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Shenandoah National Park (VA)
Park Hosts Presidential Visit
On Wednesday, February 7th, President and Mrs. Bush, Secretary Kempthorne, Director Bomar and others visited Shenandoah National Park to announce the National Parks Centennial Initiative and hold roundtable discussions. Superintendent Chas Cartwright remarked that he was pleased to host the event announcing this important initiative.
The park was notified of the visit the previous week and immediately established an incident command team to manage the event. Shenandoah chief ranger Gordon Wissinger served as incident commander. Over 50 employees from all divisions of Shenandoah, as well as 30 employees from 10 other parks in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, North Carolina and Tennessee, worked together with multiple federal, state and local agencies to coordinate the visit. The US Park Police provided Eagle II and mounted units to help secure the area. Other cooperating agencies that provided personnel included the US Marshal Service, Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Madison, Page and Rappahannock Counties Sheriffs' Offices, and the Luray, Stanley and Rockingham County Volunteer Rescue Squads. ARAMARK, the park's concessionaire, and the Shenandoah National Park Association both contributed to the event.
The President and others arrived via Marine One and landed near the
middle of the park at Big Meadows around 11:30 a.m. They were
escorted to the Byrd Visitor Center where the event was held indoors.
Four inches of powdery snow had fallen overnight and temperatures were
in the low 20s, with the wind chill reaching -18. Significant snow
removal operations were required to maintain the over 20 miles of road
and facilities used for the event. Around 15 White House press pool
members were flown in to cover the event and two local media outlets,
WVIR television out of Charlottesville and the weekly Page News and
Courier paper in Luray, were selected by the White House to attend.
The visit lasted two hours and all operations were conducted
successfully.
[Submitted by Superintendent's Office]
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Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (WA)
Man Sentenced For Damaging Park Lands
G.L.B., 56, of Snohomish, Washington, has been sentenced in federal court for damage he inflicted on park property last fall. G.L.B. was ordered to pay the Service $63,580.80 in restitution. G.L.B. earlier admitted in a guilty plea to knowingly and unlawfully cleared 7.6 acres of park land between 2001 and 2004 while he was developing a 66 lot subdivision named "Roosevelt Views" that overlooks Lake Roosevelt near Keller Ferry. The damaged park land is situated between Roosevelt Views and Lake Roosevelt. G.L.B. used heavy equipment to clear the land, which consisted largely of mature bitterbrush trees that had grown in places to a height of 10 feet. The $63,580.80 in restitution will pay the National Park Service for the cost to restore the land to its natural condition. "The park lands at Lake Roosevelt are a national treasure and must be protected," said James McDevitt, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. "These open spaces are for the use and enjoyment of the public and illegal encroachment onto and destruction of these lands will not be tolerated." This investigation was conducted by the National Park Service and was prosecuted by Jared C. Kimball, assistant U.S. attorney for the district. [Submitted by Margaret Goodro, Chief Ranger]
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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (PA)
Life Saved Through Rangers' Intervention In Suicide Attempt
On the evening of February 3rd, ranger Chuck Kanopsic was on patrol on Old Mine Road in the park's New Jersey District when he came upon a GMC pickup backed into the Callestini area. Kanopsic saw a man lying near the vehicle, partially covered with snow. The temperature was in the low teens at the time. The man appeared to be heavily intoxicated and was unstable on his feet. An open bottle of tequila was observed on the center console of the pickup and the engine was running. Ranger Don Philpot and supervisory ranger Chris Kross responded for backup. Kanopsic secured the alcohol and vehicle keys and after a quick search of the cab placed the man in the truck and obtained identification from him. After Philpot and Kross arrived, the rangers noted that the man was making furtive movements in the truck. Philpot approached and determined that he was trying to retrieve something from the right rear floor area. He was removed from the truck, handcuffed, searched and secured in Philpot's patrol vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a large kitchen knife and numerous prescription containers. Kross answered a cell call from the man's wife and was told that he was attempting to kill himself and that other agencies had been looking for him. The man had text messaged his wife earlier, saying that he was going to overdose on tranquillizers and blood thinners, drink the tequila, then cut his wrists with the large kitchen knife. Numerous empty prescription bottles in the truck revealed that he'd already ingested the pills. Philpot rushed the man to the Newton Memorial Hospital ER, where he was given activated charcoal and was hospitalized. [Submitted by Chris Kross, Supervisory Park Ranger]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
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Servicewide
Upcoming Training Calendar
Please submit information on upcoming training courses to Bill Halainen. New listings and revisions are in bold face.
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February 12 — February 16
Fundamentals of Special Park Uses, National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV. The 36-hour course covers all aspects of special park uses from First Amendment rights to filming and 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 web page. For more information, contact Lee Dickinson in WASO at 202-513-7092.
February 16 — February 17
EMT Basic Refresher, Lake Meredith NRA, Fritch, TX. The course will provide participants with 24 hours of core requirement training, as mandated by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Applications must be submitted by COB on February 9th. They should be emailed to Scott Hall (Scott_Hall@nps.gov) or faxed to 806-865-3887. Tuition is $50. Travel and per diem paid by benefiting account, with lodging available at hotels in Fritch, Borger or Amarillo. This course will be taught over two twelve-hour days. For further information, call 806-865-3874 ext. 32.
February 20 — February 23
Annual LE Refresher, San Juan NHS, PR. The refresher will including training in non-lethal weapons, weapons qualification, self-defense and training from various federal agencies, including the Secret Service, Postal Inspector's Office, Army CID, ICE, and Coast Guard. For more information, contact Bienvenido Olivencia (787-729-6754 or bienvenido_olivencia@nps.gov ).
February 21 — February 23
EMT Basic Refresher, Valley Forge NHP, King of Prussia, PA. The course will provide participants with 24 hours of core requirement training, as mandated by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Applications must be submitted by COB on February 16th. They should be sent via email to John Waterman (John_Waterman@nps.gov) or faxed to him at 610-783-1085. No tuition for NPS employees. Travel and per diem must be paid by the student's park. Several dorm rooms are available at the park. For further information, call him at 610-783-1050 (office) or 610-487-4591 (cell).
February 23 — February 25
Wilderness First Responder Refresher, Great Smoky Mountains Institute, Townsend, TN. This program satisfies the requirements for First Responder renewal with NREMT. It serves as an excellent review of wilderness medical information and skills. The program is taught by Roane State Community College. The course is highly recommended by Great Smoky Mountains NP staff. A discount is offered for NPS personnel but is not listed on the website. For additional information, go to http://www.gsmit.org/adult/wfr.html .
February 26 — March 2
Basic EEO Counselor Training, Capital Training Center, Albright Training Center, AZ. This course is an overview of the entire EEO process set forth under 29 CFR Part 1614. The course will include: a review of roles and responsibilities; an overview of the statues EEOC enforces; a review of practical development of issues; and a review of other procedures available to aggrieved persons and an overview of remedies. This course is designed to provide employees from EEO disciplines with tools and processes for analyzing and accomplishing work, techniques for planning and organizing work management and accountability, and evaluation of results. Upon completion of this course, participants will have a thorough understanding of legislation, statutes, laws and practical application. Applications are due by February 15th. For more information, please contact acting training manager Robert L. Foye (202-354-1402, Robert_Foye@nps.gov) or course coordinator Denise Robinson (202-354-1407, Denise_L_Robinson@nps.gov).
February 26 — March 2
Annual LE Refresher, Gulf Islands NS, Pensacola Beach, FL. The class will include a legal update, ethics, RM updates, the NPS internal investigations program, drug identification, use of force and defensive tactics. For more information, contact either Melissa Lanshe (850-232-8749 or Melissa_Lanshe@nps.gov ) or DeDe Mladucky (850-916-5634, Deanna_Mladucky@nps.gov ).
February 26 — March 2
Annual LE Refresher, Cape Hatteras Group, Manteo, NC. A competency-based LE training opportunity, focusing on the knowledge and skills necessary for law enforcement personnel to function effectively. Closes on February 19th. For a nomination form, contact Michelle DeMatteo [252-473-2111 ext. 118, Michelle_DeMatteo@nps.gov ); for info on the course, contact Michelle, Paul Stevens (ext. 138) or Bob Trick (ext. 120).
February 26 — March 2
Archeological Resources Protection Training (ARPTP), Las Vegas, NV. This 37-hour course provides training in all aspects of an archeological investigation and in the subsequent prosecution of crimes. It is taught by accomplished instructors who are nationally-recognized subject matter experts in the fields of law enforcement, archeology and law. For NPS registration information, contact Wiley Golden at 912-267-2246. All others should contact Virginia McCleskey at 912-554-4828.
February 26 — March 2
EMS First Responder, Valley Forge NHP, King of Prussia, PA. Upon completion of this course, participants will have received 40 hours of instruction meeting the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians requirements to take the National Registry First Responder exam. Tuition is $50 for those not working at Valley Forge. Nominations must be submitted by February 23rd. For further information, contact course coordinator John Waterman (610-783-1050, John_Waterman@nps.gov ).
March 5 — March 9
Electric Systems, BLM National Training Center, Phoenix, AZ. This course provides participants with guidance on the siting, construction, operation, and management of electric utilities. Agency roles and responsibilities in the application and compliance process are discussed. The course code is BLM-TC-1730-21. Contact Lee Dickinson in WASO at 202-513-7092 for more information.
March 6 — March 9
Fixed Assets Subsystems, National Capital Training Center, DC. In October 1998, the National Park Service implemented a new process for managing accountable property — the fixed assets subsystem database. This new database is a subsystem of the Federal Financial System (FFS), and provides the capability to integrate fiscal accounting data with property accountability data. The uniform data provided by this system enables management to oversee the acquisition and disposition of all accountable property to include capitalized, sensitive, leased, loaned, and excess property, and motorized equipment. This training course is designed for personnel who are responsible for entering data into the property accountability system. Training will consist of lecture and hands-on instruction in the fundamentals of data entry, correction, inquiry, and reporting features of the fixed asset subsystem database. Applications are due by February 13th. For more information, please contact acting training manager Robert L. Foye (202-354-1402, Robert_Foye@nps.gov) or course coordinator Denise Robinson (202-354-1407, Denise_L_Robinson@nps.gov) .
March 13 — March 15
EMT-B Refreshers, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Gatlinburg, TN. The course will be taught by Roane State Community College and will meet NREMT biannual refresher requirements or count as CEU's. Tuition is $75. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261 or bob_wightman@nps.gov .
March 16
EMT-B Skills Verification, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Gatlinburg, TN. The course will be taught by Roane State Community College and is intended to meet the verification of skill competence section of the NREMT EMT-B re-registration form. Tuition is $25. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261 or bob_wightman@nps.gov .
March 19 — March 20
ALS (Parkmedic) Refresher, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Gatlinburg, TN. The course will be taught by Roane State Community College. Participants who also attend the preceding EMT-B 24-hour refresher will satisfy requirements for the NREMT 36-hour EMT-I refresher. EMT-B's may also attend for CEU's. Tuition is $75. For more information, contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261 or bob_wightman@nps.gov .
March 19 — March 23
Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) Certification, Mammoth Cave NP, KY. Tuition NTE $325, depending on the number of participants; travel and tuition paid by benefiting account. Participants will receive a certificate for 40 hours of COR training in construction and services (including A&E services). The course will not provide training to serve as a COR for agreements. The deadline for enrollment is February 20th. Contact Mary Conner (270-758-2171, Mary_Conner@nps.gov ).
April 3 — April 5
Colt Law Enforcement M16/AR15 Armorer's School, Valley Forge NHP, King of Prussia, PA. Upon completion of the three-day course, students will have a complete understanding of the design theory, nomenclature, dynamics, compatibility, interchangeability, detailed disassembly, assembly, maintenance and trouble-shooting of the M16/AR-15 family of weapons including rifles, carbines, and sub-machine guns. Tuition is $400. For further information, contact course coordinator John T. Waterman (610-783-1050, John_Waterman@nps.gov ).
April 8 — April 11
Siting Wireless Communications, BLM National Training Center, Phoenix, AZ. This interagency course introduces participants to the regulatory requirements and agency policies associated with siting wireless communication facilities. Participants will learn to distinguish between different wireless communication technologies and services and identify ways to improve the processing of applications. The course code is BLM-TC-2000-21. There's no tuition for NPS participants. Contact Lee Dickinson in WASO at 202-513-7092 for more information.
April 2 — April 13
Certified Structural Firefighter Training, Wawona District, Yosemite NP, CA. The course will include lectures and audio-visual aids, but will maintain an emphasis on individual and engine company skills essential for personal safety and effective and safe fire ground operations. For more information, go to http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custompages.cfm?prg=284&id=2653&lv=4&pgid=902
April 16 — April 20
NPS Basic Technical Rescue Training, Canyonlands NP, Moab, UT. This training course is designed for personnel who routinely evacuate injured or stranded persons from heights and difficult terrain. Participants will be required to bring technical gear, including seat harnesses, climbing helmets, carbiners, rappel racks, ascenders, etc. This is a very physically demanding course conducted outdoors with frequent exposure to extreme heights. All participants must be in good condition. The application deadline is March 2nd. For a copy of the announcement, go t http://www.nps.gov/training/sar0407.doc . For more information, contact acting chief ranger Kevin Killian (435-772-7825, Kevin_killian@nps.gov).
April 16 — April 20
Inland Search and Rescue Planning, Yorktown, VA. Advanced course for experienced on-scene SAR decision makers, planners, operations leaders and direct support staff members. The course presents mathematically based search planning tools and allied topics, all focusing on improving overall SAR response and success. Closes on March 1st. For further information, contact the National Search and Rescue School at the Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia (757-856-2272, sar.school@langley.af.mil ). For the full text of the course memorandum, go to http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/2007%20Inland%20SAR%20School%2Epdf
April 17 — April 9
Colt Armorer's School, Capitol Reef NP, Torrey, UT. Each graduate will gain a complete understanding of the design theory, nomenclature, dynamics, compatibility, interchangeability, detailed disassembly, assembly, maintenance and troubleshooting of the M-16/AR-15 family of weapons, including rifles, carbines and submachine guns. Three-year certification as a model-specific Colt law enforcement armorer. For law enforcement personnel only! Tuition: $400. For an application and addition information, contact ranger Mike Zirwas (435-425-3791 x 151,mike_zirwas@nps.gov ). The application closing date is March 31st.
April 23 — April 27
High-Angle Rescue Training, Shenandoah NP, VA. This is the tenth year for this course. By moving it to Shenandoah, course organizers hope to make it more accessible to those parks that could benefit from such training. There should also be a helicopter course instructed by the Park Police. The course is designed for rangers and rescue personnel who are tasked with the extrication of victims in a high-angle rescue environment. All participants need to be in good physical condition and will be spending periods of time on fixed ropes in high exposure environments. Participants need to supply their own harnesses, helmets, gloves and personal locking carabineers. Applications are due by April 1st. For more information, pleas contact coordinators Rob Turan (706-866-6627, rob_turan@nps.gov) or Kevin Moses (423-569-2404 ext. 267, kevin_moses@nps.gov).
April 23 — April 27
Introduction to Park Program Management (IPPM), Midwest Regional Office, Omaha, NE. This course is designed to provide employees from all disciplines with tools and processes for analyzing and accomplishing work, techniques for planning and organizing the work, management and accountability of funds, and evaluation of results. Upon completion of this course, participants will have a thorough understanding of the relationships between resources, the park mission, and the planning, programming and standards for all activities. Participants from all divisions will be considered for selection Please note that this is not an "advanced" class for commonly used NPS software systems, which are only generally discussed and demonstrated in this class. Applications are due by March 9th. For more information, please contact acting training manager Robert L. Foye (202-354-1402, Robert_Foye@nps.gov) or course coordinator Denise Robinson (202-354-1407, Denise_L_Robinson@nps.gov) .
April 23 — April 27
Concession Management Evaluation and Pricing Training, Shenandoah NP, VA. This 40-hour training is designed for employees who are responsible for concession management at the WASO, park orregional level and who will be conducting or assisting in evaluating concessioners' operational and contractual performance and approving rate requests for concessioner services. This training also meets the hospitality knowledge competency required for personnel with concession duties and is relevant to both new employees and existing concession employees who need a refresher on evaluation and pricing. Training will consist of lectures, group exercises and site inspections. Applications are due by March 1st. For more information, please contact acting training manager Robert L. Foye (202-354-1402, Robert_Foye@nps.gov) or course coordinator Denise Robinson (202-354-1407, Denise_L_Robinson@nps.gov).
April 24 — April 26
Interagency Wilderness Fire Resource Advisor Training, Duluth, MN. Sponsored by the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. The course objectives are to become familiar with the roles and responsibilities of a wilderness fire resource advisor, to explore the differences and techniques used to manage fire in wilderness, and to connect with other wilderness and fire professionals from surrounding areas and other agencies. The course will utilize examples from wilderness fires in the west, but many topics are applicable elsewhere and applications are not limited by geographical region. No tuition; participants will pay their own travel, meals and lodging. Closes February 26th. For registration information, contact Shirley Chase at 406-243-4682; for course content or logistics, contact the course coordinator, Tom Carlson, USFS representative at the Carhart Center, at 406-243-4630.
April 24 — April 27
Fee Supervisors Training Workshop, National Capital Training Center, DC. The overall objectives for this workshop are to standardize the recreation fee program training for employees collecting fees for all parks within the system. This will be accomplished using the essential competencies developed for fee supervisors that include: supervising employees, making effective visitor contacts, collecting and accounting for fees, preparing remittance reports/deposits, and disseminating information. Also included will be sessions on the new interagency pass program, analyzing business practices, cost of collection, and internal controls. Participants attending the workshop will be able to prepare a training plan that can be implemented at their park sites. Those attending will receive 20 hours of supervisory training. Applications are due by March 9th. For more information, please contact acting training manager Robert L. Foye (202-354-1402, Robert_Foye@nps.gov) or course coordinator Denise Robinson (202-354-1407, Denise_L_Robinson@nps.gov) .
April 30 — May 3
Pipeline Systems, Durango, CO. The course provides participants with information on the siting, construction, operation, and management of oil and gas pipeline systems. Agency roles and responsibilities in the application and compliance process are discussed. The course code is BLM-TC-1730-22. Contact Lee Dickinson in WASO at 202-513-7092 for more information.
May 7 — May 11
Housing Management Training, Phoenix, AZ. This training will provide National Park Service employees who are responsible for employee housing with a better understanding and working knowledge of the NPS housing program. Specific topics will include: roles and responsibilities, QMIS inventory requirements, required and non-required occupancy, safety and health issues, needs assessments, total cost of ownership, condition assessments (FMSS/FCAS), housing management plans, PMIS projects, and tenant issues. Applications are due by April 13th. For a copy of the announcement, go http://www.nps.gov/training/housingmgmt.doc; for additional details, contact Jeri Mihalic at 406-531-3534.
May 14 — May 18
Inland Search and Rescue Planning, Denver, CO. Advanced course for experienced on-scene SAR decision makers, planners, operations leaders and direct support staff members. The course presents mathematically based search planning tools and allied topics, all focusing on improving overall SAR response and success. Closes on April 12th. For further information, contact the National Search and Rescue School at the Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia (757-856-2272, sar.school@langley.af.mil ). For the full text of the course memorandum, go to http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/2007%20Inland%20SAR%20School%2Epdf
May 29 — May 31
Interview and Interrogation Training, Roanoke, VA. Blue Ridge Parkway and Roanoke COPD are cosponsoring the multi-jurisdictional counter-drug task force's 24-hour interview and interrogation training program. Topics include: Avoiding interviewing pitfalls, verbal lie detection, open and closed ended questions, teaching the subject to lie, non-verbal body language, evasive verbal responses, mandated interview questions, analyzing verbal and written statements, dignity and confession, establishing a "power of influence," understanding the common myths of Miranda, and voluntary confessions. No tuition; travel and lodging will be paid by benefiting accounts. To register for the course, contact supervisory park ranger Steve Buxton (540-767-2490 ext. 19, steve_buxton@nps.gov). For additional information, go to http://www.mctft.com/traditional_training/view_course.aspx?pID=PDOX0028
June 18 — June 22
Inland Search and Rescue Planning, Anchorage, AK. Advanced course for experienced on-scene SAR decision makers, planners, operations leaders and direct support staff members. The course presents mathematically based search planning tools and allied topics, all focusing on improving overall SAR response and success. Closes on May 10th. For further information, contact the National Search and Rescue School at the Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia (757-856-2272, sar.school@langley.af.mil ). For the full text of the course memorandum, go to http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/2007%20Inland%20SAR%20School%2Epdf
July 23 — July 27
Inland Search and Rescue Planning, Joliet, IL. Advanced course for experienced on-scene SAR decision makers, planners, operations leaders and direct support staff members. The course presents mathematically based search planning tools and allied topics, all focusing on improving overall SAR response and success. Closes on June 14th. For further information, contact the National Search and Rescue School at the Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia (757-856-2272, sar.school@langley.af.mil ). For the full text of the course memorandum, go to http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/2007%20Inland%20SAR%20School%2Epdf
June 24 — June 29
Interagency National Wilderness Stewardship Training, Missoula, MT. Sponsored by the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. The target audience includes senior level managers from each of the four wilderness managing agencies — the Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and National Park Service. The course objectives are to interpret and translate the Wilderness Act of 1964 and agency policy into on-the-ground management principles, apply decision making skills, agency policy and wilderness management principles to real wilderness management issues, and describe characteristics and consequences of making decisions that ensure an enduring resource of wilderness. Tuition is $200; participants will pay their own travel, meals and lodging. Closes on March 9th. For more information and to apply, contact Tim Devine, NPS representative at the Carhart Center, at 406-243-4612 or email tim_devine@nps.gov.
July 30 — August 3
Fundamentals of Special Park Uses, DOI Learning Center in Albuquerque, NM. The 36-hour course covers all aspects of special park uses from First Amendment rights to filming and 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 web page. For more information, contact Lee Dickinson in WASO at 202-513-7092.
August 13 — August 17
Inland Search and Rescue Planning, Yorktown, VA. Advanced course for experienced on-scene SAR decision makers, planners, operations leaders and direct support staff members. The course presents mathematically based search planning tools and allied topics, all focusing on improving overall SAR response and success. Closes on July 19th. For further information, contact the National Search and Rescue School at the Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia (757-856-2272, sar.school@langley.af.mil ). For the full text of the course memorandum, go to http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/2007%20Inland%20SAR%20School%2Epdf
September 17 — September 21
Inland Search and Rescue Planning, Port Deposit, MD. Advanced course for experienced on-scene SAR decision makers, planners, operations leaders and direct support staff members. The course presents mathematically based search planning tools and allied topics, all focusing on improving overall SAR response and success. Closes on August 9th. For further information, contact the National Search and Rescue School at the Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia (757-856-2272, sar.school@langley.af.mil ). For the full text of the course memorandum, go to http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/2007%20Inland%20SAR%20School%2Epdf
PARKS AND PEOPLE
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Colorado National Monument (CO)
Joan Anzelmo To Be Park's New Superintendent
Joan Anzelmo has been selected as the park's new superintendent. She will assume her new responsibilities this coming May after spending the past 13 years at Grand Teton National Park as chief of public affairs, among other assignments. Anzelmo is also assisting Director Bomar with special assignments related to the NPS Centennial Challenge.
"Joan's record of accomplishments speak for themselves," said Regional Director Mike Snyder. "Her proven ability to work in partnership with others will serve the folks in the Grand Valley and the National Park Service very well."
Anzelmo, a 30-year veteran of the NPS, began her career in 1976 at the National Visitor Center in Union Station, Washington, D.C. In 1980, she moved to Wyoming to become Yellowstone National Park's public information officer and ultimately spent two tours of duty there, serving as park spokesperson and as chief of public affairs during the 1988 Yellowstone fires. While coordinating extensive media coverage of that historic fire season, Anzelmo became nationally recognized as an NPS spokesperson.
Between tours of duty at Yellowstone, Anzelmo led the NPS information efforts at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, California. She then moved on to Virginia, where she served as park manager at Great Falls Park on the Potomac River before returning to Yellowstone in 1986.
In 1992, Anzelmo served as the Bureau of Land Management's chief of external affairs at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, and worked as the primary spokesperson for the national wildland fire program. In 1994, Anzelmo was recruited to be the director for the NPS Office of Communications in Washington, D.C., where she remained until returning to Wyoming in 1995 to serve as chief of concessions, and later as chief of public affairs at Grand Teton National Park. As a result of her Washington experience and special event expertise, Anzelmo was asked to serve as the White House liaison during two Clinton presidential vacations (1995 and 1996) to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
Because of her expertise in wildland fire communications, Anzelmo was tapped for recurring special assignments by former Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt to coordinate media relations and special events related to firefighting and national fire policy. After Anzelmo moved to Grand Teton, she continued these special assignments on a collateral duty basis and assisted with more than 30 special fire assignments for Secretary Babbitt.
In May 2000, Anzelmo was sent to serve as spokesperson for the Cerro Grande Fire interagency investigation team. Despite the difficulty and intensity of that particular assignment, Anzelmo received national recognition for her capable handling of public service responsibilities. The year 2000 turned out to be an intense fire season across the West, and Anzelmo was sent to other national fire incidents, all the while coordinating numerous special events to celebrate Grand Teton National Park's 50th anniversary. In July 2001, Anzelmo was requested by the Bridger-Teton National Forest to serve as lead fire information officer for the Green Knoll Fire near Wilson, Wyoming. She received high praise for her crucial and skillful handling of information on this highly visible fire that drew national attention for its proximity to the resort community of Jackson, Wyoming.
Anzelmo has received numerous performance and achievement awards during her NPS career. In recognition of her distinguished public service and leadership in the field of crisis communications and public affairs, she has received two of the highest Department of the Interior awards—the Superior Service Award and the Meritorious Service Award.
A native of Washington, D.C., Anzelmo graduated in 1975 from the University of Maryland after attending her first year of college in Geneva, Switzerland. She studied foreign languages and is conversant in French, Spanish and Italian. Anzelmo is the mother of a 17-year-old daughter, Jenny, and presently resides in Moose, Wyoming. [Submitted by James Doyle, Public Affairs, Intermountain Region]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.