The Morning Report for Friday, October 17, 2008

INCIDENTS

Virgin Islands National Park (VI)
Park Assesses Impacts Of Hurricane Omar

Hurricane Omar, a Category 3 storm with winds up to 120 mph, passed through the islands on Thursday. An initial assessment of the park revealed roads blocked by downed trees, mudslides and boulders, storm debris everywhere, washed out gravel roads and culverts, and damage to signs and trash cans. Power is out, and the generator at park headquarters has been knocked out by lightning or a power surge. Phones are also out. Ferry service will not resume until the Virgin Islands government completes a damage assessment and power and communications are restored on St. John. [Submitted by Mark Hardgrove, Superintendent]

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (PA)
Father And Daughter Killed In Motorcycle Accident

Timothy Lambert, 47, a former motorcycle officer for Easton PD, and his daughter, Taylor, 16, were killed in a motorcycle accident on River Road on the evening of Sunday, October 5th. The father was operating the BMW motorcycle, with his daughter riding on the back. Both died on impact when Lambert lost control of the bike and hit a tree. Both were wearing helmets at the time. The cause of the accident is not known; the section of road they were on was straight and dry at the time. [Submitted by The Lehigh Valley Express-Times] More Information...

Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD)
Collaborative Effort Helps Save Woman Injured In Vehicle Rollover

In the early morning hours of October 14th, Park Police officers were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash in the area of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway north of Route 32. Officers Roy Williams and Keith Johnson were already in the area handling a previous collision when the call came in. Williams was the first officer on scene, arriving before either fire or medical personnel. The crash involved a vehicle that had been traveling south on the parkway when the operator lost control. It crossed the center median, turned onto its roof as it crossed the northbound lanes of the parkway, then came to rest on the driver’s side on the east shoulder of the parkway. The driver and sole occupant was ejected and partially trapped underneath the vehicle. Anne Arundel police, fire and EMS units also responded. Williams, Anne Arundel police and emergency personnel, and concerned citizens worked together to tilt the vehicle off of the injured 32-year-old woman, freeing her so that assessment and treatment could begin. Johnson then arrived, made the scene safe, and secured and provided information to responding units. The woman was taken to Baltimore Shock Trauma Hospital, where she is currently be treated for internal injuries, head trauma, and a broken arm. Due to the seriousness of the injuries, members of the Criminal Investigation Branch and crash reconstruction units investigated and documented the scene. [Submitted by Sergeant Robert Lachance, US Park Police]

OPERATIONAL NOTES

Servicewide
Upcoming Training Calendar

Please submit information on upcoming training courses to Bill_Halainen@nps.gov. New listings and revisions are in bold face.

October 21 – October 30

Introduction to NPS Operations: Fundamentals II, Grand Canyon, AZ. NPS Fundamentals is a five-part course of study that provides new and experienced NPS employees foundational learning of NPS universal competencies, and includes web-based distance learning, on-campus study, and field exercises. “Introduction to NPS Operations: Fundamentals II” elaborates on the history, mission, and operations of the NPS and covers leadership, teamwork, communications, and interpersonal skills. Director Bomar urges each supervisor “to make Fundamentals a priority for all of their new permanent employees.” Space is limited and classes fill fast. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Training and Development (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefiting account). To learn more and find registration information, visit http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm . Contacts: Mark Harner at (928) 638-7983, Mark_Harner@nps.gov; or Debbie Cox at (304) 535-6277, Debbie_Cox@nps.gov.

October 27 – October 31

Housing Management, Denver, CO. This training will provide National Park Service employees responsible for employee housing a better understanding and working knowledge as it relates to the NPS housing program. Specific topics will include roles and responsibilities, WASO updates, QMIS inventory requirements, required and non-required occupancy, safety and health issues, total cost of ownership, needs assessments, condition assessments (FMSS/FCAS), housing management plans, PMIS projects, and tenant issues. Priority is given to those who have not had the training in the past five years. Nominations should be submitted on line via DOI Learn under the title “Housing Management.” Scroll down until you reach the listing for the Denver class. The course coordinator is Hala Malek, regional housing officer for the Intermountain Support Office (303-969-2742).

November 3 – November 7

Building Trust, Teams and Leaders: NPS Fundamentals V, Mather Training Center, Harpers Ferry, WV. Complete your foundational learning in the Universal Competencies. This NPS Fundamentals V class is for those who missed their scheduled Fundamentals V opportunity. You must have attended Fundamentals II prior to attending this class. This is a one-week, classroom-based course that concentrates on teamwork, leadership, work relationships, communication and problem solving. Fundamentals V is the last part of your NPS Fundamentals experience, the final step in achieving the entry-level NPS Universal Competencies required for all NPS employees. This training is fully funded by Servicewide Training and Development (no travel or tuition expenses to your benefitting account). Apply through DOILearn (https://doilearn.doi.gov, catalog search on class: UNC005). For more information or questions, contact Debbie Cox (304-535-6277 or debbie_cox@nps.gov).

November 3 – November 7

COR/COTR Certification Course, Hokulani Community Center, Honolulu, HI. The five-day course provides the contracting officer’s representative (COR) or contracting officer’s technical representative (COTR) with complete and comprehensive coverage on contract formation and administration issues. The 40-hour format has been designed to teach the competencies identified in the Federal Acquisition Institute’s COR workbook, and meets agency requirements for COR and COTR certification. The course highlights include development of requirements documents, standards of conduct, documentation needs inspection procedures, changes, terminations, and disputes. Tuition is $300 (estimate) per person. For more information, contact course coordinator Merry Petrossian at 808-422-4492.

November 3 – November 7

Equipment Operator Safety Course, Big Cypress NP, FL. This course examines the risks of operating heavy equipment and steps required to minimize them. To register, log on to DOI Learn (https://doilearn.doi.gov/). Click on the Course Catalog tab, then Search Catalog for "mnt7" (without the quotation marks). Click on the course title, then scroll down to the class you are interested in, enter zero for required fields, select agency pays and click Apply. For more information, contact Steve Hastings at 301-663-8206 x134 or Dorothy Printup at 301-663-8206 x101.

November 4 – November 14

November 17 – November 20

Interagency Regional Wilderness Stewardship Training, Russellville, AR. Sponsored by the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. The course objectives are to familiarize participants with the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the stewardship responsibilities common to all wilderness managers, to explore key management issues common to wildernesses in the south, Midwest and nearby areas of the United States, and to connect with other wilderness professionals from surrounding areas and other agencies. No tuition; participants will pay their own travel, meals and lodging. Please direct questions on the nomination process to Shirley Chase at (406) 243- 4682. Questions on course content or logistics should be directed to the course coordinator, Tom Carlson, Forest Service representative at the Carhart Center, (406) 243-4630. Closes October 3rd.

November 17 – November 21

Service Contract Act Seminar, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Gatlinburg, TN. The course will consist of 24 CLP’s of service contract act training to satisfy COTI requirements. The remaining 16 CLIP’s will be on performance-based service contracting, which will provide a total of 40 CLP’s to credit against the requirement for 80 hours every two years. A training certificate will be issued. Based on an anticipated class size of 25, the cost per person will be $460. The cost will be pro-rated based on the number of participants. Lodging is available at the Park Vista Hotel (865-436-9211), the Riverhouse at the Park (865-436-2070), and Glenstone Lodge (865-436-9361). To register, click on the following link – you must use a purchase card, as a travel card will not work: http://www.grsm.nps.gov/offices/training/Contracting%202008.doc

November 20 – November 21

Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force (MCTFT) Courtroom Testimony, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC/VA. This training is being jointly sponsored by Roanoke County PD (Virginia) and the parkway’s Plateau District. The course will focus on training drug officers to articulate facts in a courtroom or deposition setting in a professional and accurate manner as a means to successful prosecution. Topics will include documentation, pre-trial meetings, depositions, preliminary hearings, types of court cases, types of examinations, courtroom demeanor and attire, testifying defense tactics in the courtroom, witness credibility, experience documentation and a mock trial practice exercise using counterdrug scenarios. For information or registration, contact supervisory park ranger Steve Buxton at 540-767-2490 x18 or email to steve_buxton@nps.gov. Tuition is free, travel is benefitting account.

December 1 – December 12

Use Of Force Instructor Training, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is October 21st. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

December 1 – December 12

Firearms Instructor Training, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is October 23rd. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

December 2 – December 19

NEW APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: Law Enforcement Control Tactics Instructor Training, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is October 17th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

December 2 – December 11

December 8 – December 19

Physical Security Training, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is October 23rd. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

December 8 – December 19

Basic Tactics Instructor Training, Golden Gate NRA, CA. The deadline for applications is November 5th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

December 8 – December 12

NPS Structural Fire Officer Course, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ. This course will provide selected candidates with technical knowledge and leadership skills essential for command and control of structural fire emergencies using the incident command system. Individuals are introduced to the management skills of preplanning, communications, decision-making, fire attack strategies/tactics and logistical support functions. Skills are reinforced and evaluated through dynamic group sessions and video simulations. This course requires the ability to function in an ICS command position. The closing date is November 14th.

December 10 – December 11

Situational Leadership Training, La Fonda Hotel, Santa Fe, NM. This course will be taught by Art Eck and held in tandem with this year’s 31st Ranger Rendezvous, the annual gathering of the Association of National Park Rangers (see the “Events Calendar” elsewhere in this publication for details on that event). For information on the course, click on the following link and scroll down toward the bottom: http://www.anpr.org/documents/draft_agenda2008.doc

December 10 – December 12

Introduction to Resource Stewardship, La Fonda Hotel, Santa Fe, NM. This 24-hour course is the first in the interdisciplinary resource stewardship and protection curriculum. The course introduces employees to the resource mission of the NPS and interdisciplinary approaches to protecting natural and cultural resources. Laws, policies and interdisciplinary approaches to resource stewardship are explored through lectures, group discussions, case studies and a field trip exercise. The course is being presented by the Horace M. Albright Training Center in conjunction with the Association of National Park Rangers’ Ranger Rendezvous. For a description of the curriculum and full course announcement, go t http://www.nps.gov/training/nrs/nrshome.htm You must register in DOI Learn at https://doilearn.doi.gov/ and on ANPR’s website @ http://www.anpr.org/training08.htm In DOI Learn - search on “Introduction to Resource Stewardship”. Last day to register is October 31st. For further information, contact Jeri Hall, Horace Albright Training Center, at 928-638-7927 or Sue Benson at 928-638-7982.

December 12 – December 15

Precision Rifle Observer Training, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is October 30th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

January 5 – January 9

Command and General Staff Functions for Local Incident Management Teams (N-337/I-300 and I-400), National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV. This 45+ hour course offers incident command system training to Department of the Interior employees who may serve in command and general staff positions on local incident management teams involving a significant number of local and/or mutual aid resources. For more information, contact Lisa Beverly in DOI (202-208-5673 or Lisa_a_beverly@ios.doi.gov).

January 11 – February 7

Park Medic Training, Community Regional Medical Center, Fresno, CA. This course is designed to refresh students’ knowledge of basic life support and to provide instruction in advanced life support and pre-hospital care. Patient care in the remote setting will be emphasized. The course will be taught in three sections: classroom (didactic), clinical (hospital), and field internship (pre-hospital). The tuition is $1,700 per student if paid before December 1st; $2000 if paid after December 1st. There is a $300 non-refundable deposit. Food and lodging are not covered by tuition. Nominees must complete and submit a Standard Form 182 (10 Part) to their training offices. Application and payment information can be obtained by calling Donna Armijo, UCSF Building, at (559) 499-6440. Application and non-refundable deposit must be received no later than December 10th. For further info, contact Dean Ross, Branch Chief, Emergency Services, National Park Service, 1201 Eye Street, #2460, Washington, DC 20005 (Dean_Ross@nps.gov, 202-513-7093)

January 14 – January 16

Search Management Systems, Federal Building, Harrison, AR. Search management systems (SMS) is a 24-hour classroom-based course presenting integrated, practical, and field-proven techniques and tools for responding to missing person incidents. Among other things, SMS focuses on the key, essential components of all search incidents; is ICS-base; approaches search from the perspective of “missing” rather than “lost”, thus considering other possibilities such as crime, fraud and simply overdue; is organized and presented in a logical, integrated, and sequential process, reflecting actual incident evolution; builds team performance among participants and emphasizes the importance of teamwork on actual incidents; and is taught by an instructor with extensive search experience and proven teaching skills. The target audience includes SAR team members, park rangers, land management law enforcement officers, deputies, rural fire and emergency services personnel, leaders of outdoor adventure groups, and others responsible for initiating, implementing, or assisting with searches. In short, anyone concerned with what to do when faced with a missing person report. No tuition. For more information and/or to register, contact Lee Buschkowsky, Upper District Ranger at Buffalo NR, at 870-446-5145 or send him an email at lee_buschkowsky@nps.gov .

January 16

NPS Facility Manager Leaders Program. January 16th is the deadline for applications for this program, which runs from May 4, 2009, through April 16, 2010. The objective is to develop facility managers to lead the NPS in the careful stewardship and protection of its assets. The curriculum is designed to develop and strengthen the knowledge and competencies of the selected NPS employees through a year-long education and training program that proactively builds capabilities in asset management, operations and maintenance, project management, resource stewardship, business management and supervision and leadership. No tuition. Travel and per diem to be paid by either a WASO or a regional account, to be determined after selection to the program. This is a competency-based training opportunity, it is not an intake program. The candidates selected for this program will be enrolled in a year-long study program involving 20 to 28 weeks of study, classes and activities. The required attendance dates are: May 4-8, 2009; October 19-30, 2009; and April 12-16, 2010. Candidates will be notified of acceptance or non-selection by March 2nd. Apply on DOI Learn, where a URL for completing the on-line application will be provided. The class identifier is NPS-2009-0504-GRSM-FMLP. The course is NPS-MNT5000. Applicants will be put on a waiting list (Closed roster) until they are officially selected for the class. The course coordinator is Betsy Dodson, Park Facility Management Division, WASO (843-856-3531).

January 26 – January 30

Investigation of Complex Archeological Resource Crimes, Glynco, GA. The deadline for applications is January 6th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

January 27 – February 5

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

February 3 – February 5

Advanced Law Enforcement Control Tactics Instructor Training, Lake Mead NRA, Boulder City, NV. The deadline for applications is December 18th. For more information, please click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?v=37PRG=574&ID=4024 .

February 9 – February 11

Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Patrol Interdiction Training, Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont, MD. This course will train patrol officers on the newest trends in narcotic investigations and will increase their awareness of possible criminal activity during routine patrol and traffic stop encounters. This course will provide the information and practical techniques that will assist officers in drug-related cases from inception to the courtroom. The course is three days (24 hours) long. For information or registration, contact park ranger Dave Dunaj at 301-416-0100 or email to david_dunaj@nps.gov. Tuition is free, travel is benefiting account. Bunkhouse style lodging may be available. For additional info, go to www.mctft.com

February 10 – February 12

NPS Structural Firefighter Live Fire Recertification Course, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ. This 24-hour live fire based course satisfies the refresher requirements for NPS structural firefighters as outlined in Section 14 of Reference Manual 58, NPS Structural Fire Management. The course is designed to refresh previously certified NPS structural firefighting personnel with varied live fire scenarios with special emphasis on engine company response. NPS live fire qualified instructors direct the training in compliance with NFPA 1403 and OSHA requirements. The closing date is January 16th.

February 10 – February 20

February 23 – February 27

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

February 24 – February 27

Park Planning Course, Joshua Tree NP, Twenty-Nine Palms, CA. The course, led by NPS planners with extensive planning, public involvement and environmental compliance experience, will explore in greater depth and intensity the key planning concepts introduced in the web-based training modules on DOI Learn and the importance of a logical and trackable decision process. To register in DOI-Learn, click on http://doilearn.doi.gov. After logging in, select Course Catalog, then Catalog. Search for “Park Planning,” then scroll down past the 7 on-line modules to the instructor-led training course. Select the session you want. Click on the course title and begin registration. Travel & per diem are required fields – enter your best estimates; if local, enter 0. Materials – enter 0. Click on Preview Schedule, then click on Apply. For specific questions regarding the content of this course, please get in touch with Jan Harris, Branch Chief, Planning Division, Denver Service Center, Denver-Lakewood, CO 80228 (303-969-2435, Jan_Harris@nps.gov).

March 3 – March 12

March 24 – April 2

May 18 – May 22

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

Servicewide
Upcoming Events Calendar

Please submit information on upcoming events to Bill_Halainen@nps.gov. New listings and revisions are in bold face.

October 24 – October 26

“Pioneer Roots of Our Nation’s Destiny- The Lincoln Family Moves West,” Cumberland Gap NHP, Middlesboro, KY. This living history extravaganza will celebrate the story of early pioneers, including the Lincoln family, who travelled through the mountains into the wilderness of Kentucky. The event will feature re-enactors who will bring the stories of the early frontier to life. A colonial trade faire will showcase techniques and trades from the period and numerous activities for all ages will inspire and enlighten. The event will also feature a genealogy exhibit and will culminate with an ancestral walk to the Cumberland Gap on the evening of October 25th. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call park ranger Pam Eddy or the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park visitor center at (606) 248-2817.

October 25

Upper Delaware EXPO Celebrating 30th Anniversary of Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, Damascus, PA. This year, the park celebrates its 30th anniversary. A commemorative event, the Upper Delaware EXPO, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Damascus Elementary School. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m., with an opening ceremony spotlighting the history of the park over the last 30 years. Winners of a 9th to 12th grade art contest will be announced and awarded their prizes. Educational programs will include the very popular “Birds of Prey” program by the Delaware Valley Raptor Center at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., “Resource Management through the Years” at 12:30 p.m., and a “Reptiles and Amphibians” program by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission at 2 p.m. Throughout the day, river safety and rescue demonstrations will take place outside. At 3 p.m., New York State Environmental Conservation will have a demonstration of its K-9 Search and Rescue Unit. A photographic exhibition by well-known photographer Dave Soete and award winning student artwork will be on display. Soete and the students capture the natural beauty and cultural landscape of the river valley. Exhibits by several Upper Delaware partners will highlight their collaborative contributions to the “partnering to protect the river” philosophy. To learn more about the Upper Delaware EXPO, visit the park’s event page at www.nps.gov/upde/ or call education specialist Ingrid Peterec at 570-685-4871.

October 25 – October 27

Theodore Roosevelt’s 150th Birthday, Sagamore Hill NHS, NY. The 150th birthday of Theodore Roosevelt will be celebrated at Sagamore Hill NHS, home of the 26th president, beginning the last weekend in October. Admission to the site and home is free for all three days.

Saturday, October 25th – Visitors may tour Roosevelt’s home and visit the museum and shop for special sesquicentennial souvenirs available at the gift store. At 1 p.m. there will be a 150th anniversary parade in the town of Oyster Bay to mark Theodore Roosevelt’s birth.
Sunday, October 26th – The park will host a traditional family festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the site, rain or shine. The activities will include entertainment for children, games and crafts, demonstrations and exhibits, music, an author’s tent, pony rides, food vendors and more. Sunday’s events will also include Jonathan Kruk, a popular story teller, folksinger Rich Bala, local maestro Steve Walker leading the Sagamore Hill Band in selections of music from the days of TR (including John Philip Sousa and others), and local folk favorite Jessica Semmins and Company playing traditional Irish music. Demonstrations and presentations will include the Paumanock Driving Club and their horses and carriages; ropesmiths; local partners with a variety of conservation themed exhibits; the Theodore Roosevelt Audubon Sanctuary presenting their popular demonstration on birds of prey; an “author’s tent” with noted authors and writers speaking about their research on Theodore Roosevelt; and James Foote portraying Theodore Roosevelt. There will be food vendors available or you may bring your own picnic. Visitors will be provided with the opportunity to tour the Roosevelt home and to view the exhibits at the Museum in Old Orchard, as well as walk the grounds and the nature trail. The visitor center gift shop will be selling special, limited edition 150th commemorative items.
Monday, October 27th – On October 27th, the actual birth date of Theodore Roosevelt, the annual wreath laying ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at Young’s Cemetery, followed by ceremonies at Sagamore Hill. At Sagamore Hill the United States Navy Band will perform and there will be a special ceremony to raise the historic thirty-two star US flag to mark the beginning of a year-long observance celebrating the life and accomplishments of our 26th president (TR was born under a thirty-two star flag.) In addition, the United States Postal Service will set up a special cancellation station at the site with a commemorative 150th cancellation stamp and our special 150th cachet (available for purchase at our store). James Foote, portraying Theodore Roosevelt, will be present all day. Visitors will be given the opportunity to tour the Roosevelt Home and Old Orchard Museum. Birthday cake will be served.

Watch the Sagamore Hill website for our schedule of specific times for this celebration at www.nps.gov/sahi, or call 516-922-4788 for more information.

October 26 – October 30

Yosemite Reunion, Yosemite NP, CA. Butch Farabee and Kim Tucker are organizing a reunion of current and former residents at employees of Yosemite National Park. There will be a few presentations, some shared meals, and free time included during the week to allow plenty of time enjoying the park and the company of friends. Events include:

Sunday, 10/26 – Plans are to have light refreshments at the Girl’s Club during the late afternoon to early evening.
Monday, 10/27 – Registration for the reunion will take place at the East Auditorium on Monday morning, beginning at 10 a.m. There are no events planned for Monday morning—time to enjoy the park and meet with friends. The Yosemite Child Care Center is planning to cook a BBQ lunch for the reunion attendees—donations will be appreciated. Superintendent Mike Tollefson will welcome the group after lunch. Assistant park archivist Brenna Lissoway will present a preview of the Yosemite oral history project on Monday afternoon. There are no evening events planned in order to allow everyone to enjoy the park and dinner on their own.
Tuesday, 10/28 – There will be a continental breakfast available at the East Auditorium on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Former chief law enforcement officer Lee Shackelton will share his memories of some of the many intriguing cases from the park’s files. Lee’s presentation will be followed by a discussion about the 1976-77 airplane crash at Lower Merced Pass Lake. Writer Rich Schloss will provide insights he has gained while researching this notable case. It’s expected that many people attending the reunion will enjoy an opportunity to learn about this interesting event and that some in attendance will share personal recollections of their time at the lake. Arrangements are being finalized with Sal’s Restaurant to cater an informal dinner at the East Auditorium. Pioneer rock climber Wayne Merry will be the featured speaker on Tuesday evening, sharing information about his first ascent on El Cap fifty years ago.
Wednesday, 10/29 – Wednesday will be a busy day. Rick Sylvester will present information about his adventures in the park, including information about skiing from the top of El Cap. Delaware North Company, the park’s primary concessioner, will host a tour of the Ahwahnee hotel. The hotel will be interesting for anyone who’s ever desired a “backstage” look at the Ahwahnee. Those interested in staying at the hotel for lunch may purchase a lunch on their own, or partake of a special menu created for reunion participants. The NPS will hold an “open house” at the East Auditorium on Wednesday afternoon. This open house is open to the general public, and is an opportunity to meet with park staff who are engaged in park planning and project implementation. DNC will cater a BBQ dinner on Wednesday evening at the East Auditorium. Mike Osborne will present a slide show following dinner that will remind attendees of their love for the park and the friendships shared there.

Please feel free to call Kim Tucker if you have any questions. There is a reunion website, but website information is limited and subject to change: http://blog.yosemitereunion.info . If you plan to partake of any catered meals, please RSVP by October 17th. Contact Kim Tucker (home: 209-966-4953, work: 209-372-0272).

November 1

Fire Island Lighthouse 150th Anniversary, Fire Island National Seashore, NY. The park and its cooperating association, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, will be hosting a public ceremony. Details to follow.

November 1

Celebrate Wildlife Day, Grand Canyon NP, AZ. On November 1st, the park will be hosting its first Celebrate Wildlife Day – a day dedicated to learning about the unique and varied wildlife that make this spectacular landscape their home. Celebrate Wildlife Day started with the idea of honoring the work of biologist Eric York, who dedicated his life to the study of wildlife in Grand Canyon National Park and around the world. That idea quickly grew into an event that will provide opportunities to learn about regional wildlife and about the discipline of wildlife biology. The event will take place at the Shrine of the Ages from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It will include an all-day open house with exhibits, touch tables, informal activities and book sales, as well as programs about wildlife and wildlife biology. Indoor programs will include talks on bats, condors and mountain lions. Outdoor programs will include workshops on tracks and scat and birds of prey. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. there will also be educational demonstrations with live animals provided by the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center. In addition, there will be special evening programs, including a presentation by New Mexico State Parks’ Kevin Hansen, an interpretive ranger, wildlife biologist and author of Cougar: The American Lion. At 7 p.m., the students of Grand Canyon Unified School District will honor Grand Canyon’s wildlife with a special presentation of their own design. At 7:30 p.m., Kevin Hansen will present a talk on mountain lions with book signing to follow. Celebrate Wildlife Day is being made possible through a partnership between the National Park Service, Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Grand Canyon Association. For more information on Celebrate Wildlife Day, please call park ranger Lori Rome at 928-638-7783. For a full line up of programs, times and locations, please visit the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/wildlife-day.htm. For information on Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center, visit www.azwildlifecenter.net; for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, visit www.azgfd.gov; and for the Grand Canyon Association, visit www.grandcanyon.org.

November 11 – November 15

National Association for Interpretation National Workshop, Portland, OR. The NAI 2008 National Workshop will reveal a bounty of natural and cultural riches. NAI 2008 will offer the chance to explore the Oregon Cascade Mountains, Willamette Valley, Columbia River Gorge, and Pacific Coast, as well as all the professional development and networking opportunities you find at every NAI Workshop. The workshop slogan, "Sustaining the Circle," refers not only to the role of interpretation in promoting a positive conservation ethic, but alludes to Enos Mills' charge to "increase the tribe" by widening the circle of interpreters. For full details, click on http://interpnet.com/workshop/

December 2 – December 4

“Gateways Today: Balancing Conservation and Community in an Age of Diversity, Change and Challenge,” Western States Tourism Policy Council Conference, Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM. Join leaders from gateway communities, the tourism and recreation industry, and the academic community to learn how gateway communities can increase economic growth while conserving their natural and cultural resources, how they can work more cooperatively with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies, and how to help frame the 2009 federal lands policy agenda in Washington, DC, for the new administration and Congress. All future information will be sent electronically. To ensure you get all the details, conference updates, and the registration form, please go to http://www.newmexico.org/WSTPC/ .

December 9 – December 11

Designing the Parks Part II: The Present and Future of Park Planning and Design, Fort Baker, Sausalito, CA. Building upon the highly successful “Designing the Parks Part 1: The History of Park Planning and Design,” which was held in Charlottesville, Virginia, this past May, “Designing the Parks Part II” is now requesting participation and encouraging involvement from a diverse range of participants. The goal of the conference is to produce a set of draft planning and design principles for state, national, and other parks and reservations. To capture the widest range of ideas to support this effort, there are four opportunities to participate, only one of which requires on site attendance at the December workshop in San Francisco:

Attending the Designing the Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area – Space is limited and by request only: http://www.designingtheparks.com/workshops.html
Preparing a position paper or case study – Attendance in San Francisco is not required: http://www.designingtheparks.com/presentations.html
Submitting a reading list entry – Attendance in San Francisco is not required: http://www.designingtheparks.com/readinglist.html
Participating in the online forum – Attendance in San Francisco is not required: http://www.designingtheparks.com/forum.html

For more information, see the conference website at www.designingtheparks.com

December 10 – December 14

Ranger Rendezvous XXI, Association of National Park Rangers, Santa Fe, NM. This year’s gathering will be at the historic La Fonda Hotel in the center of Santa Fe. Among the speakers will be Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva,(D-AZ) chair of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, and Julie Dunfey, co-producer of the upcoming Ken Burns’ documentary on the National Park Service, who will also show excerpts from the documentary. ANPR is also sponsoring two training courses in tandem with the Rendezvous – the first on situational leadership, the second an introduction to resource stewardship. See the “Training Calendar” elsewhere in this publication for details on both courses. For more information on the Rendezvous and a link to conference registration forms, go to http://www.anpr.org/santafe-rr.htm

PARKS AND PEOPLE

Catoctin Mountain Park (MD)
GS-0025-5 Or GS-0025-7 Interpretive Ranger

Catoctin is recruiting for a GS-5 or 7 permanent interpretive ranger. The position has promotion potential to GS-9. The ranger selected will staff the visitor center, perform roving patrols and give formal interpretive and education programs. The park is also involved in several community outreach activities. Government housing may be available. There are several small nearby communities that provide a full range of high quality educational, medical and shopping opportunities. Washington, DC, is less than two hours away and other cultural/recreational areas are available within a few hours drive. Catoctin is comprised of about 5800 acres of land in the South Mountain range of northwestern Maryland. The park has a visitation of about 700,000 and manages two campgrounds and three residential camps. A beautiful wooded park, Catoctin has two streams, one of which boasts the first catch and release stream in the country.

This is an excellent opportunity for a team-oriented ranger to work with a great staff. For more information, see the announcement on USAJobs. The job will be announced via all sources (top link) and merit promotion (bottom link):

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=76485264

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=76690427

You can also email or call supervisory park ranger Sally Griffin at 301-663-9338.
[Submitted by Holly A. Rife, Chief Ranger]

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

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

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