Please RSVP! 2010 Winter Interpretive and Operations Training

West District Interpreter Lee Snook has just released this agenda for Winter Operations Training, to be held on December 10 beginning at Longmire. If anyone is interested in helping out with our winter interpretive program--helping in the visitor centers, assisting with snowshoe walks, roving by snowshoe near the visitor center or parking lots at Paradise to assist visitors--this training is highly recommended and useful. Please RSVP as soon as possible to Lee by e-mail or by calling 360-569-6043.

2010 Winter Interpretive and Operations Training

Friday, December 10, 2010

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sessions will be held at: Longmire Community Building, Longmire Maintenance Area, Paradise Jackson Visitor Center and the Nisqually Vista Trail. The 8:30 a.m. session is for those who will be traveling in the interpretive van during the winter. Feel free to start your day with the session beginning at 10:00 a.m. if the first session does not apply to you. Please bring your own mug or water bottle for drinks. Coffee and tea provided.

8:15 a.m. - 8:25 a.m.: Gather at Longmire Museum

8:25 a.m.: Walk to Auto Shop

8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.: Winter Driving - Interp Van
Auto Shop area Facilitators: Brandon Lipke, Lee Snook, Curt Jacquot
Topics: Van use, safety equipment, winter driving tips, How-to chain use
This session is primarily for those who will be traveling from Longmire to Paradise in the interpretive van. If this session does not apply to you, feel free to start your day with the next session at 10 a.m.

10:00 – 11:15 a.m. Winter Road Operation.
Community Building Facilitators: Curt Jacquot, LE, Lee Snook, Brandon Lipke
Topics: training notebooks, safety, snow plow operations, road restrictions, administrative travel procedures, gate opening- closing, communications with LE staff, Longmire to Paradise day and overnight parking, common issues, radio use, Q and A.

11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Lunch at Community Building (soup will be available, feel free to bring your own lunch). Tables and microwave are available at the Community Building.

11:45 - 12:45 Paradise Area Operations
Community Building Facilitators: Curt, Lee, LE
Topics: logistics, communication, snow play area rules, winter camping, Paradise parking, snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding trail reports, common winter issues, habituated wildlife issues, compressed air availability, Q and A.

12:45-1:30 Travel to Paradise
Please be sure to have chains. They may be required to travel to Paradise.

1:30 – 4:00 Guided Walk
Jackson Visitor Center Front Desk Facilitators: Lee, Curt Jaquot
A guided walk on the Nisqually Vista Trail, snow permitting, using snowshoes.

4:00 – 4:10 Wrap-up at the end of snowshoe walk.

4:10 – 5:00 Travel safely to Longmire.