Courier TheNational Park Service Newsletter Vol.3, No. 13 Washington, D.C. December 1980

Director's Christmas Message to Employees: During 1980, it has been rewarding to me personally to observe the commitment, dedication and resilience of this organization. Furthermore, I know we will continue, in 1981 and beyond, to create an enduring stewardship model, through protection of parks and provision for public use, despite changing times and sometimes difficult circumstances. We all know that the nurturing of a conservation and environmental ethic is greatly enhanced by faithful and enlightened administration of national park areas, and that effort will continue to command our highest priority. I am grateful to each member of the organization, whether permanent, subject to furlough or seasonal, for your contribution during 1980, and I wish for each of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and continued success and happiness during 1981. Godspeed, Mr. Secretary

Secretary Cecil D. Andrus, who but each part was a jewel, to be treasured announced several months ago that he and passed on to succeeding generations would not serve beyond 4 years, has been preparing to leave the Interior "Throughout his public career the Department. Secretary has dedicated himself to the so- Although he was unable to attend the called 'quality of life' issues." meeting of the National Park System Three of his statements in this vein are: Advisory Board held this fall in Port "Conservation is no longer a pious Angeles, Wash., the Secretary's interest ideal, but a necessary element for our in the Park Service, and his appreciation survival . . . for the Board's work, were expressed in a "We have to make a living, but after we message delivered by Field make a living, we have to have a living Representative Chris Carlson. Following that's worthwhile . . . are a few excerpts. "To preserve is not to sacrifice or destroy. Wild rivers . . . parks. . . "Secretary Andrus has always referred wildernesses . . . are assets, not to the National Park Service as 'the handicaps." flagship of the Interior fleet.' Wherever Washington office employees of NPS he has gone in his travels throughout the will remember the Secretary for the country during the past 4 years he has sincere and emotional remarks he made consistently been impressed with the off-the-cuff at the announcement of the high caliber of people within the Service, appointment of Director Dickenson. their professionalism and dedication . . . Andrus showed then how seriously he "I don't have to recite to this group the took the matter of that selection, and litany of advances, from the Redwoods how important he considers it to stop the expansion to the Executive Orders "revolving-door" approach that has protecting approximately 110 million governed the selection of Directors for a acres in Alaska. The Secretary has always decade. felt that each part of the Park Service, not The COURIER wishes Secretary Andrus just the Alaskan wilderness set-asides, success as he undertakes new tasks.

Interagency chopper fights Colorado fires By Paul Broyles Natural Resource Management Mesa Verde National Park

Somewhere in the Mesa Verde plateau, three Federal agencies are putting one helicopter to very good use. In an effort to improve fire management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (Ute Mountain Ute Indian Agency), the Bureau of Land Management (Montrose District) and the National Park Service (Mesa Verde National Park) are jointly participating in a "helitack program." The purpose is to share the aircraft and equipment costs, and jointly contribute to the program's manpower. Radio frequencies are shared as are portable radios and other helicopter and fire equipment. The helitack idea originated with Jim Olsen of NPS, and Jim Schneider of BIA, fire specialists who were aware of the need to cooperate on fire and resource management on the Mesa Verde plateau. The program was launched by these two agencies in 1978. In 1979, BLM, which manages much of the adjoining land, joined the program. The helicopter is used primarily for fire suppression, but it is also put to valuable use in rounding up trespassing cattle and Winter scene, Clilf Palace, Mesa Verde NP, Colo. stray horses, establishing boundaries for

2 fencing, insect and disease surveys, archeological site surveillance, search and rescue, law enforcement, wildlife surveys, and transport of archeology crews for site surveys. The "protection zone" for which the interagency helitack crew is responsible, encompasses more than 800,000 acres within a 50-mile radius of Mesa Verde National Park. Most of this land is covered by sage, pinyon-juniper, and ponderosa forests. The helicopter and crews are available to assist other agencies in the area, including the Forest Service, Colorado State Forest Service, and the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office. During 1979 and 1980 there was extensive development of helitack facilities and personnel training was conducted. Ninety-five helispots (including a base, a "helihut," and a fuel shed) were constructed across the Mesa Verde plateau. Construction of these sites will allow ready access to the mostly roadless mesa. The helitack crew, comprised of five Interagency Helitack, Summer 1980. (Front row) Clen Cotonuts BIA crewman; Terry Lay, NPS employees, three BIA employees Evergreen helicopter pilot;, Bill Pool, NPS crewman. (Back row) Paul Broyles, NPS Interagency and one BLM employee, received more Helitack coordinator; )im Tschetter, NPS, helitack foreman; Mark Harvey, NPS crewman; Charles Newmann, NPS crewman; Don Whyte, BIO crewman; Bill Collins, BLM assistant helitack foreman; than 120 hours of instruction in and Eric Eyetoo, BIO crewman. interagency helicopter training, basic firefighter and fire behavior, power saws, Aerial view, Chapin Mesa Heliport, located in an old 1880s burn site. standard first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, helitack operations specific to this program, defensive driving, and k technical evacuation/mountain rescue. Next year an additional employee will be added to the crew, and a larger helicopter with better performance capabilities will be contracted. Further training will be developed to add continuity to the program. The managers of the helitack program are enthusiastic over its continued success, interagency cooperation in particular. With shrinking agency dollars and increased management problems, this cooperative program sets an example that will be repeated with greater frequency throughout the field of Federal resource management. Ground view, Chapin Mesa Heliport.

3 Garbage supplies NCR energy

Kenilworth Park, National Capital Region, as a burning dump. Kenilworth Park, NCR, converted to landfill and methane energy source.

By Robert Cook sanitary landfill phase, 500,000 tons of raw Energy and Argonne National Agronomist, National Capital Region refuse and 316,000 tons of incinerator ash Laboratory, the two got together and were deposited in Kenilworth Park. thoroughly surveyed the park for Few parks have their own built-in In a "sanitary landfill" each day's methane. By this time methane was energy supply. National Capital Region refuse is compacted and sealed with a found throughout the area. has two. covering layer of earth material. This, in The landfill gas produced at It is a source that can be burned theory, is not attractive to rats, flies, and Kenilworth is unique. Unlike typical directly as it comes from the ground, or it other vermin and prevents odors and landfill, some wells yielded gas with as can be processed and used as automotive windblown debris from contaminating much as 98 percent methane with an motor fuel. Besides, it is, in a sense, a the surrounding area. Three feet of soil average of 85 percent from wells tested renewable resource. What is it? Landfill and earthy material was placed over the to date. It is not known why the methane gas or methane and it comes from final layer of refuse. This was content should be so high here, but this garbage and trash. supplemented by about 40,000 cubic landfill has an unusually high ash One of these sources is in part of yards of sewage sludge mixed with the content, and the temperature was low National Capital Parks-East, known surface soil. Grass and shade trees were compared to other landfills. Both of officially as Anacostia Park, Section G, planted to complete the initial stages of these may be factors contributing to the and popularly known as Kenilworth Park. return of the area to park use. When high methane content. NCR experts are In 1942, the District of Columbia Kenilworth Park was operated as a assuming that when this methane field is government requested permission to sanitary landfill, this method was thought tapped and utilized the gas content will establish a burning dump. This operated to be the ultimate in refuse disposal. It shift toward the more common 50-60 until 1968. Burning ceased in February was buried, sealed, lost and gone forever. percent methane. 1968, when a young boy playing in the However, things are seldom as perfect area was fatally burned. Later that year, it as they are supposed to be and the refuse There is every reason to believe there was reopened as a sanitary landfill. In soon made its presence known in the is enough methane being generated in early 1970, refuse disposal was form of methane. This was first identified the Kenilworth Park landfill to heat and discontinued and the land restored to in the summer of 1973, when the trees provide hot water in all Park Service park use. began dying. Methane is a colorless, buildings in the park for the next 10-20 During the burning-dump period, the odorless, lighter than air gas. It is years. ash from some 6.4 million tons of refuse produced by microbial decomposition of Jack Fish, NCR Regional Director, was dumped here. In addition, 3.6 organic matter in the absence of air. announced that recent contractual million tons was burned on the site. The Methane is flammable and when mixed arrangements have been completed with burning resulted in a cloud of smoke and in air at concentrations between 5 and 15 the Johns Hopkins University Applied stench, described by Gen. Robert Mathe, percent, is explosive. National Capital Physics Laboratory for plans and Engineer Commissioner, District of Region officials discovered methane at specifications for control of landfill gas. Columbia, as "the largest single source of Kenilworth because of its toxicity to Once controlled, the waste energy can air pollution in the District," and indeed plants. be substituted for natural gas and fuel oil the smoke could be seen for miles. In 1979, National Capital Region began at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. Not only was this burning dirty, but it looking for someone to help evaluate the Park Superintendent Bernie Kearney, was very inefficient, so inefficient that methane potential at Kenilworth. At the NCP-East, anticipates that once the the result has been described as "toasted same time, Johns Hopkins University installation is complete, all costs will be garbage." When the sanitary landfilling Applied Physics Laboratory was looking recovered in less than 5 years. began, about 3.1 million tons of partially for landfills in the east that they could Superintendent Kearney plans to convert burned refuse was on the site. During the study. Through the Department of all nine buildings and greenhouses from

4 conventional fuel oil and natural gas to system during the 5 year period. In a project. This will leave the southern landfill gas for all building heating and more isolated park this entire facility portion untapped and available for hot water. could be energy self-sufficient. heating the maintenance facility there as Utility costs are expected to be Methane-powered internal combustion well. There would also be gas available reduced from $34,000 to $14,700 annually engines could drive the necessary for other uses. Because this end of the and avoid consuming 19 barrels of high blowers and a generator to provide park is adjacent to an industrial area, a grade fuel oil or equivalent natural gas electricity for lighting and monitoring self-sufficient processing facility could be average daily, each day. equipment. However, to keep noise developed using the methane to Wells will be drilled through the pollution to a minimum Kenilworth will generate electricity, which could be used landfill about 200-250 feet apart. These use commercial electric power. throughout the park, to heat the will be connected by an underground A portion of the pumphouse will be maintenance buldings there, or it might network of pipes to a pumphouse where devoted to an interpretive exhibit to be processed for use as motor fuel. Thus, the excess moisture and the sulfur demonstrate the process of recovery and methane that had been seeping through compounds will be removed. From here use, to compare the costs, and to the ground and killing trees will be it will be piped to the two greenhouse illustrate the reduction in the amount of diverted to the recovery system and put complexes and office-visitor contact imported energy used. to use. In the end we will be getting station at the Kenilworth Aquatic nearly free energy and healthier Gardens. The landfill gas will replace It is hoped that the methane from the vegetation. As long as there is garbage over $30,000 worth of commercial natural northern portion (known locally as "Pork and trash and the microorganisms, we gas and fuel oil each year. This will pay Chop Hill" because of its shape on have the potential for an easy-to-use, for the development of the recovery contour maps) will be adequate for the clean renewable energy source.

And now— up, they are dried by a flue-draft system, a solar privy painted black to absorb heat, and to William M. Tipton, a microbiologist move air. The dried solids can be formerly employed at Rocky Mountain incinerated. Then, the liquids flow into a National Park, Colo., has invented a privy solar distillation basin where urine salts to be run on solar power for use in the are removed. The urine distillate high country of the park. His design is (essentially water) is then drained into inexpensive to build and operate, and the environment. requires minimal maintenance because it With increased backcountry use from uses a distillation and incineration nearby metropolitan areas, the quality of process. surface water is a major concern for NPS. In the past, helicopters were used to Experienced hikers usually carry an remove human waste from the more ample supply of fresh water, but less heavily used locations of the park—a informed visitors often drink from what costly operation. appears to be cool, clean, drinking water, The solar privy distills waste so that rapidly flowing through unpolluted high removal is not required. First, solid mountain streams. Many hikers drink the wastes are separated from liquid waste raw water with no ill effects. But with using a modified 55-gallon barrel and 30- increasing backcountry use, the chance gallon water-heater tank. As solids build Microbiologist William M. Tipton, Rocky of contracting diseases is also increasing. Mountain National Park.

Solar privy, designed for use in the high country of the park at Rocky Mountain.

5 YCC constructs handicapped trail at Fire Island

By Holly Bundock around the bends with a caution for the for approximately 2V5 years and has done Public Information Specialist, NARO people using wheelchairs and canes. an excellent job guiding it through the During the August 20 inauguration planning, funding and construction What does someone who has difficulty ceremony of the trail, nine processes. His efforts are deserving of walking or moving around do at a beach representatives from the Seashore, note and congratulations on a job well and sand-covered nature area? That was county government, and handicap done." the puzzle the Fire Island National consultants pounded the "golden So, 82,000 nails later, YCC kids at Fire Seashore, N.Y., staff pondered 2Vi years spikes" into the last few boards. Island finished a mammoth job which ago during planning meetings on a Superintendent Joel Picklener praised almost everyone thought would take two proposed wilderness area for the barrier the YCC group and acknowledged the summers. But not the park maintenance island. accomplishments through teamwork. men Steve Singler, Andy Rokus, and "You can come back years from now and Charlie Magale who instilled, as Kiehn The answer? Construct a nature trail say, 'I helped do that!'". said, "a lot of spirit of team work and especially for the handicapped. Suffolk County Legislator John Rosso, competition." And that's exactly what the 30-member who manages a portion of Smith Point as One group of 12 YCC kids started at YCC crew did in under 6 weeks last a county park, was impressed with the the head of the trail while the second summer. Headed by Lester Kiehn, YCC high quality of the walk, less than a group of 12 YCCers worked from the camp director, Walter Titus, work leader, football field away from the open ocean end. The maintenance men kept a and Sue Britts, YCC enrollee, the crew and bayside. "It came out beautifully . . . constant flow of carefully sawed boards battled thousands of poison ivy vines, what a pleasure it is to see something we and wedges coming. Kiehn, who jokes inhaled mosquitoes, fought off biting can all use and enjoy." about worrying whether the two groups flies and ticks, and managed to pound One of the handicapped consultants, would miss in the middle, said the day- nearly 300 feet of board a day in Tom Hodne of the Eastern Paralized to-day competition between the groups sweltering 90° plus heat waves. But by Veterans Association, added, "This trail is over the number of boards placed was a August, the 4,615 feet of boardwalk were great for handicapped people but will key to the success of the construction completed and ready for christening. also make it easier for the able-bodied to project. The handicap trail at the east end of get around. I hope it will be well used And all the YCC kids were out in force the seashore (Fire Island runs east to west and wear out so we can replace it with a for the opening, leading the way along along the southern shore of Long Island, bigger one!" the first guided nature tour past the N.Y.), known as Smith Point, is a real different life zones including ocean success story. "Its nearly mile long, There were others involved in the beaches, transverse dunes, forests and snake-like path touches every life zone development of the trail, including VIP salt marshes. The poison ivy has been cut found on the narrow spit of land," Tom Quinn, who like Titus and Hodne, is away, the mosquitoes were down to a Assistant Chief Ranger Neal Bullington handicapped. He served as a consultant more tolerable number, and edible tells nature walkers. and did construction work—digging berries like beach plums, blueberries, Opening day of the trail saw other than holes and carpentry. and raspberries were ripening as the first handicapped visitors using the twisting Hodne noted during the inauguration wheelchairs and canes made the way path. Bicyclers, roller skaters, and skate day that Park Ranger Don Weirs "has along the ramp collecting bystanders as boards sailed down the ramps and been working on this worthwhile project they went by. Neal Bullington, assistant chief ranger for Interpretation, points to primary dune line and talks about different life zones. Fire Island NS, N.Y.

6 Ground broken for visitor center at Cedar Hill

U 5

Groundbreaking for a visitor center to be erected at Cedar Hill, residence of abolitionist and statesman Frederick Douglass. (From left) Fannie Douglass, granddaughter-in-law to Frederick Douglass; Manus I. Fish, NCR Regional Director; Denise Joseph, daughter to Under Secretary of the Interior Joseph; lames Joseph, Under Secretary of the Interior; Ira \. Hutchinson, Deputy Director NPS; Maxine Boyd, President of the Frederick Douglass Association; Louis Anthony, Special Assistant to the Mayor of the District of Columbia, and Nadine Winters, D.C. Councilwoman.

NPS craftsman wins blues at county fair A wooden split "gizzard basket" and Friends of Poff Mountain, Va., influenced herringbone pattern chair seat, both his present basket design. woven by Chief of Interpretation Arnold At Fort Scott, all of the traditional crafts Schofield of Fort Scott National Historic mentioned have a potential place in the Site, Kans., were awarded blue ribbons at interpretive program. Soldiers of pre- the 1980 Bourbon County Fair held at Civil War frontier forts often made their Fort Scott, last July. Split weaving is a own chairs and used splits.for the seats. traditional rural craft which Arnold Similar baskets have been identified in learned from Mrs. Edna Ware of Harpers historic photographs of the adjacent Ferry National Historical Park, W. Va., town, and the post quartermaster when he was assigned there as the operated a permanent military forge. resident blacksmith. His basketmaking Recently, Arnold has developed an skill was developed by the "all thumbs interest in 19th-century stoneware. He method" of trial and error while he was plans to study the potter's trade and assigned to the North District of the Blue produce jugs, crocks and mugs of Ridge Parkway at Roanoke, Va. Miss Ann traditional design. If past experience is Ragan and Festus Bourne of the Parkway, any indication, he no doubt will! basketmakers of the Blue Ridge and

7 Park Briefs

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK—Two GLACIER NP, MONT.—Park rangers persons were arrested and about 1 ton of are seeking better ways to protect visitors marijuana was confiscated Oct. 12, when MARTIN LUTHER KING NHS, GA.— from dangerous grizzly bears, which rangers discovered four separate plots in President Carter signed legislation Oct. have already claimed three lives this year. which a total of more than 400 plants had 10 establishing this 23.5-acre area in One of the problems is the tremendous been cultivated. Six park concession downtown Atlanta as a memorial to the increase in the use of the backcountry in employees were also under investigation slain civil rights leader. Under the law, recent years. In July, a young bear for complicity. The street value of the NPS will develop picnic grounds, guided rampaged through a camp killing two marijuana was put at about $1 million. tours, parking lots, in addition to people. The bear was later identified and The plants had been carefully pruned, renovating existing structures, including destroyed. Early in October, rangers fertilized and irrigated and the harvest the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King discovered the remains of a Texas man, had begun when the bust was made. preached; the Martin Luther King Jr., killed by a grizzly. There's strong Center for Social Change, and King's evidence that a bear destroyed shortly birthplace and grave. WAR IN THE PACIFIC NHP, CUAM- afterwards was involved. Eight feet tall, Newly appointed historian James and weighing up to 800 pounds, the THEODORE ROOSEVELT NP, N.D.— Miculka believes the U.S. bombing of animal can run up to 25 mph. Bison roundups in both the North and Japanese caves during World War II may South units of the park have netted a have created time capsules when the ROCK CREEK PARK, D.C.—A fire total of 185 animals this fall. Through caves were sealed in 1944. This could be a destroyed part of a U.S. Park Police stable arrangements with the Bureau of Indian treasure trove of World War II relics. early Oct. 8. Five horses kept there were Affairs, seven Indian tribes received the Miculka is also focusing on recreating safely evacuated and no injuries were bison for herd restocking. Tribes battle scenes and reconstructing gun reported during the blaze. Firefighters, included in the distribution were the emplacements and fortifications in Asan who later entered the structure, Cheyenne River of South Dakota, Jicarilla and Agat. In setting up his historical determined that the most likely cause of of New Mexico, Kickapoo of Kansas, and program he is "trying to blend two the blaze was a short circuit in a wire the Rocky Boy, Northern Cheyenne, different cultural backgrounds, connected to a portable heater. Damage Blackfeet, Flathead and Crow of American and Japanese." Many visitors was estimated at $100,000. Montana. to Guam come from Japan.

New rating system implemented

Performance Appraisal regarding job performance and job how the system works, what it is used for, By Lucille Emerson expectations. Employees will be given an how it affects them, and how it can Branch of Employee Relations, WASO opportunity annually to participate in benefit them. In addition, these training career planning and assessment of sessions will address such topics as: The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, training needs as they relate to agency • planning sessions during which the which was designed to improve needs and goals. rating official, with input from the Government efficiency and to balance Performance elements will be employee, establishes the management authority with employee identified which define aspects of performance elements, critical protections, has resulted in a great deal performance judged to be of sufficient elements, and performance of emphasis being placed on evaluating importance to warrant appraisal. Some of standards for the employee's employee performance. Under the law these will be identified as critical position; each agency must have a system for elements, that is, of sufficient importance • the ongoing performance review periodically appraising employee job that performance on any one of them process and the need for continuous performance. The appraisal results will which is below the standard set by communication between the be used as a basis for decisions to train, management requires remedial action employee and supervisor reward, reassign, promote, demote, (denial of within-grade for employees throughout the rating period; retain, or remove employees (for reasons not under merit pay, reduction-in-grade, • the performance appraisal and the other than misconduct). removal, etc.). formal performance appraisal Performance standards will define the interview session; In the National Park Service all level of performance required of an • the review process and the effects of employees (with certain exceptions) employee for all identified performance differences between the rating occupying full-time, less than full-time, elements. Each year (not sooner than 90 official (usually the employee's or temporary positions which are days or longer than 12 months in a immediate supervisor) and the expected to exceed 120 days in a 12- position) employees will receive an reviewing official (usually the rating month period are covered under the appraisal comparing their performance official's immediate supervisor); and new performance appraisal system. against pre-established performance • avenues available to employees to All employees must be informed of the standards and a summary rating level will resolve a concern regarding an critical elements and performance be assigned. aspect of performance appraisal. standards by January 1981, which will be This appraisal system will require a We fully anticipate that this the start of the first appraisal cycle for good deal of effort on the part of performance appraisal system will non-Merit Pay employees. This employees and supervisors alike. improve organization effectiveness requirement will provide for Training is now being conducted to through more productive, informed, employer/employee communication assure that all employees understand motivated, and satisfied employees.

8 NPS people in the news Kerr heads Southwest, Dayton deputy Born in Woodlake, Calif., Kerr graduated from Oregon State University in 1956 with a degree in forest management. He worked first for the Park Service as a seasonal ranger at Sequoia National Park, Calif. In 1956, he received his first permanent assignment at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, N.C.-Tenn. During his career he has held superintendencies at Grand Teton National Park; and Canyonlands and Zion National Parks, Utah. Prior to that Kerr served as a resource management specialist in WASO, and in posts at Shenandoah National Park, Va., and Everglades National Park. In 1976, Kerr received the Interior Department's Meritorious Service Award.

Dayton, a native of Akron, Ohio, received his Bachelor's degree in wildlife Donald A. Dayton. Robert I. Kerr, who had been acting management from Ohio State University director since April, has been officially in 1951. National Monument, N. Mex., in 1964. In named Southwest Regional director. He bagan his Federal career as a smoke 1967, he became superintendent of Kerr named Donald A. Dayton as his jumper for the Forest Service in Missoula, Petrified Forest National Park, Ariz., and deputy. Dayton comes to his new post Mont., and also held seasonal jobs at in 1970 assumed his superintendency at from the superintendency of Carlsbad Glacier National Park, Mont., and Carlsbad. Caverns National Park, N. Mex. Sequoia. Way back in 1959, Dayton received a Kerr succeeds Lorraine Mintzmyer He has served as a ranger at Devil's Valor Award for killing a grizzly bear that who became Rocky Mountain Regional Tower National Monument, Wyo., and was mauling a mountain climber at director in April. became superintendent of White Sands Glacier.

Gebler to Mather Cummins to Pearl Charles J. Gebler has been selected to Garv T. Cummins has been appointed succeed David O. Karraker as the first superintendent of the U.S.S. superintendent of the Mather Training Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Center at Harpers Ferry, W. Va. Karraker Oahu, Hawaii. was recently named head of the Albright Under a cooperative agreement with Training Center, Ariz. the U.S. Navy, the Park Service will Gebler comes to the Harpers Ferry manage a new shoreside facility, Training Center from the position of constructed by the Navy, and provide chief, Division of Interpretation and interpretation at the sunken battleship. Visitor Services, Pacific Northwest Regional Office. Cummins, was born in Salt Lake City. A native of Connecticut, Gebler He received Bachelor and Master of Arts graduated from the State University with degrees in history from the University of a Bachelor of Science in wildlife Montana, and a Master of Arts in management and went on to earn his anthropology from the University of Master's in conservation at the University Arizona. of Michigan. He holds teaching For 3 summers Cummins worked as a credentials in conservation and science seasonal park ranger. In 1972, he was and has pursued advanced studies in employed by the State of Hawaii's communications and management. Historic Preservation Office as an Charles J.Gebler. He got his start in NPS at Yellowstone historian, and 2 years later became the as a seasonal during the early '50s and at Yosemite National Park and Grand director of that office. began full-time employment in 1955. Canyon National Park; park naturalist During his career he has held positions with the National Capital Region, and In the summer of 1977, he began his as special assistant to the regional assistant chief park naturalist at Rocky permanent career with the Park Service director for Environmental Awareness Mountain National Park. when he was employed at the Denver and regional naturalist, Western Regional He holds the Interior Department's Service Center as a cultural resources Office; chief park naturalist, Mount Meritorious Service Award. specialist. He worked on several major Rainier National Park, Wash.; instructor Gebler began his new assignment Oct. planning projects as a staff archeologist, in interpretation for NPS training centers 14. the position he left to go to Hawaii.

9 Schmidt to Sagamore superintendency of Longfellow National Tucker to Andersonville Historic Site, Mass., where he worked Loretta L Schmidt, a 12-year NPS closely with the staff at Lowell. John N. Tucker has been appointed as employee has been named the new superintendent of Andersonville superintendent of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Ga. National Historic Site, N.Y. Bezy to Pecos Tucker, a park ranger previously Schmidt, former supervisory ranger at stationed at Fort Sumter National San Juan National Historic Site, P.R., Monument S.C., reported to his new began her new assignment this month. assignment Nov. 17. Her Park Service career has taken her He succeeds John H. Flister, who to Edison National Historic Site, N.J., retired recently after serving as manager where she was a park historian, and later of the historic area for 6 years. to Minute Man National Historical Park, Tucker, a native of Danbury, N.C., Mass., as park historian. She is noted for joined the Park Service in 1970 following initiating an oral history program of his graduation from North Carolina State interviews with former Edison University with a Bachelor's degree in colleagues. forestry, natural resources and recreation Before arriving at her present position, management. Schmidt served as an Equal Employment After initial training assignments at Opportunity chairman for the Boston Great Smoky Mountains National Park area and as a park ranger in the Federal N.C.-Tenn., and National Capital Parks, training center in Washington. he was named supervisory park ranger at She has also served the Student Ocmulgee National Monument, Ga., Conservation Association as assistant where he served for more than 2 years. executive director while serving at In 1975, Tucker transferred to San Sagamore Hill and attending Hunter Diego, Calif., where he was supervisory College graduate school in New York. John E. Bezy has been named park ranger at Cabrillo National superintendent of Pecos National Monument. For the past 3 years, he had Monument, N. Mex. been supervisory park ranger at Fort Bainbridge Bezy succeeds Ernest Ortega, who Sumter. recently transferred to San Antonio to Natchez Trace Missions National Historical Park, Tex., as chief ranger. Miculka, new ranger James L. "Jim" Bainbridge has been Bezy previously served as supervisory selected as the new superintendent of park ranger at Bryce Canyon National on Guam Natchez Trace Parkway, Miss.-Tenn.-Ala. Park, Utah. War in the Pacific National Historical For the past 9 years, Bainbridge has Bezy's first permanent Park Service Park, Guam, has a new ranger in the been associate director of Operations for position was at Petrified Forest National person of James E. Miculka. the Southeast Region. Park, Ariz., as a park technician in 1972- Miculka is a specialist in historical He succeeds C. W. "Jack" Ogle, who 1976 after serving as a seasonal in 1970- interpretation and plans to set up an has transferred to the Southeast Regional 1972. He then transferred to Lake Mead educational program for the Guam Office as deputy director for Support National Recreation Area, Ariz-Utah in school system, in addition to offering Services. 1976 as a park ranger until 1978. He guided tours for visiting groups. A civil engineer, Bainbridge joined the served 2 years at Bryce Canyon. The new ranger, who is a champion Park Service in 1960, after service with the Prior to joining the National Park chili chef from Texas, comes to Guam navy and for the Alaska Road Service, Bezy taught geography at the from Fort Union Trading Post National Commission. University of Arizona in 1967-1969 and Historical Site, N. Dak., Mont. He has served in engineering science in the Pittsfield, Mass., public He is a graduate of Sul Ross State capacities at Crater Lake National Park, schools in 1969-1970. University in Alpine, Tex., where he Oreg., and Oregon Caves National Born in Vincennes, Ind., Bezy has a majored in history and paleontology. Monument. He also served NPS stints at Bachelor's degree in geology/ Death Valley and Joshua Tree National geography from the University of Monuments, Calif. Later he transferred Colorado and a Master's degree from the to the Service Center in Denver. University of Arizona. In 1971, he became Southeast Regional Valor awards director for Park Operations. Bainbridge Decker, new district At the 47th annual Honor Wards is a native of Weiser, Idaho, and Convocation, held Oct. 21 at the Main graduated from the University of Idaho naturalist Interior Building in Washington, D.C., with a Bachelor's degree in civil L. Joe Decker, a former U.S. Marine Citations for Valor were presented to engineering. and Vietnam veteran, has been named seven Park Service employees by new West Lakes District naturalist at Secretary Cecil D. Andrus. Brown to Lowell Glacier National Park, Mont. James K. Braggs, a ranger at Grand The Matton, III., native joined the Park Canyon National Park, was cited for James L. Brown has been named acting Service in 1976 and has served in other courageous action under hazardous superintendent of Lowell National Federal posts with the U.S. Corps of Army conditions to save a woman from Historical Park, Mass., succeeding Lew Engineers and the Environmental drowning. During the May 25 Albert, who has been transferred to Protection Agency. investigation of a fatal boating accident Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation He is a graduate of Eastern Illinois on the Colorado River, he observed Area, Ohio. University with a Master's degree in another boat capsize in the treacherous Brown comes to Lowell from the zoology. rapid known as "The Slide." Mrs.

10 Katheryn Farthing was trapped under the craft. Ranger Braggs sped to the Steve Stone receives Presidential recognition overturned boat. He had a nearby boater hold him by the ankles while he went down under the boat to free Mrs. Farthing from her death trap. Phillip W. Cholak, a member of the U.S. Park Police on duty on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, Md., received his Valor Citation for courageous action in rescuing a fellow officer from a burning vehicle. On Feb. 6, Cholak was in pursuit of a speeder who refused to stop. While traveling 80 mph, he observed the car collide into the rear of the other officer's patrol car. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. He pulled his fellow officer, Raymond C. Meeks, to safety, and seconds later the car was totally engulfed in flames. Chester M. Hendrickson, also a U.S. Park Policeman, rescued a potential suicide victim from death when she leaped off a bridge in Washington, D.C. Hendrickson jumped into the polluted waters of the Anacostia River from a rescue helicopter and retrived the woman from 25 feet of water. He then revived her. Steve Stone (center) surrounded by other Outstanding Handicapped Federal Employees of the Two Mount Rainier National Park, Year, at Honor Awards Convocation, Oct. 9. Wash., rescue team members got valor awards for saving the life of a critically By Ann Meroney injured climber June 22,1979. Branch of Employee Relations, WASO bodied persons to help the disabled Rangers Garry D. Olson and Jean Paul public. These are only a small part of his de St. Croix were lowered at night by Needless to say, Steve Stone is an accomplishments. rescue helicopter onto a precarious enthusiastic river runner, and a pioneer Steve Stone's exceptional efforts have mountain side and assisted in lifting the wheelchair-bound river runner at that! led to a very special recognition—a injured climber on the helicopter. In the January 1980 COURIER, Steve Presidential Recognition. Steve was Because of darkness, noise, rotor wash related his exciting experience running honored at a ceremony in Washington, and blowing snow this operation was the Colorado River through the Grand D. C, on Oct. 9, as one of 10 Outstanding extremely difficult. Canyon National Park— "the quickened Handicapped Federal Employees of 1980. John J. Troy, a ranger at Cape Hatteras pulse, the huge-standing waves, the On behalf of the President of the United National Seashore, N.C., saved the lives pliable rubber boats running foaming States, the award was presented by Dr. of three persons while on routine patrol rapids, the unique sense of adventure!" Edwin W. Martin, Assistant Secretary for near an area called Pea Island. In the Due in large part to Steve's efforts, this Special Education and Rehabilitation, area, known for its strong currents and exhilarating experience is now available Department of Education. sudden dropoffs, Troy noticed that a man to wheelchair-bound visitors. Steve The Outstanding Handicapped Federal was assisting another man and a young Stone has been an Outdoor Recreation Employee of the Year Program focuses boy who had gotten into trouble off Pea Planner at the Denver Service Center nationwide attention on the job Island. Troy immediately went into the since February 1978 and has since that capabilities of handicapped people water with a rescue buoy and plucked time utilized his potential for assisting employed by the Federal Government. out a man who was in a more precarious our parks in developing a more rigorous Highlighting these exceptional position nearby. Later, he returned and and effective handicap access program. accomplishments increases an awareness rescued the man and boy, assisting them He has provided the Park Service with a of the value of these people's to shore, swimming through strong new insight and depth of understanding contributions and publicizes the Federal currents. with respect to handicapped visitors and career opportunities available to other Stephen E. Yancho, a tour guide at their recreational needs and potential handicapped individuals. Most Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, opportunities in the park field areas. important, the program focuses public Mich., received his citation for rescuing Steve Stone has not only made a name attention on the importance of using all another drowning victim. On Aug. 5, two for himself with the NPS, but is now of America's human resources teenagers were swept into deep water by reaching other Federal, State and private effectively—not only in Government, but undertow and crashing waves. Hearing organizations by being involved in the in the private sector as well. cries of help from atop an 80-foot development and implementation of a Steve Stone reflects the purpose of the lighthouse, Yancho raced to the rescue number of instructive courses on program very well. He leaves quite an and plunged into the surf fully clothed handicap access and interpretation. He impression on people. You don't have and swam out several hundred feet to has also developed, designed and is time to notice that he is wheelchair- rescue the victims. Later Yancho currently implementing with the bound. You merely see a man who admitted to being a weak swimmer, but cooperation of a local television station, a believes in his capabilities of doing his said he could not let the cries for help go public service commercial which (Continued on Page 12.) unanswered. demonstrates techniques for able-

11 best in his job because he genuinely likes his work. Bryant receives DSA Those participating in the 3-days of John L. Bryant, President of the well as seeking additional donations for activities surrounding the presidential special National Park Service projects. ceremony were Mrs. Karen Stone, Steve's National Park Foundation, received the Interior Department's Distinguished Through his efforts, land has been added wife; Mrs. Myrtle Stone, his mother from Service Award, Oct. 21. The citation was to such parks as: Acadia National Park, California; Mrs. Bonnie Mcintosh, his awarded to Bryant for his contributions Cumberland Gap National Historical aunt from California; Howard Haiges, his and dedication in directing the National Park, Cumberland Island National supervisor at DSC; David Wright, chief, Park Foundation, the program Seashore, Fort Necessity, Appomattox Office of Park Planning and responsible for land acquisition and Court House National Historical Park, Environmental Quality; David Park, conveyance of lands. Greenbelt Park, Fort Bowie National chief, Special Programs and Populations Historic Site and the Home of Franklin D. Bryant has been chief operating officer Division; Ira Hutchison, deputy director, Roosevelt, among others." of the Foundation since 1971, serving as NPS; Larry Meierotto, assistant secretary Bryant, a native of Washington, D.C., its President as well, since 1974. The for Policy, Budget and Administration; received a Juris Doctor Degree from Foundation is a Congressionally William Kendig, deputy assistant Georgetown University Law Center, chartered, non-profit organization secretary for PBA; Robert Herbst, Washington, D.C., in 1967. He is a designated solely to benefit the National assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife member of Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Park System. and Parks; George Britton, DOI Incentive Society, the American Bar Association, Awards officer; George Morris, chief, The award states, "John Bryant has District of Columbia Bar Association, and Branch of Employee Relations, and Ann been an extremely effective spokesman the Inter-American Bar Association. He Meroney, NPS and OS coordinator for for the Service in the business has also been admitted to practice before OHFEY Program. A reception was held to community and has responsibly managed the United States Supreme Court, and give those in the Washington, D. C, area the financial resources of gifts made to the Court of Appeals, District of an opportunity to personally the Service through the Foundation as Columbia. congratulate Steve on his accomplishments. Lucia Santora's twofold education Wells receives DSA Jerry L. Wells, former U.S. Park Police Chief for more than 6 years, was presented with the Department of the Interior's Distinguished Service Award, Oct. 21. Wells, a 29-year veteran of the c -c Police Force, began his successful career in 1950 as a private and progressed > through the ranks to Chief. o The Distinguished Service Award cites o u. Wells' "unsurpassed quality .of leadership =c to the U.S. Park Police, his inspiration and >, the outstanding job he has done in -c upgrading the administration and c c operational practices of the Force." a. The citation also names many of his Lucia Santora (right) and Mrs. Frieda Levine. significant contributions, including: "The Like many of her contemporaries, communication this winter. Case Incident Reporting System, for Lucia Santora has been working her way "Gateway has been an exciting reporting police incidents, now in use through school. challenge. I've met many interesting Servicewide; the effective adjustment of The Long Island, N.Y., native had people and I love the work. I especially administrative officers in Research and devoted the past 2V5 years to commuting appreciate the opportunity to deal with Planning, and the relocation of the between home and college and Floyd the media since I'm majoring in radio Training Branch to Brunswick, Ga.; the Bennett Field in Brooklyn, which is broadcasting," Lucia says. establishment of the helicopter program, headquarters for Gateway National Lucia's also gained a lot of experience mobile field headquarters, streamlined Recreation Area; N.Y.-N.J. designing brochures for Gateway's communications system, mobile crime She earned a degree in business Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, designing identification unit and the first Force administration from LaGuardia College posters to encourage city dwellers to take Marine Patrol." in New York, part of the City University public transportation to Riis Beach and in The citation also notes his role in system. At LaGuardia, a counselor writing articles for the Outlook, establishing the new field offices in suggested she consider the student co­ Gateway's external publication. She also Gateway and Golden Gate National op program at Gateway. She later was assists with layout and design of the six- Recreation areas; his institution of a Park hired for the Public Information Office time-a-year publication. Police Aid Program to improve visitor and started there in January of 1978. "I've made a lot of friends at Gateway. services during the Bicentennial; and his At Gateway, Lucia became so I've especially looked forward to the institution of an effective YACC program. interested in public information work summers when the park comes alive. Wells was born in Charlotte, N.C., was that when she was graduated from Gateway has really taught me a lot. I feel educated in the District of Columbia and LaGuardia, she decided to continue her I've accomplished something, and that is a graduate of the FBI Academy. He education at the C.W. Post Center of my energies have a worthwhile retired from the U.S. Park Police Force on Long Island University, from which she meaning," she says. Sept. 30,1979. expects to earn a Bachelor of Science in —Manny Strumpf.

12 THOMPSON, OIlie R., Pipefitter Helper, NCP, ROY, Cordell J., Supv. Park Ranger, Chickasaw People on the move to Plumber, Rock Creek Park NRA, to Park Ranger, Capital Reef NP TUCK, James A., Supv. Park Ranger, Fire Island RUGG, Shirley A., General Supply Spec, AMIDON, Linda J., Park Ranger, Biscayne NP, NS, to Same, Cabrillo NM Gateway NRA, to Admin. Ofcr., Edison NHS to Same, SERO BAILEY, Tyrone G., Clerk, WASO, to Clerk RUSSELL, Norma J., Secretary, RMRO, to BEZY, John V., Supv. Park Ranger, Bryce Typist, Lightship Chesapeake Accounting Tech., RMRO Canyon NP, to Park Mgr., Pecos NM BAINBRIDGE, James L., Park Mgr., SERO, to SITES, George L., Supv. Park Ranger, Acadia BOYER, Gerald F., Gardener, NCR, to Same, Natchez Trace Pkwy. NP, to Park Ranger, NARO Accounting Tech., NCR BATES, Craig D., Indian Cultural Program SMITH, Richard B., Park Ranger, NPS to Park CRAWFORD, Ronald, Park Ranger, Greenbelt Spec, Yosemite NP, to Museum Spec, Mgr., Everglades NP Park, to Same, Catoctin Mountain Park Yosemite NP SPECK, Lynda J., Clerk, RMRO, to Same, DSC DAVILA, Maria T., Voucher Examiner, WRO, BURDULIA, Joseph, Landscape Architect, STRUMPF, Emanuel M., Public Information to Payroll Tech., WRO Curecanti Rec Area, to Same, DSC Spec, WASO, to Public Information Ofcr., DIXON, Lewis E., Gardener, Fort Washington BUTLER, Keith U., Motor Vehicle Opr., Grand Gateway NRA & Piscataway Park, to Maint. Worker, Prince Teton NP, to Engineering Equip. Opr, Grand VANDER WOUDE, David J., Park Ranger, William Forest Park Teton NP Lowell NHP, to Same, Delaware Water Gap DOVE, Michael R., Statistical Asst., DSC, to CARROLL, Herbert S., Equipment. Spec, NRA Computer Spec, RMRO NCR, to Supply Mgmt. Ofcr., NCR VANGUNDY, Jack F., Supply Clerk, Grand FINK, William O., Park Ranger, Homestead CHAMBERLAIN, Andrew B., Museum Teton NP, to Purchasing Agent, Capital Reef NM of America, to Same, Friendship Hill Curator, Springfield Armory NHS, to Same, NP NHS Lowell NHP VIEIRA, Walter L., Procurement Ofcr., Lake GADSDEN, Cherryl L., Clerk Typist, White COOGAN, Kevin P., Clerk, NARO, to Voucher Mead NRA, to Same, Glacier NP House, to Secretary, White House Examiner, NARO WILLIAMS, William H., Electrician, Big Bend GEBLER, Charles J., Supv. Park Ranger, PNRO, DECKER, Larry J., Park Ranger, Florissant Fossil NP, to Same, Hot Springs NP to Supv. Park Ranger, Mather Tr. Cen., Beds NM, to Supv. Park Ranger, Glacier NP WRIGHT, Dorothy V., Secretary, HFC, to WASO DONATHAN, Susan F., Staffing Clerk, NCR, to Editorial Asst., HFC GLENN, Karen L., Accounts Maint. Clerk, Clerk Typist, NCR Yosemite NP, to Cash Clerk, Yosemite NP EDELSTEIN, Susan F., Park Mgr., Sitka NHP, to GRAHAM, Walt F., Utility Systems Opr., Technical Publications Writer-Editor, DSC McCabe retires Sequoia NP, to Heavy-Mobile Equip. Mech., FENDER, Anna M., Park Tech., Rock Mtn. NP, Sequoia NP to Supv. Park Ranger, Rocky Mtn. NP GREGORY, Gary R., Park Ranger, SWRO, to FITZGERALD, Kevin M., Park Ranger, Blue DMT, WASO Ridge Pkwy, to Same, Great Smoky Mtns, NP GROVE, Calvin S., Carpenter, Harpers Ferry GIVEN, David M., Environmental Engr., DSC. NHP, to Wood Craftsman, Harpers Ferry to Outdoor Recreation, MWRO NHP GRIEGO, Robert, Admin. Ofcr., Mount HALAINEN, William )., Park Tech., Colonial Rainier NP, to Same, Rocky Mtn. NP NHP, to Park Ranger, Minute Man NHP HAWKINS, Kenneth M., Park Tech., Point HAMMAN, John W., Sewage Disposal Plant Reyes NS.'to Park Ranger, Lake Mead NRA Opr., North Cascades NP, to Water HOUSTON, Douglas B., Research Biologist, Treatment Plant Op., Yellowstone NP Yellowstone NP, to Same, PNRO HARPER, Rayford, Park Ranger, Castillo De HOVDA, James R., Supply Clerk, Mount San Marcos NM, to Same, Ninety Six NHS Rainier NP, to Supply Tech., PNRO HATCH, Donald D., Voucher Examiner, KINNEARY, Christine H., Park Tech., National PNRO, to Purchasing Agent, PNRO Visitor Center, to Park Ranger, C&O Canal HAYS, Monroe N., Automotive Mech., Padre NHP Island NS, to Heavy Mobile Equip. Opr., KLAW1TTER, Gail K., Clerk Typist, Glen Glacier Bay NM Canyon NRA, to Park Tech., NCP HUYCK, Heather A., Park Ranger, Clara KOHAN, Carol E., Museum Curator, GW Barton NHS, to Same, WASO Mem. Pkwy., to Same, Martin Van Buren LANG, Steven R., Park Tech., Kings Mountain NHS Tom McCabe, equipment operator, NMP, to Park Ranger, Independence NHP KREMER, Raymond C, Admin. Ofcr., Edison retired on Oct. 17 after 28 years of LUSTER, Theodore H., Maint. Mech. General NHS, to Same, Fire Island NS seasonal and full-time work at Wupatki Foreman, Rock Creek Park to Same, GW KYLANDER, Sue A., Park Tech., Fort Laramie and Sunset Crater National Monuments, Mem. Pkwy. NHS, to Lead Park Tech., Indiana Dunes NL Ariz. MADRY, Marvin, Park Mgr., Christiansted LA CHINE, Guy L., Park Tech., Chickamauga & NHS, to Same, Kennesaw Mountain NBP Chattanooga NMP, to Supv. Park Tech., De Tom will move to the Navajo MARTIN, Sandra J., Secretary, NPS, to Program Soto NM Reservation where he will operate his Asst., WASO LEFEVRE, Ellis J., Supv. Park Ranger, Fort cattle ranch and live in the new house he MOLINEAUX, Sharon V., Park Ranger, Laramie NHS, to Same, Dinosaur NM recently completed for himself and his Catoctin Mountain Park, to Same, LEWIS, Teresa R., Project Clerk, Redwood NP, wife Jessie. Greenbelt Park to Procurement Clerk, Redwood NP In 1952, Tom began work at Wupatki as MOSLEY, Mannin H„ Urban Affairs Ofcr., MERENKOV, Nancy L., Clerk Typist, RMRO, to a seasonal laborer. He worked up MARO, to Park Ranger, Independence NHP Secretary, DSC through caretaker and truck driver NORTON, Lorraine C, Park Tech., NCP, to MURRAY, Michael B., Communications Opr., Supv. Park Tech., NCP Yellowstone NP, to Park Tech., Everglades before becoming a full-time motor O BRIEN, James P., Park Tech., Great Smoky NP vehicle operator in 1970. He was Mountains NP, to Park Ranger, Delaware OGLE, Carroll W., Park Mgr., Natchez Trace promoted to engineering equipment Water Gap NRA Pkwy., to Program Mgr., SERO operator in 1972, a position he held until RODGERS, Robert B., Supv. Park Ranger, PACHTA, Noel J., Park Mgr., Gulf Islands NS, his retirement. Shenandoah NP, to Park Ranger, Assateague to Same, Virgin Islands NP Rodeoing was one of Tom's specialities Island NS POPE, Lurrie V., Park Ranger, Chickasaw NRA, in his younger days and he won prize SNOW, David E., Historical Architect, to Supv. Park Ranger, Rock Creek Park money and several buckles for calf Klondike Gold Rush NHP, to Same, Alaska ROBERTS, Barbara J., Staffing Clerk, NCR, to Area Office Admin. Tech., NCR roping and bulldogging. He said he used SULLIVAN, Michael J., Supv. Contract Spec, ROBERTS, Kitty L., Mgmt. Asst., NCR, to Park to attend rodeos on weekends then drive WASO, to Procurement Analyst, WASO Mgr., GW Mem. Pkwy. all night to get back for work at Wupatki.

13 E&AA News and Notes Director's message to employees and alumni: At the recent meeting in celebration of 5. To keep members informed of Association there is a wealth of the 25th Anniversary of the Employees Service accomplishments and experience that can be put to use in and Alumni Association at Rocky activities; Service policies and furthering the goals of the Park Service Mountain National Park in September, practices; and the activities of mission and thereby assuring a the Board of Directors and the E&AA employees, alumni and friends of continuing viable "NPS Family" membership have rededicated the Service through the National dedicated to those tenets of preservation themselves to the stated purposes and Park COURIER. and use so aptly articulated in our have called for a revitalization of their Some of these activities you will notice organic legislation. efforts in the achievements of these are continuously carried on through such The employees and alumni of the objectives as stated below: means as circulation of the COURIER and National Park Service are the most 1. To help maintain and improve the very successful Educational Loan important asset of the Park Service. The morale of the Service employees. Fund Program, so wonderfully supported camaraderie of this Service has always 2. To foster continuing close ties by the contributions of the NPS Women's been a magnetic force drawing the very between Service employees and Organization. There are some objectives, best people as employees. The E&AA is alumni. however, which we must call upon each one of the best means of continuing this of you for your assistance in this 3. To encourage qualified persons to traditional and binding spirit. Please let revitalization effort, particularly in the enter careers in the Service and to your E&AA representatives in your first stated purpose—to "maintain and assist those with high career region know your feelings. improve the morale of Service potential to train for greater Service The Association cannot be effective employees." responsibilities. without your help. I urge you to join, 4. To encourage public understanding As you know, this issue is a primary renew, or continue your E&AA of the "national park" concept and concern of mine and I believe this should membership now. the Service's responsibilities in be the primary thrust of the NPS administering the natural, historical Employees and Alumni Association as we and recreational areas of the enter our next 25 years. National Park System. I strongly feel that within the

To E&AA members: Connie Wirth's book, Parks, Politics and the People, is available at a discount to NPS Thanks for helping make the E&AA employees and alumni by the University of Oklahoma Press. The book, which sells for reunion so successful. It was quite a week $19.95 retail, is available to any employee or alumnus at $15.95, and will be sent to any with great weather and beautiful people. designated address, postpaid. Send check for $15.95 to Richard Hart, Vice-Chairman The effort each of you made to be in the E&AA Board, 1517 Davenport, Sturgis, SD 57785. Rockies, and the support you gave me personally, are certainly appreciated. I felt it was a successful reunion for our 25th Anniversary! Also, a special thanks to those of you who wrote letters of support and appreciation. They make me feel good having been your Chairman the past 2 years and during such an important time in the history of E&AA. It was my honor serving such a fine organization of people. And, of course, I will remain a loyal supporter. Thanks again for your help, support and loyalty at Estes Park and during the past 2 years. With warm regards, Roger K. Rector Chairman of the Board

(Left to right) Petrified Forest National Park (Ariz.) Superintendent Roger K. Rector, chief of Interpretation Susan Helpler, and Chief Ranger Chris Andress join E&AA as Life Members during this Silver Anniversary year.

14 for the ladies, Ernie Allen tor the men's Hike a Nation reaches Jerri-Atrics meet again low handicap, and Forrest Benson for the Prescott, Ariz., was the scene of the fall men's high handicap. The traveling Great Sand Dunes "Jerri-Atrics" get-together, Sept. 29 and trophies went to Barbara Rumburg and On September 11 they came, singly 30. The weather was on the hottish side, Carl Walker. They have won them so and in groups of two's and three's. They many times they are beginning to think but it didn't bother us much. The motels came on foot across the 70-mile wide, they own them!! Regardless of the were close together and we got together flat, dry, San Luis Valley in southcentral "system" used, you just can't beat a good for lots of talking and those who played Colorado. Their destination was Great golfer! golf played both days at Antelope Hills Sand Dunes National Monument for a There was a good turn-out. Thirty-two Country Club. couple of days of rest and recuperation. played golf and about 58 attended the Winners Monday foi the ladies were They were members of Hike-a-Nation, a Lois Kowski, first place; Barbara dinner. There was plenty to do in group of about 50 hikers who are Rumburg, Second place; and Georgia Prescott for those of us who don't play traveling from San Francisco to Sylvester, third place. For the men, first golf. Everyone had such a good time it Washington, D.C. place went to Frank Sylvester; Luis was decided to do it again next October, After 2 days of patching blisters, doing and we hope the weather will be a tad Gastellum, second place, and John laundry, and taking precious showers, cooler. There will be a get-together in McKee took third place. the hikers left over Mosca Pass toward Phoenix or Tucson in March—watch for a Tuesday was the real tournament. eastern Colorado and eventually to notice of the event. We have to depend Nearest to the pin was won by Gordon Bent's Old Fort near La Junta, Colo. They on various means to spread the word of Cox, longest drive for the men by John had been on the trail 5 months and were these get-togethers, so don't stay away McKee and for the women by Gladys anxious to reach the midway point of the Clancy and Faye Thompson. Coming in just because you don't get a letter. hike in Kansas. first for the ladies was Gladys Clancy; Remember, it's not just for golfers—it's Hike-a-Nation is sponsored in part by for everyone! We have fun just getting men's low handicap, Gordon Cox; men's the Department of the Interior to together and talking, visiting places, high handicap, Earl Stadel. Second place dramatize the need for additional trails seeing old friends and meeting new for the ladies was won by Ge'orgia throughout the country. Sylvester, men's low handicap by Joe ones. Rumburg, and men's high handicap by —Mary Benson —Walt Saenger Bill Sawyer. Lois Kowski took third place 10001 E. Lurlene Drive Great Sand Dunes NM, Colo. Tucson, AZ 85730 E&AA to sponsor 1981 tour At the E&AA Board meeting at Estes Park, Colo., Sept. 22-25, approval was given to sponsor a tour during 1981. Your E&AA Representatives Several suggestions were given for such tours. Tom Ela and George Fry were Roger K. Rector Chairman of the Board appointed as a committee to determine Richard Hart Vice-Chairman which tour to sponsor. It was agreed that Theresa G. Wood Executive Secretary and a vote would be taken of the Education trust Officer membership through the COURIER. William H. Ledford Treasurer of E&AA Please indicate your choice of tours Earl M. SeminKsen Special Membership Officer and mail your vote to either Tom Ela, 1208 PlacitaLoma, Santa Fe, NM 87501; or E&A'\ Editor James \. Kiele\ E&AA Membership Ann H. Schramm George Fry, P.O. Box 449, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Please do this immediately, but no Mid-Atlanth \<>rth Atlanta later than Jan. 1,1981. Employee-James L. Sullivan Employee-John (_. Ratter\ a. Southwestern U.S., starting at Santa Alumni-Ross Sweeny Alumni-Lawrence C. Hadle\ Fe, through the Indian Country and NPS areas to Big Bend, returning to Southeast HFC Santa Fe • Employee-Vern Ingram Lmplovee-Richard Russell Alumni-George 11\ b. Trans Canadian by railroad, either east to west, or west to east .... a Midwesl \CP Employee-James L. Ryan Employee-Sandra Allev Alumni-Raymond Runciell Alumni-Theodore I. Smith c. New Zealand and Australia • Southwest Rocky Mountain d. Washington, D.C., area, then down Employee-Wayne B. Cone Employee-Frances Reynolds Skyline Drive through Shenandoah Alumni-Tom Ela Alumni-Richard Hart NP, Blue Ridge Parkway, ending in Smokies • Western Pacific Northwest Employee-Roger K. Rector Employee-Bill Locke e. Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico ...• Alumni-Mary Benson Alumni-Victor Dahlberg VVASO Denver Service Center f. Your suggestion • Employee-Vac am Employee-Norman Reit^le

Please support your E&AA, cast your Al targe-Conrad L. Wirth vote for a trip, and come join the 1981 Tour.

15 Portrait of Ronald F. Lee

One Saturday morning in April 1933, Verne E. Chatelain, Chief Historian of the National Park Service, sent a telegram to the History Department of the University of Minnesota, offering graduate students jobs as historical technician. No one at the university knew exactly what a historical technician did in the Park Service. Some faculty members surmised it might involve feeding the bears, an item then prominent in the news. But this was at the height of the Great Depression and historians were hungry for jobs; as a result, in less than half an hour after the telegram arrived, a reply was on its way with a half dozen historians volunteering their services. Each contributed a quarter to pay for the telegram. Without interviews or formal applications, all were hired. One of the six was Ronald F. Association for State and Local History. Lee. presented on a regular basis to the He also took an active part in the awards The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Advisory Board on Historic Sites, program of the American Scenic & was just being formed to help Buildings and Monuments. In those days, Historic Preservation Society, which unemployed youth; at the same time the the Secretary's Office accepted annually honored leaders in the War Department was in the process of recommendations from the Park Service conservation field. During World War II transferring the national military parks for filling vacancies on the Board and he enlisted and remained a private, and other historic properties under its Ronnie was instrumental in helping serving as an instructor for a long time in jurisdiction to the National Park Service. select persons "eminent in the fields of England. In his spare moments he studied Consequently, historians were needed to history, archeology, architecture andj first-hand how the English National Trust give guidance and direction to human geography," as called for in the operated, and became convinced of the preservation and interpretive activities. 1935 Historic Sites Act. When the need of a similar organization in the Because of the great scarcity of jobs, the Secretary's Office began to make United States. When he returned to this CCC drew into its orbit a number of men appointments as a reward for political country after the war, he became a of notable stature and ability, including favors, Ronnie countered with a proposal strong advocate and leader in Ronald Lee. that a consulting committee of establishing the National Trust for Ronnie, as he was familiarly known, professionals be appointed by the Park Historic Preservation, and he hand- came from New England stock. His father Service to evaluate historical properties picked the first director, Frederick L. had moved from Vermont to Dickenson, and advise the Advisory Board. This Rath, Jr., for the organization. He N.Dak., to operate a laundry. After arrangement was accepted and it believed strongly that the private sector finishing high school there, Ronnie remained in effect until 1979, when the should play an important role in historic entered the University of Minnesota National Survey of Historic Sites was preservation. He served as secretary to where he did his undergraduate and transferred to the Heritage Conservation the National Trust until the end of his life. graduate work in American history. and Recreation Service. In 1960 he was appointed Regional His first assignment with the Park During Ronnie's time as Chief Director of the Northeast Region, whose Service was at Shiloh National Military Historian, well-thought-out policies and major endeavors were in the historical Park as a historian-foreman in a CCC standards were formulated for research, field. Following his retirement in 1966, he camp; but in less than 2 years he was preservation, and interpretation of continued to be active as assistant to the working in Washington, D.C., with the historical and archeological areas. In Director and helped in a variety of CCC State Park Group, under Connie addition, he helped to initiate a variety of projects. Among them was the writing of Wirth's direction. In 1936 Verne sales publications, among them the 16- the Family Tree of the National Park Chatelain (in a moment of weakness) page historical booklet, the Handbook System. This was distributed to the handed in his resignation as Chief Series, and the Source Book Series. delegates of the Second International Historian and Secretary Harold L. Ickes In 1951 Ronnie was named Assistant Park Congress held in Yellowstone and accepted it without delay. He proposed Director; under him were the branches Grand Teton National Parks in 1972. to fill the position with a political friend, of History, Information, Natural History, Ronnie had a creative mind that was but former Director Horace M. Albright and Museums. He was of a philosophical constantly searching for new ideas and blocked the appointment by appealing bent and was never afraid of new for a positive approach to life's problems. to the Civil Service Commission (now concepts or ideas. On the contrary, he He shared Robert E. Lee's conclusion that Office of Personnel Management), and was happiest when formulating a new "It is history that teaches us to hope." showing that the proposed candidate was program or a new approach. Whenever Like Jefferson, he felt that the glow of not on the civil service register. he could, he left the execution of one warm thought was worth more than In 1938 Ronnie was appointed Chief programs to his subordinates; he was money. Historian and historical activities were never hesitant or reluctant to delegate. undertaken at an accelerated pace. The Ronnie's activities were not limited to Herbert E. Kahler National Survey of Historic Sites and the Park Service. With Dr. Christopher Apartment 200 Buildings was placed on a solid footing Crittenden, a North Carolina historian, 5426 Richenbacher Ave. and thematic studies of sites were he took a lively interest in the American Alexandria, VA 22304

16 Smith urges responsible action for AN PA

The Association of National Park programs to new areas of the System with chairman will announce a firm Rangers gathered for their fourth Ranger little or no increase in dollars and publishing schedule that will improve Rendezvous in the Ozarks, Table Rock positions. The quality of some of these communications with our membership Lake, Mo., in mid-October, for a week of new areas worried us. Did they, in fact, via the COURIER. Our mailing and dues work and fun. merit "national park" status, or were they lists are now computerized. We have Their keynote speaker was NPS better suited for local or State park made the kinds of changes necessary for Director Russ Dickenson. Other speakers management? Wasn't it better, many of organizational efficiency. were President of the Association Rick us asked, to adequately preserve and "The rest is up to all of us. What we Smith; Herb Cables, Superintendent, protect the resources already entrusted make this organization depends upon Gateway National Recreation Area, N.Y.­ to our care as opposed to actively our commitment to its purposes, our N.J.; Al Veitl, chief, Ranger Activities seeking new responsibilities? enthusiasm for its goals and our sense of and Protection; Destry Jarvis of the "You have listened to Russ Dickenson the value of the Service's mission and the National Parks and Conservation speak to many of these same issues. I role that the ANPR can play in its Association; Peter Gove; chief, Office of hope you caught his genuine concern for accomplishment. Legislation; Dave Dame, chief, what the employees of NPS think about Interpretation and Visitor Services the challenges that face us. I hope you Division; Ana Jankowski, Equal understand some of the restrictions Employment Opportunity Officer; under which he operates . . . But most Naomi Hunt, Editor, National Park importantly, I hope you capture his COURIER, and Dick Hart, Vice feeling that it is time for the NPS to Book Chairman, NPS Employees and Alumni rethink many of its basic policies, Association. particularly those that relate to employees. The following are excerpts from ANPA "This fact alone, I believe, represents New volcano book President Rick Smith's "State of the the greatest single opportunity for the Association Address." ANPR (ranger association). Motivated by many of the frustrations we have Volcano Watching, a colorful, "Our goal is to convince all rangers reviewed, our membership has again informative new book on Hawaiian and and technicians, regardless of discipline, substantially grown. I am pleased to world volcanoes by Robert and Barbara grade, assignment or location that the announce that our secretary-treasurer Decker is now on sale at national parks Association of National Park Rangers is a now reports that we have in excess of 500 and other outlets through Hawaii. medium through which they can current members. . . this ... is a signal to Lavishly illustrated with full color communicate, not only among Russ and his senior staff that the ANPR is photographs as well as drawings by Rick themselves, but also with senior NPS an organization to be consulted on Hazlett, Volcano Watching started as a management about issues which concern matters that relate to the parks, an weekly series of columns in the Big us all. . . . organization that he cannot afford to Island's Hawaii Tribune-Herald. "As rangers and technicians, we spent ignore. "One of our aims was to provide for this last year worrying about our "To merit his consultation, however, local readers and visitors alike a glimpse apparent inability to control our careers we must act responsibly. The biggest into the mysterious and often violent, and our work environments. . . . single factor in this regard is to make sure inner workings of the volcanoes that "We were also concerned about our that we act as an organization, have shaped these Hawaiian Islands," the personal economic status. Many NPS consistently with what we say we believe Deckers said. "We also hoped to shed families are now two income families. We in. If ... we say that as an organization some light on the much less violent, but are not as mobile as we could once afford we stand for the wise management of the almost as mysterious, inner workings of a to be. Many of us live in houses financed natural and cultural resources of this volcano observatory and the techniques at mortgage rates considerably lower Nation, we cannot spend all our time that are used to decipher the clues that than current rates. Those who live in park complaining about personnel and the volcanoes send us." housing are worried that they will not be administrative policies. We must be able to afford private housing, willing to accept positions of Dr. Decker was Professor of particularly if they must move to one of responsibility in regions and WASO. If Geophysics at Dartmouth College until the high cost urban areas. We were we always want to live where the skiing is 1979, and since has been appointed concerned about the rumors that the better or the diving is better or the air is Scientist-ln-Charge of the U.S. NPS was going to substantially reduce cleaner, we will be outside of the Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano required occupancy, which affords tax important decision-making loops. We reductions that often balance the higher Observatory. He has been researching must develop procedures by which we costs of food, medical care, schooling, Hawaiian volcanoes since 1961 and other can assist the Director in responding to and transportation associated with rural volcanoes worldwide since 1959. His the multitude of threats to the values for or isolated living. wife, Barbara, is a freelance writer, and which the parks were established. We former National Park Naturalist. Rick "We were, moreover, concerned with should be both his ally and his Hazlett is a geologist and illustrator the direction that the expansion of the conscience in regard to parks. . . . currently teaching geology at Occidental System was taking. The process of "We have taken several internal steps College in California. authorizing new parks had, for many of to increase our effectiveness. We will Volcano Watching was published by us, gotten too far ahead of the vote on whether to approve our the Hawaii Natural History Association appropriation process. We were being constitution during this rendezvous. This with the cooperation of NPS. It was asked to expand visitor services and is an important step toward giving the resources management and protection designed by Paul Martin and printed by ANPR stability. . . . Our publications Tongg Publishing Company in Honolulu.

17 Letters Please, please send photos To the Editor: From the editor: Sometimes we get complaints that The article by Candace Garry stories about people are run without concerning the functions, organization, The COURIER is shipped directly from photographs of those people. We would etc. of the Denver Service Center in the the printer to the Regional Offices for iike to have photographs—and we'll use August issue of the COURIER was very distribution to the park areas. If you are them if we have them—of people and informative and interesting. not receiving your COURIER by the activities throughout the National Park I should like to point out, however, middle of the month, if you are receiving System. Please send only clear, black and that the Grand Canyon Hospital was not more copies than you need, or not white prints for use in the COURIER. designed at DSC. It was done in the San receiving enough copies, please phone —The Editor. Francisco Service Center (SSC), which one of the representatives listed below: later became the Western Service Center. It was completed and dedicated in the latter part of 1968, approximately 3 Alaska Area Office: James J. Berens Student jobs years before DSC was established. Albright Training Center: Ed Gastellum The Student Conservation Association Appalachian Trail Land Acquisition: Jerry Riddell, DSC recently announced that it is accepting Charles Rinaldi applications for 700 volunteers to work in To the Editor: Federal Law Enforcement Ctr.: Carole land management positions in 70 Our family spent a week camping in Pfeifer national parks and forests next summer. Big Meadow campground in the Harpers Ferry Center: Helen Winn Volunteer participation one summer Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. HF Job Corps Center: Helen Jones often leads to a paid position the next, The campground was very well kept and Mid-Atlantic Region: Carey Smith the Association notes. the rangers were most helpful and Midwest Region: Bill Padmore Positions are offered on a competitive enthusiastic. I would like to particularly National Capital Region: Jean Smith basis for students 16 years of age and mention Mike Britten and Kath Gardner, North Atlantic Region: Wellington older. whose personal interest in nature was so Comeyges Interested persons aged 16-18 should well communicated through their Pacific Northwest Region: Greta send a post card asking for a "Program professional conduct. Korneliussen Listing" and application form to: Student I hope this correspondence can Rocky Mountain Region: Mary Conservation Association, Inc., Box 550H, encourage the people at Big Meadow to Greenwalt Charleston, NH 03603. Older applicants continue to hold their high standards in Southeast Region: Virginia Hall should send a post card requesting a preserving the natural environment and Southwest Region: Ada Vigil "Listing of Positions" and an application in dealing with visitors. Western Region: Berenice Butler to Student Conservation Association, Gloria Kresch NPS National Capital Team: Sue Inc., Box 550C, Charleston, NH 03603. Havertown, Pa. Folliard The telephone number is (603) 826-5206.

To the Editor: Rockaway, New York, Chamber of Commerce President Joel Cerstel, left, presents the In August, I had the pleasure of taking distinguished service award to Gateway Superintendent Herbert S. Cables, jr., center. At right is some friends from Washington to the Alexander Greeley, a member of the Gateway Advisory Commission. Gateway National Petersburg National Battlefield in Recreation Area., N.Y.-N.J. Petersburg, Va. It was a fabulous experience. The park was very well kept. The directions clear and numerous. But most especially the people were spectacular. The rangers went out of their way to help us and the people at the information center were courteous. What impressed all of us the most, however, were the living history exhibits. For the first time, I think I am beginning to have some understanding of what life might have been like during the Civil War. And as a native Virginian, I feel like I grew up in it. Whoever thought up the concept of living history should be commended. I hope there is enough money in the budget for a little more advertising on the Petersburg Battlefield. I would hope that more people will take advantage of one of the finest national parks I have ever been in. Reverend J. Stephen O'Brien Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Richmond, Va.

18 A tribute to Deaths John Rutledge De Weese

On March 23,1980, the National Park Ray Mattison Service lost one of its most dedicated and colorful former superintendents, John R. Ray H. Mattison, whose career of 24 died Oct. 10 in Morro Bay, Calif. He was (Jack) De Weese. years in the National Park Service 65. Jack began his Park Service career at included a 15-year detail as historian in Mr. Schuft had a 32-year career with Fort Jefferson National Monument, Fla., the Midwest Regional Office at Omaha, the Park Service and was chief ranger at in 1945 as general mechanic. At that time, Nebr., died in Tucson, Ariz., on Oct. 6 at Sequoia for many of those years. He was Fort Jefferson was more of an isolated the age of 77. a native of Hutchison, Minn. area than it is today and Jack and Lauri's Mattison transferred to NPS from the Mr. Schuft is survived by his wife, closest daily acquaintances were the Bureau of Reclamation in 1941, spending Catherine; three sons, John W., Michael noddy and sotty terns. However, even in his first 2 years in the Service as a ranger J. and Thomas T.; two brothers and two those days Fort Jefferson was recognized at Tumacacori National Monument, Ariz. grandchildren. as the gem it is and Jack, as After another 4 years as a ranger at superintendent, and Lauri were the Ocmulgee National Monument, Ga., he Thomas Ruffin official NPS host and hostess to former was given his first assignment as a President Harry S Truman and his party historian at Shiloh National Military Park, Thomas E. Ruffin, who was widely three times. They also acted as official Tenn., then spent 2 years as historian at known throughout the old Region I and host and hostess to numerous Senators Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial the Southeast Region as a National Park and Representatives who, together with Park, N.Dak., before being detailed to Service engineer, died in Richmond, Va., other dignitaries, visited the Dry MWRO. on Oct. 10. He was 82. Tortugas. Jack and Lauri valued their He was born in Belgrade, Nebr., in Ruffin retired in 1968 as SERO highway friendships with Alex Sprunt, Jr., Ira 1903. He earned the B.A. degree in engineer. A native of Danville, Va., he Gabrielson, William Robertson and Alan education at Wayne State College, was a civil engineer graduate of Virginia Cruickshank, who all contributed to their Wayne, Nebr., in 1934, and the M.A. Military Institute and a veteran of World bird watching education that remained degree in history at the University of War I. He worked for the Southern with them throughout the years that Nebraska in 1937. He published some 40 Railroad, the Virginia State Highway followed. historical articles; and also held Department, and the Bureau of Public After his tour of duty at Fort Jefferson, membership in numerous historical Roads before joining NPS. Jack and Lauri were transferred to Fort organizations, as well as the Sierra Club Elbert Cox, former regional director, Caroline National Memorial, Fla., which and Common Cause. He served as SERO, recalls that in his work on roads was one of the newly established parks superintendent, State Historical Society Ruffin was brought in touch with during Mission 66. While at Fort Caroline of North Dakota, from 1965 to 1969. practically all of the superintendents and Jack was involved in the survey of the Surviving are his wife, Doris Feldman was "always a cooperative and helpful Suwanee River for the Wild River Project. Mattison, two daughters, and two representative of the Region." On the complex 8-day canoe trip he was grandchildren. Ruffin is survived by his wife, Ruth accompanied by Neil Butterfield, Jay The home address is 5038 Crestridge Boaz Ruffin; a son, Thomas E. Ruffin, Jr.; Bright, Frank Masland, Jr., and Sig Olsen. Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718. a brother, and a granddaughter. Because After 7 years work of establishing Fort of failing health, Mr. and Mrs. Ruffin Caroline and seeing it dedicated, Jack recently moved from their home in was transferred to Everglades National Peter Schuft Peachtree Boulevard to Ginter Hall Park as management assistant. From Peter Schuft, a longtime employee of South, a nursing home where Ruth will there, his career took him to Moores Sequoia and Kings Canyon National continue to live. The address is 11300 Creek National Military Park, N.C., as Parks, Calif., who retired 7 years ago, Mall Drive Court, Richmond, VA 23235. superintendent. From Moores Creek Jack and Lauri retired to South Ponte Vedre Beach, Fla., in 1972. Jack helped build their home there, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. During his Park Service career Jack U.S. Department of the Interior received several awards for ideas used for Secretary Cecil D. Andrus Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks safe and useful operation of equipment. Robert L. Herbst Before entering on duty in the Park Service, Jack saw action in the U.S. Navy National Park Service in the Atlantic Theater. After the loss of Acting Director Ira |. Hutchison Chief, Office of Public Affairs, Priscilla R. Baker his leg he received a Medical Discharge Chief, Publications and Public Inquiries, Grant W. Midgley from the Navy in 1944. Jack is survived by his wife, Lauri, two Editor Naomi L. Hunt Daniel S. Hughes brothers, a sister and numerous nieces Assistant Editor Artist Glenn Snyder and nephews. Lauri's address is 2475 South Ponte Boulevard, Ponte Verde Beach, FL 32082. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. 20240 Tel (202) 523-5277 —Theresa G. Wood Room 5103,1100 L St., NW

19 Celebrating the Holiday Season

Carolers from Fort Stanwix NM, N.Y., regaled shoppers in downtown Rome, N.Y., once again this year Dec. 13. The group oi VIPs, known as the Fort Stanwix Garrison, works closely with the interpretive staff at the monument and provides supplementary programs for visitors.

Each year at Christmas staff members from Big Bend National Park, Tex., float across the Rio Grande to the Mexican village of Boquillas, bringing gifts, good cheer and, of course, Santa Claus.

U.S. Department of the Interior Postage and Fees Paid National Park Service Third Class Washington, D.C. 20240 Bulk Rate Int. 417 Official Business Penalty for Private Use $300