Volunteer issue during Government Shutdown

Date: Thu, 16 Nov 1995 18:28:33 GMT

To: "A  - Division Chief and Staff"<distribution@usgs.gov>,
        "B  - Branch Chiefs and Offices"<distribution@usgs.gov>,
        "DC - All District Chiefs"<distribution@usgs.gov>
From: "Robert M Hirsch, Chief Hydrologist, Reston, VA" <rhirsch@usgs.gov> (Robert M. Hirsch)
Subject: Volunteer issue
Cc: "Bruce K Gilbert, DACH/Operations, Reston, VA" <bgilbert@usgs.gov>,
        "Robert R Mason Jr., Hydrologist(Engr), Reston, VA" <rrmason@usgs.gov>,
        "Ernest F Hubbard, Assistant Chief, OSW, Reston, VA" <ehubbard@usgs.gov>,
        "Gail E Kalen, Computer Specialist, Reston, VA" <gekalen@usgs.gov>

My e-mail of a few hours ago raised a question with at least one of you and
I will clarify.  We have been given a very sternly written memorandum from
the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Policy, Budget, and
Administration.  The main point is as follows.

We are not, at the present time, authorized to accept volunteer services.
"Two things can happen to an employee who violates this law.  First is
prosecution resulting in a fine of up to $5000, or 2 years in prision, or
both.  Secondly, the Secretary is obligated to report immediately any such
violation (with all the relevant facts and a statement of the actions he
has taken) to the President and the Congress.  We remind you of this so as
to avoid the problems that will arise from illegal acceptance of volunteer
services during this period."

Some of you may have heard a story on Public Radio last night of a NPS
ranger in Northern Michigan who felt obligated to keep doing his job.  His
regional director has been telling him that he must cease doing so.  The
DOI is taking this seriously.  Please don't ask your staff to come in and
work even though many of them want to.  The only time you should bring
someone in is for a life or property issue and then only after you have
sent your request in to Bruce, Robert, or Ernie.

I got several comments back from you from my earlier e-mail.  Thanks I will
carry the issues forward.

I'd like to share with you a quote from an e-mail that just came in from
Russ Livingston:  "the last two days have added new meaning to 'its lonely
at the top'."  Indeed it is.  Hang in there.  We will stay in touch.  Bob

**********************************************************
* Robert M. Hirsch           Phone: 703/648-5215         *
* Chief Hydrologist          Fax:   703/648-5002         *
* 409 National Center        Internet:  rhirsch@usgs.gov *
* U.S. Geological Survey                                 *
* Reston, VA 22092                                       *
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