Southern Tier Forest News

USDA FOREST SERVICE Southern Tier Forest News

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 EMPLOYER OF CHOICE

THE SOUTHERN Who’s on First? TIER EMPLOYER O F C H O I C E We have been looking at big who have been here NEWSLETTER changes on the Hoosier since late last summer. lately. In May we invited past Included were STEPS, Each issue features a employees to help us cele- seasonals, and fulltime different Forest. This brate 75 years of National employees. They issue was prepared by Forests in Indiana. We had a learned facts about the Retired Forest Supervisor Ken the Hoosier National great turnout. Everyone en- Hoosier, how to be Day and Acting Forest Supervisor joyed talking with past and good hosts, and what Anne Carey Forest in Indiana. current employees and to careers they might find reflecting on careers com- with the Forest Service. At tion Program Manager will pleted, those approaching the end of the day a panel of retire in July. Les has spent completion, and those still in employees discussed what his whole Forest Service ca- full swing. they do, how they were hired reer on the Hoosier. His In early June Ken Day, For- into the Agency, and what expertise and experience will est Supervisor of 17 years, kind of education they had be sorely missed. moved on to retirement. that helped them reach their Barb Tormoehlen will Ken started on the Hoosier career goals. also be leaving the Hoosier. as Resource Staff Officer for Also in June, we welcomed Barb works for State and I N S I D E the then, Wayne-Hoosier and Dave Maerckleine, from Private Forestry, but is sta- THIS ISSUE: became Forest Supervisor in the Hiawatha, to the Forest tioned on the Hoosier. She 1994. During his Forest Ser- to fill in as Acting Browns- More on the 2 vice career, he also worked town and Tell City District has accepted a position as Hoosier on the Mark Twain, the Ranger, while I am on detail Field Representative requiring Mark Twain 3 Daniel Boone, and the Chat- as Acting Forest Supervisor. a move to St. Paul. tahoochee National Forests. We are excited to have a Ken completed details in both new face with new ideas and Anne G. Carey Shawnee 4 the Regional and Washington input join our team. Acting Forest Supervisor offices. His leadership and Les Wadzinski, Recrea- attention to detail will be Wayne 5 missed. The first week of June the Monongahela 6 Forest hosted a new employee orientation. This was designed to introduce new Contacts 7 employees to the Forest over the past year learn more about the Forest, it’s history

and the many opportunities available to them. Approxi- mately 20 employees participated ranging from high school students working on the YCC crew, employees Hoosier Forest leadership Team +1— who had just arrived at the L to R: Ken Crevier, Gary Dinkel, Brad Lidell, Pat Hoosier that week, and some McClellan, Mike Davis, Ken Day, Anne Carey, Pam Kruse, Judi Perez& Ross Taylor (ret.)

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 P A G E 2

.Hoosier National Forest 811 Constitution Ave. Hoosier National Forest Bedford, IN 474721 Phone: (812)275-5987 Celebrating 75 Years of Forest Service in Indiana In 1934 Congress passed legislation au- thorizing the establish- ment of Forest Service purchases in Indiana. The first parcel of property was obtained in 1935. This was the beginning of the Hoo- sier National Forest. Over the past 75 years, the Hoosier has purchased over 200,000 acres, devel- oped many recrea- tional areas and facili- A few attendees at the 75th anniversary gathering. ties, added an Inter- sary festivities at the Paoli Com- agency Fire Coordination Center down memory lane complete munity Center. All past and pre- in Tell City, and manages the with timeline and pictures. sent employees, volunteers, Charles C. Deam Wilderness, the The Hoosier can be proud of its dedi- friends and family were invited to only wilderness area in Indiana. cation of caring for the land and serv- the attend. It was a time to renew Many attended the 75th Anniver- ing the people for 75 years in Indiana. old friendships and take a walk Regional Leadership on Hoosier

After many months of planning, A field trip was offered as a part pressed by how the Hoosier the Hoosier hosted the Re- of the RLT meeting. Partici- talked with contractors to gional Leadership Team (RLT) pants enjoyed seeing special and make Stewardship contracts meeting in April. The meeting unique areas on the Hoosier. work to benefit everyone. was held at the fabulous French These areas included Pioneer The use of “complex mo- Lick Resort in southern Indiana. Mothers Memorial Forest, Har- saic,” (regardless of size of Participants were impressed din Ridge Recreation Area, the Forest, the complexity is with the first class facilities and Rickenbaugh House, and the still apparent) was used surrounding area. Charles C Deam Wilderness. throughout the day. The Hoosier RLT Planning At each stop, Hoosier employ- Tom Wagner was Team worked hard on coordi- ees gave a short presentation. “impressed with the Hoosier nating and meeting the follow- Many on the field trip com- employee’s dedication, out- ing three objectives: developing mented that the passion and standing work and commit- a deeper appreciation of the enthusiasm of Hoosier employment to our mission of re- Hoosier, demonstrating differ- ees was very apparent. Every- storing and sustaining Amer- ent projects to show the Forest one seemed to love the Hoo- ica’s resources”. Ruthie the mule en- service mission and to make a sier mules, Ruthie, Jack, Belle, The week was educational connection to current topics. and Paul. They saw the benefit joyed her visit with the and fun. Forest personnel en- Regional Leadership With these objectives in mind, of keeping primitive tools and joyed presenting to the RLT Team the team planned the week’s skills to help with the work of activities. the Forest. Others were im- the work being done.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 P A G E 3 Mark Twain National Forest

Missouri University of Science & Technology Fraternity Members Restore Flood Ravaged Recreation Area

On April 10 & 11, 36 members stripped off structures and de- nity it would have been difficult of the Phi Kappa Alpha Frater- bris strewn everywhere. The and expensive to get Red Bluff nity volunteered their time to campground was scheduled to open, on time, for the spring/ help repair serious flood dam- open in three days, so a lot of summer season. The group removed age to the Red Bluff Recreation work had to be done quickly. Members of the fraternity are Area, that occurred during last The fraternity members at- required to perform a specified about 10 truckloads fall’s heavy rains. Their efforts tacked the project with military amount of public service work of debris, cleaned helped transform an otherwise precision and got a great deal of and this project gave them the mud out of unusable campground into quality work done in a short opportunity to satisfy a signifi- buildings, cleaned something the public can, once period of time. The motivation cant amount of that require- buildings, cleaned again, use and appreciate. The level of the young men involved ment. During a period of de- drains and culverts, project was organized by Forest in the project was a pleasant clining budgets and limited man- cleared roads, and Manpower Development Spe- surprise. Everyone involved power, this project was a good applied about 15 cialist, Jane Mobley. Project was attentive, worked safely, example of two organizations applied about 15 implementation was supervised followed their instructions well coming together, in a win-win gallons of paint to by Forestry Technician, Bill An- and were a pleasure to work atmosphere, to further the For- structures, parking dersen. with. The group removed est Service’s mission of “Caring barriers picnic Red Bluff Recreation Area is about 10 truckloads of debris, for the Land and Serving Peo- barriers picnic located on the banks of the cleaned mud out of buildings, ple”. tables and grills. Huzzah Creek, which flooded cleaned drains, and culverts, causing extensive damage. The cleared roads, and applied -submitted by results of the flood included about 15 gallons of paint to Bill Anderson, washed out roads, downed structures, parking barriers Forestry Technician trees, torn down fences and picnic tables and grills. Without grills, broken tables, paint the contribution of the frater-

.Mark Twain National Forest 401 Fairgrounds Rd. Rolla, MO 65401 Phone: (573)364-4621

Phi Kappa Alpha brothers working at Red Bluff Recreation Area on the Mark Twain

P A G E 4 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 Shawnee National Forest 50 Hwy 145 South Harrisburg, IL 62946 Shawnee National Forest Phone: 1-800-MY-WOODS (699-6637) Spring Outreach part in a panel discussion of education dents to take a hard look at their natu- and career goals for the region. This ral world, how they can affect it, and April 2010: Betty Maultsby (Eastern Re- outreach gives the southern Illinois gion Employer of Choice (EOC) Liaison) how they can be affected by it. public the direct access to employment It can change their lives! joined Marlene Rivero and Becky Banker and education opportunities. Various of the Shawnee in a number of outreach exhibits were offered, including EOC activities with the general public, including CD’s, presentations, talks, brochures, Southeastern Illinois and Shawnee Com- and websites. This group reached munity Colleges, John A. Logan College, over 700 students and educators with and Southern Illinois University at Carbon- their passion and real life experiences dale. The cadre provided southern Illinois’ in the hopes that some would choose future scientists, natural resource stu- the FS for their life’s work and as an dents, and their teachers with information outlet for their own passion. By on available education and career oppor- reaching out to the student popula- tunities. The goal was to encourage the tion we hope to grow a more diverse region’s best and brightest to choose the workforce in natural resource man- Forest Service as their EOC. agement, and along the way, have a The group also met with a local branch positive effect on the region’s econ- of the NAACP and member of a district omy. We are also encouraging stu- Veteran Affairs office. Here they took Fish Tales This year marked 10 years of the

tage program, participating in all aspects of Shawnee's Conservation Education Volunteers Galore! fieldwork, INFRA data management, and in an effort to create new relationships with Program, Fish Tales, the day-camp The Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness schools and communities, and strengthen old Program will be gaining 10 more hands where every child is guaranteed to ones, work with the “Preserve America” this summer with the addition of 5 Ameri- Presidential Initiative, through the Forest’s hook one. Over 200 students from Corps Vista Volunteers. Conservation new “Learn and Serve” project. Highlighted Education, Interpretation, Wilderness, the across southern Illinois participated programs will include the Cherokee Trail of Mississippi Bluffs R.D. trail program and Tears; the Illinois Iron Furnace; Miller in the award-winning bank-fishing the Forest's Heritage Program will be Grove, ante bellum African American farm- highlighted, as the Vista Volunteers turn program that has grown from 8 to 17 ing community; the Under-ground Railroad; the Forest into a classroom while they and the Civil War. The SHF is very excited present out-door programs at camp- schools and home school groups, and about this new opportunity to work with grounds, schools, and fairs. the AmeriCorps Program again. now includes developmentally

The Vistas will also investigate disabled adults. The anniversary was social newtorking tools like celebrated with a reception for Facebook to see how they can be used to connect with even partners from the University of more of the public. Trail Vistas Illinois, Shawnee Community will lead backpacking trips into the wilderness and teach vari- College, Illinois DNR, Timberline ous skills and principles, including: Leave No Trace, wilder- Fisheries, Southernmost IL Delta ness ethics, primitive tool use, Empowerment Zone, Regional Office team-building, and leadership in natural resources as they be- of Education #2, NAACP, and the come the face of the Forest’s Sierra Club, all of whom contributed Master Trail Steward Program. The Archaeology Vista will be both volunteer hours or financial fully integrated into the Heri- support: We could not have done it

without them!

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 P A G E 5 We are pleased to introduce the Wayne National Forest newest members to our Wayne National Forest Team! We con- Wayne National Forest tinue to strive to be an Employer 13700 US Highway 33 of Choice with our Career De- Nelsonville, OH 45764 velopment Program, and our Wayne Welcomes New Employees (740) 753-0101 many efforts to promote interest in Forest Service careers with various outreach programs, such Lorna R Bailey, Wildlife Biologist SCEP as the Student Temporary Em- Lorna a native of Troy, Ohio discovered her love of the outdoors ployment Program (STEP), Ca- could be turned into a career when she enrolled in an environ- reer Intern Program (CIP), and mental occupational technology program at the Upper Valley Joint Student Career Experience Pro- Vocational School in Piqua, OH. In 2009, she began working on the gram (SCEP). Athens Ranger District as a Wildlife Biologist Tech STEP. Later that spring, she earned an Associate Degree in Wildlife Science from Hocking College. Cur- rently, Lorna is pursuing a B.S. in Wildlife and Conservation Biology while attending Ohio University. She was recently accepted into a SCEP Wildlife Biologist position.

Rachel Orwen, NEPA Specialist Rachel is a graduate of Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geology. She moved to Ohio and became a VISTA Volunteer where she worked to educate and assist local landowners with issues related Josh Kocher, Forester to non-timber forest products, invasive species, legacy planning and Josh recently accepted a For- ester position on the Ironton funding sources for forestry activities. Previously, Rachel worked on the District. He comes to us from Chequamegon-Nicolet and the Wayne as a Biological Science Techni- the Mark Twain where he cian. She recently accepted a CIP position as a NEPA Appeals and Litigation Coordinator. served as a seasonal firefighter, timber marker, and marking Ayikwei Perry, Forester team member. He began his Ayikwei comes from Marianna, Arkansas. He is a graduate of Ala- Forest Service career 8 ½ bama A & M University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in years ago working as a Forest Forest Management. During this time, Ayikwei was a successful Inventory Specialist. He has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry participant in the 1890 Scholar Program. He began his Forest Ser- from Southern Illinois Univer- vice career five years ago as a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) sity. participant on the St. Francis National Forest. While attending Ala- In his spare time, Josh is active bama A&M, he was accepted into a SCEP Forester position on the Mark Twain NF, where in the Boy Scouts of America. he worked on a wide range of timber, fire, wildlife, and recreation projects. In April 2010, He also enjoys riding ATV’s and Ayikwei accepted a Forester position on the Athens District. spending time with his wife of 6 years, Celina. Babatunde Oyewole, Law Enforcement Officer Babatunde came from the Mississippi NF where he was a Forest Land- scape Architect and a Reserve Law Enforcement Officer for the forest. He has a Bachelors in Landscape Architect from the University of Mary- land. His FS career began as an Office Automation Clerk in Washington D.C, his hometown. After 10 years as a landscape architect, he decided to “put down his T-square for a badge and a gun,” when he accepted a Law Enforcement Officer on the Athens District in February 2010.

Nicole has worked for the Wayne as an intern and on a NTE appointment. She has just accepted a CIP position. Nichole brings with her a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, a Bachelor of Science in Geography-Cartography and a Masters in Geology from Ohio University as well as a MSC in Forest Ecology and Management from Freiburg, Germany. Nicole Stump, Nicole has assisted the Wayne in many capacities, such as creating natural resource databases, produc- Geographical ing maps for resource specialists, conducting stand exams, monitoring bat activity, participating in pre- Specialist (GIS) scribed burns, and much more.

P A G E 6 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

.Monongahela National Forest Monongahela National Forest 200 Sycamore Street Elkins, WV 26241 Fish (Derby) Stories Phone: (304) 636-1800

Like many other Forests across The Lake Buffalo derby, which takes The Forest has been a derby the nation, the Monongahela NF place on a Forest Service impound- sponsor at Bowden for 20 hosts several fishing derbies annu- ment, is strongly supported by local years, and currently runs the ally. These events are a spring fix- residents. An area family annually casting competition. This is a ture across the Monongahela, and donates money to the event in large event, with multiple attended by more than 1,000 chil- memory of a member who was a casting lanes and plenty of The Forest has dren with parents and guardians in stalwart derby supporter. prizes. tow. The Forest has sponsored Now in its 19th year, this derby Many of the children sponsored derbies for 20 years and continues also includes a locally run conces- who take part in the der- derbies for 20 to be a fun and effective way to sion stand with all proceeds going bies on the Monongahela connect children to the great out- back into the derby for prizes and are already anglers, but for years and doors. They also strengthen the supplies the next year. a significant part of the bond between the Forest Service The Horseshoe Run derby is un- group, this is the first time continues to be and local communities. usual in that it takes place along a they have been exposed to a fun and With shouts of excitement and flowing stream, which requires dis- the sport. smiles on their faces, children trict staff to place nets above and Despite the work in- effective way to across the Monongahela National below the fishing area to contain volved in putting on the forest have been reeling in fish, the fish. Celebrating its 20th year derbies, the Forest em- connect learning how to cast, and winning this year, the Horseshoe derby ployees who staff the children to the holds casting competitions, other booths, register kids, help fish related games, offers educa- them bait and cast, and great outdoors. tional booths and concessions, and answer questions will all provides professional filleting ser- agree that the work is worth vices to those fortunate enough to the results. Many employees catch fish. enjoy the fishing derby day at- The Summit Lake derby has been mosphere so much that they held for 10 years and offers the will participate in or help coor- same fishing experiences and casting dinate more than one! competitions as the others, but has (additional photo on page 7) the added attraction of an educational snake show. Roy Moose, prizes at fishing derbies. The event from the Monongahela's Cranberry held at Bowden is typically one of Mountain Nature Center, pre- the largest such derbies in the na- sented his Snakes of West Virginia" tion. program, including live venomous Four derbies are held annually and non-venomous species, to a with one on the Greenbrier Ranger fascinated audience. District at Lake Buffalo, at Summit The Bowden derby is unique in Lake on the Gauley District, at that it takes place at a fish hatchery. Horseshoe Run on the Cheat- Formerly operated by the U.S. Fish Potomac District, and at Bowden & Wildlife Service, the Bowden outside of Elkins which usually ends Hatchery is now run by the WV the Monongahela’s derby season. Division of Natural Resources. While the energy and enthusiasm While the fish in the raceways can of the children and their families is be viewed by folks at the derby, the the same across the derbies, each only fishing allowed is in ponds spe- event has a character all its own. cifically designated for that purpose.

P A G E 7

Southern Tier Employer of Choice Champions

M ark Twain National Forest W ayne National Forest Jane Mobley Gary Chancey Devela Clark S hawnee National Forest Steve Marchi Mary McCorvie Marlene Rivero

oosier National Forest M onongahela National Forest USDA ForestH Service Judi Pérez William Dunk Ruth Siddens

Our gratitude and thanks go out to all others that have supported us in so many ways!

Contact your local EOC champions for more infor- More photos from fishing events on the mation. Let’s join together Shawnee (left) and Monongahela (below). to highlight our successes and share information across the Eastern Region Southern Tier Forests!

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer