Synopsis of Classes

2012 PARK RANGER INSTITUTE AGENDA

CEU Offerings shown in red

Monday January 2

11am – 5:30pm: REGISTRATION
1pm – 5:30pm: Open Range (This is the only time students & non-participants in the “Top Gun” and “Combat Course” competitions will be allowed to shoot.
5:30pm – 6:30pm: Supper
6:40pm – 7pm: Welcome/Opening Remarks (John Byrd & Josh Phillips)

7pm – 9pm: “Gaining the Professional Edge” Panel of Professionals

– Jones Auditorium

“Question & Answer – Panel of Professionals” This class is designed for the college students in attendance to ask questions of a panel of professionals in the field both sworn and non-sworn. (2hrs.)

7pm – 9pm: “How to Develop a Champion Tree Program”

-- Greg Zell, Natural Resource Specialist, Arlington, VA– LRC #12

Champion Tree Programs provide a great opportunity for community outreach, public education and volunteer recruitment. This session will provide students with the knowledge to develop a local big tree program for their park, city or county. The session will contain both an indoor and outdoor component. (2hrs.)

7pm – 9pm: “Starting a Junior Ranger Program in your park”

-- Ranger Marc Nichols, Hampton, VA – LRC #13

The participants will learn ways to start or improve an existing Jr. Ranger Program. This is a good way to get children and vacationers interested and involved in the outdoors. Successful programs from NC, VA and Maryland will be discussed. (2hrs.)

7pm – 9pm: “Vehicle left in the park – When does it become a search and Rescue Mission”

-- Rob Farrell, Chief Ranger, Newport News, VA – LRC #14

Participants will learn the protocol for establishing a procedure for when an abandoned vehicle left in a park escalates into search and rescue operation. Topics will include basic search principles, notification, and scene management. (2hrs.)

9pm – 12am: Social in Student Lounge

Tuesday January 3

6:45am – 8am: Breakfast

8am – 5pm: “Top Gun Competition” MPO Robert Young, Durham P.D. – Range

8am – 3pm: “Project Learning Tree”

-- Kelley Thompson & Janet, NC State Parks, LRC #12

“Project Learning Tree” PLT uses the forest as a “window” to the world to increase students’ understanding of our environment; stimulate students’ critical and creative thinking; develop students’ ability to make informed decisions on environmental issues; and instill in students the commitment to take responsible action on behalf of the environment. (6 hrs.)

8am – 12pm: “Park Patrol Techniques”

-- Lt. Jim Smallwood, Lake County Metro Parks, Concord, OH – LRC # 13

“Park Patrol Techniques” The goal of this course is to give examples of patrol techniques that are currently in use as well as stimulate ideas to increase enforcement productivity while on patrol in numerous park environments.  Students will see how proper application of skills (through hands-on exercises) can result in more drug and weapon seizures and arrests, better protection of our natural resources, as well as improving safety of the park visitor and officer. (4hrs.)

8am – 12pm: “Defensive Tactics for Non-Sworn Personnel” Rangers

-- Michael Callander & Adam Hoffman, OH, Mat Room – Gym

“Defensive Tactics for Non-Sworn Personnel” The class will learn basic defensive and escape moves. What to do when you come under an unexpected attack. (4hrs.)

8am – 10am: “Changing your confusion about inclusion”

-- Joy James, Asst. Professor Appalachian State University– LRC # 14

“Changing your confusion about inclusion” This class will go over different types of disabilities and basic Americans with Disabilities Act info.. (2hrs.)

10am – 12pm: “ Emergency Response Planning”

-- Yancey King – Safety Officer, NC State Parks & Matt Hunt, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, NC Department of Cultural Resources– LRC # 14

Participants will learn the importance of  having an Emergency Plan in place in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, how to assess the risk and address those risk and important information on how to address special situations such as Historic Sites, Archeological Sites and Significant Collections. (2hrs.)

12pm – 1pm: Lunch

1pm – 5pm: “Top Gun Competition” continued

1pm – 5pm: “Basic Search & Rescue”

-- Tommy McNeal, EMS Director, Moore County, NC  – LRC # 12

Participants in this class will learn the basics of a search and rescue operation and what steps to take in the beginning when a missing person is first reported. There will also be some basics on setting up command and implementing the Incident Command System. (4hrs.)

1pm – 5pm: “Winter Bird I.D. Field Trip"

-- Scott Hartley – Superintendent Weymouth Woods State Natural Area, NC State Parks – (meet at 12:50 in front of Jones Auditorium)

“Winter Bird I.D. Field Trip” The group will go to Carvers Creek State Park for a hands on field program.. (4hrs.)

1pm – 5pm: “Conducting Safe Vehicle Stops”

-- Ranger Shaun Dulz, St, Louis, MO – Jones Auditorium

This session contains an overview of basic officer safety considerations when doing vehicle stops. The block discusses in greater depth some considerations in this area that are more unique to land management and park law enforcement. Students will engage in a practical exercise to demonstrate new skills. (4hrs.)

1pm – 5pm: ‘Verbal Judo”

-- Roger D. Miller, Instructor/Coordinator, NC Justice Academy – LRC #13

This session will provide the students with the technical and practical skills needed to use “Presence of Words” to calm difficult people who may be under severe emotional or other influences, redirect the behavior of hostile people, diffuse potentially dangerous situations, perform professionally under all conditions and achieve the desired outcome in an encounter. (4hrs.)

1pm – 3pm: “Public Relations – Dealing with the Media”

-- Pat Fuller, Chief Ranger, Austin TX– LRC # 14

Participants will learn about Traditional as well as Non Traditional Media and strategies to manage both. (2hrs.)

3pm – 5pm: “Alternative Funding Methods”

-- LuAnn Bryan, Recreation Resources Service, NCSU – Royal #8

This class will look at sponsorships, partnerships, fundraising and 501C3’s to find more money in a tight economy. (2hrs.)

3pm – 6pm: “Taking Back Your Parks”

-- Lt. John R. Byrd Sr. (Retired), Durham, PD & Lt. Jim Smallwood, Lake County Metro Parks, Concord, OH – LRC #14

This program will cover dealing with the following problems in the park environment: Gang Activity, Drugs, ATV, Dirt Bike and Mountain Bike Encroachment, Remote Area Enforcement, Curfew Violations, Suicidal Persons, Natural Resource Theft, Illegal Camping, Homeless/Hobo Camps, etc….. And how one Ranger can make a difference. (4hrs.)

5pm – 6:30pm: Supper

7pm – 9pm: “Do you want to see birds up close?"

-- Jill Lee - LRC # 12

“Do you like to see birds close up” Do you want to help cavity nesters who can’t find cavities? Do you have volunteers looking for something fun to do? Take the first step to putting up a few nestboxes in your park. This class will discuss options for box designs; what birds, besides Bluebirds, to expect in your boxes; how to troubleshoot problems that will come up and more. (2hrs.)

7pm – 9pm: “The Deadly Mix – Officer Deaths & Assaults”

-- Capt. Steve Savidge - Delaware State Park Rangers – Jones Aud.

“The Deadly Mix – Officer Deaths & Assaults” This class will cover the leading causes of officer deaths & assaults and contributing factors. (2hrs.)

7pm – 9pm: “Working with Scouts (Supervising Eagle Scout Projects)”

-- LuAnn Bryan, RRS & Byron Haigler, Cabarrus County Parks – LRC #13

This session will lead you through Eagle Scout project management, give you ideas for Eagle Scout projects in your park, and discuss projects and how to make the most of these projects in your parks. (2hrs.)

7pm – 9pm: “Cooking Out in the Park; Recognizing Methamphetamine Activity in Your Parks”

-- Ranger Shaun Dulz, St. Louis, MO – LRC #14

This session will discuss methamphetamine manufacture in remote areas and park settings. Course will describe some of the physical indicators of a clandestine manufacturing operation. It will describe some of the hazards associated with this activity, from the danger presented by the individuals involved to the potentially toxic waste generated by this activity. It will discuss prevention, recognizing patterns of activity and investigative techniques. (2hrs.)

Wednesday January 4

6:45am – 8am: Breakfast

8am – 12pm: “Top Gun” continued

10am-12pm: “Partnering with your community & Building advocates for your park system”

-- Ranger Chad Eller, Army Corps of Engineers & Lt. John R. Byrd Sr. (Retired), Durham, PD LRC #14

“Creating Partnerships within Your Community” This class will cover event planning, volunteer programs, Friends groups and inter-agency partnerships. In 2007 W. Kerr Scott Reservoir was awarded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project of the Year award based upon heavy community involvement. Come and learn how a small park with 10 employees managed to achieve this. It will also discuss things you can do to help make your agency/unit more indispensable (2hrs.)

8am – 12pm: “Bike Patrol Techniques”

-- Ranger Greg Warren & Ranger Donnie Inman, High Point, NC – Royal # 8

“Bike Patrol Techniques” The purpose of the bike patrol training is to assist officers and their respective departments to develop a bike patrol program with the emphasis on community relations, crime prevention, patrol techniques and enhanced response to emergency calls. Participants must provide their own bike to participate in the practical exercises. (4hrs.)

9am – 5pm: “Fire Ecology”

-- Janet Pearson, NC State Parks – (meet at 8:30 in front of Jones Auditorium) Jones Lake State Park.

Participants will learn the basics of fire ecology and how this tool is being used throughout the state as well as in other parts of the country. The class will give students the opportunity to learn how fire fits into the ecosystem of the South East United States. (7hrs.)

9am – 5pm: “Learning in the park”

-- Ranger Sean Higgins, NC State Parks & “No Child Left Inside” Joy James, ASU – (meet at 8:30 in front of Jones Auditorium) Cliffs of the Neuse State Park.

Fun, educational and professional can fit together nicely in the parks. We’ll share ideas for how to liven up educational programs and exhibits to keep things family friendly and fun. We will also share recent research on the importance of children making connections with nature. Discussion will include how we can build skills and competencies necessary to participate in outdoor recreation and how we can incorporate parks into our program. (7hrs.)

12pm – 1pm: Lunch

1pm – 5pm: “Combat Course”

-- MPO Robert Young & Greg Zell, Arlington, VA - Range

1pm – 5pm: “Professional Ethics”

-- Pat Fuller, Chief Ranger, Austin, TX – Jones Auditorium

Participants will learn how to understand Ethics in public service. They will learn the definition and use of Government Resources: What is allowable? What is prohibited? And they will learn the meaning of Stewardship of Public Trust. (4hrs.)

1pm – 3pm: “Starting an Archery Program in your park”

-- Clint Richardson, Greensboro, NC _ LRC #12

 “Starting an Archery Program in your park” Techniques for creating an interest in Archery and information on resources available to assist in establishing an archery program. (2hrs.)

3pm – 5pm: “Archery Competition” Clint Richardson, Greensboro, NC – Range


5pm – 6:30pm: Supper


7pm – 12am: Tournaments in Student Lounge: Poker, Pool & Ping Pong.  

Thursday January 5

6:45am – 8am: Breakfast

8:30am – 5:30pm “Rapid Deployment” (Sworn Personnel Only)

-- MPO Robert Young, Durham, PD & Deputy Mark Massey, Person County SD, NC – LRC #12

This session will cover the protocol for an Active Shooter Incident or Hostage Situation on Park Property or in a Park/Recreation Facility. Extensive classroom exercises will be followed by a practical exercise. (8hrs.)

8am – 12pm: “CPR/ADT Certification”

-- Yancy King, Safety Officer, NC State Parks – LRC #13

Standard American Heart Association CPR/ADT Certification Course. (4hrs.)

8am – 10pm: “Radio Use & Protocol"

-- Rangers Greg Warren & Donnie Inman, High Point, NC – Royal #8

Modern communications equipment and the proper use of it are the backbone of todays law enforcement and civilian park rangers. On agency could function without modern communications. Proper training and use of these technological advances will render the park ranger agency and its individual officers more efficient, effective, and most of all greatly enhance their personal safety. (2hrs.)

8am – 10am: “Orienteering”

-- Clint Richardson, Greensboro, NC & Rebecca Montaldo-Teal, Fayetteville Park Rangers, NC – LRC # 14

Participants will learn the parts of a compass as well as how to use it, basic map reading skills and how to use it along developing an understanding of basic orienteering terms. (2hrs.)

10am -12pm: “Liability Issues – Starting a Sworn Ranger Program"

-- Rob Farrell, Chief Ranger, Newport News, VA – Royal #8

Participants will learn about the liability issues involved in starting a sworn park ranger unit. Standards of training and documentation will be discussed. (2hrs.)

10am – 12pm: “Resume Writing”

-- LuAnn Bryan, RRS – LRC #14

“Resume Writing” This class will provide tips for ensuring your resume is noticed and reviewed by Human Resources. How to organize your job history and skill set to show on paper why you should be hired. (2hrs.)

12pm – 1pm: Lunch

1pm – 5pm: “Weymouth Woods Birding Canoe Trip on Rhodes Pond”

-- Rebecca Montaldo-Teal, Fayetteville Park Rangers, NC
 (meet in front of Jones Auditorium at 12:45)

Rhodes Pond is a 460 acre black water cypress pond. We will paddle our way through the forest of cypress trees as we search for the resident and migrant birds that make this historic pond their home. (4hrs.)

1pm – 5pm: “Lake Ecology”

-- Ranger Sean Higgins, NC State Parks
(meet at Jones Auditorium at 12:45)

 There’s a whole lot of life underneath the water, and there’s a whole lot of cool ways lakes are formed and changed over time. We’ll share fun ideas for teaching visitors about lakes that go beyond, “yup” there’s fish in there” (4hrs.)

1pm – 3pm: “How to Write a Special Operations Plan”

-- Lt. John R. Byrd Sr. (Retired), Durham P.D., NC – LRC #13

The purpose of a written Special Operations Plan cannot be understated. The importance is twofold: 1) it is a written record of accountability (CYA Principle) and 2) it is a written contingency plan in case of unforeseen circumstances occurring.  (2hrs.)

2pm – 5pm: “Wildlife in the Parks”

-- Mike Campbell, NC Wildlife Resources Commission – Jones Auditorium

“Dealing with Wildlife in Your Parks” Everyone has problems with deer, geese, skunks, raccoons, etc. What do you do with them? This class will give you some techniques on how to address these problems . (3hrs.)

3pm – 5pm: “Grant Writing”

-- LuAnn Bryan, RRS – LRC #13

“Grant Writing” The participants will gain knowledge of where to obtain grants, how to research for grants, and details of grant writing to increase the chance of funding. The participants will demonstrate their knowledge of these concepts in a practical exercise. (2hrs.)

1pm – 5pm: “Geocaching in Your Parks”

-- Byron Haigler, Cabarrus County Parks, NC – LRC #14

Thanks to the Global Positioning System (GPS), anyone with a hand-held GPS unit can find any spot on earth. Not only is GPS an important tool for public and private use, it’s a key part of geocaching. Today, geocaching is a worldwide adventure where geocachers check web sites for clues to begin their next treasure hunt. Come learn what it takes to bring “cachers” in your parks and experience it firsthand (practical exercise). (4hrs.)

7pm – 9pm: Awards Banquet: John R. Byrd Sr. – MC, Banquet Speaker: Charles Salkin, Director – Delaware State Parks (Cafeteria Banquet Room)

Awards Presentations

Door Prizes Group

Picture: Jones Auditorium 

 Friday January 8

6:45am – 8am: Breakfast

8am – 8:45: Dorm Check-out

9am – 12pm: “CATCH”

-- Mike Campbell - NC Wildlife Resources Commission – LRC #13

CATCH (Caring for Aquatics Through Conservation Habits) includes an instructors guide that explores ways to teach youth about aquatic environments through fish identification, biology and management, as well as outdoor ethics and safety. (3hrs.)

9am -12pm: “Gangs in the Parks”

-- Greg Barr, Security Director, Army Corps of Engineers – Wilmington District, NC -  Jones Auditorium

This session will cover basic gang awareness, signs, symbols, etc. Current trends in gang activity, which gangs are on the rise and how to identify them will also be discussed. (3hrs)

9am – 12pm: “Program Development & Analysis”

-- Brian Bockhahn, Interpretation & Education Specialist – North District Office, NC State Parks  – LRC #14

Participants will learn the basics of creating and developing an interpretive program to be used in the park. You will learn the basics of how to analyze the program and its value to your park and its mission. You will learn how to determine your target audience and the educational goals of the program, along with being given the basics of how to evaluate your program and its effectiveness. (3hrs.)

12pm – 2012 Institute Adjourned

Jones Auditorium is # 11 on Campus Map

Classrooms 5, 6 & 8 are in the Royal

Classroom Building # 5 on Campus Map Classrooms 12, 13 & 14 are in the Learning Resource Center # 12 on Campus Map

All trips and several of the classes will have signup sheets at registration. Trips require carpooling; please bring an agency van if at all possible.

All firearms participants should bring at least 150 to 200 rounds of ammunition.

All shooters shoot at the discretion of the Range Master only!!!!!!!!!!!