NPS AM Report

We have discussed Big Bend recently and PLB’s in the past. Interesting

Big Bend National Park (TX) Stranded Hiker Uses PLB To Summon Help

On the evening of December 30th, the U.S. Air Force notified the park that a personal locator beacon (PLB) signal had been received from a backcountry location within the park. Rangers headed to a backcountry campsite about six miles from the coordinates given by the PLB and found a vehicle registered to a visitor who had a solo hiker permit for that zone of the park. Two rangers then hiked to the approximate PLB coordinates, but were unable to find anyone in that area. They were joined by another team of searchers and a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter the following morning. The crew of the helicopter homed in on the 121.5 MHz distress transmission from the PLB within minutes of arriving on scene and soon spotted the hiker, who was waving a space blanket at them. He had “cliffed out” on the side of Elephant Tusk peak, but gave the helicopter crew a thumbs-up signal indicating that he was okay. Although the helicopter was unable to land, the crew directed searchers to the man’s location, then ferried rope and climbing equipment to the rangers on scene. They climbed to his location and helped him down. The man told rangers that he’d attempted to climb to the top of Elephant Tusk the day before. He’d cached his backpack, tent and sleeping bag and had made the ascent carrying only a space blanket, food, water, a whistle, an LED light, and a PLB. After topping a 40-foot chimney, he decided to turn back — only to find he couldn’t climb down from his location. He spent the night on a 6-foot by 50-foot ledge wrapped in the space blanket, with his PLB tied to a bush to keep it from being blown away by high winds. Overnight temperatures were just below freezing. This incident marks the first time in Big Bend that a PLB has been used by a hiker to call in rescuers. Without the PLB and assistance from the DPS helicopter, it would have been extremely difficult to find and rescue the man in a timely fashion. The PLB probably saved his life. [Submitted by Mark Spier, Chief Ranger]

Sigh. One can see why law enforcemenmt is in vogue with the park service. The idea of hitting a fee station….Ummm. Never mind 😉

Monday, August 14, 2006

INCIDENTS

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Coronado National Memorial (AZ) Park To Remain Closed Indefinitely

Coronado National Memorial, which was closed on July 31st due to destruction of facilities caused by very heavy rains, will remain closed indefinitely. During that storm, about a foot of rain fell in 30 hours, causing widespread damage to trails, utilities and the park’s main road. Workers have successfully restored running water to sinks and toilets in the administrative buildings, but there is still no potable water in the park and there are rocks, debris, and other hazards in public use areas. The severely damaged picnic area remains completely detached from functioning water lines. A trail assessment shows that the park’s most popular trail, which runs to Coronado Cave, is almost totally destroyed and will cost almost $200,000 to replace. Repairs to the main park road, a key route for the US Border Patrol, are a higher priority. Federal Highways will be visiting the park to develop a road repair estimate for emergency funding. Law enforcement rangers are actively protecting the park from illegal activities. In addition, they are securing the main park road against public traffic, which continues to be a hazard for equipment operators. The sky continues to rumble and the park is expecting more rain over the next few days. [Submitted by Leigh Carter, Interpretive Ranger/Incident IO]

Mount Rushmore National Memorial (SD) Confrontation With Outlaw Motorcycle Gang

On Thursday, August 10th, between 80 and 100 members of the Outlaws, an outlaw motorcycle gang attending the nearby Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, purposefully committed a number of traffic violations while riding as a pack through the park. The manner in which the ride was conducted suggested an intent to display power, as it occurred only two days after five members of their gang were shot in nearby Custer State Park by two members of the rival Hells Angels (see last Friday’s edition or click on “More Information” below). Park and Midwest Region special event team rangers identified the group’s chase vehicle, separated it from the pack, then conducted a high- risk vehicle stop. The rangers demonstrated both tactical and force superiority and exercised situational control throughout the stop. The vehicle was occupied by four members of the Outlaws. They were identified and interviewed and the driver was cited. They were told to pass along to their leadership that national parks are owned by the public – not motorcycle gangs – and that disrespect, such as violating traffic laws, would not be tolerated. Later that same evening, another group of approximately 30 Outlaws passed through the park. They obeyed all traffic laws. [Submitted by Hugh Dougher, Chief Ranger, Midwest Region; Mike Pflaum, Chief Ranger, Mount Rushmore NM] More Information…

Fort Matanzas National Monument (FL) Assault On Fee Collector

On Saturday, July 29th, a fee collector was assaulted and $660 was stolen from the fee booth. The incident occurred when a van drove up the toll booth at the park’s beach ramp. After the attendant told the driver that beach access was restricted to four-wheel-drive vehicles only, one of the van’s occupants got out, hit her in the face, and knocked her to the floor of the toll booth. He then reportedly stole about $660 and fled the area. The attendant is an employee of St. John’s County, which operates the toll booth on park property under the terms of an agreement. The attendant was treated at a local hospital and released. St. John’s County police are leading the investigation. [Submitted by Gordie Wilson, Superintendent]

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (CA) Marijuana Farm Raided, More Than 2,000 Plants Removed

On Wednesday, August 9th, rangers raided a marijuana farm inside the boundaries of Sequoia National Park, removing 2,152 marijuana plants with an estimated value of $2 million dollars. There were no arrests associated with this raid, but the investigation is continuing. The plantation was located within view of Moro Rock, a major feature in Sequoia National Park visited by hundreds of people per day. There were different varieties of marijuana plants, including several strains that appear to have been genetically altered. These new plants have only three leaves, and take less time to mature, allowing growers a chance to plant more than one crop in a season. In addition, the plants are shorter (less than three feet) which makes detection more difficult. The park received help during this operation from Pinnacles National Monument, Yosemite National Park, and Mojave National Preserve. Assistance from the regional office and regional special agents was critical to the successful completion of this project. [Submitted by Jody Lyle, Public Affairs Specialist]

Yosemite National Park (CA) Over 12,000 Marijuana Plants Seized From Three Plantations

On August 9th and 10th, the park’s special response team and special agents assigned to Yosemite assisted officers from the Forest Service, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management, and an eradication team from CAMP (Campaign Against Marijuana Production, part of the California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement) in the investigation and eradication of three marijuana plantations in the Merced River Canyon on the western boundary of the park. The gardens had been spotted by NPS agents and sheriff’s deputies while conducting reconnaissance flights with the California National Guard in July of this year. The two raids netted 12,451 marijuana plants, with an estimated street value of approximately $35,720,000. Two of the gardens had suspects in them, but they were able to elude apprehension. Two firearms were seized in the gardens and evidence collected will be valuable in curtailing international marijuana cultivation on public lands. [Submitted by Jeff Sullivan, Supervisory Special Agent]

Busy day

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (CA) Search In Progress For Missing Hiker

A search is currently in progress for a missing hiker in the northernmost section of Kings Canyon National Park. The missing woman was last seen by her companion on the afternoon of Monday, July 31st, when she went swimming near their camp during a multi-day backpacking trip. The woman’s companion searched the area, then hiked late into the evening until he found a location where his cell phone had service. He called someone at Florence Lake who in turn contacted the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. The National Park Service was notified at 10:30 p.m. on Monday night. Search teams from the park and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene early Tuesday morning. A full-scale search involving three helicopters, dog teams, hikers, horses, and swift-water trained personnel is ongoing. At this time, the search is focused in and along the steep, narrow, river canyons of the San Joaquin River along the John Muir Trail. The search is being coordinated by the two agencies, with the Fresno Sheriff’s Office taking primary responsibility for areas in the Sierra National Forest. [Submitted by Alexandra Picavet, Public Affairs Officer]

Grand Canyon National Park (AZ) Storms Cause Trail Damage In Park

Storms that passed over the Grand Canyon area last Monday and Tuesday evenings caused damage to the River Trail, which connects the popular Bright Angel and Kaibab Trails. Although the trail is still open to hikers, a two-mile section was eroded, exposing power and water lines. As a result, overnight mule trips to Phantom Ranch, run by Xanterra South Rim, will be cancelled through at least Saturday, August 5th, or until the trail is safe for mule travel. One-day mule trips from the Bright Angel trailhead to Plateau Point, also operated by Xanterra, are still available. The trail damage was discovered after aerial flights on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. The area known as the Sand Dunes, which is located approximately seven miles below the rim on the River Trail, was the most severely affected by the storms. Approximately 1800 linear feet of trail was eroded and other sections of the River Trail covered by debris. Trail crew members will replace nine to twelve inches of soil over the exposed lines and replace fill material where water has eroded the trail. They will also be removing debris that has washed onto several sections of the River Trail. Repair work is expected to take seven to fourteen days to complete. [Submitted by Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer]

Grand Teton National Park (WY) Rescue Of Seriously Injured Climber

Rangers evacuated a seriously injured climber from Garnet Canyon early on the morning of July 31st. Dan Vining, 52, of Plano, Texas, had severely injured his left ankle the previous day while descending the Garnet Canyon moraine, just below the fixed rope near the Lower Saddle at an elevation of approximately 11,000 feet. Vining had reached the summit of the Grand Teton earlier that day with a group of climbers led by Exum Mountain Guides. A climber in the area ascended to the Lower Saddle and reported the accident to a ranger who was on patrol there at about 3:30 p.m. The ranger provided emergency medical assistance and began helping Vining descend. Another ranger, also on patrol in the vicinity, descended to the scene, bringing a litter and other rescue equipment. The rescue party placed Vining in the litter and carried him down to the Garnet Canyon Meadows – a descent of over 2,000 feet over difficult terrain. Two other Exum guides came upon the party and provided assistance. Several climbers from private parties and three off-duty park employees also helped with the descent to the Meadows. Rangers decided that flying Vining from Garnet Canyon Meadows was a safer option for both the rangers and the patient than attempting to transport him in a rescue litter through the large boulder field below the Meadows area. Strong, erratic and gusty winds prevented rangers from utilizing the interagency contract helicopter Sunday night, but calm weather on Monday morning made it possible for the helicopter rescue operation to proceed. The helicopter flew to a landing zone in the Garnet Canyon Meadows, picked up Vining, and flew him to Lupine Meadows. He was then taken to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson. [Submitted by Jackie Skaggs, Public Affairs Officer]

Yosemite National Park (CA) Rescue Of Injured Hiker

Yosemite dispatch received a report of a woman with a head injury near the Porcupine Creek trailhead at 6:30 p.m. on July 28th. The injury resulted from a ground level fall that had occurred at 2 p.m. The woman soon started having headaches and became dizzy. Members of the hiking party, including two medical doctors, asked other visitors to call 911. Rangers from the Mather District responded along with the Tuolumne SAR team. After rangers arrived on scene, the woman began seizing and became unresponsive. The litter team ran two miles, fully loaded with gear, in order to expedite a wheeled litter carryout to a waiting ambulance. Due to paramedic interventions at the scene, the woman began to become responsive again. She was taken to a waiting medical helicopter for immediate transport to a trauma center in Modesto. [Submitted by Christopher Kuvlesky, Park Ranger/IC]

Dinosaur National Monument Multiple Same-Day Medical Responses

On the evening of Saturday, July 22nd, dispatchers in Moffat County received a satellite telephone call from rafters on the Green River within the park. They reported that one of their number had broken his ribs, asked for an ambulance, and said that they’d raft him the next day from Pot Creek to Echo Park, a distance of ten miles, and meet the ambulance at noon. On Sunday morning, a volunteer ambulance crew from Maybell arrived at the park and made its way down a steep single-lane dirt road to rendezvous with the Echo Park ranger. At about the same time, the Deerlodge ranger, stationed at the put-in on the Yampa River, received a call from a group on the Green River that reported that a man in their group had bruised his chest and needed a ranger evacuation from Echo Park. The Echo Park ranger was notified of this second injury. By 2 p.m. the temperature at Echo Park was 107 degrees and no rafters had arrived. The Deerlodge ranger then received a call from yet another group of rafters, who told him that they were six miles upriver, had cancelled their contract with the company that was to shuttle their cars, and didn’t know where their vehicles could be found. At 4:30 p.m., the commercial company believed to be transporting the man with the broken ribs showed up at Echo Park – but with no injured rafters and no knowledge of any injury. The Maybell ambulance, which had by then been at the park for more than six hours, was accordingly released. At about this time, the park received a call reporting that a 50- year-old woman had collapsed and was unconscious and suffering seizures at Winnie’s Grotto, four miles below Lodore in the Green River canyon. The park provided coordinates to a beach below Winnie’s to a LifeAlert helicopter from Grand Junction, which flew to the site and picked up the woman. As this was going on, the injured rafter arrived at Echo Park. He was suffering from either bruised or broken ribs plus multiple abrasions. Investigation revealed that he was the one and only injured party and that the reports of the rafter with the broken ribs and the rafter with chest bruises referred to the same man. The group had pinned a boat at Disaster Falls, but had finally extricated it. The injured man was the only experienced rafter in the group. He was driven to his vehicle at the Split Mountain boat ramp, but an hour-long search had to then be conducted to find his car keys. All visitors departed and staff were released at 10 p.m. [Submitted by Kathy Krisko, Assistant Chief Ranger]

Coronado National Memorial (AZ) Flooding Closes Park, Causes Major Damage

The park sustained heavy damage when more than eight inches of rain fell on the surrounding area last Sunday night and Monday morning. Parts of a paved road were washed away and the unpaved road to Montezuma Pass was made impassable by boulders and other debris. According to superintendent Kym Hall, an estimated “several millions (of dollars)” will be needed to repair the facility. “It’s bad, we got wiped out,” Hall said. A trail to the popular cave area and another well-used path were also lost as rain pushed debris down the mountainous terrain. Large trees and mud filled the picnic area and the park’s potable water system was destroyed. The park has accordingly been closed. An engineering study will be needed to determine how much work will have to be done before the it can reopen. Debris was being removed on Monday by park staff and a small group of soldiers from the Kentucky Army National Guard. The soldiers of the 201st Engineering Battalion’s Headquarters Company were heading through the park to go over Montezuma Pass to work on a project for the U.S. Border Patrol on the west side of the Huachuca Mountains. Since they couldn’t get past the visitor center, they asked for and received permission to help the park’s small staff. [Submitted by The Sierra Vista Herald]

Fort Pulaski National Monument (GA) Update On Oil Spill In Savannah River

A new assessment of the oil spill that coated part of the park’s shoreline and other areas along the Savannah River has raised the estimate of the amount released from 5,000 to 22,000 gallons. The new estimate is based on extensive scientific shoreline assessments conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Approximately two miles of Cockspur Island’s south shoreline along the river’s North Channel was heavily impacted, with some areas of the Spartina and Salicornia vegetation 100% covered with oil. The sun has evaporated the lighter chemicals within the oil and has left a very sticky remainder on the vegetation. Fiddler crabs have been affected in these areas, which has raised concerns for the wildlife that feed on them. The source of the spill has not yet been identified, but the search has been narrowed to a few possible sources. The Coast Guard has detained vessels in New York Harbor, Hampton Roads and as far away as Barcelona, Spain, to take samples from their bilge and ballast tanks and compare them with samples of the spill. Cherry Green, Southeast Region’s wetland ecologist, has been called in for further evaluation of the Spartina and Salicornia vegetation and has made recommendations on immediate actions for the park to take, including keeping the south shoreline closed to public access for the protection of visitors and to ensure that the marsh habitat is not further impacted. Additional recommendations also include intense monitoring of the affected habitat and acquiring low aerial, high resolution photography of the site in order to document vegetative changes. Rick Dawson, regional program manager for damage assessment, was also called. He has contacted the Coast Guard and has been given approval to proceed with a natural resource damage assessment. [Submitted by Charles E. Fenwick, Superintendent]

Grand Canyon National Park (AZ) Body Of Missing Hiker Found In River

Rafters on a private river trip found a woman’s body in an eddy along the Colorado River just below Ruby Rapid around 6 p.m. on July 30th. The discovery was reported to park dispatch via satellite phone. Rangers recovered the body the next day and transferred the remains to the county medical examiner’s office. The victim was subsequently identified as Iryna Shylo, who has been the subject of an intensive search since she was last seen by her hiking partner on the evening of Sunday, July 16th. The body was found about nine miles downriver from the point where she was last seen and where tennis shoes matching the type she was wearing were found over a week ago. [Submitted by Maureen Oltrogge, Public Affairs Officer]

Canaveral National Seashore (FL) Sharks Bite Visitors In Two Separate Incidents

On the afternoon of Saturday, July 22nd, a 13-year-old boy who was standing in waist-deep water at Playalinda Beach with his mother was bitten on the leg by a shark. The Kennedy Space Center received a 911 call reporting the incident and notified protection rangers; other visitors told park lifeguards what had happened. Lifeguards bandaged the wound and an ambulance from the space center took the boy to Parrish Medical Center, 16 miles away in Titusville. Doctors determined that the foot and leg injury needed additional care, so the boy was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He’s expected to make a full recovery. A week later, on July 29th, a 15-year-old boy on his surfboard at the same beach was bitten on the top of one of his feet by a three- to four-foot black tip shark while waiting for some good waves. Fellow surfers confirmed the identity of the shark and said that they’re a common sight at this time of the year. The boy was taken to Parrish Hospital, where he received eight stitches on his foot. He was then released and is reportedly doing fine. [Submitted by Eric Lugo, Chief Ranger]

Gateway National Recreation Area Two Drownings In Jamaica Bay Unit

Two visitors to the park’s Jamaica Bay Unit drowned last week – one on Thursday, the other on Saturday. On the evening of July 27th, a 40-year-old man entered the ocean at Jacob Riis Park after lifeguards had gone off duty. A 911 call from a companion brought a response from New York City officers and firefighters and from US Park Police officers. Off-duty Gateway lifeguards also responded. The man was found about 15 minutes after the first call was received. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Two days later, a 13-year-old boy who was a member of a group using the overnight campgrounds at Floyd Bennett Field drowned in Jamaica Bay after he and others from the group entered an area that is not designated for swimming. A 911 call again prompted an NPS/NYC response, including an NYPD scuba unit stationed at the field. The boy was found and rushed to a Brooklyn hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. [Submitted by Brian Feeney, Public Affairs Officer]

Grand Canyon National Park (AZ) North Rim Reopens To Visitors

The North Rim and Arizona State Highway 67 reopened to the public on Monday, July 3rd. The North Rim had been closed since the previous Monday due to the nearby Warm Fire. All services resumed when the area opened at 8 a.m. Visitors can check the status of their hotel reservations on the North Rim by calling Xanterra reservations in Denver at 888-297-2757 (those calling from outside of the United States must call 303-297-2757). Questions regarding campground reservations for the North Rim campground can be answered by calling Spherix at 800-365-2267 (callers from outside of the United States must call 301-722-1257). For questions on mule rides, please call Grand Canyon Trail Rides at 435-679-8665. The North Kaibab Ranger District in the Kaibab NF remains closed, though. Visitors with backcountry permits who require access through the North Kaibab Ranger District and those with questions regarding their backcountry permits should contact the Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center at 928-638-7875 between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. MST. [Submitted by Leah McGinnis, Management Assistant]

Flagstaff Area National Monuments Parks Reopen As Monsoon Rains Diminish Fire Danger

The Flagstaff Area National Monuments were reopened to visitors at 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 2nd, thanks to arrival of significant rainfall associated with the Southwest monsoon season. The reopening of the monuments – Wupatki, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Walnut Canyon – coincided with the reopening of Coconino National Forest lands which surround the parks, which had been closed a total of nine days. The closures were managed under ICS in concert with surrounding city, county, and federal agencies. Although recent rains in the Flagstaff area have lessened the extreme fire danger, conditions in the three monuments and surrounding forest remain critical. Park staff will continue to monitor and evaluate fire conditions on a day-to-day basis as the season progresses. [Submitted by Charles Strickfaden, Chief Ranger]

Olympic National Park (WA) Search Continues for Overdue Hiker

The search for Gilbert Gilman, 47, of Olympia, Washington, entered its seventh day on Monday. No sign of him has yet been found and no clues have been discovered regarding his travel direction. Over the course of that day:

* Two search dog teams from Pierce County Search and Rescue extended their search within the high probability zone, covering several areas not previously visited by search dogs. * A contracted Jet Ranger helicopter from Northwest Helicopters continued the search by air. * Almost 40 ground searchers continued off-trail searches within the 30 to 35 square mile search area. * Two kayakers again covered the waters of Bear Gulch.

None of these efforts resulted in evidence or indication of Gilman’s whereabouts. Four to six swift water rescue experts from Thurston County SAR were to join the search on Tuesday. These teams were to employ a special underwater camera in whitewater sections within the North Fork Skokomish River, enabling a search of areas that have been inaccessible to snorkelers and river search teams in previous efforts. Park officials are encouraging anyone who may have hiked in this area and seen Gilman on the weekend before last to contact the park at 360-565-3120. Gilman is 5’7″ tall, weighs 165 pounds, has graying hair, wears glasses, and was last seen wearing khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt of green or blue colors. [Submitted by Cat Hawkins Hoffman, Incident Information Officer]

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (PA) Body Of Local Man Found Near Flooded River

Ranger Mike Croll found the body of a man on Route 209 about a half-mile north of Bushkill Access late on the afternoon of June 29th. The victim, who appeared to be in his 60s, was wearing work boots, work pants and a faded T-shirt. He had a digital camera and a set of car and house keys in his pocket, but carried no identification. He was subsequently identified as George Anderson, 66, of Pocono Lake Estates in Bushkill, Pennsylvania. State troopers at the nearby Blooming Grove barracks had received a missing person report on him earlier that morning. He had reportedly gone down to the river to take pictures but had failed to return. Anderson evidently drowned in the river, but no determination has yet been made by the coroner. The park and Pennsylvania State Police are investigating. [Submitted by Phil Selleck, Chief Ranger]

Grand Teton National Park (WY) Injured Climber Rescued from Garnet Canyon

Natalie Pinecaud, 23, of Victor, Idaho, slipped while descending a snowfield last Tuesday and was not able to self-arrest using her ice axe. Pinecaud tumbled about 100 feet, seriously injuring her leg before coming to a stop in a streambed near the Spalding Falls switchbacks. Park employees working in the area called the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center to report the incident after encountering Pinecaud and her climbing partner, Nick Gladd, 25, also of Victor, Idaho. Due to the nature of Pinecaud’s injuries, the location of the accident, and an approaching thunderstorm, rangers decided to utilize an interagency contract helicopter to evacuate her. Two rangers were flown to the scene. They assessed Pinecaud’s injuries, provided emergency medical care, and stabilized her for transport by air. Four more rangers were flown in to provide additional assistance. Rangers used the short-haul technique to fly the patient and a ranger – suspended below the helicopter on a double rope system – to Lupine Meadows. Pinecaud was then transported by ambulance to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson for further treatment. This marks the eighth major search and rescue operation in the park this year. [Submitted by Jackie Skaggs, Public Affairs Specialist]