Attach-1-Tech3-W912C324R0002-IntegratedNaturalResourcesManagPlan_.pdf

Final

Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP)

FY 2023 – FY 2028

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

Prepared by:

Aerostar SES LLC for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Jacksonville District Contract No. W912EP-16-D-0005 Delivery Order W912EP20F0273

4 April 2023 ii

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Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico

FY23 – FY28

Prepared By

Aerostar SES LLC 3550 Saint Johns Bluff Road South

Jacksonville, FL 32224 INRMP Contractor

INRMP Development Team Aníbal Negrón—Director, Directorate of Public Works (DPW) David Santiago— Environmental Chief, DPW – Environmental Division Victor Rodriguez-Cruz—Biologist (Contractor), DPW – Environmental Division Zoe Kulakowski—Environmental Geologist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District Frank Araico—Project Manager, USACE Jacksonville District (ret.)

CPT Grant Escobar-- Project Manager, USACE Jacksonville District Javier Cortes—Environmental Engineer, USACE Jacksonville District Jennifer Tyson—Senior Environmental Scientist/Project Manager, Aerostar SES LLC Gabrielle Allerton—Environmental Scientist, Aerostar SES LLC Alison Doran—Environmental Scientist, Aerostar SES LLC Danielle Floyd—Environmental Scientist/GIS Lead, Aerostar SES LLC Kimberly Allerton—Division Manager, Aerostar SES LLC Walter Soler-Figueroa—Senior Scientist, Ambienta Inc

Fort Buchanan Review Francisco J. Mendez—Environmental Protection Specialist, DPW – Environmental Division Osvaldo Fantauzzi—Pollution Prevention (Contractor), DPW – Environmental Division Inés Rodríguez Rodríguez, EIT, MEM—EMS Program Manager / Environmental Compliance Specialist (Contractor), DPW – Environmental Division Griselle M. Rosa—Public Affairs Office

Installation Management Command Review April Andujar, IMCOM HQ G4 ENV Jen Aaron, US Army Environmental Command Taura Huxley, US Army Environmental Command vi vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Executive Summary 2 INRMP Overview

Purpose and Need Scope General Natural Resources Goals and Objectives Responsibilities

Garrison Commander Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Plans, Analysis, and Integration Office (PAIO) Directorate of Emergency Services (DES) Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS) Public Affairs Office

Authority Sikes Act Army Environmental Policy Fort Buchanan Policy Memoranda Department of Defense Manual (DoDM) 4715.03, INRMP Implementation Manual Climate Adaptation for DoD Natural Resource Managers NEPA and 32 CFR § 651.12- Environmental Analysis of Army Actions List of Applicable Regulations and Guidelines

Responsible Parties for INRMP Implementation Review and Revision Process

Annual Requirements Five-Year Requirements Relationship of This Update to Previous Iterations

INRMP Integration NEPA Compliance and Integration

3 Current Conditions General Information

Housing Installation History Military Mission Operational Activities and the Natural Environment Acreage and Land Use Facilities Maintenance General Constraints and Opportunities Facilities and Planned Development Neighbors and Surrounding Land Use

Regional Socioeconomics Economic Development

Natural Resources Setting Climate Topography Geology Soils Water Resources and Aquatic Habitat Terrestrial Habitat Fauna viii

Migratory Birds Endangered, Threatened, and Species of Special Concern Invasive/Exotic Species

Climate Resiliency

4 Environmental Management Strategy and Mission Sustainability Training Mission and Natural Resources Sustainability Effects of Natural Resource Management on the Military Mission Future Military Mission Impacts on Natural Resources Natural Resources Consultations Cultural Resources Consultations ............................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

National Environmental Policy Act Implementation

NEPA and This INRMP Beneficial Partnerships and Collaborative Resource Planning Public Access and Outreach

5 Program Elements Natural Resources Management Programs Natural Resources Management Systems and Tools

Environmental Management Action Plans (Appendix K) Sustainability and Environmental Management System (SEMS) Environmental Performance Assessment and Assistance System (EPAAS)

Conservation Law Enforcement Wildland Fire Management

6 Natural Resources Management Goals and Objectives Overall Goals and Objectives Communication, Training, Education, and Outreach Facilities Maintenance Soil Water Resources and Aquatic Habitat Terrestrial Habitats Wetlands Fish and Wildlife Endangered, Threatened, and Species of Special Concern Integrated Pest Management Outdoor Recreation

7 INRMP Implementation INRMP Staffing Requirements Natural Resources Staff Training Achieving No Net Loss Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Funding and Prioritizing INRMP Requirements Cooperative Agreements Annual Review and Coordination Requirements Monitoring INRMP Implementation

8 References ix

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2-1 Responsible Parties at Fort Buchanan for INRMP Implementation 12 Table 3-1 Soil Types and Characteristics within Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico 27 Table 3-2 Climate Concerns & Strategies 54 Table 7-1 Fort Buchanan Natural Resources Management Staff 69 x

LIST OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1 USGS Topographic Quadrangle 16 Exhibit 2 Land Use 18 Exhibit 3 Natural Resource Constraints 20 Exhibit 4 Topography 26 Exhibit 5 Soils 28 Exhibit 6 Watersheds 30 Exhibit 7 Surface Water Resources 31 Exhibit 8 Terrestrial Habitat 37 Exhibit 9A Endangered and Threatened Species and Areas of Special Concern 40 Exhibit 9B Puerto Rican Boa Documented Occurrences to Date 51 xi

APPENDICES

Appendix A Acronyms and Abbreviations Appendix B Agency Coordination Appendix C Tiered NEPA Analysis Appendix D General List of Projects and Funding Requirements Appendix E Annual INRMP Review Forms Appendix F Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) Appendix G Endangered Species Management Plan (ESMP) Appendix H Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) Appendix I Las Casas Lake Integrated Management Plan Appendix J Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) Appendix K Environmental Management Action Plans (EMAPs) Appendix L 2003 Final Plant Community and Soil Survey for Fort Buchanan (electronic only) Appendix M Memorandum of Understanding for Ecological Research Works with University of

Puerto Rico Appendix N List of Fauna Observed within Fort Buchanan Boundaries Appendix O Memorandum of Understanding for Fort Buchanan Endangered Species

Management with USFWS and PRDNER Appendix P USFWS Letter of Authorization for Puerto Rican Boa Handling to Environmental

Division Staff at Fort Buchanan Appendix Q Fort Buchanan GIS Data (electronic only)

Final Fort Buchanan INRMP FY23–FY28

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Purpose

Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMP) are planning documents that allow Department of Defense (DoD) Installations to manage their natural resources while coordinating with various stakeholders. INRMPs are extremely important management tools that ensure that military operations and natural resource conservation are integrated and consistent with stewardship and legal requirements.

The purpose of this INRMP is to guide the natural resources management program at U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan (USAGFB; Fort Buchanan) for Fiscal Years 2023 through 2028 (FY23–FY28). The INRMP documents the current status of natural resources management at Fort Buchanan and identifies management goals to be implemented during the next five (5) years. This INRMP will help Fort Buchanan sustain its military missions and maintain natural resources. In addition, it will ensure that natural resource conservation measures and Army activities on Fort Buchanan are integrated and are consistent with federal stewardship requirements. In accordance with the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C.

670a et seq.), this INRMP was developed in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PRDNER).

Environmental Compliance

Fort Buchanan has prepared this INRMP in accordance with the Sikes Act and applicable DoD and Army regulations.

This INRMP incorporates a tiered analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508) and Army Regulation (AR) 200-1. The tiered analysis determined that the Proposed Action of implementing this INRMP FY21-FY25 is not a significant change from the previous INRMP and concluded in a Record of Environmental Consideration (REC).

FY23-FY28 Goals

Fort Buchanan’s natural resources management approach can be summarized into four primary goals. To achieve each high-level goal, the INRMP identifies objectives that outline desired results. Furthermore, a detailed list of proposed management actions (projects) demonstrates Fort Buchanan’s approach to achieving these goals/objectives.

Goal 1:

Manage natural resources on Fort Buchanan to assure good stewardship of public lands entrusted to the Army

Goal 2:

Improve the quality of life of the Fort Buchanan community through high-quality natural resources-based recreational opportunities

Goal 3:

Comply with laws and regulations that pertain to natural resources

Goal 4:

Fully integrate elements of environmental and military training programs to support mission essential training requirements

Objective 2:

Provide conservation education opportunities

INRMP Project 17:

Conduct community outreach to raise public awareness and help people understand how their actions affect water quality example

FY21-FY25 Management Actions

The natural resources management program at Fort Buchanan will be responsible for implementation of the management actions identified in the INRMP FY23-FY28. Those management actions that require funding will proceed only when funding is obtained.

Priority Class 0 projects are “must fund” projects. Class 0 includes activities needed to cover the recurring administrative, personnel and other costs associated with managing environmental programs that are necessary to meet applicable compliance requirements (i.e., federal, state/Commonwealth, and local laws, regulations, Executive Orders [EOs], DoD policies, etc.). Four (4) Class 0 projects are proposed for FY23-

FY28.

Priority Class 1 projects are “must fund” projects and activities needed for program elements that are currently out of compliance or will be out of compliance within the current program year. Four (4) Class 1 projects are proposed for FY23-FY28.

Priority Class 2 projects are maintenance activities. Eighteen (18) Class 2 projects are proposed for FY23-

FY28.

Priority Class 3 projects are enhancement activities. Seven (7) Class 3 projects are proposed for FY23-FY28.

Summary

This INRMP reflects the commitment set forth by the Army to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources on its installations. This document presents a plan that will guide the natural resources management program at Fort Buchanan for the management period FY23-FY28. Implementation of this INRMP will achieve multiple objectives, including meeting natural resources management goals, supporting the military mission, and complying with environmental policies and regulations. In addition, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis required for undertaking this major federal action (implementation of this plan) is embodied within the INRMP FY23-FY28. This document includes a comprehensive description, evaluation, and assessment of current environmental conditions and natural resources at Fort Buchanan. Command support is essential for implementation of this INRMP and the management actions described herein. This INRMP has the full support of the Garrison Commander and other personnel in command positions at Fort Buchanan.

FY23-FY28 Management Actions: New vs

Carryover

New FY21-25 Carryover FY15-20

FY23-FY28 Management Actions: Priority Class

0- Administrative 1- Compliance

2- Maintenance 3- Enhancement

2 INRMP OVERVIEW

This Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) is organized to include a comprehensive list of references at the end of the primary text (Section 8) and acronyms and abbreviations (Appendix A).

Purpose and Need The INRMP serves as a practical guide for natural resources management and stewardship at U.S Army Garrison Fort Buchanan (USAGFB; Fort Buchanan), while ensuring success of the military mission. Fort Buchanan serves as a Power Support Platform to plan, prepare, and execute mobilization of the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) units in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The INRMP documents the current status of natural resources management at Fort Buchanan and identifies goals to be implemented during the next five (5) years. It was developed using an interdisciplinary approach in which information was gathered from a variety of organizations and subject matter experts, including coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PRDNER), as documented in Appendix B.

The INRMP helps ensure natural resources conservation measures and Army activities on Fort Buchanan are integrated and are consistent with federal and commonwealth stewardship requirements. In addition, this INRMP integrates compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) through a tiered NEPA analysis (Appendix C).

Scope INRMPs are planning documents that allow Department of Defense (DoD) installations to manage their natural resources while coordinating with various stakeholders. INRMPs are extremely important management tools that ensure that military operations and natural resource conservation are integrated and consistent with stewardship and legal requirements.

INRMPs are based, to the maximum extent practicable, on ecosystem management principles and provide for the management of natural resources, including fish, wildlife, and plants; allow multipurpose uses of resources; and provide public access necessary and appropriate for those uses without any net loss in the capability of an installation to support its military mission. To the extent appropriate and applicable for a given installation, an INRMP:

Integrates conservation measures and military operations;

Reflects cooperation between the USFWS, state (to include both U.S. territories and commonwealths), and Installation relative to the proper management of fish and wildlife resources;

Documents requirements for the natural resources budget;

Is a principal information source for NEPA documents;

Aids planners and facility managers;

Guides the use and conservation of natural resources on lands and waters under DoD control;

Balances the management of natural resources unique to each installation with mission requirements and other land-use activities affecting an installation’s natural resources;

Identifies and prioritizes actions required to implement goals and objectives; and

Integrates all of the installation’s Environmental Management Action Plans (EMAPs).

The INRMP provides a comprehensive approach to ecosystem management. Natural resources are looked at holistically on a watershed or physiographic basis. INRMPs are living documents that provide direction for daily natural resources management activities and are the foundation for sustained military training. All traditional component areas of natural resources management are integrated through the INRMP planning process, which also considers military mission requirements, installation master planning, environmental planning, and outdoor recreation. The focus of current INRMPs on involving all appropriate stakeholders in addressing installation requirements and regional issues will provide for more efficient and effective management of natural resources on a landscape basis while maintaining military readiness.

INRMPs identify specific actions required to attain natural resource management goals. Although there is some variation among the different military services, a basic INRMP includes:

A description of the installation, its history, and its current mission;

Management goals and associated timeframes;

Projects to be implemented and estimated costs;

A discussion of how military mission and training requirements are supported while protecting the environment;

Legal requirements and biological needs of the natural resources;

The role of the installation’s natural resources in the context of the surrounding ecosystem; and

Input from USFWS, the state or commonwealth fish and wildlife agency, and the general public.

General Natural Resources Goals and Objectives The Army’s commitment to natural resources management is reflected in the U.S. Army Environmental Strategy into the 21st Century. The Army environmental strategy is depicted as a building established on a solid foundation with four

(4) pillars supporting the environmental stewardship vision and the Army mission. The pillars symbolize the Army environmental program and represent the four (4) major activity areas, which includes conservation. The conservation pillar focuses on responsibly managing Army lands to ensure long-term natural resource productivity so the Army can achieve its mission. This Army commitment to natural resources management is emphasized in Army Regulation (AR) 200-1 Environmental Protection and Enhancement, which requires that INRMPs be developed and maintained for all Army installations.

The command and staff at Fort Buchanan are committed to environmental stewardship as an integral part of the mission at Fort Buchanan. This commitment is evidenced by support of past environmental programs and their full support of this INRMP.

The following goals serve as the foundation for Fort Buchanan to effectively manage natural resources at the Installation. Objectives are included that support each goal are defined within each resource area in Section 6 and specific projects are provided within the annual work plan and budgets in Appendix D. These goals, objectives, and projects serve as a roadmap for natural resource management at Fort Buchanan. All goals, objectives, and projects will be implemented with an adaptive management process to provide continuous input and alterations as needed during their implementation.

Goal 1: Manage natural resources on Fort Buchanan to assure good stewardship of public lands entrusted to the Army

Objective 1: Use adaptive ecosystem management strategies to protect, conserve, and enhance natural resources with an emphasis on priority species and their habitats

Objective 2: Monitor and manage soils, water, vegetation, and wildlife with consideration for all biological communities and human values associated with these resources

Objective 3: Ensure the natural resources program is coordinated with other agencies and conservation organizations with similar interests

Goal 2: Improve the quality of life of the Fort Buchanan community through high-quality natural resources-based recreational opportunities

Objective 1: Provide high-quality opportunities for non-consumptive uses within biological and recreational carrying capacities of the resources

Objective 2: Provide conservation education opportunities

Objective 3: Establish and maintain an environmental setting conducive to a healthy and satisfying lifestyle for the military community

Goal 3: Comply with laws and regulations that pertain to natural resources

Objective 1: Manage natural resources within the spirit and letter of environmental laws

Objective 2: Protect and manage threatened and endangered species in accordance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the NEPA, AR 200-1, DoD Instruction (DoDI) 4715.03, USFWS regulations and agreements, and other applicable laws or guidance from higher headquarters

Objective 3: Protect, restore, and manage sensitive habitats and wetlands

Objective 4: Use the NEPA framework to make informed decisions that include natural resources considerations and mitigation

Objective 5: Ensure the natural resources program is consistent with the protection of cultural and historic resources

Objective 6: Implement this INRMP within the framework of Army policies and regulations Goal 4: Fully integrate elements of environmental and military training programs to support mission essential training requirements

Objective 1: Ensure the integration of, and consistency among, the various activities identified within this

INRMP.

Objective 2: Ensure the integration of new military infrastructure development with the principles and guidelines of this plan

Objective 3: Coordinate the implementation of natural resources management with Fort Buchanan’s master planning activities, including the Real Property Master Plan and Area Development Plan

Objective 4: Use the natural resources program to support and enhance other elements within Fort Buchanan’s environmental programs

Objective 5: Provide the Command with information needed to make decisions, which include natural resources-related values

Responsibilities

Garrison Commander The Garrison Commander (GC) is directly responsible for the operation and maintenance of Army lands at Fort Buchanan. Therefore, the GC is ultimately responsible for the management of natural resources at Fort Buchanan, including preparing, updating, and implementing INRMPs. The GC is also responsible for organizing, directing, coordinating and controlling Garrison support and service activities, including overall management of the Garrison workforce. Acting through staff, directors, and separate commanders, the GC is responsible for:

Providing funding and staffing of natural resources management professionals and other resources required to effectively manage natural resources on the Installation;

Planning land utilization to avoid or minimize adverse effects on environmental quality and provide for sustained accomplishment of the mission;

Developing a training environment to support the Senior Commander’s training requirements;

Entering into appropriate cooperative plans, in accordance with the Sikes Act (Title 16 of the United States Code [U.S.C.], Section 670a and following), with state/commonwealth and federal conservation agencies for the conservation and development of fish and wildlife, soil, outdoor recreation, and other resources;

Ensuring the functioning of an Installation Environmental Quality Control Committee (EQCC);

Ensuring ongoing and timely coordination of current and planned land uses between mission, natural resources, environmental, legal, and master planning;

Inspecting and reviewing mitigation measures that have been implemented or recommended for the protection of natural resources as prescribed in environmental documentation in accordance with the Environmental Analysis of Army Actions (32 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 651);

Ensuring all Installation land users are aware of and comply with procedures and requirements necessary to accomplish objectives of this INRMP together with laws, regulations, and other measures designed to comply with environmental quality objectives; and

Appointing a natural resources management professional as the INRMP Coordinator.

Directorate of Public Works (DPW) DPW is the environmental executive agent for the GC and is the principal driver in the formulation of policies and procedures related to environment, energy, and natural resources. The DPW will maintain the Environmental Division with the resources available to accomplish the INRMP and is responsible for the following:

Developing and implementing programs to ensure the inventory, delineation, classification, and management of all applicable natural resources to include: wetlands, threatened and endangered species, sensitive habitats, and other natural resource areas of special interest;

Providing for the training of natural resources personnel;

Implementing this INRMP;

Reviewing all environmental documents (e.g., environmental impact assessments/statements and remedial action plans), construction designs, and proposals to ensure adequate protection of natural resources, ensuring that technical guidance as presented in this INRMP is adequately considered;

Coordinating with local, state/commonwealth, and federal governmental and civilian conservation organizations relative to natural resources management for Fort Buchanan; and

Managing all phases of the natural resources program for Fort Buchanan with appropriate natural resources management personnel. The Environmental Division is responsible for preparation and implementation of this INRMP. This is the direct “vehicle” for accomplishment of the above responsibilities.

Plans, Analysis, and Integration Office (PAIO) The PAIO provides strategic and management planning, coordination, and integration of enterprise-wide programs and activities, and facilitates the continuous improvement of Garrison functions. Within the PAIO, Strategic Planning provides a three-to five-year management tool that aids in the alignment of resources to valid Installation requirements and/or initiatives and moves the Garrison toward mission and goal achievement. Action on development execution, and monitoring is a necessary and critical element of achieving established goals and objectives. The underlying strategic planning processes are a key component of the GC’s ability to effectively synchronize and integrate Installation activities in support of Senior Commander mission requirements.

Part of the strategic planning process is the development of the Installation Planning Board (IPB), which is held at minimum annually, and provides Installation leaders and stakeholders with a clear and common operating picture of current and future Installation requirements and current and projected resources.

PAIO serves as the primary "Garrison integrator" in support of the Garrison Command Group and is responsible for the following:

Facilitates intra-agency and/or cross-functional issues through integrated operations;

Facilitates the development of plans and actions in support of Senior Commander/GC directed actions/requirements;

Develops products for external stakeholders such as local, state/commonwealth, and federal agencies; and

Identifies issues, analyzes data, proposes solutions, and facilitates a variety of work groups in order to develop Garrison-wide solutions.

Directorate of Emergency Services (DES) The DES-Law Enforcement Division performs conservation law enforcement duties and provides Conservation Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) services. The CLEO will respond to all reported and observed violations concerning conservation of cultural and natural resources, as well as environmental, archaeological, antiquities, and threatened or endangered species. The CLEO will engage external agency support when required by statutes, such as the USFWS for issues related to federally-listed species law enforcement actions.

Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS) The DPTMS directs, coordinates, synchronizes, and integrates Installation current and future operations, emergency planning activities, force modernization, operational planning, and the Antiterrorism Program. The DPTMS serves as the tasking agent for the GC. The DPTMS also provides Personnel Security Services and Training Support Activities for the Military and the Civilian Community.

The DPTMS includes the following divisions with responsibilities that overlap natural resources management requirements within this INRMP:

The Plans and Operations Division is the heart for the synchronization of current and future operations, emergency planning activities, force modernization, operational planning, and the Antiterrorism Program and serves as the tasking agent for the GC.

The Training Division plans, develops, and manages the Installation’s Training Program to include the Military and the Civilian Training Program. The Training Division manages training areas and facilities.

Public Affairs Office The Public Affairs Office communicates on behalf of Fort Buchanan and its leadership – providing clear, accurate, timely information to internal and external audiences. The Public Affairs Office employs a variety of communication strategies and resources including internal news and information products, media engagement, and public outreach.

The Directorate of Families, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (DFMWR) is responsible for a variety of quality-of-life concerns for Soldiers and their Families. DFMWR is mostly responsible for recreational activities on the Installation exclusive of hunting and fishing.

Authority

Sikes Act Preparation and implementation of INRMPs on military installations is required by the Natural Resources Management on Military Lands Act of 1960 (16 U.S.C. 670a), commonly known as the Sikes Act (as amended according to the Sikes Act Improvement Act [SAIA] of 1997 and Public Law 108-136, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004). The Sikes Act requires that, “consistent with the use of military installations to ensure the preparedness of the Armed Forces, the Secretaries of the military departments shall…provide for the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources on military installations; the sustainable multipurpose use of the resources, which shall include hunting, fishing, trapping, and non-consumptive uses; and, subject to safety requirements and military security, public access to military installations to facilitate the use.”

In accordance with the Sikes Act, this INRMP provides, to the extent appropriate and applicable, for the following:

Management of fish and wildlife, land use, and recreational opportunities related to fish and wildlife;

Enhancement of, or modifications to, fish and wildlife habitat;

Protection, enhancement, and restoration of wetlands, where necessary to support fish, wildlife, or plants;

Integration of, and consistency among, the various activities conducted under the INRMP;

Establishment of specific natural resources management goals and objectives and time frames for those proposed actions;

Sustainable use by the public of natural resources to the extent that the use is not inconsistent with the needs of fish and wildlife resources;

Public access to the military Installation that is necessary or appropriate for the use described above, subject to requirements necessary to ensure safety and military security;

Enforcement of applicable natural resources laws/regulations;

No net loss in the capability of military Installation lands to support the military mission of the Installation; and

Other activities as the Secretary of the Army determines appropriate.

Additionally, Army guidance on implementing the Sikes Act indicates INRMPs must reflect mutual agreement of the USFWS and the appropriate state/commonwealth fish and wildlife agencies concerning conservation, protection, and management of fish and wildlife resources (U.S. Army 2006). Fort Buchanan regularly collaborates with the USFWS Caribbean Field Office and the PRDNER for natural resources monitoring and conservation.

According to 16 U.S.C. 670a(b) of the SAIA of 1997, to the extent appropriate and applicable, this INRMP FY23–FY28 provides for the following:

Fish and wildlife management, land management, forest management, and fish- and wildlife-oriented recreation;

Fish and wildlife habitat enhancement or modifications;

Wetlands protection, enhancement, and restoration where necessary for support of fish, wildlife, or plants;

Integration of and consistency among the various activities conducted under the plan;

Establishment of specific natural resources management goals and objectives and time frames for proposed actions;

Sustainable use by the public of natural resources to the extent that the use is not inconsistent with the needs of the fish and wildlife resources;

Public access to the military Installation that is necessary and appropriate for the use described above, subject to requirements necessary to ensure safety and military security;

Enforcement of applicable natural resource laws and regulations;

No net loss in the capability of military Installation lands to support the military mission of the Installation;

Army Environmental Policy

Army Installations, Energy and Environment Strategy 2025 The Army Installations, Energy and Environment Strategy 2025, Version 2 (HQDA 2016), refines the Army’s vision for Installations, energy, and environment for FY17-FY25. It establishes several goals through three “key business drivers” or themes:

1) Installations— “Readiness Platforms”: Installations will be efficient, sustainable, and adaptive to the changing environment and needs of the Army.

2) Energy and Sustainability: This goal will create an Army that is ready and resilient, strengthened by secure access to energy, water, and land resources.

3) Environment, Safety and Occupational Health: This goal will create an effective environmental stewardship program and safety-based culture for Soldiers, Families and Civilians.

The vision for the Army’s energy security and sustainability efforts is a ready and resilient Army, strengthened by secure access to energy, water, and land resources and executed to preserve future choice in a rapidly changing world. The INRMP supports this vision through sound management of energy, water, and land resources within Fort Buchanan.

AR 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement This Department of Army regulation updated December 13, 2007, sets forth policy that covers environmental protection and enhancement and provides the framework for the Army Environmental Management System (EMS) (HQDA 2007).

This regulation implements federal, state, and local environmental laws and DoD policies for preserving, protecting, conserving, and restoring the quality of the environment.

The Army is committed to environmental stewardship in all actions as an integral part of its mission and to ensure sustainability. This regulation supports The Army Strategy for the Environment (DoA 2004), which presents the Army’s environmental vision as sustainable operations, installations, systems, and communities enabling the Army mission.

Under the strategy, the Army’s environmental mission is to sustain the environment to enable the Army mission and secure the future.

AR 200-1 requires installations to establish an EQCC chaired by the GC. The EQCC helps to plan, execute, and monitor actions and programs with environmental implications. The committee identifies issues, makes recommendations, and advises the GC.

Army Directive 2017-07, Installation Energy and Water Security Policy The Army Directive 2017-07, Installation Energy and Water Security Policy establishes requirements for energy and water security to enhance the resilience of Army installations. This policy requires that installations be capable of providing necessary energy and water for a minimum of 14 days. In the context of the INRMP, this policy places added priority on projects that would improve Fort Buchanan’s energy or water resiliency.

Fort Buchanan Policy Memoranda Fort Buchanan has issued several policy memoranda relevant to the INRMP as shown in Section 2.5.7. These memoranda serve as additional Installation-specific policies to help manage natural resources and fulfill INRMP goals.

Department of Defense Manual (DoDM) 4715.03, INRMP Implementation Manual This DoD guidance, updated August 31, 2018, provides procedures to prepare, review, update, and implement INRMPs in compliance with the Sikes Act, including requirements for addressing climate change and procedures for coordinating plans at the military installation level (DoD 2018).

Climate Adaptation for DoD Natural Resource Managers Climate Adaptation for DoD Natural Resource Managers: A Guide to Incorporating Climate Considerations into INRMPs (Stein et al. 2019) addresses the requirement in DoDM 4715.03 for installations to address climate considerations when updating or revising their INRMPs. This guide provides a practical framework for addressing climate risks and improving climate resiliency throughout the INRMP. This strategy is considered guidance for the INRMP and not an additional regulatory obligation.

NEPA and 32 CFR § 651.12- Environmental Analysis of Army Actions Under NEPA, federal agencies take into consideration the environmental consequences of proposed major actions.

The intent of NEPA is to protect, restore, or enhance the environment through well-informed federal decisions. This act is based on the assumption that providing timely information to decision-makers and the public concerning the potential environmental consequences of Proposed Actions will improve the quality of federal decisions. Thus, the NEPA process includes a systematic, interdisciplinary evaluation of potential environmental consequences expected to result from implementing a Proposed Action.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established under NEPA to implement and oversee federal policy in this decision-making process. To this end, CEQ has issued National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), which was updated in 2020.

The appropriate level of NEPA analysis for a Proposed Action is specified in 32 CFR § 651.12. In the case of this INRMP update, the Proposed Action is within the general scope of an existing Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) but requires additional review. If the scope changes are significant, a supplement is prepared to consider the new, modified, or missing information and concludes with a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or Notice of Intent to supplement the previous EA. If the scope changes are not significant, the process results in a Record of Environmental Consideration (REC). See Section 2.9 for more information about the NEPA review process for this INRMP update.

List of Applicable Regulations and Guidelines Including the regulations and guidance specified above, this INRMP assures compliance with an extensive list of Federal laws, Executive Orders (EOs), DoDI, Army Policies, and Fort Buchanan Policies including:

Conservation Programs on Military Installations / Sikes Act (16 USC 670 et seq)

NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq, PL 91-190)

ESA (16 USC 1531)

Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 1251-1376)

Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 U.S.C.1251 et seq, as amended), and CWA as amended 1987

Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq, as amended)

Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1451-1466)

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2901 et seq)

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661)

The Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 U.S.C. 431-433)

National Historical Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, 1974, 1986 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq)

American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1977 (42 U.S.C. § 1996)

Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470a et seq)

Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974 (7 U.S.C. 2801 et seq)

Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 (16 U.S.C. 703-712; Ch.128; July 13, 1918; 40 Stat.755)

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA; November 16, 1990) (Public Law 101- 601; 25 U. S. C.3001-3013

Executive Order (EO) 11514, Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality (March 5, 1970)

EO 11593, Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment (May 13, 1971)

EO 11987, Exotic Organisms (May 24, 1977)

EO 11988, Floodplain Management (May 24, 1977)

EO 11990, Protection of Wetlands (May 24, 1977)

EO 12088, Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards (October 13, 1978)

EO 12898, Environmental Justice (February 11, 1994)

EO 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health and Safety Risks (April 23, 1997)

EO 13112, Exotic and Invasive Species (Feb 13, 1999)

EO 13186, Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds (January 17, 2001)

Army Conservation Reimbursable and Fee Collection Programs, Forestry (10 U.S.C. 2665)

Federal Land Use Policy and Management Act (43 U.S.C. 1701-1782)

CEQ NEPA Regulations (40 CFR 1500) 2020

DoDI 4150.07, Pest Management Program (May 23, 2013)

DoDI 4700.4, Natural Resources Management Program (January 24, 1989)

DoDI 4715.1, Environmental Security (February 24, 1996)

DoDI 4715.03, Natural Resources Conservation Program (March 18, 2011)

DoDI 5525.17, Conservation Law Enforcement Program (October 17, 2013)

DoDI 6055.06, Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Program (October 3, 2019)

DoD Policy to Use Pollinator-Friendly Management Prescriptions (September 5, 2014)

AR 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement (2007)

AR 200-2, AR 200-2, Environmental Analysis of Army Actions (2002)

Army Installations, Energy and Environment Strategy 2025, Version 2 (2016)

Army Directive 2017-07, Installation Energy and Water Security Policy (2017)

Army Reserve Environmental Quality Implementation Strategy/Policy (2017)

USAGFB Policy Memorandum No. 8, Pollution Prevention Plan (2017)

USAGFB Policy Memorandum No. 17, Fort Buchanan Environmental Sustainability (2017)

USAGFB Policy Memorandum No. 24, Conservation of Threatened and Endangered Species (2017)

USAGFB Policy Memorandum No. 25, Energy Management Program (2015)

USAGFB Policy Memorandum No. 42, Stray Animal Control (2017)

Responsible Parties for INRMP Implementation The success of the management of the natural resources located on Fort Buchanan grounds and the implementation of this INRMP require a cooperative effort among the parties directly responsible. The level of success can be enhanced by developing partnerships among other parties who have a vested interest in the responsible management of the natural resources at Fort Buchanan. In 2013, an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was established to further a cooperative relationship between the DoD, USFWS, and state/commonwealth fish and wildlife agencies in preparing, reviewing, revising, updating, and implementing INRMPs for military installations. The MOU addresses the responsibilities of the parties to facilitate optimum management of natural resources on military installations.

Other interested parties in the natural resources management program at the Installation include the Southeast Region Office of the Army’s Installation Management Agency (IMA), which is the final approving authority for the INRMP, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District, which is responsible for real estate issues and the regulatory program (33 USC1251 et seq, as amended) on Fort Buchanan. USFWS provides signatory agreement concerning the conservation, protection, and management of the fish and wildlife resources presented in the INRMP.

USFWS is also the primary federal agency for issues regarding fish and wildlife management, as well as the regulatory authority for the ESA of 1973 and the MBTA.

At the state level, PRDNER is responsible for natural resources management throughout the Commonwealth.

PRDNER is notified when an activity at Fort Buchanan has the potential to affect the natural resources of the Installation or the surrounding areas and provides signatory agreement on such activities.

Fort Buchanan’s DPW, Environmental Division may also enlist the help of outside contractors to provide technical support for natural resources and environmental management projects. This technical support includes preparing the INRMP, NEPA analyses and documentation, and cultural and biological resource surveys. Fort Buchanan personnel/organizations directly responsible for implementing this INRMP are listed in Table 2-1.

Table 2-1. Responsible Parties at Fort Buchanan for INRMP Implementation

Responsible Parties Responsibilities Garrison Commander Implementation/Enforcement of INRMP

Legal/Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) Regulatory Interpretation NEPA Review Off-Base Dispute/Complaint Resolution

Directorate of Public Works

Environmental Conservation Integrated Pest Management Program Wildlife Management Environmental Impact Assessment Process Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan Cultural Resources Management Plan Hazardous Materials Management Hazardous Waste Spill Response Plans Solid Waste Environmental Restoration Air Quality Monitoring/Compliance Environmental Management System

Responsible Parties Responsibilities

Directorate of Public Works

Environmental Pest Control Pollution Prevention Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC) Awareness

Operations and Maintenance

Facility Maintenance Improved Grounds Maintenance Unimproved Grounds Maintenance Maintenance of Surface Areas

Engineering Facilities Engineering Services Minor Construction Military Construction

Master Planning Installation Master Planning Geographic Information System (GIS) Real Property Management Installation Design Guide

Directorate of Families, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (DFMWR)

Supervise/Direct Golf Course and Pest Management Operations

Directorate of Personnel and Community Activities

Promote Organization/Development of Recreational Activities and Facilities

Safety MEC Awareness; MEC incidences within Fort Buchanan and outside Munitions Response Sites (MRS) –Camp Buchanan Training Area

Contracting Access to environmental awareness package to include but not limited to distributing MEC awareness information, boa awareness, EMS materials, pollution prevention and compliance information.

DES Provide CLEO support Respond to MEC encounters

Review and Revision Process

Annual Requirements The DPW Environmental Division will conduct an annual review of this INRMP Fiscal Year (FY) 23–FY28. The annual review will identify the previous year’s accomplishments and focus on current projects and those planned for the upcoming year. Additional annual review requirements are provided in Section 7.7. An Annual Review Form template and copies of annual reviews are provided in Appendix E.

Five-Year Requirements This INRMP is to undergo a comprehensive review and update every five (5) years, led by the DPW Environmental Division, and in cooperation with USFWS and PRDNER. The next review will be conducted in FY28 and result in the

FY29-FY30 INRMP.

Relationship of This Update to Previous Iterations The INRMP is a living document that builds on previous iterations. Fort Buchanan’s original INRMP was first implemented in 2000 and covered FY00–FY04. It identified management measures and special projects to be implemented during that management period. The next iterations of the INRMP were updated to cover the management periods of FY05–FY09, FY10-FY14, and FY15-FY20. They identified and addressed changes in baseline data during the previous management periods and proposed new management measures and special projects. The current version of the INRMP covers the next management period of FY23–FY28. It evaluates the status of previous management measures and actions and assesses their applicability for the next management period.

While much of the general information remains the same, several sections have been updated to include more recent information. Updates are summarized below.

The document organization and format were updated throughout.

NEPA requirements were addressed as a tiered analysis to the FY15-FY20 INRMP. NEPA requirements follow new CEQ guidance published in July 2020. Elements related to NEPA evaluation for the FY15-FY20 INRMP that were not related to natural resources or current INRMP guidance were removed.

All regulatory references were reviewed and updated.

The goals, objectives, and projects were updated to reflect current conditions. Of the thirty-three (33) projects, twenty-six (26) carried over from the FY15-FY20 INRMP and seven (7) are new projects.

Elements of climate resiliency were added to appropriate sections throughout.

INRMP Integration Natural resources integration is accomplished through an annual review and a comprehensive revision or update at least every five years. This INRMP is prepared in coordination with the following plans; plans included as Appendices are considered integral elements of the INRMP:

Area Development Plan/Real Property Master Plan

Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP, Appendix F)

Endangered Species Management Plan (ESMP, Appendix G)

Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP, Appendix H)

Las Casas Lake Integrated Management Plan (Appendix I) Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP, Appendix J)

EMAPs (Appendix K)

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC)

Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan (ICRMP)

Land Use Control Plan (LUCP)

Hazardous Waste Management Plan

Installation Action Plans (IAP)

NEPA Compliance and Integration Army guidelines recommend that the INRMP and its associated NEPA analysis and documentation be prepared concurrently. Historically, Fort Buchanan has integrated the INRMP and its associated NEPA analysis and documentation into a single report. This approach embraced the intent and spirit of NEPA, as well as the requirements of AR 200-1. This FY23-FY28 INRMP is essentially an updated version of the previous FY15-FY20 INRMP, which incorporated an EA and achieved a FONSI (4 November 2014). Per federal NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1501.11), this INRMP only addresses elements that may constitute a significant change from the FY15-FY20 EA/FONSI and consequently require additional review under NEPA. The tiered NEPA analysis is included in Appendix C.

3 CURRENT CONDITIONS

General Information

Fort Buchanan is located on approximately 756 acres in the Bayamón and Guaynabo municipalities in Puerto Rico in the greater San Juan metropolitan area (Exhibit 1). Fort Buchanan is the only active Army post in the Caribbean Basin area. It supports the reserve components and active component soldiers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as a power-projection platform to mobilize the nation’s only fully bilingual and bicultural force, a definite asset for DoD relations with Central and South America.

The Installation serves a population of approximately 130,000 veterans, retirees,…