Lake Mead National Recreation Area (AZ,NV)
Tour Company Found Guilty of ARPA Violations
In the fall of 2002, members of the "Operation Indian Rocks" ARPA task force learned that employees of a corporation were apparently damaging archeological sites on BLM lands. The corporation, ATV Adventures Inc, was providing guided all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tours under a BLM permit near Logandale, Nevada. Based on this initial information, an investigation was begun with the support of the US Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada. Several Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service officers went on ATV Adventures tours as part of the investigation. These officers and additional surveillance revealed that employees of the company were taking clients to archeological sites, where the guides were collecting artifacts, and, in some cases, encouraging clients to look for and take artifacts as "souvenirs." The investigation showed that the company owner and general manager were aware of this activity. Damage assessment field work was completed in May, 2003, which showed damage to three archaeological sites. The value placed on the damage by the BLM task force archeologist came to $41,798.53. On June 28th of this year, ATV Adventures pled guilty to a felony ARPA count. The owner of the company, S.W., and the general manager, D.F., each pled guilty to one misdemeanor ARPA count. On November 17th, the corporation was sentenced to two years probation, ordered to pay $13,578 in restitution to the BLM and $60,000 in community service, and assessed an $800 penalty fee. The company also had its special use permit suspended by the BLM for 30 days. S.W. and D.F. were placed on six months home confinement with electronic monitoring, two years probation, ordered to pay $3,692.97 in restitution to the BLM, and fined $2,000 each. The sentencing judge told the defendants that what they had done was unacceptable and that they should spread the word that damaging archeological sites is a federal crime and those that conduct such activities will be prosecuted and sentenced to prison. [Submitted by Todd Swain, Special Agent]
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site (PA)
Burglary of Park Office/Residence
Between November 19th and 26th, a burglar or burglars broke into the chief ranger's office/seasonal housing building. Office furniture and doors were damaged and a small amount of office and park equipment was stolen. The burglary is being investigated by the chief ranger and Allegheny Township PD officers. [Submitted by Thomas Stinedurf, Chief Ranger]
Natchez Trace Parkway (AL,MS,TN)
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident
Rangers checked out a report of an accident near milepost 299 on Wednesday, November 24th. They found that a 1994 Thunderbird had gone off the road and hit a tree. The driver and sole occupant of the car — A.B., 73, of Florence, Alabama — suffered traumatic injuries and had expired. The accident is under investigation; Andy Atkins is the case ranger [Submitted by Marty Huseman, Acting Chief Ranger]
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Fire and Aviation Management
Big Cypress National Preserve (FL)
GS-0401-9/11 Fire Management Specialist
Dates: 11/23/2004 - 12/23/2004
Big Cypress National Preserve is recruiting for a full-time, permanent Fire Management Specialist (Prescribed Fire and Fuels), GS-0401-09/11.
The incumbent of this position has program responsibility for prescribed fire, fuels management, smoke management and wildland fire use at Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida. The incumbent provides professional advice and assistance to meet resource management objectives with prescribed fire and/or wildland fire use. Responsibilities include planning and scheduling prescribed fire activities as well as preparing annual prescribed fire project budget requests for review and approval by the Fire Management Officer. Incumbent is responsible for the implementation of the Preserve's prescribed fire program, assigns Burn Bosses, and ensures that burn plans are written, reviewed and approved. Participates as a natural science professional and subject matter expert in interagency cooperative prescribed fire activities including training, workshops, conferences, planning meetings and field activities. May serve as Incident Commander on wildfire suppression operations or in other positions as needed. Directs the work of lower graded employees involved in fuels and analysis/monitoring and prescribed firework.
Prior wildland firefighting experience on the fireline is a mandatory requirement.
This is an arduous position and subject to medical screening and physical fitness testing.
Much of the work is accomplished in the field under adverse conditions with exposure to dangerous fireline conditions and flying in fixed wing and rotary aircraft. Heat, humidity, venomous reptiles, and insects frequently create unpleasant field working conditions.
The position is advertised government-wide as announcement number BICY-05-04 and can be found on USAJobs, www.usajobs.opm.gov
For additional information contact Edie Sparks, Human Resources Specialist, at 239-695-1127.
[Submitted by Edie Sparks, Edith_Sparks@nps.gov, 239-695-1127] More Information...
Northeast Region
Dan Smith to Head Colonial NHP
Northeast Regional Director Marie Rust today announced the appointment of NPS and DOI veteran P. Daniel (Dan) Smith as superintendent of Colonial NHP, which features Historic Jamestowne, Yorktown Battlefield and the Colonial Parkway in Virginia. Currently serving as special assistant to Director Fran Mainella, Smith is expected to assume his new duties on December 12, 2004. He succeeds Alec Gould who retired in June after 40 years of distinguished NPS service.
In making the announcement, Rust commented, "With preparations for the 225th anniversary of Yorktown in 2006 and the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown in 2007, Dan Smith is the right person to lead Colonial National Historical Park now. With his outstanding record in forging public-private partnerships throughout the National Park Service and elsewhere in the federal government, I am pleased that he has accepted this assignment."
Smith's experience positions him well for this assignment at Colonial NHP. With more than 30 years of government work, he has served in a variety of management positions within DOI. Prior to his current assignment, he served as deputy assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish Wildlife and Parks (1984-1986), where he coordinated implementation of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which included general management planning for NPS units in Alaska, as well as initial establishment of an NPS regional office in Anchorage. From 1982-84, he served as assistant director of NPS Legislative and Congressional Affairs where he was responsible for coordinating all legislative proposals, hearings and Congressional requests to DOI concerning the National Park System, National Rivers and Trails Systems, National Historic Preservation Program, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Urban Park and Recreation Programs and other related issues.
"I look forward to my assignment at Colonial National Historical Park being the highlight of my 30 years of government service. As a Virginian, I am overwhelmed by the important historic and cultural resources of Yorktown and Jamestown and look forward to working with the park's dedicated staff, local constituents and partner organizations in the Historic Triangle," remarked Smith.
Full Press Release
[Submitted by Edie Shean-Hammond, Edie_Shean-Hammond@nps.gov]
Northeast Region
Cynthia Garrett to Head Statue of Liberty NM/Ellis Island NM
Northeast Regional Director Marie Rust has announced the selection of Cynthia R. Garrett, who has acted in the role since 2002, as the permanent superintendent of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.
"Cynthia Garrett has an excellent record of success in reopening of the Statue of Liberty and will ensure a bright future for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island," said regional director Rust.
In addition to implementing a comprehensive program for increased security and visitor enjoyment in the park, Ms. Garrett is also overseeing a revision of the master plan that will guide management of the monument over the next 15 to 20 years as well as a major endeavor to stabilize and rehabilitate the 30 buildings on Ellis Island that have been vacant and deteriorating since 1954. Ms. Garrett first came to the park in the fall of 1998 as the park's deputy superintendent.
Full Press Release
[Submitted by Edie Shean-Hammond, Edie_Shean-Hammond@nps.gov]
Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found on the left side of the front page of InsideNPS. All reports should be submitted via email to Bill Halainen at Delaware Water Gap NRA, with a copy to your regional office and a copy to Dennis Burnett in Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO.
Prepared by the Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.