NPS Visitor and Resource Protection
The Morning Report
Friday, August 24, 2012


INCIDENTS

Gulf Islands National Seashore (FL,MS)
Part Of Horn Island Closed Due To Hazardous Materials

Part of Horn Island, one of the seashore's islands off the Mississippi coast, was closed to the public effective on Friday due to the discovery of hazardous materials.

"We received confirmation Thursday that there are asbestos materials on the ground on the northwestern shore of the island in an area that contains the remains of a military facility that was active in the 1940s," Brown said. "A preliminary test also indicated the possible presence of a chemical agent known commonly as mustard gas. We are still awaiting confirmation of that."

"Our highest priority right now is the safety of the public and our employees," Brown said. "We are therefore using an abundance of caution with the closure of the area surrounding the site. Park rangers are placing area closure signage around the perimeter around the site, about 1,000 feet in all directions."

"Additionally, based on an initial records search that was done, we have reason to believe that some containers of mustard gas may have been deposited in the island's Big Lagoon. We are therefore closing the portion of the lagoon that we own and we are notifying the owners of those nearby privately-owned tracts of the potential hazard."

"There are a lot of things about this situation we still don't know since we just received confirmation on one substance," Brown said. "We are assembling a team of experts from a variety of disciplines to help us with this situation, and as we continue this process we will do our best to keep the public informed about what we find out and our plans for cleanup."

In June, British Petroleum asked the National Park Service to provide a list of potential chemical and biological hazards on Horn Island before the company deployed their cleanup crews team as part of the Deepwater Horizon response. The NPS contracted with the environmental services firm Barksdale & Associates to conduct a preliminary site assessment and inspection, including tests for multiple contaminants. This led to the discovery of the contaminants.

The list of other potential contaminants came from an initial review of the site's historical records and includes botulinum toxin, ricin, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), pesticides, polychlorina ted biphenyls (PCB), dioxins and furans, as well as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) metals (silver, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead, and selenium).

Asbestos is the name given to six naturally occurring fibrous minerals with high tensile strength, the ability to be woven, and resistance to heat and most chemicals. Because of these properties, asbestos fibers have been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, including roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper and cement products, textiles, coatings, and friction products such as automobile clutch, brake and transmission parts. The forms of asbestos are chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite and the variety of asbestos found on Horn Island is chrysotile.

Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease. That risk is made worse by smoking. In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing harmful health effects. Disease symptoms may take several years to develop following exposure. Three major health effects of asbestos exposure are asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov.)

The term mustard gas refers to several chemicals. Mustard gas is usually stored as a liquid and does not behave as a gas under ordinary conditions. In its most common sense, it means sulfur mustard, which is the chemical that is stored at Army facilities. Sulfur mustard was used in chemical warfare as early as World War I and as late as the Iran-Iraq War from 1980—1988. It is not used in the United States, except for laboratory testing of health effects and antidotes. Mustard gas is not found naturally in the environment. The United States is in the process of destroying all known remaining stockpiles of mustard gas.

Sulfur mustard can harm you depending on how much of the chemical you were exposed to and for how long. Sulfur mustard may make your eyes burn, your eyelids swell, your eyes to blink, and your skin to burn and blister within a few days. If you breathe it, sulfur mustard can cause coughing, bronchitis, and long-term respiratory disease. Sulfur mustard may also affect reproduction. Sulfur mustard is a known carcinogen and can cause cancer in your airways, lungs, skin, and maybe other areas of your body later in life. Some of the chemicals that are formed when sulfur mustard is burned or spilled into water can also be irritating to the skin. (Source: U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Toxicological Profile for Sulfur Mustard, September 2003)

The military facility was active during World War II and was decommissioned in the 1960s. The National Park Service acquired the island from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1971 and it was incorporated into Gulf Islands National Seashore.
[Submitted by Daniel R. Brown, Superintendent]




Yosemite National Park (CA)
Body Of Missing Boy Found

The body of Jacob Adams, a six-year-old boy who was swept into the Merced River on Wednesday, August 15th, was recovered yesterday. Jacob was wading in the Merced River with his ten-year-old brother, Andres "Andy" Adams, near the Vernal Fall Footbridge when they were swept downstream. Andy was pulled from the river by a park visitor shortly after the incident, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. Extensive search efforts for Jacob have been ongoing since last Wednesday. Rangers located his body approximately 50 yards downstream from the Vernal Fall Footbridge. Fluctuating water levels in the Merced River, changing weather conditions, and treacherous terrain contributed to a difficult and challenging search. However, with receding water levels and dry weather over the last few days, rangers were again able to access areas within the river corridor that were previously difficult to search.
[Submitted by Kari Cobb, Public Affairs Officer]




Southeast Region
Parks Prepare For Tropical Storm Isaac

Several reports have been received by parks affected or potentially affected by Tropical Storm Isaac, which passed by Puerto Rico yesterday and is forecast to become a hurricane by this weekend and make landfall somewhere between Florida and Louisiana:

  • San Juan NHS — The park, including Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro, reopened yesterday. The fortifications were temporarily closed to ensure the safety of visitors given the hazardous conditions associated with Tropical Storm Isaac.
  • Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks — The parks have transitioned from routine operations to management by the standing Type 3 incident management team (Mike Jester, IC). Current forecasts suggest possible park impacts due to Tropical Storm Isaac, which is forecast to become Hurricane Isaac by the time it arrives. Although both parks will remain open through today for use, camping has been suspended at Dry Tortugas and backcountry camping permits are not being issued in Everglades. An all-employee meeting will be held this morning.
  • Biscayne NP — Shutdown measures have begun, with non-essential boats pulled out of the water and dry-docked in the boneyard, loose gear and equipment around Convoy Point being relocated and/or secured, water quality meters pulled from Manatee Bay, and near-complete shuttering of island residences.

Additional reports will be posted on Monday and thereafter, as appropriate.
[Submitted by Ernesto Padilla, SAJU; Leslie Velarde, EVER; Vanessa McDonough, BISC]




Saint Croix National Scenic River (WI)
Park Crews Join In Search For Missing Three-Year-Old

A three-year-old girl was reported missing from her home near the park on the evening of Tuesday, August 14th. The home is about a mile from the park on a 40-acre spit of land in the middle of the Yellow River, which flows into the St. Croix River. Park crews joined in the search operation that evening, launching the park's zodiac with a dog search team on board and were on the water until 3 a.m. On Wednesday, more than 500 volunteers and others joined in the land search effort. Park personnel dragged the confluence of the St. Croix and Yellow River and continued up the Yellow River to Highway 35. From that point, they walked along the Yellow River to the Danbury dam, searching for the girl. The search was suspended late on Wednesday when a dive team found the girl's body about 25 yards from her home in three feet of murky water. A preliminary autopsy revealed that she'd drowned. This was a multi-agency search that included federal, state, county and local authorities and volunteers.
[Submitted by Chuck Carlson, Acting Chief Ranger]




Lake Mead National Recreation Area (AZ,NV)
Rangers Recover Body Of Drowning Victim

On the evening of August 20th, Boulder City PD contacted the park and asked for assistance in searching for a city resident who'd failed to return from a swim in the lake. Rangers looked for him, but without success. On Tuesday morning, Lake Mead Marina personnel reported what appeared to be a body floating about 20 feet from shore. Rangers recovered the body and turned it over to the county coroner. The victim matched the description of the missing person.
[Submitted by Kevin Turner]




FIRE MANAGEMENT

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

National Fire Activity — Preparedness Level 4

NIFC is at PL 4. Initial attack was light on Thursday. Twenty-six uncontained large fires are burning nationwide, down from 33 yesterday. Twenty-one IMT's are committed.

Fire Weather Forecast

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue across the Southwest, central Rockies and the eastern Great Basin, some producing heavy rain. Windy but cooler conditions will spread across the Northwest, northern Great Basin and northern Rockies, producing critical fire weather conditions for Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Scattered thunderstorms will also form over the central and southern Plains. Mild conditions will continue over much of the eastern U.S., with a few thunderstorms developing along coastal areas from Texas to the Carolinas.

To see a NOAA map of today's critical fire weather areas, click on this link: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/fire_wx/fwdy1.html

Fire Summary (Five Day Trend)

Day
 Mon
 Tue
 Wed
 Thu
 Fri
Date
 8/20
 8/21
 8/22
 8/23
 8/24
Initial Attack Fires
 153
 105
 160
 141
 99
New Large Fires
 7
 4
 8
 5
 10
Large Fires Contained
 5
 2
 5
 6
 11
Uncontained Large Fires
 35
 34
 36
 33
 26


National Resource Commitments (Five Day Trend)

Day
 Mon
 Tue
 Wed
 Thu
 Fri
Date
 8/20
 8/21
 8/22
 8/23
 8/24
Area Command Teams
 1
 1
 1
 1
 1
NIMO Teams
 2
 2
 2
 2
 2
Type 1 Teams
 9
 10
 8
 9
 8
Type 2 Teams
 13
 9
 10
 11
 10


For additional information on all fires, check the following National Park Service and NIFC web sites:

NIFC

NPS




OPERATIONAL NOTES

Servicewide
Upcoming Training And Conference Calendar

Please submit information on upcoming training courses to Bill_Halainen@nps.gov no later than the Thursday morning before the Friday calendar update. New listings and revisions are in bold face.

Please note that the calendar includes ongoing, on-line training offerings. They appear at the end of this listing.

All entries must be brief and should have the following:

  • Beginning and ending dates.
  • Name and location of course.
  • A short one- to two-line description.
  • The closing date for application or registration.
  • Name(s) and number(s) for more information.
  • Most importantly, a link to a website where full announcements or detailed information can be found.

Note: Listings are removed from the calendar once the application deadline has passed.

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Scheduled Training

August 30 — Bats in Buildings Webinar, 1:00 — 2:30 p.m. EDT. Bat Conservation International and the NPS are teaming up to present this webinar for all NPS employees who may encounter bats in buildings, including natural and cultural resource, administrative, facilities and maintenance, interpretation, planning, concessions, and law enforcement personnel. Please register at this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7577222054788820480 . For more information, please visit the public site or intranet site, or contact Kevin Castle.

September 10 — September 14 — Effective Oral History: Interviews, Project Management and Practical Application, Stephen T. Mather Training Center, Harpers Ferry, WV. For more information or to apply go to DOILearn. Travel scholarships are available — apply at this link. For more information, contact: Lu Ann Jones 202-354-2219 or luann_jones@nps.gov .

September 24 — September 28 — Law Enforcement Control Tactics Refresher, Glynco, GA. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is August 31st.

October 1 — Deadline for proposals for Protected Areas in a Changing World: The 2013 George Wright Society Conference on Parks, Protected Areas, and Cultural Sites, which will be held in Denver next year from March 11th to March 15th. The conference is the USA's largest interdisciplinary meeting focused on parks, protected areas, and cultural sites. The more information, go to the conference website: http://www.georgewright.org/gws2013.

October 2 — October 5 — Firearms Instructor Refresher Training, Fresno, CA. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is September 7th.

October 10 — October 20 — Use of Force Instructor Training, Grand Canyon, AZ. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is September 7th.

October 15 — October 18 — Interagency Regional Wilderness Stewardship Training Course, Jackson Hole, WY. Sponsored by the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. Click on this link for course information. Contact: Tim Devine (406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov) with any questions.

October 15 — October 26 — Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Course, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ. This 80-hour class is designed to provide persons participating in NPS structural fire suppression efforts with the technical information and primary skills essential for the safe operation and proper maintenance of a fire apparatus. Emphasis is on 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. This will be supported with technical literature and training manuals. After successful completion of this course the individual will be certified to drive, pump, and maintain structure fire apparatus for the NPS. The closing date is September 14th. For more information, contact Mark Gorman at 208-387-5244 or check the website at http://npsfamshare/structural/operations/default.aspx.

October 15 — October 26 — Law Enforcement Instructor Training, Glynco, GA. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is August 30th.

October 15 — October 26 — Firearms Instructor Training, Glynco, GA. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is August 30th.

October 15 — October 26 — Use of Force Instructor Training, Artesia, NM Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is August 30th.

October 15 — October 26 — Law Enforcement Driver Instructor Training, Glynco, GA. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is August 30th.

October 17 — October 19 — Firearms Instructor Refresher Training, Cape Hatteras, NC. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is September 14th.

October 22 — October 25 — Interagency Wilderness Interpretation and Education Workshop, Estes Park, CO. Sponsored by the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. Click on this link for course information. Contact Tim Devine (406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov) with any questions.

October 22 — October 26 — Equipment Operator Safety, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ. This course will examine the risks of operating heavy equipment and steps required to minimize them. To enroll in the class: Click on this Link or log on to DOI Learn, and search for Equipment Operator. Your Supervisor must approve the class in DOILearn. Learning and Development is offering travel scholarships. After enrolling in the class, email sarah_polzin@nps.gov for a scholarship application. For more information or questions, please contact Sarah Polzin, 301-663-8206 x 115 or Steve Hastings, 301-663-8206 x 134.

October 22 — November 2 — Law Enforcement Instructor Training, Artesia, NM. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is September 5th.

October 29 — November 9 — Physical Security Training, Glynco, GA. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is September 6th.

October 29 — November 9 — Basic Tactics Instructor Training, Glynco, GA. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is September 6th.

October 29 — November 9 — Law Enforcement Control Tactics Instructor Training, FLETC, Glynco, GA. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is September 6th.

October 29 — November 9 — Firearms Instructor Training, Artesia, NM. Click on this link for the course announcement; contact Wiley Golden at FLETC (912-267-2246) with any questions. The deadline for applications is September 6th.

November 5 — November 9 — Fire Instructor I Course, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ. This course is designed to provide firefighters with the information needed to meet the job performance requirements in NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications. This 40-hour class prepares fire service personnel with the skills necessary to deliver instruction materials, including assembling course materials and the use of instructional aides and evaluation tools. Knowledge and skills will be tested throughout the course and course graduates will be qualified as fire instructors within the National Park Service with accreditation through the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications. The closing date is October 5th. For more information, contact Mark Gorman at 208-387-5244 or check the website at http://npsfamshare/structural/operations/default.aspx.

November 5 — November 9 — Advanced Photovoltaics Design and Installation, Zion National Park, UT. This class is a follow-up to the Introduction to Photovoltaics course and will task students with installation of a PV system. Completion of the Introductory course is a prerequisite. An online version of the Intro to PV will be available in October. To enroll in the class: Click on this Link or log on to DOI Learn, and search for Adv Photovoltaic. Registration is open until October 12. Your supervisor must approve the class in DOILearn. Learning and Development is offering travel scholarships. After enrolling in the class, email sarah_polzin@nps.gov for a scholarship application, which must be received by September 28. For more information or questions, please contact Sarah Polzin, 301-663-8206 x 115 or Steve Hastings, 301-663-8206 x 134.

December 3 — December 7 — Engine Company Fire Officer Class, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ. Using the incident command system, participants will develop technical knowledge and leadership skills essential for the command and control of structural fire emergencies. Individuals are introduced to the management skills of preplanning, communications, decision-making, fire attack strategies/tactics, and logistical support functions and will practice their skills through dynamic group sessions and video simulations. The closing date is November 2nd. For more information, contact Mark Gorman at 208-387-5244 or check the website at http://npsfamshare/structural/operations/default.aspx.

January 6 — February 2 — NPS Parkmedic Training, Fresno, CA. The biannual park medic training program is designed to refresh the student's 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. Candidates successfully completing the course will be tested at the National Registry of EMTs, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), and receive NPS certification as a park medic. For more information, go to this PDF file: http://classicinside.nps.gov/documents/Parkmedic%20Training%202013.pdf.

April 15 — April 26 — National Parks Institute Executive Leadership Seminar. Tailored to executive-level managers of national parks, protected lands, marine sanctuaries, and cultural heritage sites, this international seminar focuses on strategic protected area leadership, innovation and organization renewal. The course also builds professional friendships that serve as an international peer association that continue to deepen each year. Participants learn to lead strategic change by anticipating change, reinvigorating their organizations, and incorporating innovative thinking into their management. A practical framework is applied to real-world case studies, and participants develop a take-home action plan to address a challenge that participants bring from their own park. The Four modules focus on:

  • Leading Change and Organizational Renewal
  • Context Matters: Trends and Critical Issues in Public Land Management
  • Innovation in the Field
  • Generating Motivation and Commitment

The seminar begins at the Institute at the Golden Gate in San Francisco, proceeds to UC Merced, and wraps up in Yosemite National Park. Past keynote speakers include Professor Charles O'Reilly III of Stanford Graduate School of Business, Ruth Coleman, former director of California State Parks, NPS Director Jon Jarvis, Harvard Professor Emeritus E.O. Wilson, and former President Jimmy Carter. Twenty-seven applicants will be selected to participate in the seminar. Selection will be based on a competitive application process and committee review. Last year, NPI received seminar applications representing over 25 countries and five continents. The application deadline is October 12. For more information, and for application materials, visit http://parkleadership.ucmerced.edu/. Questions should be directed to Ashley Adams (209-379-2038, ashley_adams@nps.gov).

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Online and Ongoing Training

Cultural Resources

Nationwide Programmatic Agreement Toolkit. To help guide NPS staff on implementing the NPS nationwide programmatic agreement, which governs Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the NPS has developed a "toolkit." The toolkit is mandatory training that provides guidance to NPS superintendents and Section 106 coordinators, division chiefs, and facilities staff at region and park levels on using the programmatic agreement during Section 106 review. NPS employees may earn a certificate for their review of the toolkit through DOI Learn by taking a final assessment. Register for the course in DOI Learn, then review the contents of the toolkit website before returning to DOI Learn to complete a final assessment. The toolkit website is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/history/howto/PAToolkit/index.htm. For more information about the NPS nationwide programmatic agreement toolkit, please contact: Jeffrey Durbin, NPS Section 106 compliance program officer, at 202-354-1816 or Jeffrey_durbin@nps.gov

Managing Archeological Collections. Learn about caring for archeological collections and help to overcome the curation crisis. The course is designed to assist those who are interested in, or need to learn more about, preserving and managing archeological collections over the long term. Register for the course in DOI Learn, then review the contents of the course website before returning to DOI Learn to complete a final assessment. The course website is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/archeology/collections/index.htm. For more information, contact Teresa Moyer (202-354-2124, teresa_moyer@nps.gov).

Archeology for Interpreters. Through this training, interpreters and anyone with an interest and need to know — including law enforcement rangers, natural resource experts, and managers -- may gain basic knowledge about archeology. The course provides opportunities to learn about archeological methods and analysis and how to encourage concern for the preservation and protection of archeological resources. A park-based case study provides practice. Register for the course in DOI Learn, then review the contents of the course website before returning to DOI Learn to complete a final assessment. The course website is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/archeology/AforI/index.htm. For more information, contact Teresa Moyer (202-354-2124, teresa_moyer@nps.gov).

Interpretation for Archeologists. Archeologists and other resource professionals can take this training to gain a firm foundation in and understanding of the purpose, philosophy, and techniques of interpretation. The course encourages archeologists to frame their work for the public and to work with interpreters to integrate archeological perspectives into interpretive products and tell compelling stories. Register for the course in DOI Learn, then review the contents of the course website before returning to DOI Learn to complete a final assessment. The course website is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/archeology/IforA/index.htm. For more information, contact Teresa Moyer (202-354-2124, teresa_moyer@nps.gov).

Study Tour of Archeological Interpretation. View interpretation with fresh eyes" to evaluate choices and strategies for interpreting archeology in parks and historic sites. Download worksheets to assist in evaluating both onsite interpretation and virtual visits. Register for the course in DOI Learn, then review the contents of the course website before returning to DOI Learn to complete a final assessment. The course website is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/archeology/studytour/index.htm. For more information, contact Teresa Moyer (202-354-2124, teresa_moyer@nps.gov).

Assessment of Archeological Interpretation. Use the interpretive analysis model to evaluate the effectiveness of interpreting archeological resources on the basis of visitor experience at the levels of short-term outcomes, long-term outcomes, and audience feedback. Learn more about the National Park Service evaluation strategy. Register for the course in DOI Learn, then review the contents of the course website before returning to DOI Learn to complete a final assessment. The course website is available online at: http://www.nps.gov/archeology/aiassess/index.htm. For more information, contact Teresa Moyer (202-354-2124, teresa_moyer@nps.gov)

NPS Fundamentals

NPS Fundamentals I: NPS Mission and History. A cornerstone for your NPS career. Learn online at your own pace about the history of the NPS, how the NPS is organized, and how the NPS fits into the federal government. Completion of this course is a prerequisite for NPS Fundamentals II: Introduction to NPS Operations. Cost: free. For more information, go to the NPS Fundamentals website: http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm . Contact: Judy Geniac, (Judy_Geniac@nps.gov, 928-638-7881).

NPS Fundamentals III: NPS Career Management and Retirement Planning. Look ahead in your NPS career and eventual retirement. Learn online at your own pace about career and retirement planning, including sessions on advancing in your chosen career path, financial planning, insurance, and making healthy lifestyle choices. Cost: free. For more information, go to the NPS Fundamentals website: http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm. Contact: Judy Geniac, (Judy_Geniac@nps.gov, 928-638-7881).

NPS Fundamentals IV: Managing Work Life in the NPS. What are the expected legal and ethical behaviors of NPS employees? Why should diversity matter to you? What can you do to ensure a safe work environment? Get these questions answered and more in this online course studying public ethics, diversity, and safety in the NPS. Cost: free. For more information, go to the NPS Fundamentals website: http://www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm. Contact: Judy Geniac, (Judy_Geniac@nps.gov, 928-638-7881).

Wilderness

The Wilderness Act of 1964. Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands. Click on this link for course information. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Minimum Requirements Analysis. Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands. Click on this link for course information. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Wilderness Stewardship Planning Framework. Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands. Click on this link for course information. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Wilderness Visitor Use Management. A suite of three courses: Fundamentals, Strategies, and Monitoring Impacts and Uses. Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands. Click on this link for course information. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Natural Resource Management in Wilderness. A suite of twelve courses: Fundamentals, Challenges in Natural Resource Restoration, Monitoring, Evaluating Proposals for Scientific Activity, Fish and Wildlife, Fish and Wildlife Inventory and Monitoring, Threatened and Endangered Species, Air Quality, Soil and Water, Vegetation, Soundscapes, and Night Sky. Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands. Click on this link for course information. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Managing Cultural Resources in Wilderness. A suite of three courses: Fundamentals, Inventory and Monitoring, and Evaluating Scientific Proposals. Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands. Click on this link for course information. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Managing Paleontological Resources in Wilderness. A suite of three courses: Fundamentals, Inventory and Monitoring, and Evaluating Scientific Proposals. Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands. Click on this link for course information. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

Deciding to Keep Wilderness Wild: Four Cornerstones for Wilderness Managers. Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center/Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands. Click on this link for course information. Contact: Tim Devine, 406-243-4612, tim_devine@nps.gov with any questions.

EMS

EMS Training. The Branch of Emergency Services is announcing various levels of emergency medical services (EMS) training. This is offered to NPS employees at no cost by the Air National Guard. A list of offerings and dates are located under the "Training" link on the NPS EMS InsideNPS website. If you wish to attend one of the listed sessions, please contact Bob Wightman at 865-436-1261 or bob_wightman@nps.gov. He will provide additional details about the courses and will put you in touch with ANG liaison.

EMS Training. The 445th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio, is offering 22 EMS refreshers, each combined with American Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Provider classes. These courses are offered tuition free to NPS employees. Reduced-rate lodging may be available on base. Refreshers, or portions, may be attended for CEU's. Remaining EMS Refresher/CPR offerings are on the following dates: September 10 — September 14, September 17 — September 21, and September 24 — September 28. Contact Keith Gad by email (Keith_Gad@nps.gov) or by phone at 937-681-8308 to receive more information and instructions.

Retirement

Firefighter/Law Enforcement Officer Retirement Training for Human Resource Specialists, Managers and Supervisors. This course is designed to provide firefighter and law enforcement officer retirement training for human resources specialists, managers and supervisors. Cost: Free. For more information, see DOI Learn website: http://www.doi.gov/doilearn. Registration: DOI Learn Help Desk 1-866-466-1998 or email at doilearn@geolearning.com. FLERT Contact: William (Alan) Sizemore, Alan_Sizemore@ios.doi.gov 208-334-1556.

FERS Retirement Training for Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers. This course is designed to provide firefighters and law enforcement officers with information on FERS special retirement provisions so that they can manage their careers in such a way that they maximize their benefits. Special retirement provisions apply to employees occupying these positions and they have specific responsibilities that are critical to know about and act upon throughout their careers if they expect to qualify for special retirement. Cost: Free. For more information, see DOI Learn website: http://www.doi.gov/doilearn. Registration: DOI Learn Help Desk 1-866-466-1998 or email at doilearn@geolearning.com. FLERT Contact: William (Alan) Sizemore, Alan_Sizemore@ios.doi.gov 208-334-1556.

Supervision

New Supervisor Development Program. This new training and development program, which was begun last year, is designed specifically for first-time supervisors within the 12 month probationary period of their initial appointment. The New Supervisor Development Program (NSDP) is a blended learning program that is delivered both online and in residential (three day) sessions across the country in collaboration with Bureau of Land Management, and the Fish and Wildlife Service. The online modules (completely free of cost) are available on DOILearn as preliminary work, and include the basics of in knowledge and skills for a first-time supervisor. Completion of these modules is followed by a three day Supervisory Skills Workshop (SSW) that provides synthesis and skills practice. The NSDP satisfies the initial 40-hour new supervisory training required by OPM (5CFR 412.202). There will be no cost to parks and regions in FY 2012 — all costs (tuition and travel) are being funded by WASO Learning and Development. Registrations for the SSW are managed via regional employee development officers by slot allocation. For more information, please contact Katrina Roberts, NSDP Training Manager, 202-354-1487, or Brigitte Keels, 202-354-1406, or your regional employee development officer. This program is expected to continue in FY 2013, but funding has yet to be determined. Additional information can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/training/ - click on the link under "Featured Links:New!"




PARKS AND PEOPLE

Pacific West Region
Sarah Creachbaum Named Olympic National Park Superintenent

Sarah Creachbaum has been selected as the new superintendent of Olympic National Park. She replaces Karen Gustin, who retired in March after over 30 years with the National Park Service.

Creachbaum has been serving as superintendent of Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui since 2009. Prior to her arrival in Hawaii, she held the position of superintendent at War in the Pacific National Historical Park on the island of Guam and American Memorial Park on the island of Saipan. She was the 2004 National Park Service Bevinetto Fellow, and served in Washington D.C. as a staff member for the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks.

"Sarah is a proven leader and team builder, with strong wilderness management expertise. She is known for her creativity and inclusive management style," said Pacific West Regional Director Chris Lehnertz. "Sarah's ability to listen and collaborate within cultures and communities and then to create a shared vision, will be an asset to Olympic National Park."

Creachbaum began her professional career as a recreation and wilderness manager for the Shoshone National Forest in Cody, Wyoming in 1990. During the course of her career, she has worked at many national parks in the western United States, including Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Creachbaum currently serves as co-chair of the National Park Service Wilderness Leadership Council. She received a master's degree in landscape architecture and environmental planning from Utah State University in 1994.

In accepting the position Creachbaum said, "I am absolutely thrilled to work at Olympic; it has always been a dream. I look forward to working with the park staff and the community to protect the outstanding resources of the park."

Creachbaum's duties as superintendent will begin this fall when she moves to the Olympic Peninsula with her husband Bob and their border collie Jimmy.
[Submitted by Stephanie Burkhart]




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NPS serious incident submission standards can be found at the following web site:

http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custompages.cfm?prg=45&id;=8728&lv;=2&pgid;=3504

All reports should now be submitted via this automated system.