NEW ENGLAND DISTRICT

News Stories

Operations holds annual training at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest

Published Jan. 6, 2017
New Hampshire State Trooper Andrew Frigon presents on the N.H. Drug Task Units and observable signs of drug manufacturing and dealing in public places during the annual Ranger Conference on October 25, 2016.

New Hampshire State Trooper Andrew Frigon presents on the N.H. Drug Task Units and observable signs of drug manufacturing and dealing in public places during the annual Ranger Conference on October 25, 2016.

The 2016 Operations Division Training was held on Oct. 25-27 at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, a research facility operated by the U.S. Forest Service in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, situated within the White Mountain National Forest.

During his remarks, Scott Acone, Deputy District Engineer for Programs/Project Management, said the research conducted at Hubbard Brook on watersheds and hydrology influenced the engineering and construction of the flood control dams in New England.

The goal of the annual training was to increase the operational knowledge and situational awareness of the Natural Resource Management staff working at the flood control and navigation projects as well as the associated parks.

With improved understanding the staff is able to provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for the visiting public. In addition, the training is a great opportunity for team building and to update on mission objectives, and goals for the coming year.

Acting Operations Chief, Dave Margolis, and Deputy Operations Chief, Eric Pedersen discussed the changes within Operations, as well as the entire District.

Highlights from this year’s training included New Hampshire State Police Trooper Andrew Frigon who provided valuable information on signs of drug manufacturing and dealing in public places such as Corps parks. State Trooper Frigon also discussed what Park Rangers should watch for when suspected contraband items are found in the parks. This session gave important information to ensure the safety of the Park Rangers when dealing with potential drug issues.

Danielle Fowles, Training Coordinator for Tread Lightly, traveled from Utah to speak about her agency’s mission and potential partnerships with the Corps. The goal of the partnerships is to protect natural resources and promote sustainable use by the public.

Dr. Jim Haney, Professor of Biology at the University of New Hampshire, discussed cyanobacteria and its potentially harmful effects on people, pets and wildlife.  The session was relevant as many of the lakes across the District have been affected by cyanobacteria in the past.  The professor talked about his regional research, the health concerns related to cyanobacteria, and provided information that can be used by Park Rangers when addressing the public.

Event host Ian Halm, U.S. Forest Service Site Manager, presented an overview of the research station and discussed ongoing projects for watershed and forests ecology.

Chief of Counsel, John Astley, accompanied by attorney Kiersten Haugen, presented the required annual Ethics training to more than 70 employees in attendance.

Amy Smagula, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, and Joshua Levesque, Merrimack River Basin, presented a session on Aquatic Invasive Species Management. They discussed the treatment and methodology of combating aquatic invasive plants at Hopkinton-Everett Lake using research and development from the Corps’ Engineer Research and Development Center on field trials of a new aquatic herbicide. This product, which uses less herbicide to accomplish the treatment, has been a case study on the national scene.  More research is being conducted on the concentration refinements.

The project delivery team responsible for putting together the training included: Natalie McCormack - Operations Technical Support, Samantha Russo – Operations Technical Support, Kimberly Russell – Operations Technical Support, Jordan Luks – Upper Connecticut River Basin, Matt Coleman - Lower Connecticut River Basin, Dan Defiore – Naugatuck River Basin, Elisa Carey – Cape Cod Canal, Jason Tremblay – Merrimack River Basin, and Jim Hachigian - Thames River Basin.

In addition, many District employees gave their time to travel  and present at the training within their field of expertise; Shelia Winston-Vincuilla, Deb Acone, and Steven Lehmann on dealing with problematic contracts, Kate Atwood on cultural resources, Kane Turmelle on safety, Joseph Brossard on  maintenance of Flood Risk Management tools and technology, John Pribilla on the Invasive Species Interpretive Trunk, Elisa  Carey and Samantha Gray led the team building activity,   Eric Pedersen on resume development and interview techniques, and Karen Hoey  provided the team trivia activity and tour of the Franklin Falls Dam.


The Pawcatuck River Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study

   This proposed plan is presented  to facilitate public involvement in the review and commenting on the remedy selection process for the Nantucket Memorial Airport (NMA) Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS.) 
    The Army Corps of Engineers is proposing a No Action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act for the Munitions Response Site-1, Project Number D01MA049901 at NMA located on Nantucket Island, MA.  The proposal was prepared using the Guide to Preparing Superfund Proposed Plans, Records of Decision, and Other Remedy Selection Decision Documents (USEPA, 1999).
    The final decision for NMA Site-1 site will be made after reviewing and considering all information submitted during the public comment period. The proposed decision may be modified based on new information or public comments. The public is encouraged to review and comment on the proposed plan.
    The FUDS program addresses the potential explosives safety, health, and environmental issues resulting from past munitions use at former defense sites under the Department of Defense (DoD) Military Munitions Response Program, established by the U.S. Congress under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program.  
    FUDS only applies to properties that transferred from DoD before October 17, 1986 and the first priority of USACE is the protection of human health, safety, and the environment. 
    The Army is the executive agent for the FUDS Program, and USACE is the lead agency for investigation/reporting and remedial decision-making at this munitions site with regulatory support provided by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).


Updated: 05 December 2016