNPS - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response.
The National Park Service incident management team overseeing Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts in New York and New Jersey continued its work yesterday. Specialized support crews are continuing their work supporting employee emergency needs, conducting damage assessments, and removing debris in the affected areas. Currently, there are 320 National Park Service employees from 101 parks and 38 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia working with the incident management team, with more staff continuing to arrive. The following reports were submitted on yesterday's activities: Fire Island and Sagamore Hill - Crews secured equipment and as much debris as possible in anticipation of high winds. Fire Island is currently closed due to weather conditions. Social media remain active. Visitation to the Facebook site has been reached nearly 27,311 individuals to date. The Twitter site continues to re-tweet incoming information from the parks and other agencies. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. NPS Superstorm Sandy Response - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. SandyResponseNPS - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response.
The National Park Service incident management team overseeing Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts in New York and New Jersey continued its work yesterday. Specialized support crews are continuing their work supporting employee emergency needs, conducting damage assessments, and removing debris in the affected areas. Currently, there are 320 National Park Service employees from 101 parks and 38 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia working with the incident management team. The following reports were submitted on yesterday's activities: Fire Island and Sagamore Hill - Crews have returned to cleaning up debris along the shore following the nor'easter's passage. Social media remain active. Visitation to the Facebook site has been reached nearly 30,556 individuals to date. The Twitter site continues to re-tweet incoming information from the parks and other agencies. A growing Flickr library now has photographs available for the public and media. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response.
The National Park Service incident management team overseeing Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts in New York and New Jersey completed its ninth day of operations yesterday. At present, 423 National Park Service employees are committed to the incident. Over the last nine days, employees from 114 National Park Service units have supported the response effort. Director Jon Jarvis, Deputy Director Peggy O'Dell, Comptroller Bruce Sheaffer, and Northeast Regional Director Dennis Reidenbach visited the greater New York area yesterday, seeing firsthand the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the parks and taking time to speak with park staff and incident personnel. Fire Island - Breach and overwash assessments and hazardous materials removal continued. Hand crews and heavy equipment were used to continue debris cleanup along the shoreline. Maintenance staff and an electrician started the restoration of the Lighthouse Annex. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response.
The National Park Service incident management team overseeing Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts in New York and New Jersey completed its tenth day of operations yesterday. Currently working with the team are 435 National Park Service employees from 113 parks and 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, with more staff continuing to arrive. The following areas have reopened - St. Paul's Church, Sagamore Hill, Morristown, Edison, General Grant, Hamilton Grange, Federal Hall and African Burial Ground. Work continued at other sites; today's status reports follow: Fire Island - The east end adjacent to Smith Point County Park was partially opened for pedestrian access to the beach. The adjacent wilderness area (Otis Pike) remains closed. Breach and overwash assessments continued, as did hazardous material removal. Hand crews and heavy equipment were used to remove debris from a mile of shoreline. Maintenance staff and an electrician started the restoration of the Lighthouse Annex. Fifteen hundred feet of damaged boardwalk has been removed; where possible, damaged boards will be reused and/or salvaged. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Uniform donations - Information on donating uniforms to employees can be found at HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewnpsnewsarticle&type=Announcements&id=13059" this web page. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response.
The National Park Service incident management team overseeing Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts in New York and New Jersey completed its twelfth day of operations yesterday. Currently working with the team are 500 National Park Service employees from 117 parks and 40 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, with more staff continuing to arrive. The following areas have reopened - St. Paul's Church, Sagamore Hill, Morristown, Edison, General Grant, Hamilton Grange, Federal Hall, African Burial Ground and Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace. Work continued at other sites; today's status reports follow: Fire Island - The east end adjacent to Smith Point County Park was partly reopened for pedestrian access to the beach, but the adjacent wilderness area (Otis Pike) remains closed. Visitors may walk to the breach at Old Inlet, but entering the water is prohibited. The Wilderness Visitor Center will be staffed from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the site has no power, electricity or bathrooms. Breach and overwash assessments and hazardous material removal continued. Hand crews and heavy equipment were used to continue debris cleanup along the shoreline. Maintenance staff continued the restoration of the Lighthouse Annex. Damaged boardwalk is being removed; where possible, damaged boards will be reused and/or salvaged. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Uniform donations - Information on donating uniforms to employees can be found at HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewnpsnewsarticle&type=Announcements&id=13059" this web page. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response.
The National Park Service IMT overseeing Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts completed its seventeenth day of operations yesterday. Currently working with the team are 480 National Park Service employees from 108 parks and 43 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Today's status reports follow: Fire Island - The east end adjacent to Smith Point
County Park has been partially reopened, providing pedestrian access to
the beach. The adjacent wilderness area (Otis Pike) remains closed.
Visitors may walk to the breach at Old Inlet, but entering the water is
prohibited. Crews continued with boardwalk removal around the
lighthouse. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Uniform donations - Information on donating uniforms to employees can be found at HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewnpsnewsarticle&type=Announcements&id=13059" this web page. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response.
The National Park Service IMTs overseeing Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts completed three full weeks of work at New York area parks yesterday. Currently working with the team are 448 National Park Service employees from 103 parks and 39 states and the District of Columbia, a reduction from a high of 546. External resources are gradually being replaced by local NPS staff. Today's update follows: Fire Island - Crews have completed removal of the boardwalk around the lighthouse. Breach and overwash assessments are continuing. Hazardous materials removal continues, as does the restoration of the lighthouse annex. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response. Note: National Park Service employees have overwhelmingly supported the request for uniform donations for employees affected by Hurricane Sandy. So many have been received that there is no longer a need for donations. The employees affected by the hurricane greatly appreciate your generosity.
Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts enter their 23rd day today. Currently working with the team overseeing operations are 442 National Park Service employees from 98 parks. Today's update follows: Fire Island - Crews continued with boardwalk removal within the park's wilderness area, breach and overwash assessments, hazardous materials removal at the Keepers Quarters, and restoration of the lighthouse annex and Patchogue garage. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response. Note: National Park Service employees have overwhelmingly supported the request for uniform donations for employees affected by Hurricane Sandy. So many have been received that there is no longer a need for donations. The employees affected by the hurricane greatly appreciate your generosity.
The National Park Service incident management team completed its 24th day of operation yesterday. Currently working with the team are 457 National Park Service employees from 102 parks and 38 states, down from a high of 546. Today's update follows: Fire Island - Boardwalk removal within the wilderness area continued, as did breach and overwash assessments. Hazardous materials removal continued at the Keepers Quarters. Maintenance staff continued the restoration of the lighthouse annex and Patchogue garage. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response.
Hurricane Sandy came ashore in the New York-New Jersey area a month ago yesterday and NPS incident management teams have been engaged in recovery operations at area parks for almost as long - four weeks as of this Sunday. A total of 467 NPS employees are currently committed to the operation. Today's update follows: Fire Island - Crews continued removing the boardwalk in the wilderness area, restoring the garage in Patchogue, and conducting breach and overwash assessments. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response.
It was a month ago last Friday when Hurricane Sandy made landfall in southern New Jersey after roaring up the East Coast, damaging roughly 69 national parks and affecting over 600 NPS employees in some way. In the New York metropolitan area, every NPS site was affected, from Gateway's Sandy Hook Unit to St. Paul's Church (part of Manhattan Sites) and from Morristown to Fire Island Initial work has been completed at many sites and the following park service units are now open - African Burial Ground, Federal Hall, General Grant, Hamilton Grange, St. Paul's Church, Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace, Sagamore Hill, Morristown (including New Jersey Brigade, Cross Estate, Fort Nonsense, Washington Headquarters Museum and Ford Mansion), Thomas Edison, Hamilton Beach and Frank Charles Park, Great Kills Park and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. National Park Service employees across the agency have responded. Since the beginning two incident management teams have overseen the response and have been stabilizing parks. More than 925 personnel from 160 parks and from all 47 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, have helped with cleanup and stabilization in the parks and in some cases employee homes. Currently, there are 328 employees working on the incident. To date, approximately 70 local park staff have also been assigned to the incident. NPS staff not only answered the call to assist with the recovery efforts by physically coming out to help but also responded overwhelmingly to the uniform donation request. The uniform crew stopped counting after they reached 2,000 shorts and pants, mounds of boots and shoes, and much more. Thank you for your generosity but please STOP sending uniforms. Your efforts have clearly shown how members of the NPS family support one another in a time of need. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response.
Hurricane recovery operations continue. The Pacific West IMT will transition into management of the incident on Thursday. Currently, there are 321 National Park Service employees from 101 parks supporting the recovery efforts, a reduction from a high of 546. There are also 37 contractors and 47 local national park employees on the incident. The following National Park Service sites are now open: African Burial Ground National Monument, Federal Hall National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial, Hamilton Grange National Historic Site, St. Paul's Church National Historic Site, Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site, Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Morristown National Historic Park (including New Jersey Brigade, Cross Estate, Fort Nonsense, Washington Headquarters Museum and Ford Mansion), Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Hamilton Beach and Frank Charles Park, Great Kills Park and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. The National Park Service continues to repair and stabilize the following parks which remain closed until it is safe to reopen: The Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island Immigration Hall remain closed as well as Governors Island; several sites within Gateway National Recreation Area (Fort Wadsworth; Miller Field; Ryan Visitor Center; Breezy Point; Fort Tilden; Jacob Riis Park; Floyd Bennett Field; Bergen Beach; Canarsie Pier; Sandy Hook Visitor Center; and Fort Hancock); Castle Clinton; and Fire Island National Seashore. Today's report is as follows (if a park or site is not listed, that's because there's no new information to report): Fire Island - Crews are restoring the maintenance garage in Patchogue and the Lighthouse Annex. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response.
Recovery operations continue in New York City area parks. The Pacific West IMT will assume management of the incident tomorrow, replacing the Intermountain IMT. At present, there are 306 National Park Service employees from 99 parks supporting recovery efforts. Today's report is as follows (if a park or site is not listed, that's because there's no new information to report): Fire Island - Crews are restoring the maintenance garage in Patchogue and the Lighthouse Annex. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response.
The Intermountain Incident Management Team continues to oversee the Hurricane Sandy response, but the Pacific West IMT will transition into the role today. Currently, there are 264 National Park Service employees supporting the recovery efforts. Today's report is as follows (if a park or site is not listed, that's because there's no new information to report): Fire Island - Crews are restoring the maintenance garage in Patchogue and the Lighthouse Annex. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response.
The Pacific West Incident Management Team is now overseeing the hurricane response. There are 320 National Park Service employees supporting recovery efforts. Today's report follows (if a park or site is not listed, that's because there's no new information to report): Fire Island - Crews are restoring the maintenance garage in Patchogue and the Lighthouse Annex. Debris removal at Sailor's Haven continues. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response.
Hurricane recovery operations continue in the New York area under the oversight of the Western IMT. At present, there are 194 National Park Service employees supporting the recovery efforts, a reduction from 320 on December 6th and a high of 546 last month. Due to stabilization and repair progress in affected park units, the incident response is being scaled back. Today's report follows (if a park or site is not listed, that's because there's no new information to report): Fire Island - Residents have returned to their quarters at the Lighthouse Annex. Debris removal at Sailor's Haven continues. Stabilization efforts continue at the Patchogue maintenance garage. More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response. [Jason Wickersty, Incident Information Officer]
Hurricane recovery operations continue under the leadership of the Western IMT. Due to stabilization and repair progress at affected parks, the incident response is being scaled back. Currently, there are 128 National Park Service employees supporting recovery efforts, a reduction from a high of 546. Here's today's status update: Fire Island - Debris removal at Sailor's Haven continues. Stabilization efforts continue at the Patchogue maintenance garage and the Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters More information on the response can be found at these websites: Hurricane response and recovery - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/waso.cfm?prg=1168&lv=3" webpage with current information on the NPS response to Hurricane Sandy. Resource needs shopping list - A HYPERLINK "http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=1168&id=10935" "shopping list" HYPERLINK "http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/SHOPPING%20LIST%2011-5.pdf" of incident management team positions that still need to be filled, updated daily. Hurricane Sandy relief fund - E&AA has set up a HYPERLINK "http://www.eparks.com/" relief fund web page where you can make donations in support of employees who were affected by the storm. Facebook - A HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneResponseNPS" Facebook page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Twitter - A HYPERLINK "http://mobile.twitter.com/NPS_Sandy?" Twitter page managed by the IMT with updates on the response. Flickr - A HYPERLINK "http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyresponsenps/sets/72157631954446291/" Flickr page managed by the IMT with images of the response. [Jason Wickersty, Incident Information Officer]
An alarm monitoring company contacted the park just before 5 a.m. last Sunday and reported that the alarm in the headquarters building in Patchogue had been triggered. Ranger Steve Olijnyk responded and found that a second floor window at the top of a fire escape had been broken. Believing there might be someone inside, Olijnyk called the Suffolk County Police Department for backup. A county canine unit and Patchogue Village public safety officers responded. A decision was made that the dog would enter the building to conduct a search while other officers maintained a perimeter. Olijnyk remained on the first floor. The dog alerted his handler to an office on the second floor, where B.R., 37, was found and arrested. B.R. claimed to be homeless and said that he was looking for a place to sleep. A search of the building revealed that he had gone through several of the offices, but not caused much damage. It was also evident that he'd attempted to break several other windows before finding the one through which he eventually entered. He was transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital under guard, where he was treated for the injuries caused by dog bites. He was issued mandatory appearance citations for trespassing and vandalism of property and was released to the hospital's care for a psychiatric evaluation. [Lena Koschmann, Chief Ranger]
On the morning of Thursday, May 29th, employees arriving at the Patchogue Maintenance Facility discovered that the chain link gate securing the yard was open and that the lock had been cut. Further investigation revealed that three boat outboard motors and a government flatbed trailer had been stolen from the yard early that morning. The motors had been stored along with other equipment in an open air warehouse and were still in their original crates. It is believed that the stolen trailer was used to transport the motors from the premises. The total equipment loss is estimated at $30,000. In consultation with NPS special agents, it was determined that the Suffolk County Police Department's fifth precinct would lead the investigation, with the assistance of Fire Island law enforcement rangers. The investigation is ongoing. [Lena Koschmann, Chief Ranger]
Two young beachgoers were bitten in shark attacks off two Fire Island beaches on Wednesday, July 18th. The attacks happened within minutes of each other off Sailors Haven and Atlantique Beach that morning. The two beaches are about four miles apart. The victim in the first attack was a 12-year-old girl who was in the water off Sailors Haven. Her leg was injured but she was otherwise okay. In the second attack, a shark bit a 13-year-old boy on the leg in the waters off Atlantique Beach, according to a spokesman for the Town of Islip. Responders found a tooth lodged in the teen's leg and are analyzing it to try to determine the species of the shark responsible. Ocean beaches along the island reportedly were closed in the wake of the attacks. Source: New York Post.
A summary of recent openings, closures and other changes in the status of parks and their facilities: Fire Island NS — The Fire Island Lighthouse has been closed so that tests can be conducted on its exterior coating. These tests will make it possible to better understand how the building performs structurally and to determine the cause of its ongoing problems, including high moisture within the facility and deterioration of the outer face of brick and shotcrete coating, The Keeper's Quarters Museum, gift shop and Fresnel lens building, which displays the lighthouse's original lens, will remain open. The lighthouse, run by the nonprofit Lighthouse Preservation Society, has undergone periodic repairs since it was damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Source: Joan Gralla, Newsday.
A summary of recent openings, closures and other changes in the status of parks and their facilities. Fire Island NS — The 168-foot Fire Island Lighthouse tower reopened to the public last Saturday, bringing to an end a three-week closure while researchers conducted tests to assess the structure's long-term viability. During that period, workers installed monitoring devices and examined the impact that years of primarily weather-related damage has had on the structural integrity of one of Long Island's most popular attractions. Source: Newsday.
Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire that swept through a concession area and restaurant at the Watch Hill Marina on Fire Island early on Wednesday, September 4th, destroying both the building and adjacent deck area. The fire was reported in a 911 call to Suffolk County police at 1:35 a.m.. The caller said that there was a fire in the kitchen at the restaurant, which includes a concession area and a main kitchen area. A subsequent caller reported the entire building was engulfed in flames. Firefighters from multiple departments battled the blaze. The building is believed to be a total loss. The general store, marina and campground were unaffected by the blaze. The NPS has sent a Serious Accident Investigation Team to join country investigators attempting to determine the cause of the fire. Source: John Valenti, Newsday.
On March 4, an exterior panel on the northeast side of the Fire Island Lighthouse separated from the structure. Though the damage is mostly cosmetic, the park closed the terrace on the north side and the boardwalks leading to the north side of the lighthouse, as well as the building itself, until further notice. The park is looking into emergency repair options to stabilize the outer façade. Source: Fire Island National Seashore
The park has announced the next phase of the ongoing lighthouse tower fa&ccedi;ade repair: the removal of two exterior panels and associated brick rubble near the base of the lighthouse terrace. The terrace north of the Keeper's Quarters and adjacent boardwalks will remain closed during the work, which will last several weeks. The lighthouse tower has been closed since March 4, when a large panel on the structure separated (see 3/8/23 Coalition Report). There is no estimated date for reopening the lighthouse yet. Source: Fire Island National Seashore
On August 31, park biologists found a dead crow at Blue Point Beach. They collected it and sent it to a lab for testing. Restuls showed that the crow tested positive for West Nile Virus. The park regularly tests mosquitoes for the virus and will increase surveillance at several sites in the park. No mosquitos have been found to carry the virus yet. Positive tests may necessitate the need for vector control actions, which the park will announce 24 hours in advance. Source: Fire Island National Seashore
On January 10 and 11, high winds and flooding created a great deal of damage to Fire Island. All freight and passenger service on ferries was put on hold, and NPS staff are still in the process of assessing damage and making repairs. The boardwalks at Sunken Forest, Watch Hill, and Carrington are currently closed. Source: Patch, Fire Island National Seashore
On June 12, the park announced that the narrowing of the beach during winter storms, combined with piping plover nesting, has made access to Barrett Beach/Talisman very limited. As a result, the beach will have only "limited services" this summer. Source: Fire Island National Seashore
On July 14, lifeguards made "over a dozen rescues and swimmer assists" near the Sailors Haven and Barrett Beach locations. A "deeper swell" created rip currents that fatigued swimmers and pulled many offshore. Source: Fire Island National Seashore
On August 14, mosquitoes were collected from a trap on Watch Hill as part of the park's collaborative effort with the Suffolk County (NY) Department of Health Services' Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory to monitor mosquitoes. The sample detected the first case of West Nile Virus in the park this year. On August 21, they collected mosquitoes from a trap in the Carrington Tract, which also detected West Nile Virus. As a result, the park and county will "increase surveillance" at Watch Hill and Carrington Tract, and will work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and local municipalities to determine next steps for protecting residents, visitors, and employees. Source: Fire Island National Seashore (8/23, 8/30)
Mosquito samples taken on August 28 at the Carrington Tract and Watch Hill tested positive for West Nile Virus. These are the third and fourth cases in the park this year, following one previous detection at each site (see 9/4/24 Coalition Report). The park, in collaboration with the Suffolk County (NY) Department of Health Services Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory, will continue weekly surveillance. Currently, no actions are deemed necessary to protect the public. Source: Fire Island National Seashore
Mosquito samples taken from Watch Hill on September 3 and September 16, and at Carrington Tract on September 9 tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is now six documented samples of West Nile Virus at the park (see 9/4/24 and 9/18/24 Coalition Reports). The NPS and Suffolk County (NY) will continue to monitor the situation. Source: Fire Island National Seashore (9/3, 9/26)
On December 3, the park closed beach driving from Bellport Beach to Long Cove due to the narrowing of the beach in that area and sensitive dune areas. Permitted driving access to Fire Island communities from Smith Point is also currently suspended. They may be accessed from the west at the Fire Island Lighthouse. Source: Fire Island National Seashore
In late December, park staff observed two raccoons "behaving uncharacteristically" at the William Floyd Estate in Mastic Beach, New York. They also found dead raccoons on the estate grounds. The raccoons tested positive for Canine Distemper Virus and avian influenza. Visitors are cautioned to not approach raccoons acting strangely and to be careful with dogs, which can transmit the disease. The William Floyd Estate grounds currently are closed to the public for an annual closure from Thanksgiving through May 1. Source: Fire Island National Seashore
On April 3, the park announced that the Talisman-Barrett Beach dock was damaged by winter ice flows on the Great South Bay, and will remain closed to all public use this summer. There is no timeline yet for restoration. No temporary floating dock will be installed. Additionally, there will not be any lifeguards at the Talisman-Barrett Beach this season and public restroom facilities will be limited. The NPS is assessing the extent of the damage will is working to "explore possible solutions." Source: Fire Island National Seashore
West Nile Virus was dedicated in a mosquito sample taken on July 29 at the William Floyd Estate. A sample taken on August 5 returned no results of West Nile Virus. The virus may still be present among the mosquito population, so visitors should take precautions. The NPS and Suffolk County (NY) will continue their weekly mosquito monitoring, including increased surveillance at the William Floyd Estate. Source: Fire Island National Seashore
On August 23, a 59-year-old was swimming offshore at Sailors Haven when they got caught in a rip current and pulled westward. Lifeguards and NPS staff were able to rescue the individual and provide medical support until they could be airlifted to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, New York. The individual was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Source: Fire Island and Great South Bay News
On August 29, an individual jumped off the observation deck at the Fire Island Lighthouse and died in the fall. Personnel from the NPS, Marine Bureau, and Suffolk County (NY) Police responded to the incident. It is suspected to be a suicide. Suffolk County is investigating the incident and looking for any information the public can provide. Source: Suffolk County Police Department
Mosquitoes collected from a trap at the William Floyd Estate at Mastic Beach on July 25 tested positively for West Nile Virus. Testing is done in partnership with the Suffolk County (NY) Department of Health Services - Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory. Visitors are advised to take mosquito precautions. Source: Fire Island National Seashore | |