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**United States Department of the Interior**

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Mount Rainier National Park

Tahoma Woods, Star Route

IN REPLY REFER TO: Ashford, Washington 98304-9751

Dear Volunteer:

Welcome to the family of staff and volunteers at Mount Rainier National
Park! Volunteering is an American tradition that has made an
immeasurable contribution to communities, organizations, and individuals
throughout the country. Volunteers-In-Parks are Very Important People
(VIPs)! In Fiscal Year 2004, 140,000 volunteers donated 5 million hours
to your national parks at a value of \$85.9 million. At Mount Rainier
National Park, 1105 volunteers donated more than 38,000 hours at a value
of \$660, 806.

Within this guide you will learn more about the mission of the National
Park Service. You will also learn about the history and structure of
Mount Rainier National Park and about your role and responsibilities as
a volunteer. It is important that you understand the responsibility you
have in providing accurate information and making sure our visitors have
a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

Thank you for your time, interest, and energy!

Sincerely,

Volunteer Coordinator

**National Park Service Mission Statement**

On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the
National Park Service, a new federal bureau in the Department of the
Interior responsible for protecting the 40 national parks and monuments
then in existence and those yet to be established.

This \"Organic Act\" of August 25, 1916, states that \"the Service thus
established shall promote and regulate the use of Federal areas known as
national parks, monuments and reservations . . . by such means and
measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks,
monuments and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and
the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to
provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means
as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.\"

The National Park Service still strives to meet those original goals,
while filling many other roles as well: guardian of our diverse cultural
and recreational resources; environmental advocate; world leader in the
parks and preservation community; and pioneer in the drive to protect
America\'s open space.

**The National Park System**

The National Park System of the United States comprises more than 380
units covering more than 83 million acres in 49 States, the District of
Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan, and the Virgin
Islands. These areas are of such national significance as to justify
special recognition and protection in accordance with various acts of
Congress.

By Act of March 1, 1872, Congress established Yellowstone National Park
in the Territories of Montana and Wyoming \"as a public park or
pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people\" and
placed it \"under exclusive control of the Secretary of the Interior.\"
The founding of Yellowstone National Park began a worldwide national
park movement. Today more than 100 nations contain some 1,200 national
parks or equivalent preserves.

In the years following the establishment of Yellowstone, the United
States authorized additional national parks and monuments, most of them
carved from the federal lands of the West. These, also, were
administered by the Department of the Interior, while other monuments
and natural and historical areas were administered as separate units by
the War Department and the Forest Service of the Department of
Agriculture. No single agency provided unified management of the varied
federal parklands.

An Executive Order in 1933 transferred 63 national monuments and
military sites from the Forest Service and the War Department to the
National Park Service. This action was a major step in the development
of today\'s truly national system of parks---a system that includes
areas of historical as well as scenic and scientific importance.

Congress declared in the General Authorities Act of 1970 \"that the
National Park System, which began with the establishment of Yellowstone
National Park in 1872, has since grown to include superlative natural,
historic, and recreation areas in every region \... and that it is the
purpose of this Act to include all such areas in the System\....\"

Additions to the National Park System are now generally made through
acts of Congress, and national parks can be created only through such
acts. But the President has authority, under the Antiquities Act of
1906, to proclaim national monuments on lands already under federal
jurisdiction. The Secretary of the Interior is usually asked by Congress
for recommendations on proposed additions to the System. The Secretary
is counseled by the National Park System Advisory Board, composed of
private citizens, which advises on possible additions to the System and
policies for its management.

**Mount Rainier National Park**

Mount Rainier National Park was established on March 2, 1899, and
encompasses 235,625 acres, ranging in elevation from 1,610\' to 14,410\'
above sea level. The \"mountain\" is an active volcano encased in over
31 square miles of snow and ice, surrounded by old growth forest and
stunning wildflower meadows. The park is also rich in cultural resources
and was designated a National Historic Landmark District as an
outstanding example of early park planning and NPS rustic architecture.

**Mount Rainier National Park Mission Statement**

Together we preserve, for future generations, the natural and cultural
resources in Mount Rainier National Park.

Through a variety of high quality park experiences, we promote park
values, personal connections, and responsibility for the environment in
our local and global communities.

With integrity, teamwork, pride, and motivation, we demonstrate
environmental leadership and deepen our understanding of the park's
ecosystems. We value our diverse range of individual contributions by
showing respect and concern for each other and the park.

The Mountain inspires stewardship. Its protection and preservation is
our legacy.

**Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Rainier National Park**

**1. When was the park established?**\
Congress established Mount Rainier National Park on March 2, 1899,
reaffirming the nation\'s intent to set aside certain areas of
outstanding scenic and scientific value for the enjoyment of present and
future generations. It is America\'s fifth oldest national park, after
Yellowstone (established in 1872), and Yosemite, General Grant (now part
of Kings Canyon), and Sequoia (all established in 1890).

**2. How big is the park?**\
Mount Rainier National Park encompasses 235,625.08 acres or 365 square
miles. Of that amount, 228,480 acres (97% of the park) has been
designated by Congress as Wilderness. The park\'s National Historic
Landmark District includes 2.7% of the park. The park has 260 miles of
maintained trails and 147 miles of roads.

**3. How many people visit the park each year?\
**Generally, 1.5 - 2 million people visit Mount Rainier each year. In
2004, the park had 1,812,978 visitors.

**4. Is the park open all year?**\
Yes, but some areas of the park, including Sunrise, White River,
Ohanapecosh, State Routes 410 and 123, and the Stevens Canyon Road close
for the season in mid-October or early-November and do not reopen until
summer. You may call 360-569-2211 for a recorded message on road
conditions. Longmire is open all year. The road from Longmire to
Paradise is generally open on winter days, although it is closed and
gated at Longmire every evening and any time snow, ice, or potential
avalanches make travel to Paradise unsafe.

The Longmire Museum is open year-round. The Jackson Visitor Center at
Paradise is open weekends and holidays in the winter and daily from
early May through early October. The National Park Inn at Longmire is
open year-round. The Paradise Inn is open from mid-May to October only.

**The Mountain**

**1. How high is Mount Rainier?**\
The official measurement is 14,410 ft. above sea level.

**2. How old is Mount Rainier?\
**The volcano was built up above the surrounding country by repeated
eruptions and successive flows of lava. It is a relatively young
volcano, only about 500,000 years old. By contrast the mountains of the
Cascade Range that Mount Rainier looks down upon are at least 12 million
years old!

**3. How many people climb the mountain each year?**\
In 2003, 9,714 people attempted to climb Mount Rainier; 5,295 of them
actually reached the summit.

**4. [Is Mount Rainier really a
volcano](http://www.nps.gov/mora/ncrd/decade.htm)?**\
Geologists consider this mountain to be an \'episodically active\'
volcano, meaning one that will erupt again some time in the future even
though it may be quiet now. Mount Rainier is the tallest volcano and
fifth highest peak in the contiguous United States.

**5. [Is it safe to visit the
volcano](http://www.nps.gov/mora/general/safety.htm)?**\
New research indicates Mount Rainier is far more active than previously
believed. We now understand there are risks associated with the volcano
and its glaciers that require visitors and staff to be aware and
prepared. Mud flows (also known as lahars) and glacial outburst floods
can occur without warning, and could damage roads, invade campgrounds,
and cause enormous injury to park visitors and staff. The Longmire
Historic District, Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, Sunshine Point, Ipsut Creek
and White River campgrounds are all vulnerable to geologic hazards. Be
sure to review information posted at park campgrounds and inns.

**6. [When was the last time the volcano
erupted](http://www.nps.gov/mora/ncrd/decade.htm)?**\
The last major eruption that deposited lava occurred 1100 years ago,
while the most recent eruption to leave a recognizable ash deposit took
place between 1820 and 1854, as determined by tree-ring dating. As
recently as 1894, observers reported seeing ash and steam at the summit.

**7. How much snow and ice is on Mount Rainier?**\
Over 31 square miles of permanent ice and snow cover Mount Rainier. Of
all the glaciers in the contiguous U.S., Mount Rainier\'s Emmons Glacier
has the largest surface area (4.3 square miles). Carbon Glacier is the
longest (5.7 miles), thickest (700 feet), and has the lowest terminus
elevation (3,500 feet) in the contiguous U.S.

**Administration of Mount Rainier National Park**

There are five divisions that work together within Mount Rainier
National Park, under the management of the park's superintendent and
assistant superintendent.

**Park Superintendent**

Directly responsible for overall park operations, supervision of

-   Deputy Superintendent

-   Community Planner

-   Superintendent's Secretary

-   Concessions Specialist

**Deputy Superintendent**

Directly responsible for day to day park operations and supervision of
four Division Chiefs including the following staff:

-   Chief of Interpretation and Education

-   Chief of Maintenance

-   Chief Park Ranger

-   Chief of Cultural and Natural Resources

-   Safety Officer

Divisions

**Administration and Contracting**

This division provides administrative support services to all operations
in budget and finance, human resources, contracting and procurement,
property, warehouse, information technology and housing.

**Interpretation and Education**

This division is divided into East (Ohanapecosh and Sunrise) and West
(Longmire and Paradise) Districts. Interpretation and Education provides
information to park visitors by operating visitor centers, presenting
interpretive/naturalist activities, and preparing publications and
exhibits.

**Maintenance**

This division is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all
government-controlled facilities in the park including buildings, roads,
utility systems, electronic equipment. Maintenance also completes minor
construction projects and manages environmental health operations.

**Resource and Visitor Protection**

The Resource and Visitor Protection division is responsible for the
park's law enforcement functions, fire activities, emergency medical
services (EMS), search and rescue operations (SAR), and the operation of
entrance/fee collection stations.

**Natural and Cultural Resources**

This division is responsible for natural and cultural resource
management, inventory, monitoring and research. Natural and Cultural
Resources supervises program areas involving biology; aquatic, wildlife
and plant ecology, atmospheric sciences; geology; archaeology; museum
curation; cultural landscapes, environmental compliance; and social
sciences. The library operations are also included in the Natural and
Cultural Resources programs.

**The Volunteers in Parks (VIP) Program**

The National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks Program (VIP) was
authorized by Public Law 91-357 enacted in 1970. The primary purpose of
the VIP program is to provide a vehicle through which the National Park
Service can accept and utilize voluntary help and services from the
public. The major objective of the program is to utilize this voluntary
help in such a way that is mutually beneficial to the National Park
Service and the volunteer.

Volunteers are accepted from the public without regard to race, creed,
religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.

**Volunteers in Parks at Mount Rainier National Park**

Mount Rainier volunteers have hearts as big as the mountain. Some come
to work for only a day, others full- or part-time over a season, and
some give thousands of hours over many years. Our heartfelt thanks go to
those who have given their time and talents so generously over the
years.

THE MOUNT RAINIER VIP PROGRAM recruits people of all ages and abilities,
either as individuals or members of groups. Our goal at Mount Rainier is
to use volunteers in such a way that we realize the maximum benefit of
their skills, talents, and services to help the park staff accomplish
mission goals. In addition, we seek to use the volunteer program as a
tool for broadening citizen understanding and support for the park. Our
VIPs assist the regular professional park staff by helping with projects
or assisting visitors. The park\'s resources are better protected and
its visitors are better served because of the tremendous help provided
by our volunteers.

Most VIP jobs are active between the months of May and September.
Volunteers perform a wide variety of jobs, from maintaining trails to
leading guided hikes. The time commitment for volunteer work varies from
one-day projects to full-time work extending over months or years. Both
individuals and organized groups are welcome to volunteer. Individuals
under 18 may volunteer with parental approval.

Here are some examples of summer volunteer positions at Mount Rainier:

-   Trail Repair & Maintenance

-   Meadow Restoration/Planting

-   Greenhouse Assistant

-   Campground Host

-   Historical Researcher

-   Librarian

-   Meadow Rover

-   Visitor Information Assistant

-   Roadside Service

-   General Maintenance/Repair

Fewer positions are available during the snowy winter months
(October-April), though we may still use volunteers as Nordic ski
patrollers or interpretive ranger assistants at Longmire and Paradise on
weekends and holidays.

**Other types of volunteer positions**

**Student Conservation Association**

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is a national organization
that places volunteers in National Parks and on other public lands.
Mount Rainier employs several SCA resource assistants each summer. You
do not have to be a current student to participate in SCA. For
information, contact the Student Conservation Association, Inc., P.O.
Box 550, Charlestown, NH 03603-0550. You can also find information at
**www.thesca.org** or by calling 603-543-1700.

**Geologists-in-Parks**

Mount Rainier also employs volunteers and interns through the
GeoScientists-in-the-Parks program. Visit
**www2.nature.nps.gov/grd/geojob** for information about available
positions and how to apply.

**Where Do You Fit In?**

**Who can volunteer?** Basically, anyone can volunteer. In positions
where safety is a concern, however, age limits may be set. Volunteers
must be physically able to do the job agreed upon. Children under the
age of 18 years may be VIPs provided they have the written consent of
their parent or guardian. There are certain limitations and restrictions
on people who have criminal records. Background checks may be conducted
for some positions. Employees cannot perform their regular duties as a
volunteer. Special requirements must be met by international volunteers,
including obtaining a J-1 or student visa.

**Volunteer Services Agreement**

This form legally enrolls an individual in the NPS VIP program and
provides him/her with Federal protection in case of injury or tort
claim. There are two types of Volunteer Services Agreement forms-one for
individuals; the other for groups. Both forms must clearly describe the
volunteer work to be performed and must have the original signatures of
all involved parties.

**Individual Volunteers:** An "Agreement for Individual Voluntary
Services" (Form 10-85) is to be used for individual volunteers. It must
be completed and signed by both the VIP and the appropriate NPS
official, even for projects of only a few hours duration.

**Volunteer Groups:** An "Agreement for Sponsored Voluntary Services"
(Form 10-86) is to be used for organized groups and is to be signed by
the group representative or leader. A list containing the name, address,
phone number, and signature of each member of the group participating
must be attached to Form 10-86. (The reverse side contains a worksheet
to record statistics that will be needed for the annual activity and
expense report).

Your supervisor should attach a job description or clearly describe the
volunteer work on the form. This is important if questions arise on
whether a VIP was acting within his/her assigned responsibilities. It
will also assist the VIP and the supervisor in understanding the VIP's
exact job. The document can be modified at any time by mutual agreement,
but it must accurately reflect VIP duties. If you will be driving a
government vehicle in order to fulfill your volunteer duties that should
be noted on your volunteer agreement.

**Parental Approval Form (10-89):** This form must be completed for any
individual volunteer under the age of 18 and attached to the Volunteer
Services Agreement. For organized groups, a signed Form 10-89 for each
group member who is under 18 years of age must be attached to the Form
10-86 for that group.

**TO PROTECT YOURSELF, NEVER DO ANY WORK UNLESS YOU HAVE SIGNED A
VOLUNTEER CONTRACT!**

Required forms for all volunteers:

-   **10-85 Agreement for Individual Voluntary Services** (if
    volunteering as an individual)

OR

-   **10-86 Agreement for Sponsored Voluntary Services** (if
    volunteering as a member of a group)

AND

-   **Position Description** (attached to your volunteer agreement, or
    included on the volunteer agreement itself)

-   **Emergency Contact Form** (copies are kept on file in the
    Communications Center and in the volunteer coordinator's office, so
    we know who to contact in case of an emergency)

-   **10-89 Parental Approval** (for volunteers under age 18)

Additional forms that may apply to certain volunteers:

-   **Auto decal application** (will waive park entrance fees while you
    are working in the park)

-   **Motor Vehicle D1-131** (for volunteers who will be driving
    government vehicles as part of your volunteer agreement)

-   **10-67 Claim for Reimbursement for Volunteer Expenses** (as agreed
    to in advance with your supervisor)

All forms are available from your supervisor, the volunteer coordinator,
or on the park network at S:\\VIP Forms. There is also a folder called
Welcome Packet for Volunteers at S:\\VIP Forms\\Welcome Packet for
Volunteers. The Welcome Packet includes forms frequently used by
volunteers, such as the 10-67 Reimbursement form and Daily and Monthly
hours reports. Sample forms are also included at the end of this
volunteer handbook. If you aren't sure whether you need to fill out a
particular form or can't find the form you need, please ask your
supervisor or the volunteer coordinator.

**Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities**

**Volunteer Rights**

**Volunteers have the right to:**

1.  Receive the same fair personnel practices as paid staff.

2.  Have their time used effectively.

3.  Receive clear and non-conflicting guidance and direction.

4.  Be kept informed of activities pertaining to their volunteer
    assignments.

5.  Not undertake assignments they do not wish to do.

6.  Receive appropriate orientation, training and supervision.

7.  Be assigned jobs that are worthwhile and challenging.

8.  Be made aware of the overall operation of the park.

9.  Have opportunities for growth.

10. Be offered a variety of experiences.

11. Receive regular, clear feedback on the quality and effectiveness of
    their work.

12. Be recognized for their contributions.

13. Have an opportunity to provide input into the volunteer program.

14. Be trusted with the information needed to carry out their jobs
    effectively.

15. Be assigned a direct supervisor.

**Volunteer Responsibilities**

**Volunteers have the responsibility to:**

1.  Represent the National Park Service in a professional manner.

2.  Follow the park's policies and guidelines and understand its
    organizational structure.

3.  Seek and accept the guidance and support needed to complete
    assignments.

4.  Work as a team with paid staff and respect mutual roles.

5.  Be reliable in fulfilling assignments.

6.  Do a quality, professional job.

7.  Respect access to information, facilities and equipment, etc.

8.  Learn from and participate in training sessions and meetings.

9.  Provide notice of absence.

10. Make a good-faith effort to resolve differences or problems.

11. Care for park resources.

12. Work safely and smartly.

**Uniforms**

For many positions, uniforms will be provided for you by the volunteer
coordinator or by your supervisor. The uniform will identify you as an
official volunteer for the National Park Service. This uniform is to be
worn only when you are officially volunteering. At Mount Rainier
National Park, uniforms consist of tan short or long sleeve shirts with
a National Park Service volunteer patch sewn on the left shoulder and a
green ball cap with a volunteer patch. You may wear your own pants and
footwear as appropriate to your volunteer position and the preferences
of your supervisor. Patches may also be provided to be sewn onto hats or
outerwear. For some positions, volunteers may also receive nametags from
your supervisor that identify you as a National Park Service volunteer.

**Housing**

Housing for volunteers is extremely limited at Mount Rainier National
Park. There are a few spaces in shared housing for full-time volunteers
(32 hours per week minimum), and the park does have a few RV sites
available. Mount Rainier National Park is usually able to provide
campsites for short-term volunteer commitments. Campsite requests must
be made at least a week in advance. For more information about housing
options contact your supervisor or the volunteer coordinator.

**Reimbursements**

Reimbursements are sometimes provided to reimburse volunteers for
out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a direct result of volunteer
activities (local transportation, meals, uniforms, lodging, etc).
Volunteers should submit Form 10-67 through their immediate supervisor
to the volunteer coordinator for approval, signature, and transmittal to
the authorized paying officer. Check with your supervisor if you have
questions about whether your volunteer agreement includes
reimbursements. Note that expenses incurred as you volunteer, including
mileage, may be claimed as a deduction on your income taxes if you
itemize.

**Hours**

Mount Rainier National Park submits an annual report summarizing the
work volunteers contributed. **The funding we receive to support our
volunteer program depends upon the hours we record.** Volunteers also
receive recognition awards based upon hours worked. As a volunteer,
please keep accurate logs of the hours you contribute and submit your
logs to the Volunteer Coordinator at the end of each month. Forms for
tracking your hours can be found on the network at S:\\VIP Forms. The
Daily Record of Hours can be used to track hours by each day of a given
month, while the Monthly Hours Report is often used by supervisors to
track hours donated by multiple volunteers. Samples of these forms are
included at the end of this volunteer handbook. Some volunteers report
their hours directly to the volunteer coordinator, others through their
supervisor. Check with your supervisor to find out how to report your
hours.

**Completing your volunteer agreement**

When you have completed your volunteer term with Mount Rainier National
Park, you will be required to return all park property including keys
and uniform shirts (VIP hats are yours to keep).

By filling out an evaluation form when you have completed your volunteer
agreement, you will help us continually improve the volunteer program.
These forms can be found on the network at S:\\VIP Forms or you can get
one from the volunteer coordinator. Please return completed forms to the
volunteer coordinator.

**Computer Use**

Some volunteer positions may require the use of computers. As a National
Park Service volunteer, you have a role and responsibility in the
protection of National Park Service information and information assets.
To fulfill this obligation, two sources of training and information have
been made available. These are discussed below.

**Responsibilities for Computer Use**

An important document to help you in understanding your responsibilities
was conveyed to National Park Service employees in an October 30, 2003
memorandum from the Director. This document, entitled "Responsibilities
for Computer Use," communicated what is expected of computer users and
what is prohibited in the use of computer systems. To be granted access
to NPS computer systems, each NPS computer user must read this document
and provide a signed copy of the "NPS Computer Users Acknowledgement of
Responsibilities" form to their supervisor or manager.

**Information Technology (IT) Security Awareness Training**

The Department of Interior (DOI) has designed an online training course
to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to help you
protect the information and systems that you use. IT Security awareness
training must be completed annually by each NPS employee, contractor or
volunteer who uses IT resources. Failure to complete the annual training
could result in losing access to the NPS network.

The course should take about 45 minutes to complete. It includes audible
information for each screen. Audio can and should be disabled if you are
connecting over a slow network link or if you do not have speakers on
your computer. This will reduce the load on your network and allow you
to complete the course more quickly.

When you first access the training course web site, you will register by
providing your name and entering or selecting your park or office
information. The system will track your progress and you will have the
option of returning to complete the training if you cannot complete it
in one session.

The course is divided into sections, each with multiple topics. A course
map is used for navigation and to display your progress. You will be
presented with questions at the end of each topic and you must answer
all of the questions to receive a score for that topic. You can repeat a
topic or the entire course as many times as you wish. You must answer at
least 70% of the questions correctly to receive credit for the course.

Completion of the course will be documented electronically. When you
have completed the course, you will have an opportunity to print a
certificate. You should print and retain the certificate so that proof
of course completion is available to your supervisor.

**Safety**

**MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK SAFETY VISION/POLICY**

Because we care about each other, we will accept nothing less than zero
occupational injuries and illnesses. Although we recognize that the
accomplishment of the National Park Service mission involves inherent
risk, we can and will minimize those risks through communication,
training and equipment. Safety is a condition of employment here; we are
each responsible for our own safety and the safety of our co-workers.
Critical safety deficiencies will be addressed promptly. Because we
recognize that employee involvement, commitment and ownership are key to
the success of the park safety program, we will facilitate and provide
for that involvement both at work and at home.

**Safety Handbook**

The Mount Rainier National Park Employee Safety Handbook is available at
on park computers at
http://www.mora.nps.gov/safety/Shared%20Documents/Safety%20Handbook.pdf.
Paper copies of this handbook are also available from your supervisor.

**Geohazard Response Plan**

Mount Rainier National Park's Geohazard Response Plan is located on the
network at S:\\FYI\\Geohazard\\home.htm. The plan is summarized at
S:\\FYI\\Geohazard\\ThePlan.doc. This summary provides important
background information and definitions. The plan also includes maps of
escape routes from all areas of the park. You should be familiar with
the escape route and meeting location for your duty station.

**Safety Communications**

**Communications Center**

(Extensions: 2334/2335)

**Radio Protocol:**

**To initiate a call:** First, give the personal radio call number or
the last name of the person you are calling. If you are calling from a
base station, you may use the base station call number instead of your
number or name. Second, give your personal radio call number, last name
or base station name. Third, give the channel you are calling on by
number. In other words, identify who you are calling, who you are, and
what channel you're using.

**For example, to contact Comm Center:**

Comm Center (pause) your radio call number, Channel 2.

Comm Center (pause) Paradise Old Station, Channel 2.

Comm Center (pause) your last name, Channel 2.

**To receive a call:** Answer with your radio call number, your name or
your base station. It also helps to identify your location.

**To end calls:** Each party ends by giving their radio call number,
last name or base station.

**General Radio Use:**

-   Select a channel; for example, in Longmire and Paradise use Channel
    1 or 2.

-   Hold portable radios upright, approx. 2 inches from your mouth.

-   Push side bar button to talk, pause 1-2 seconds, and speak normally
    and clearly while continuing to depress button.

-   Select another repeater channel if Comm Center does not answer on
    Channel 1.

**Emergency Radio Traffic:** (takes priority over all other calls)

-   When reporting an emergency in progress, call Comm Center and say
    ***.Comm Center, (your name or radio number),*** ***EMERGENCY
    TRAFFIC.***

-   Be prepared to give as much information as possible, **What** (do
    you have), **Where** (is it), **When** (did it occur). Stay on scene
    until help arrives.

-   If you are reporting a **CRIME IN PROGRESS**, do not get involved,
    stay at a safe distance, report as much information as possible;
    number of suspects, suspect description, direction of travel,
    vehicle color, license plate, etc.

**Repeaters:**

**Channel 1** Direct (no repeater)

**Channel 2** Gobblers Knob-Westside

**Channel 3** Packwood-South, East

**Channel 4** Shriner Peak-Stevens Canyon, Hwy 123/410

**Channel 5** Crystal Mountain-Sunrise to

North Park boundary.

**Channel 6** Mount Fremont-Backcountry

**Channel 7** Tolmie Peak- Carbon, Mowich, Wilkeson

**Channel 8** Local

**Channel 9** Helicopter Ops/Portable Repeater

**Channel 10** Flagging

**Emergency Reports by Telephone:**

Call **9-1-1** from *any* telephone within the park. This service is
available to all areas and facilities, including Tahoma Woods.

Call **9-1-1** and give the nature of your emergency, your address or
physical location (including directions if necessary), and stay on the
line, do not hang up unless told to do so by the 9-1-1 operator or
responding officer.

**Long Distance Calls:** Dial 9 then 1 followed the area code and phone
number

**Local Calls:** Dial 9 then the phone number (including area code)

**Internal Calls** (inside the Park)**:** Dial the four-digit extension

***For more information***: *Please refer to the Everything You*

*Wanted to Know About Using A Park Radio-But Were Afraid To*

*Ask handout from Comm Center.*

**b. Emergency Response**

As a Park volunteer, you will spend a lot of time in the Park and it is
a very real possibility that YOU may be the first person to come across
an accident or other emergency, or you may be the first person to report
it. Your actions could make a difference as to the outcome of the
incident. As a Park volunteer, you will be expected to know what to do
and to take charge of the scene until someone else arrives to take over.

***What should you do?***

You are the first person on scene of an accident:

1\) Take time to assess the safety of the scene and think about what is
needed.

-   Where are you and how will others get to your location?

-   What kind of accident do you have?

-   Is there a fatality?

-   Is anybody injured?

    -   If so, how many people are injured?

    -   What kind of injuries do you see?

-   If it is a car accident:

    -   Is anybody trapped?

    -   Is the vehicle blocking traffic?

    -   Is it on fire?

    -   Is it over the bank or in a ditch?

-   If it is on the trail:

    -   Can the person move?

    -   How many people are with the injured person?

    -   Are they trying to make their own way out?

    -   Are they requesting help?

    -   Will they need to be carried out?

    -   What kind of terrain is it?

2\) If you have a radio, call Comm Center and give them as much
information as you can. They may prompt you with more questions. Let
them know what you are doing.

3\) Stay put! As Rangers coordinate their response, they may have more
questions for you. If you need to leave, make sure you notify Comm
Center before you do.

4\) What can you do to help?

-   Give medical help at the level you are trained.

-   Direct traffic around the accident.

-   Ask witnesses to stay until the Ranger arrives.

-   If you are off-trail, send someone to find the easiest way in and
    guide the Ranger in.

-   Keep the injured person and bystanders calm.

5\) If you don't have a radio, get as much information as possible and
either get to a phone and call it in or send a bystander to a phone to
call it in.

-   If you ask a bystander, tell them to come back and let you know they
    have called.

-   If you call it in, ask if you are needed to go back and help.

A visitor reports an emergency to you:

1\) Get as much information as you can and call Comm Center.

Use the Missing Party Report Form (from Safety Intranet), the Rescue
Receiving Form or the Traffic Collision Reporting Form to help you get
all of the information.

2\) Do not let the reporting party leave until the responding Ranger
tells you they can. There will probably be more questions for that
person or the park may need to get a witness statement from them. Before
the reporting person leaves, make sure you have his/her name, phone
number, and address.

3\) If you are in the field, you may be the closest person to an
accident. You may be requested to go to the scene and get more
information or assist.

4\) Do not accompany the reporting party until you have called the
emergency in to Comm Center.

**If you are injured on the job**

VIPs who have a current, signed volunteer agreement form on file, and
who have been trained for specific duties receive the same benefits and
protection as NPS employees under the Federal Employees Compensation Act
and the Federal Tort Claims Act. Volunteers are considered to be Federal
Employees for those purposes only.

VIPs are entitled to first aid and medical care for on-the-job injuries
when necessary. When travel is necessary to receive medical care, the
travel and expenses associated with it are reimbursable. In addition,
the Office of Workers Compensation Programs on a case-by-case basis may
approve other compensation benefits.

Compensation is payable based on a paid employee with the same
functions.

A VIP who suffers an on-the-job injury or occupational disease and
desires to file a notice should contact his/her immediate supervisor.
The supervisor is responsible for helping the VIP complete the proper
Office of Workers Compensation Programs forms (CA-1 or 2) and must sign
the claim, submitting factual, and medical evidence if immediately
available, as necessary. The supervisor submits the claim to the
servicing personnel office for processing and a copy to the VIP manager.

**Getting to know Mount Rainier National Park**

If you\'re new to the area or to Mount Rainier National Park, you will
probably be eager to get out of the car and start exploring the park by
the time you drive in the entrance gates.

There are five areas of Mount Rainier National Park which serve as bases
for exploration:

-   Longmire (southwest corner)

-   Paradise (south side)

-   Ohanapecosh (southeast corner)

-   Sunrise/White River (east side)

-   Carbon River/Mowich Lake (northwest corner)

**Southwest corner**

From the southwest, visitors enter via the **Nisqually Entrance**. The
arch of giant cedar logs, first erected in 1911, and the 1908 Oscar
Brown cabin, south of the road, are examples of the rustic style of park
architecture that became popular at Mount Rainier and other national
parks. The Nisqually Entrance serves as the primary park entrance in
winter. **Sunshine Point Campground and Picnic Area** is located near
the park entrance.

The **Longmire Historic District**, 6.5 miles from the park entrance,
was the site of James Longmire\'s homestead, lodging, and mineral
springs resort. The first park headquarters was established here in
1916. Services at Longmire include the **Longmire Museum**, **Wilderness
Information Center** and **National Park Inn**.

The road between Longmire and Paradise is winding and steep, and was
designed for scenery rather than speed. En route, you will pass the
**Cougar Rock Campground and Picnic Area.**

**Paradise**, 11 miles from Longmire, is the most popular destination in
the park and is famous for its wildflower meadows in summer and world
record snowfall in winter. Services at Paradise include the **Jackson
Memorial Visitor Center**, **Paradise Inn**, and the **Climbing
Information Center** at the **Paradise Guide House**.

**Southeast**

From the Southeast, your first stop will be **Ohanapecosh**. The east
side of the park is somewhat drier and sunnier than the west side,
making it a good destination when Paradise and Longmire are wet and
foggy. State Routes 123 and 410 are closed in winter. Services at
Ohanapecosh include the **Ohanapecosh Visitor Center** and **Ohanapecosh
Campground and Picnic Area**.

Take Stevens Canyon Road from Highway 123, going through the **Stevens
Canyon Entrance**. Just past the entrance is the **Grove of the
Patriarchs**. Hike the 1.1 mile nature trail along the Ohanapecosh River
through old growth forest.

Between **Ohanapecosh** and **White River,** a short detour from Cayuse
Pass east on Highway 410 (closed in winter) will take you to **Tipsoo
Lake**, which is surrounded by subalpine wildflower meadows.

The road to **Sunrise** passes the **White River Entrance Station**
about 1 mile from the junction with Highway 410. The **White River
Wilderness Information Center** is also located here.

Five miles from the junction with Highway 410, you\'ll pass the one-mile
spur which leads to the White River campground and trailhead. Services
at **White River** include the **White River Ranger Station** and
**White River Campground**.

Eleven miles from White River, the road reaches **Sunrise,** also called
**Yakima Park.** At 6,400\' elevation, this is the highest point to
which you can drive in the park. Summer is short here, but the views and
excellent trail system make this the second most visited location in the
park. **NOTE:** The Sunrise Road usually opens in late June or early
July and closes in late September to early October.

Services at **Sunrise** include the **Sunrise Visitor Center** and
**Sunrise Day Lodge**.

**Northwest**

From the Northwest**,** you can visit the **Carbon River** and **Mowich
Lake areas.** Before entering the park, stop at the **Wilderness
Information Center** in downtown **Wilkeson**.

A short trail near the **Carbon River** entrance station takes you into
a fine example of a temperate rain forest. The graveled Carbon River
road, recommended for high clearance vehicles only, ends approximately
five miles east of the entrance station at **Ipsut Creek** campground.
***The road is prone to flooding and may be closed at any time \-- use
caution.*** From **Ipsut Creek** a trail leads 3.6 miles (one way) to
the Carbon Glacier, one of the largest and lowest glaciers in the lower
48 states.

A 22-mile drive on SR 165 from Wilkeson will take you to **Mowich
Lake,** the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park. The
road is unpaved after the first three miles and may be rough. It is
generally open mid-July to mid-October.

**For more information about the park**

If you are looking for additional resources about Mount Rainier, check
out the Mount Rainier Library System. It consists of a main branch,
the Longmire Library, and six field libraries located at:

 

Jackson Visitor Center \[Paradise\]

Ohanapecosh Visitor Center

Sunrise Visitor Center

Interpretive Education Office \[Longmire\]

Curatorial Facility \[Tahoma Woods\]

Education Center \[currently with the Education Specialist\]

  

During the summer months a Volunteer Librarian is usually available to
provide reference assistance at the Longmire Library and may be
contacted at extension 3315.

Suggested titles for further reading include:

-   [The Challenge of Rainier: a record of the explorations and ascents,
    triumphs and tragedies, on the Northwest\'s greatest
    mountain]{.underline} by Dee Molenaar***.***

-   [Sunrise to paradise : the story of Mount Rainier National
    Park]{.underline} by Ruth Kirk

-   [A year in paradise]{.underline} by Floyd Schmoe

-   [Wonderland: an administrative history of Mount Rainier National
    Park]{.underline} by Theodore Catton

Several resources about Mount Rainier National Park are located online
at http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/park_histories/index.htm#m under Mount
Rainier. Titles include:

-   A History of Native Elk in Mount Rainier National Park

-   Mount Rainier: Its Human History Associations

-   Mount Rainier National Park Historic Resource Study (1981) (PDF)

-   Nature Notes

-   Sedimentology, Behavior, and Hazards of Debris Flows at Mount
    Rainier Washington

-   The Geological Story of Mount Rainier National Park

-   Wonderland: An Administrative History of Mount Rainier National Park

Park management documents are available online at
http://www.nps.gov/mora/pphtml/documents.html. These documents include
the General Management Plan, Commercial Services Plan and Park
Compendium 2004.

In addition to the park library, the Northwest Interpretive Association
bookstores located in the Visitor Centers carry a wide selection of
materials about Mount Rainier and the surrounding area.

**Staying in touch at Mount Rainier National Park**

If you will be living in park housing or in your own RV at the park, you
may be wondering about how you will be able to stay in touch with
friends and family.

**Telephone**

Cellular phone service is **NOT** available in most areas of the park,
including the housing areas at the Nisqually Entrance, Longmire,
Paradise, Ohanapecosh and White River. Cellular phone service is
**SOMETIMES** available at park headquarters at Tahoma Woods, depending
on the provider.

Telephone jacks are provided in the housing at Tahoma Woods, Nisqually
Entrance, Longmire and Ohanapecosh but you will need to provide your own
phone and contact the local telephone company to establish service. Pay
telephones are available at Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh and White
River.

**Internet**

Volunteers residing in the park **may** be allowed to use government
computers located in visitor centers or offices after business hours in
order to check personal e-mail through a provider like Hotmail or Yahoo.
Please check with your supervisor for details.

**Satellite**

Satellite reception is not available in the park.

**Who to contact/park phone numbers**

**Park Volunteer Coordinator**

Kevin Bacher, Longmire Administration Building, 360-569-2211 x3385

**Division VIP Coordinators**

-   Administration: Vacant

-   Interpretation: Lee Taylor 360-569-2211 ext 3312

-   Maintenance: Thomas Moore 360-569-2211 ext 3340

-   Natural and Cultural Resources: Julie Hover 360-569-2211 ext 3369

-   Visitor Protection: David Ashe 360-569-2211 ext 3309

**Visitor Centers**

-   Longmire Museum 360-569-2211 x3314

-   Jackson Visitor Center (Paradise) 360-569-6036

-   Ohanapecosh Visitor Center 360-569-6046

-   Sunrise Visitor Center 360-663-2425

**Wilderness Information Centers**

-   Longmire Wilderness Information Center 360-569-4453

-   Climbing Information Center at the Paradise Guide House 360-569-6009

-   White River Wilderness Information Center 360-569-6030

-   Wilkeson Wilderness Information Center 360-829-5127

Additional phone numbers and contact information can be found on the
Mount Rainier National Park's intranet site, available from any park
computer connected to the network. On the left side of the page under
Contacts, there is a phone list and Mount Rainier office directory. The
Welcome Packet for Volunteers, located at S:\\VIP Forms\\Welcome Packet
for Volunteers, should also contain copies of the phone list and office
directory.

**Questions?**

For additional questions about volunteering at Mount Rainier National
Park, ask your supervisor or contact the Volunteer Coordinator at
360-569-2211 x3385. The Volunteer Coordinator's office is located
upstairs in the Longmire Administration Building. Stop by with
questions, concerns, or just to tell us about your experiences as a
volunteer at Mount Rainier.