What's the Word?
An NPS Employee Newsletter - November
Employee Survey Feedback-- a message from Superintendent Frank Dean
Hello Team,
In our previous newsletter, I wrote about the value of public service. Equally important is how effectively we do our work and how well we take care of our employees. You may have seen the recent media coverage about federal employee morale and satisfaction survey results for all government agencies. The survey results for the National Park Service were disappointing. This prompted us to develop a brief survey of our own park staff to gain more specific insight on how we are doing and might improve.
The park specific employee survey results are in with a high (50%) return rate. Many commented on the positive aspects of our agency mission, beautiful work settings and the ability and attitude of their co-workers. There was also a consistent theme of too much workload and being short staffed. Others cited problems with the communication of information and priorities from management. The IT challenges at the Marin Headlands were also mentioned.
Deputy Superintendent Aaron Roth review the survey results and asked for more of your feedback during the All Employee Meetings recently. I hope you participated. We conducted this optional park level survey because our park leaders want to better understand the issues and how we can improve.
Last week we had a two day park leadership team retreat at the Marin Headlands to begin the development of a new Five Year Strategic Plan for the park. The first day was a candid review of the past five years and then a summary of the challenges ahead. We also spent a good amount of time on the results of the park specific employee survey. There are certainly some things noted in the survey that we can change and make better and we will strive to do so with your input. Other items such as compensation and Department mandated management systems are less within our ability to control. The honest feedback from the survey and our management discussion is healthy and helped to conclude our retreat on a positive note. We hear you, and yet, we also see how to improve work conditions and communications.
You are one of the best park teams of any national park in the nation. We will do what we can to enhance our work culture. You deserve it.
Frank Dean
Employees are Invited to the Annual Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz
Have you ever attended the Sunrise Ceremony on Alcatraz on Thanksgiving Day? It is a beautiful time to be on the island, and there is so much meaning behind the event. You will be off the Island early enough to still get home and prepare a full meal if that is your plan. Employees must RSVP with Wendy Solis at 415-561-4913 or wendy_solis@nps.gov to be put on the list to be allowed on the boat for free.
Details:
Thursday, November 27, 2014, boats will depart Pier 33 every 15 minutes from 4:15am to 6:00am
Thursday, Nov 27, 2014, 04:15 AM
33 Pier, San Francisco, CA, United States
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Of Interest
Even Christmas Was Rationed-- How WWII changed American holiday traditions
In November and December, the National Park Service explores the evolution of holiday traditions during the extreme circumstances of WWII. Learn how Americans celebrated the winter holidays in the Kaiser shipyards, overseas, and across the country. From a lack of real Christmas trees, to women playing Santa Claus, come reminisce about wartime Christmases of the past with a slideshow presentation and discussion.
Presentations will be held at Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park’s Visitor Education Center in Richmond, California on Mondays 11/24, 12/8, 12/15 at 2 PM, and Saturday 12/6 at 4 PM.
Explore the nation’s history of the WWII Home Front by visiting Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, CA. The park’s Visitor Education Center is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM and is located at 1414 Harbour Way South, suite 3000, Richmond, CA 94804.
For more information and directions to the Visitor Education Center, please call (510) 232-5050 x 0 or visit http://www.nps.gov/rori/planyourvisit/directions.htm. Admission to the Visitor Education Center and all programs is free.
Golden Gate was Host to a NERT Drill
On Saturday October 18, the park teamed up with the San Francisco Fire Department to host the annual city wide emergency preparation drill for the Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT)
Over 300 NERT volunteers showed up early and stayed late, refreshing their skills in putting out small fires, rescue work, triage, as well as working with SFFD staff on accurate communication and paperwork. HAM radio operators were utilized throughout the day. For the first time there was a Maker's Faire, showcasing clever emergency prep tips and tricks.
While this is an annual event for NERT, it was the first time it was held at Ft Mason. Everyone agreed the location was fantastic, and the park gained insight into working with volunteers after a disaster, as well as being inspired to refresh our emergency supplies.
To learn how you can get trained for earthquake preparation visit http://www.sf-fire.org/index.aspx?page=859 The program is free and open to all. In some cities, the group is referred to as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) instead of NERT.
Centennial Update
On August 25, 2016, the National Park Service will celebrate its 100th birthday, and every one of us has a role in making our celebration a success. This is more than a one-day celebration—our efforts start now and will last through 2016. Good news: some of the work you are already doing may be tied to the centennial goal!
Centennial Toolkits are out!
There are actually two toolkits - an internal NPS toolkit and an external toolkit for Partners. Access to the internal toolkit is through this new streamlined and graphically appealing Google Site at https://sites.google.com/a/nps.gov/nps-centennial-office/home that is a super-helpful resource for parks, programs, and staff. You will be able to find the new centennial Google site easily from the home page of InsideNPS. The Partner toolkit will be posted on www.NextCenturyforParks.org
Redesign of the Public Website NPS.GOV:
Currently, the Washington Office is providing training to web authors and managers to let them know what will be required of them over the coming months. This is a very important task for the parks in an effort to make sure nps.gov is ready and able to engage the “next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates”.
Editorial: Raising price to visit Muir Woods?
Marin Independent Journal POSTED: 11/13/2014 01:42:36 PM PST
The National Park Service is taking a hard look at raising its entry fee at Muir Woods National Monument to $10 — a $3 increase.
While the park service is looking for ways to raise revenue, it also should be considering that a $10 charge prices some potential visitors out of enjoying their park.
Our national parks are the people's parks. Muir Woods certainly is a priceless national asset that was saved for all, not just for those who can afford the entry fee.
Sure, most people can afford it. But keeping the park affordable and accessible to all walks of life should be an overriding priority.
Muir Woods was free for nearly 90 years, until 1997 when Congress gave the park service the authority to charge a $2 entry fee. The charge for people to see their park has steadily increased.
In 2012, the fee was raised to $7, a $2 increase that was charged to help support neighboring state parks during California's budget crisis.
That emergency levy, while vital for the state parks, was not intended to be a permanent charge.
The proposed $10 fee is being suggested by the National Park Service as a way to help the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which includes Muir Woods, pay for backlogged repairs and maintenance.
Yosemite, for example, is also considering a fee increase, raising its daily parking charge — now $20 — to $30.
GGNRA officials have a laundry list of worthwhile, but unfunded projects. They have set Dec. 19 as the deadline for public comment on the proposed increase.
John Muir once called the grove of stately redwoods "the best tree-lover's monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world."
The stewards of that park — our park — bear the responsibility of saving it for generations to enjoy, regardless of their income.
http://www.marinij.com/opinion/ci_26931673/editorial-rising-price-visit-muir-woods
Federal Benefits “Open Season” is from Nov. 10-Dec. 8
Open Season is the time of year when NPS employees are faced with making decisions about benefits under the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS). This is the time of year to ensure that you have the right health, dental, or vision insurance coverage for you and your family.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS (FEHB)
Changes eligible employees may make:
Enroll in a FEHB Program
Change from one health plan to another
Cancel FEHB enrollment
Change enrollment from “Self Only” to “Self & Family” or from “Self & Family” to “Self Only”
To make FEHB enrollment changes, National Park Service employees have two options:
1) You may go to www.employeeexpress.gov and make your FEHB Open Season enrollment change directly online.
2) You may also complete an SF-2809 FEHB Enrollment form and send it to the Human Resources Operations Center (HROC) – Employee Benefits Branch
To compare different health insurance plans and make an informed decision when selecting benefit options for you and your family, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is now offering the PlanSmartChoice™ online health care decision solution tool. The PlanSmartChoice™ tool allows you to become more involved in your health care option process. Go to www.plansmartchoice.com and register as a “New User” to begin the process. To view the new 2015 FEHB premiums, please go directly to:http://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/premiums/
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE (FEDVIP)
Federal Employee Dental & Vision Benefit plans provide employees the opportunity to pick up supplemental vision and dental benefits. FEDVIP offers comprehensive vision and dental insurance with benefits such as free annual eye exams and free annual cleanings. To make your 2015 FEDVIP elections, visit www.benefeds.com
Tamalpais Lands Collaborative (TLC) - a new era of stewardship and support for the mountain
To help maintain the long-term health and preservation of Mount Tamalpais (Mt. Tam), the Tamalpais Lands Collaborative (TLC), has launched ONE TAM, an initiative, to raise awareness and build community support around efforts to care for the mountain’s treasured resources.
An innovative and integrated approach to the stewardship of public lands, the TLC combines the resources, skills, and expertise of the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD), National Park Service, California State Parks, Marin County Parks, and the nonprofit Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, to support conservation, stewardship, and public enjoyment of the nearly 10 square miles of local, state, and national parklands that encompass the Mt. Tam region.
The unofficial symbol of Marin County, Mt. Tam encompasses some of the most beautiful, ecologically rich, and well-loved open spaces in the region, and is an important source of drinking water for the area. However, the mountain, and the four land-managing agencies that protect it, face mounting challenges including biodiversity and habitat loss, the effects of climate change, inadequate wayfinding, trail maintenance, limited amenities, and programs that are at or near capacity.
Through ONE TAM (OneTam.org), the TLC aims to build community involvement—by engaging more volunteers in caring for Mt. Tam’s resources, and renewing the spirit of philanthropy that has been fundamental to the preservation of the mountain over the past 100 years. Visitors to OneTam.org can learn about the TLC’s shared aspirations for the mountain, including restored habitat, revitalized watersheds, improved trails and visitor experiences, broadened volunteer and philanthropic opportunities, and enhanced interpretive and educational programming. The website also includes an updated map of the region’s trail network, along with a calendar of events for community hikes and upcoming volunteer opportunities, and a designated donation page.
Do You Know Your Escape Route?
You Should!
Escape Planning
- According to a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) survey, only one-third of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.
- Almost three-quarters of Americans do have an escape plan; however, more than half never practiced it.
- One-third (32%) of respondents who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. The time available is often less. Only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out!
Plan, plan, plan! Practice, practice, practice!
Employee Spotlight
Carolyn Shoulders Named the 2014 Employee of the Year
Ray Katsanes has 40 Years and Counting
Meet Melissa Bleier, the new Realty Specialist
SAFETY ALERT- Recently an Employee had a Close Call
Did you know that recently we had a vehicle stranded by an employee on a remote fire road in the park?
Our Safety Leadership team conducted an after action review of this incident and would like to share the following lessons learned:
- Off-road travel can have a significant level of risk depending on specific factors
- We recommend staff utilize a Green Amber Red (GAR) model to assess if the vehicle, the road conditions, their ability, and their communications (cell coverage or radio) are adequate for the task - we plan on laminating a GAR worksheet for use in our government vehicles
- In this case, the employee had originally reserved 4x4 equipment but then found out it was unavailable. Be sure to revisit or re-evaluate your plan and your GAR when conditions change, and considering canceling the mission if you don't have the right equipment.
- When visiting remote areas of the park, be sure to check out a radio from Building 201 if you do not have one available to your work group
- And its always a good idea to remember as we approach what we hope is the rainy season, if the road looks like this, the mission is a "no-go"!
Keep these in mind and stay safe while driving off road.
Brown Bag Discussion About Factory Farming Awareness Coalition
Thursday, Dec 11, 2014, 12:00 PM
Fort Mason, Building 201, San Francisco 941230
SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER-
Below are links to the pages where you can see beautiful photos and where our interactions with the world through social media take place. Check them out!
Facebook
https://facebook.com/GoldenGateNPS
https://twitter.com/GoldenGateNPS
http://instagram.com/goldengatenationalparks
http://www.pinterest.com/goganra/
Tumblr
http://golden-gate-national-parks.tumblr.com/
If you have questions you can contact George Su, Alex Picavet or Olympia Zampathas for more information.
The Balloon Hangar Is Taking Off
The Balloon Hangar project at Fort Barry is underway! This project will stabilize the nationally significant historic structure that is in deteriorated condition. It is a surviving element of the U.S. Army’s brief experimentation using tethered balloons as part of the national system of coastal defenses. Constructed in 1921, the structure is the only surviving hangar of its type that housed an army balloon, and one of only two examples to survive in the nation.
What is the "Share Your Story" project?
As the keepers of America’s greatest treasures, we’re coming to you first with this opportunity to tell your personal story about your favorite or defining moment with the NPS. The Share Your Story project allows NPS employees to be among the very first people to express how they found their park.
What are we asking you to do?
Each one of our NPS employees has a unique experience and connection to the National Park Service, and its parks and programs. We want to hear YOUR story, your personal connection and the feelings that the National Park Service inspires in YOU. And when you tell us how you find your park, we want you to submit your stories in any way that you see fit. This could be in the form of videos, poems, songs, photos, art, essays – anything that you feel captures your story.
Where will these stories live?
For now, all employee stories will be on the Share Your Story Google site. In 2015, the NPS centennial office and the National Park Foundation will choose some of your stories to feature on an external Share Your Story gallery as part of the Find Your Park campaign.
This dynamic gallery will be an online destination meant to inspire the American public to share their own stories, interact, and learn about what makes the National Park Service and all its programs, partners, and places so special. A select few employee-submitted stories will be identified for an opportunity to be part of the NPS centennial campaign.
How can you submit a story?
Upload your narrative (Word doc or PDF), photograph, mp3 file, or video to the Share Your Story Google site: https://sites.google.com/a/nps.gov/share-your-story/home.
- If your file is larger than 25MB, please use the internal file transfer protocol (ftp) site using these instructions.
- Go to your Start Menu.Click “Computer”
- In the address box, paste this link: ftp://ftp.den.nps.gov/incoming/WASO%20Office%20of%20Communications/Share%20Your%20Story/
- Copy and paste your video clips into your newly created folder.
- Send an email with the subject line “Share Your Story_Lastname” to nps_centennial@nps.gov to notify when your upload is complete.
All documents follow this naming protocol: Lastname_Firstname__SYS_Date
Thanks for being an active part of the National Park Service story!
The Employee Appreciation Day was a Hit
One of the Best Attended Yet
Fun and Games as well as Food Helped Define the Day
Everyone was a Winner- of sorts
US Park Police participated in San Francisco Veterans Day Parade
The San Francisco Field Office Horse Mounted Officers Eric Evans, Irma Javier, Andrew Muller and Andrew Ewing and K-9 Officer Nyhung “Neil” Wu and his partner "Choco" participated in this year's Veterans Day Parade on November 9th.
They represented the Force and Golden Gate National Recreation Area well in honoring the men and women who have served this country, past, present and future.
Snapshot of Visitor and Resourse Protection and US Park Police Activities
On Friday November 14th, a vehicle was broken into in the Northwest bridge parking lot. The rear window was broken out of a rental van and two backpacks were taken. The backpacks contained approximate $15,000 in camera equipment and electronics, several credit cards, and personal property. The investigation is ongoing.
Arrest for Vandalism During Unpermitted Music Video Taping at Ocean Beach
Friday, November 14th, rangers contacted twelve people on Ocean Beach filming an unpermitted rap video. One arrest was made for vandalism near the Cliff House and the rest were given warnings for alcohol possession and filming without a permit.
Rangers’ Tires Slashed at Ocean Beach
On the evening of Saturday, November 15th, rangers on patrol at Ocean Beach wrote a large number of violation notices for offenses including: minors in possession of alcohol; glass on the beach; alcohol in a closed area; and fire violations. When the rangers returned to their patrol vehicles, they found the right rear tire on both vehicles had been slashed.
Two DUI Arrests
On the evening of Sunday, November 16th two separate arrests for DUI were made. A man found passed out behind the wheel in the Baker Beach parking lot, with the keys still in the ignition and an open container of alcohol, was arrested. A woman who did not stop at a stop sign in Fort Baker was then found to be under the influence of alcohol and subsequently arrested.
VF Imagewear Uniform Website is now open for ordering
Supervisors: Please send Allison Cryns a list of your staff that need a uniform allowance this season.
Staff: Please go to www.vfsolutions.com/lma and check your National Park Service allowance balance, if you do not have an allowance, please contact your supervisor.
For efficiency and budget reasons we ask that individuals go through their supervisors for initial uniform allowance requests. If there are other uniform ordering issues (login information, contact email, delivery address, etc.) staff can contact allison_cryns@nps.gov directly for assistance.
Nameplate ordering is also now available, please email allison_cryns@nps.gov for instructions.
Article from Business Insider: 11 Scientifically Proven Reasons You Should Go Outside
By Caileen | Wednesday, November 05, 2014 |
Dear Readers:
As you know, we (the people of Tec Labs) are big fans of the outdoors… Some of us are hunters, some are runners, there are those that hike, those that bike, some who fish, some who garden, and the list goes on! Basically, we love the outdoors and all types of greenery. We're staying true to our roots that began and anchor, our business: outdoor solutions since 1962! So imagine my excitement when, I came across an article outlining the benefits of… going OUTSIDE! The perfect subject for a Tec Labs post (am I right?). For the majority of us around here, it doesn't take a lot of convincing to get outside the four walls of the office or home. But, we realize there are some who may need a gentle "push." So here they are, the 11 scientifically proven reasons you should get outside:
- Improved short-term memory - A quick walking break outdoors during the work day can improve productivity by 20%.
- Restored Mental Energy - Cure "mental fatigue" by being in a "restorative environment," a.k.a. the great outdoors!
- Stress Relief - Scientists believe that "Forest Therapy" can reduce the hormone often used as a marker for stress (cortisol), as well as reduce heart rate.
- Inflammation - Researchers believe that inflammation, the body's natural process to respond to threats such as damage (stubbing your toe) and pathogens (exposure to flu), can be lowered by spending more time outdoors!
- Improved Concentration - Scientists suggest, "Doses of nature might serve as a safe, inexpensive, widely accessible new tool… for managing ADHD symptoms, as well as waning attention."
- Sharper Thinking & Creativity - Various studies have concluded that "nature therapy" can restore attention and memory. In one study, after four days spent in nature, participants boosted their performance on a creative problem-solving test by 50%!
- Immune System Boost - In a 2010 review of previous research related to "forest therapy," scientists determined, "all of these findings strongly suggest that forest environments have beneficial effects on human immune function."
- Improved Mental Health - According to a culmination of studies, "…anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues may all be eased by some time spent in the great outdoors - especially when that's combined with exercise."
- Reduced Risk of Early Death - According to a Dutch study of 250,782 people, "The percentage of green space in people's living environment has a positive association with the perceived general health of residents."
- 10. Better Vision - For the kiddos anyway! A 2012 review concluded, "Increasing time spent outdoors may be a simple strategy by which to reduce the risk of developing myopia and its progression in children and adolescents."
- 11. Possible Anti-Cancer Effects - Studies conducted in Japan have found a connection between heavily forested areas and reduced mortality rates due to cancer. Scientists state, "While there are too many confounding factors to come to a concrete conclusion about what this might mean, it's a promising area for future research."
Not only are we lovers of the outdoors, we as a company, also whole-heartedly believe in living a healthy and well life! So the next time you're sitting at your desk and find yourself "stuck in a rut," give yourself a 5-10 minute break to get outside and refresh! Or, if you've been sitting on the couch all day, get up and go for a walk outside for some fresh air and a jump-start! Stressed out? Get outside! Need a boost? Get outside! The benefits are aplenty, just go for it!
Live life. Get outdoors!™
Reference article: http://www.businessinsider.com/11-reasons-you-should-go-outside-2014-4
Send Your Feedback About this Newsletter!
Email: alexandra_picavet@nps.gov