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Friday, August 29, 2008


INCIDENTS

Southeast/Intermountain Regions
Parks Begin Preparations For Possible Hurricane Arrival

Parks along the Gulf Coast are making preparations for Tropical Storm Gustav, which will likely return to hurricane strength when it reaches the Gulf of Mexico, while those in Florida and on the eastern seaboard are keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Hanna, which may make landfall somewhere in that region. The three parks most likely to be affected by the former are preparing for closure if necessary:

  • Jean Lafitte NHP&P/New Orleans Jazz NHP – The parks have activated their hurricane plan and are working together on preparations. The governor of Louisiana has declared a state of emergency, and local officials are discussing the real possibility of evacuating coastal parishes as soon as today or tomorrow. The Louisiana State Police have announced that a “contra-flow” traffic pattern may go into effect as soon as Sunday if needed (this will make all interstate lanes one direction only in southeastern Louisiana, with all lanes being used to handle outbound traffic). The state has put 2,000 National Guard troops on standby. The parks will begin closing on Saturday if conditions warrant and will remain closed until the storm threat passes. Many park employees live in low-lying areas and are likely to be evacuated.
  • Gulf Islands NS – The park began preparations yesterday morning. Both districts went to a higher hurricane plan preparedness level, as both are within the National Hurricane Center’s five-day forecast cone for areas where landfall may occur.

Meanwhile, other parks in the area are in the planning and monitoring phase:

  • Cane River NHA/Cane River Creole NHP
  • Natchez Trace Parkway
  • Big Thicket NP
  • Padre Island NS
  • Palo Alto Battlefield NHS

The National Park Service is also preparing to support any potential requests for support from FEMA.
[Submitted by Dean Ross, WASO; Mark Ruggiero, SERO; John Hughes, JELA; Clay Jordan, GUIS]


Cape Hatteras National Seashore (NC)
Update On “Operation Consent Decree”

On April 16th, a federal judge issued a consent decree ordering the National Park Service to take specific steps to protect certain nesting shorebirds and sea turtles. In order to meet this objective, the park upgraded its law enforcement capacity and has been closely monitoring its beaches. Although nesting shorebird activity has ended for the season, turtle activity continues. Forty sea turtle nests have successfully hatched to date. There are 112 closures currently in place, all to protect sea turtle nests. Five violation notices have been issued in the last several weeks for closed area violations.  With the Labor Day holiday weekend approaching, additional law enforcement personnel have been ordered and the operation is again being managed by a Type 3 incident management team. [Submitted by Greg Stiles, Incident Commander]


Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve (AK)
Section Of Park Closed Following Bear Mauling

The park has announced the closure to visitor use of an area west of Anaktuvuk Pass after a woman was mauled by a grizzly bear at her campsite in the Okokmilaga River drainage. The woman, whose identity is not being released until she has receives medical attention and family members are notified, was attacked at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday morning by a lone adolescent bear. The incident was reported by other members of the seven-person group. Her injuries are significant but not life-threatening according to medics who tended to her in Coldfoot, where she was first flown by Coyote Air yesterday morning. She was transferred this afternoon to Fairbanks for additional medical care. The closure was ordered by the superintendent and applies to National Park Service lands. A map of the closed area is posted on the park’s web site, www.nps.gov/gaar, under the “Management” link; it is also available from park offices in Fairbanks, Bettles and Anaktuvuk Pass. Park rangers and an Alaska state trooper were told that the incident began when a bear breached the group’s food tent and destroyed one or more water jugs. Food was in barrels and was not reached by the bear. The bear then moved to the victim’s tent. Other group members heard the incident in progress and chased the bear off with a mix of bear spray and noise. No firearm was used. Additional interviews are expected to take place with group members, and when possible, with the victim. The Okokmilaga is a very sparsely used and the closure is not expected to displace other visitors. Bear-human incidents are very rare in Gates of the Arctic. An area along the Alatna River was closed three years ago due to an aggressive black bear threatening people along the river. A bear attack in 1996 near the Noatak River was the park’s only bear fatality. [Submitted by John Quinley, Public Affairs, Alaska Regional Office]


FIRE MANAGEMENT


NIFC/NPS Fire and Aviation Management
National Fire/Incident Situation Highlights

National Fire Activity – Preparedness Level 3

Initial attack was light yesterday. There are no NPS fires on the national incident management situation report this morning.

Fire Weather Forecast

Offshore winds will subside today in northern California, but it will remain quite hot and dry inland. Otherwise, winds will also diminish over Montana and Wyoming with generally dry weather over most of the West. A few thunderstorms are possible over the southern Sierra and southern California.

Fire Summary (Five Day Trend)


Date

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Day

8/25

8/26

8/27

8/28

8/29

Initial Attack Fires

82

163

172

104

109

New Large Fires

3

8

3

3

1

Large Fires Contained

6

2

3

2

2

Uncontained Large Fires

23

26

27

24

19



National Resource Commitments (Five Day Trend)

Date

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Day

8/25

8/26

8/27

8/28

8/29

Area Command Teams

0

0

0

0

0

NIMO Teams

1

1

1

1

1

Type 1 Teams

2

2

2

2

2

Type 2 Teams

8

6

5

7

7

FUM Teams

6

6

3

3

3



NPS Fire News

No updates on National Park Service fires have been received since yesterday. br>

For additional information on all fires, check the following web sites:




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.

September 8 – September 11

Retrofitting for Accessibility, Gatlinburg, TN. The course will cover the application of accessibility standards, barrier removal, safety issues associated with accessibility, and ongoing facility maintenance to assure optimum access for visitors including those with disabilities. For details, click on http://classicinside.nps.gov/headline.cfm?type=Conferences&id=1535

September 9

The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life, Carnegie Institutions, Washington, DC. Jan Cullinane and Cathy Fitzgerald, the authors of the best-selling book The New Retirement, will speak about planning for and achieving your retirement dreams. Space is limited. To register, contact Katrina Robert or Lonnie Lowe at the WASO Capital Training Center at 202-354-1403.

September 9 – September 12

Park Planning Course, Denver Service Center, Denver-Lakewood, CO. 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).

September 10

Concession Program Monthly Chat: CUA’s. 3 p.m. EST. An hour-long workshop is held each month on a concession topic. The call-in number is 888-282-9115, and the pass code is 9999. Questions or suggestions on these sessions should be directed to either Wendy Berhman (303-987-6913) or Doug Hawthorne (303-987-6908). For additional info, go to http://classicinside.nps.gov/headline.cfm?type=Conferences&id=1499

September 11

Retirement Planning for New Employees, TEL broadcast, 1:00-3:00 pm EDT. This training is designed to enable employees who are just beginning their careers to plan prudently for their retirement. An expert in federal benefits and a financial planner are the presenters. Discussion includes the importance of planning for retirement from the beginning of a career, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) options, and pitfalls to avoid when investing for retirement. To learn more, visit http://www.nps.gov/training/tel. Register on DOI Learn, Class Code: NPS-UNC6300, Class Name: NPS-2008-0911-TEL.

September 16 – September 17

Cemetery Landscape Preservation Workshop, Natchitoches, LA. A two-day hands-on workshop in historic American Cemetery in Natchitoches to learn the basics of proper cemetery landscape maintenance. For details, click on: http://classicinside.nps.gov/headline.cfm?type=Conferences&id=1596

September 16 – September 18

Interview and Interrogation, Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave, KY.  The objective of this course, taught by staff of the Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Program, is to familiarize both new and seasoned investigators with the various disciplines of “detecting deception.” This unique course offers investigators insight as to what a person is actually saying, and, most importantly, what they are not saying.  There is no tuition for the course.  Travel, lodging, and per diem will be paid by benefiting account.  The closing date for applications is September 9th. For more information, contact supervisory park ranger Brad McDougal at 270-758-2121 (brad_mcdougal@nps.gov) or ranger Brian Sacia at 270-758-2118 (brian_sacia@nps.gov).

September 23 – September 26

Training the Talent: Preparing Instructors for Interactive Television, Mather Training Center and National Conservation Training Center, WV. This workshop is designed to transition instructors from classroom style teaching to training using the NPS interactive television network (TEL). Each participant will apply new skills to plan, design, and deliver a training program, in the studio, using the TEL Distance Learning technology. Participants will be given significant time to practice in front of cameras along with feedback to improve and fine tune their delivery techniques. To learn more, visit http://www.nps.gov/training/tel. Travel and per diem will be covered by the NPS TEL Program. A class nomination form and supervisory approval is required. Register on DOI Learn, Class Code: NPS-TEL3001, Class Name: NPS-2008-0923-STMA.

September 29 – October 10

Certified NPS Structural Fire Driver/Operator Course, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ. This 80-hour class is designed to provide persons participating in structure fire suppression efforts with the technical information and primary skills essential for safe operation and proper maintenance of a fire apparatus. From this course, students will have the knowledge and take home material, instructions, and documents for delivering safe driving techniques and required inspection testing and maintenance of fire apparatus. Emphasis is hands-on training of pumping skills critical to the support of personnel assigned to fire control functions. Personnel will become proficient in troubleshooting, hydraulics, drafting and multiple line pumping evolutions. After successful completion of this course the individual will be certified to drive, pump, and maintain structure fire apparatus for the NPS. The close date is September 8th.

October 6 – October 10

Archeological Resources Protection Training, Ozark NSR, Van Buren, MO. Closes on September 12th. For additional details, click on http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024

October 6 – October 9

Fee Supervisors’ Training, Intermountain Regional Office, Lakewood, CO. Registration is due by August 25th. For details, see http://inside.nps.gov/index.cfm?handler=viewnpsnewsarticle&type=Conferences&id=1588

October 6 – October 9

Regional FBI Training, Grand Canyon NP, AZ. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Analysis Unit will be providing a regional training course on child exploitation, sexual homicide, statement analysis, crime scene analysis, and services offered to law enforcement officers by the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. This will be useful to law enforcement officers and investigators working for federal, state, and local agencies.  No tuition. If you have a particular case you would like to have considered for case analysis by the FBI/NCAVC on October 10th, make a request through SA Kristy McGee no later than August 30th. You can reach Kristy McGee via telephone at (702) 274-0490 or through email Kristy_McGee@nps.gov. Contact her for a nomination form and registration details.

October 7 – October 9

Cemetery Monument Conservation, New London, CT. This three-day hands-on workshop has been developed for conservation and preservation professionals, cemetery managers, memorialists, and other professionals. This year's workshop focuses exclusively on slate and brownstone grave markers. Topics include cleaning, consolidation, adhesive repair, patch fills and resetting. For more info, click on http://classicinside.nps.gov/headline.cfm?type=Conferences&id=1593

October 7 – October 9

Managing the Unexpected in Wildland Fire Operations, Albany, NY. The Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center, the Nature Conservancy and Northeast Region are sponsoring this workshop.  The deadline for nominations is Friday, September 5th.  Please see information about the workshop and the nomination form on the HRO page at: http://wildfirelessons.net/HRO.aspx .

October 26 – November 1

Advanced Resource Protection Training, San Luis Obispo, CA. This one-week, 50-hour course focuses on improving investigative skills related toward resource crimes for commissioned personnel. It includes legal issues, resource laws, search warrant preparation, tactical shooting, defensive tactics, officer survival, and two days of investigative scenarios. The course is acclaimed by many students as the best training they have ever received. Students are expected to come to the course with a positive attitude and willingness to be a team player. Nominations due by September 17th. Contact Todd_Swain@nps.gov . A copy of announcement can be found at: http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024

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

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 3 – November 7


Module 440: Effective Interpretation of Archeological Resources, Yosemite National Park, CA. This five-day workshop will improve interdisciplinary communication skills for using a team approach to developing and carrying out effective public interpretation and education programs and products. Interpreters and educators will gain knowledge of archeology for developing presentations and media about archeological resources. Archeologists will gain knowledge and skills in interpretation for developing interpretive presentations and media about cultural resources. All groups gain knowledge and skills through increased dialogue and interactions between archeologists and interpreters for joint development of effective interpretation of archeology products. Topics will include interpretation issues related t 1) the archeology and history of Yosemite National Park, 2)  the archeology and history California and western North America, 3) using an interdisciplinary team approach, 4) sensitive interpretation and multiple perspectives, 5) emerging technologies, and other subjects. With interdisciplinary and interagency instructors and students, the program augments the mission of the National Park Service to provide interagency technical assistance and information exchange. Information on previous workshops is on line at http://www.nps.gov/history/seac/course-of-study/index.htm. This course requires registration on DOI Learn and the completion of a nomination form (http://www.nps.gov/training//nrs/CRS5100_Nomination_form_20081103.doc). The latter must be submitted to John Jameson (john_jameson@nps.gov ) by close of business on October 14th. Use CRS5100 to search for class in DOI Learn.

November 4 – November 6

Advanced Firearms Instructor Training, San Luis Obispo, CA. This course meets NPS firearms instructor refresher requirements. It provides agency-specific training to NPS firearms instructors, focusing on how to be a better instructor within agency policy. The topics covered include a review of current FLETC firearms training, development of advanced training exercises within safety parameters, NPS training policies, safety ‘lessons learned,’ and staying current on use of force. Participants must be current NPS firearms instructors. Firearms instructors recently completing FITP are strongly encouraged to attend. Contact Todd_Swain@nps.gov. A copy of announcement can be found at http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=574&id=4024

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 September 19th.


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 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 course will be taught by instructors from Albright Training Center 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 

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)

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 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).



Servicewide
Upcoming Events Calendar

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

September 22 – September 27

“The ’88 Fires: Yellowstone and Beyond,” Jackson Hole, WY. This September, fire professionals and individuals of all ages and diverse academic backgrounds will gather in Jackson Hole to reflect on the historic 1988 fire season in the Northern Rockies and to discuss current and future trends in fire management. Conference and hotel room registration is now open. Discussions, presentations, and special sessions will focus on the following themes – fire behavior, fire ecology, management and policy, global trends and the cultural and social perceptions of fire. The conference will feature more than 85 poster and 110 oral presentations, and several special sessions representing authors from all over the world. Confirmed speakers include Bob Barbee, Norm Christensen, Orville Daniels, Mike Flannigan, Steve Frye, Andy Hansen, Tom Swetnam, Monica Turner, John Varley, George Weldon, Tony Westerling, Cathy Whitlock, and Tom Zimmerman. For current program information, go to http://www.iawfonline.org/yellowstone/program.php. Hotel rooms are limited! Special rates have been arranged by the conference organizers but rooms are limited. To reserve your room, go to http://www.iawfonline.org/yellowstone/hotel_travel.php. The conference is presented by the International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF) and the National Park Service 9th Biennial Scientific Conference on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with the support of a consortium of partners. Conference organizers are proud to announce the Wildland Firefighter Foundation (http://www.wffoundation.org/) has been chosen as the charity of choice for all fundraising efforts tied to this event. Be sure to join this commemorative event of the 20th anniversary of the 1988 fires in Yellowstone and the northern Rocky Mountain area. For detailed information, registration and hotel information, go to http://www.iawfonline.org/yellowstone/.

October 3

Deadline for proposals for 2009 George Wright Society Conference on Parks, Protected Areas and Cultural Sites, to be held in Portland, Oregon, from March 2nd to March 6th next year. Every two years, the George Wright Society organizes “Rethinking Protected Areas in a Changing World,” the USA’s premier interdisciplinary professional meeting on parks, protected areas and cultural sites. Themes for the conference include:

  • Thinking Like a Mountain: Effective Collaboration in the Management of Protected Areas
  • Water for Life
  • Keeping it Real”: Engaging with Youth
  • Hana Lima Kokua (Many hands working together, joined in a common goal)

Proposals are encouraged that correspond to the conference themes, but are also welcomed on any aspect of research in, management of, and education about parks, protected areas, and cultural sites. You can propose to give a paper or poster, organize one of several kinds of sessions, or host a side meeting. All submissions must be made through the conference website, which has complete details and instructions: http://www.georgewright.org/gws2009.html

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.

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:

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

CY 2009

April 30 – May 2

Employee and Alumni Reunion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In observance of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the park is planning a year-long celebration in 2009 that will reflect on the evolution of the park and focus on its legacy for the next 75 years. Park staff are working with partners and neighboring communities to organize and coordinate activities and events surrounding this significant milestone. One of the major events will be a three-day Smokies employee and alumni reunion. The park is extending an invitation to all former employees and retirees to reconnect with the park during this time. The reunion is open to anyone who is currently working or has ever worked at the park – as a National Park Service employee, Great Smoky Mountains Association employee, partner, volunteer, CCC worker, or concessioner.  Families of these individuals are also invited. This is a social opportunity for the NPS family to come back to renew acquaintances, share stories, and see the changes that have occurred over the years.  For more information and to be placed on a list to receive up-to-date information, please contact Nancy Gray (nancy_gray@nps.gov, 865-436-1208). A 75th anniversary website (www.GreatSmokies75th.org) is now up and running.



PARKS AND PEOPLE


United States Park Police
Passing Of Retired Sergeant Rico Woods

Retired sergeant Relis "Rico" Woods passed away on Sunday, August 17th.  Sergeant Woods retired from the Park Police in February 2006 as a sergeant in the Training Branch. 

Rico was born on September 2, 1950, in Carrollton, Mississippi, to Walter and Emma Woods. After graduating high school he joined the Army and served as a medic in Korea.  After being honorably discharged from the military, he went on to graduate with honors from George Mason University with a degree in criminology. 

On February 20, 1979, Rico was hired by the United States Park Police and began his career. He served as a patrol officer throughout the National Capital Region.  Rico was also detailed to Miami, Florida, for the Cuban flotilla detail.  

Rico began his career as a trainer while still a patrol officer when he acquired instructor certificates for PR-24 and STARS, which was soon followed by scooter instructor.  In 1987 Rico became a permanent instructor assigned to the Training Branch.  Rico also assisted the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center as a guest instructor for firearms and driver training.  

After a promotion to sergeant in 1992 and a short return to the Patrol Branch, he returned to the Training Branch as a firearms/physical skills supervisor and was soon moved over to the administrative side of training as the training sergeant, where he was responsible for the recruit programs in the Washington metropolitan area. Rico helped establish a field training program for new recruits and was instrumental in its success.

Rico received numerous awards throughout his career, including the combat medal award from the Police Association of DC, a lifesaving award from the U.S. Park Police, chief’s certificates for excellence in police service, and numerous outstanding police service commendations.   

Rico’s favorite pastime was bowling.  Focusing on bowling was symbolic of Rico’s way of battling anything he had to overcome, while enjoying the companionship of close friends. After years of bowling, Rico achieved ultimate greatness by getting a perfect 300 game. 

Rico’s memory is cherished by his devoted family, his wife, Renea Naylor Woods, his children, grandchildren, and other family members and friends.  A funeral was held for him at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Centreville, Virginia, on August 26th. 
[Submitted by Sergeant Robert Lachance, Public Information Officer]


Natural Resource Stewardship and Science
GS-14/15 Deputy Associate Director

The Washington Office of Natural Resource Stewardship and Science is currently recruiting for a GS-1301-14/15 supervisory physical scientist or a GS-0401-14/15 supervisory biologist to serve as its deputy director.

A copy of the announcement, including a full description of duties, can be obtained by clicking on the “More Information” link below. The announcement is open until August 27th.
 More Information...


Haleakala National Park (HI)
GS-0303-7 Supervisory Visitor Use Assistant (fees)

Haleakala National Park is seeking a permanent GS-0303-7 supervisory visitor use assistant (fees) interested in a lateral transfer. The person selected for this position will be stationed at the Kipahulu area of the park.

Haleakala National Park is located on the island of Maui. The Kipahulu area is the remote coastal area of the park 63 miles from Kahului, the island’s largest commercial center (population approximately 25,000) and 50 miles from park headquarters, located at the Summit area. The Kipahulu area is located at sea level where weather is warm, humid, windy and rainy. Temperatures are relatively constant year-round, with highs in the 70s to 90s and lows in the 60s to 70s.  The town of Hana (population 800) is nine miles from Kipahulu and has a local clinic, two small grocery/all-purpose stores and an elementary and high school.  Private schools are available in Makawao, and Kahului areas. Complete shopping and medical facilities are available in the Kahului area, about 63 miles and two hours from Kipahulu.  Public transportation is not available to the park; personal transportation is essential.  Haleakala does not have any park housing in the Kipahulu area. Rental prices or high with an average studio or one-bedroom starting at $700/month, one to two bedroom cottages range from $1200 to $1800/month and a three-bedroom house from $1800/month and up; purchase prices begin at about $500,000 and range considerably upward.

Interested persons should submit the following items:

  • Resume
  • Copy of your latest SF-50 that indicates your current title, series, grade and step
  • OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment
  • Copy of your latest performance appraisal

These forms will be accepted by e-mail to Jennifer_Chung@nps.gov or Elizabeth_Jameson@nps.gov or by fax to (808) 541-3696. For further information, please contact Claire Takemoto at (808) 572-4403. The closing date is Tuesday, September 12th.
[Submitted by Claire Takemoto]


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