B08. Attachment 0013- INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN.pdf

FINAL

INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT PLAN

2025–2030

PINE BLUFF ARSENAL

ARKANSAS

March 2025

Prepared by: Pine Bluff Arsenal Natural Resources Office Pine Bluff, Arkansas and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District Regional Planning and Environmental Center Fort Worth, Texas

Attachment L

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Final Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan

2025-2030 Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas

Prepared by:

Pine Bluff Arsenal

Natural Resources Office Mr. Wes Sparks, Natural Resources Specialist

Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71602

March 2025

MANAGEMENT PLAN

2025-2030

PINE BLUFF ARSENAL, ARKANSAS

This updated integrated natural resources management plan has been developed by Pine Bluff Arsenal in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The signature below indicates the agreement of the signing party concerning the conservation, protection, and management of fish and wildlife resources as presented in the integrated natural resources management plan.

PLAN APPROVAL—PINE BLUFF ARSENAL

COLLIN K. KEENAN Date Colonel, U.S. Army Commander Pine Bluff Arsenal, AR

MANAGEMENT PLAN

2025-2030

PINE BLUFF ARSENAL, ARKANSAS

This updated integrated natural resources management plan has been developed by Pine Bluff Arsenal in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The signature below indicates the agreement of the signing party concerning the conservation, protection, and management of fish and wildlife resources as presented in the integrated natural resources management plan.

PLAN PREPARER—PINE BLUFF ARSENAL

Wesley E. Sparks Date Natural Resources Specialist

MANAGEMENT PLAN

2025-2030

PINE BLUFF ARSENAL, ARKANSAS

This updated integrated natural resources management plan has been developed by Pine Bluff Arsenal in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The signature below indicates the agreement of the signing party concerning the conservation, protection, and management of fish and wildlife resources as presented in the integrated natural resources management plan.

PLAN REVIEW—PINE BLUFF ARSENAL

Stephen D. Redman Date Director Directorate of Public Works

MANAGEMENT PLAN

2025-2030

PINE BLUFF ARSENAL, ARKANSAS

This updated integrated natural resources management plan has been developed by Pine Bluff Arsenal in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The signature below indicates the agreement of the signing party concerning the conservation, protection, and management of fish and wildlife resources as presented in the integrated natural resources management plan.

PLAN REVIEW – PINE BLUFF ARSENAL

Kevin D. Dorman Date Director Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs

MANAGEMENT PLAN

2025-2030

PINE BLUFF ARSENAL, ARKANSAS

This updated integrated natural resources management plan has been developed by Pine Bluff Arsenal in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The signature below indicates the agreement of the signing party concerning the conservation, protection, and management of fish and wildlife resources as presented in the integrated natural resources management plan.

PLAN REVIEW – PINE BLUFF ARSENAL

Jim Walter Date Director Law Enforcement and Security

MANAGEMENT PLAN

2025-2030

PINE BLUFF ARSENAL, ARKANSAS

This updated integrated natural resources management plan has been developed by Pine Bluff Arsenal in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The signature below indicates the agreement of the signing party concerning the conservation, protection, and management of fish and wildlife resources as presented in the integrated natural resources management plan.

PLAN REVIEW—PINE BLUFF ARSENAL

Billy Ray Ashcraft Date Director Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation

MANAGEMENT PLAN

2025-2030

PINE BLUFF ARSENAL, ARKANSAS

This updated integrated natural resources management plan has been developed by Pine Bluff Arsenal in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The signature below indicates the agreement of the signing party concerning the conservation, protection, and management of fish and wildlife resources as presented in the integrated natural resources management plan.

PLAN REVIEW—PINE BLUFF ARSENAL

Jennifer Reynolds Date Legal Office

2025-2030

PINE BLUFF ARSENAL, ARKANSAS

This updated integrated natural resources management plan has been developed by Pine Bluff Arsenal in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The signature below indicates the agreement of the signing party concerning the conservation, protection, and management of fish and wildlife resources as presented in the integrated natural resources management plan.

AGENCY CONCURRENCE—U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Jason Hight, Field Supervisor Date U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Arkansas Ecological Services Field Office 110 South Amity Road, Suite 300 Conway, AR 72032

2025-2030

PINE BLUFF ARSENAL, ARKANSAS

This updated integrated natural resources management plan has been developed by Pine Bluff Arsenal in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The signature below indicates the agreement of the signing party concerning the conservation, protection, and management of fish and wildlife resources as presented in the integrated natural resources management plan.

AGENCY CONCURRENCE—ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH

COMMISSION

Chris Racey, Interim Director Date Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 2 Natural Resources Drive Little Rock, AR 72205

Final Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan

CONTENTS

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................. 1-1

1.1 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.1.1 Purpose and Scope ............................................................................................ 1-1

1.1.2 Support of Army Mission ..................................................................................... 1-1

1.1.3 Benefits............................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 IMPLEMENTATION.................................................................................................. 1-1

1.2.1 Primary Natural Resource Management Goals ................................................... 1-1

1.2.2 Impact on Current Management Practices .......................................................... 1-2

1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS .................................................................................. 1-2

1.4 SUMMARY ............................................................................................................... 1-3

2 GENERAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 AUTHORITY............................................................................................................. 2-1

2.2.1 The Sikes Act and Sikes Act Improvement Act ................................................... 2-1

2.2.2 DoDI 4715.03, Natural Resources Conservation Program .................................. 2-2

2.2.3 AR 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement...................................... 2-3

2.2.4 Sikes Act Policy and Guidance ........................................................................... 2-3

2.2.5 32 CFR Part 651, Environmental Effects of Army Actions ................................... 2-4

2.2.6 HQDA INRMP Policy Memorandum.................................................................... 2-4

2.3 RESPONSIBILITIES................................................................................................. 2-4

2.3.1 Installation Commander ...................................................................................... 2-4

2.3.2 Installation Organizations.................................................................................... 2-4

2.4 MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY ................................................................................ 2-5

2.4.1 Supporting the Army Military Mission .................................................................. 2-5

2.4.2 Developing this INRMP....................................................................................... 2-5

2.4.3 Implementing the Army Principles of Ecosystem Management ........................... 2-5

2.4.4 Supporting the Installation Planning Process ...................................................... 2-5

2.4.5 Integrated Training Area Management Program ................................................. 2-6

2.5 CONDITIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND REVISION ........................................ 2-6

2.5.1 Implementation ................................................................................................... 2-6

2.5.2 Review and Revisions......................................................................................... 2-6

3 INSTALLATION OVERVIEW....................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 LOCATION AND AREA ............................................................................................ 3-1

3.2 INSTALLATION Facilities.......................................................................................... 3-5

3.2.1 Overview............................................................................................................. 3-5

3.2.2 Transportation System........................................................................................ 3-6

3.2.3 Water Supply ...................................................................................................... 3-7

3.2.4 Projected Changes in Facilities ........................................................................... 3-7

3.3 INSTALLATION ACQUISITION AND HISTORY ....................................................... 3-7

3.3.1 Acquisition .......................................................................................................... 3-7

3.3.2 History ................................................................................................................ 3-8

Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas March 2025 i

3.4 ADJACENT LANDOWNERS AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES ...................... 3-8

4 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ....................................................................................... 4-1

4.1 CLIMATE.................................................................................................................. 4-1

4.2 TOPOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................ 4-1

4.3 GEOLOGY AND SOILS............................................................................................ 4-2

4.3.1 Geology .............................................................................................................. 4-2

4.3.2 Soils.................................................................................................................... 4-3

4.3.3 Petroleum and Minerals ...................................................................................... 4-5

4.4 WATER RESOURCES ............................................................................................. 4-5

4.4.1 Groundwater ....................................................................................................... 4-5

4.4.2 Surface Water..................................................................................................... 4-1

4.4.3 Wetlands............................................................................................................. 4-6

5 ECOSYSTEMS AND THE BIOTIC ENVIRONMENT ................................................... 5-1

5.1 ECOSYSTEM CLASSIFICATION ............................................................................. 5-1

5.2 FLORA...................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.2.1 Refuge Woods (Location: Sections 13, 14, T5S R10W) ..................................... 5-1

5.2.2 Yellow Lake (Location: Sections 27, 34, 35 T4S R10W; Sections 2, 3 T5S

R10W) ................................................................................................................ 5-2

5.2.3 Phillips Creek (Location: Sections 21, 22, 28, 27 T4S R10W) ............................ 5-3

5.2.4 Tripletts Bluff (Location: Section 22 T4S R10W) ................................................ 5-4

5.2.5 Railroad Grassland (Location: Sections 19, 30, 31, 32 T4S R10W; Sections

3, 4, 5, 10, 14, 15 T5S R10W)............................................................................. 5-5

5.2.6 Eastwood Bayou (Location: Sections 7, 8, 17, 18 T4S R10W) ........................... 5-6

5.1.1 Annotated List of Rare Species........................................................................... 5-8

5.2 FAUNA ..................................................................................................................... 5-9

5.2.1 Mammals ............................................................................................................ 5-9

5.2.2 Amphibians and Reptiles .................................................................................. 5-15

5.2.3 Mussels ............................................................................................................ 5-22

5.2.4 Crayfish .............................................................................................................. 5-4

5.2.5 Birds ................................................................................................................. 5-11

5.2.6 Insects .............................................................................................................. 5-14

5.2.7 Fish................................................................................................................... 5-20

5.3 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES..................................................... 5-21

5.3.1 Species Listed in USFWS Reports.................................................................... 5-21

6 MISSION IMPACTS ON NATURAL RESOURCES ..................................................... 6-1

6.1 LAND USE................................................................................................................ 6-1

6.2 NATURAL RESOURCES NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE MILITARY MISSION......... 6-2

6.2.1 Forest Management Program ............................................................................. 6-2

6.2.2 Hunting and Fishing Program ............................................................................. 6-6

6.2.3 Land Management Program ............................................................................... 6-6

6.2.4 Agricultural Outleasing Program ......................................................................... 6-6

6.3 EFFECTS OF THE MILITARY MISSION ON NATURAL RESOURCES ................... 6-6

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6.4 EFFECTS OF NATURAL RESOURCES OR THEIR MANAGEMENT ON THE

MISSION.................................................................................................................. 6-6

6.5 FUTURE MILITARY MISSION IMPACTS ON NATURAL RESOURCES .................. 6-7

7 NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT.................................................................. 7-1

7.1 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT..................................................................................... 7-1

7.1.1 PBA .................................................................................................................... 7-1

7.1.2 Other Defense Organizations.............................................................................. 7-1

7.1.3 Other Federal Agencies ...................................................................................... 7-2

7.1.4 State Agencies.................................................................................................... 7-2

7.1.5 Contractors ......................................................................................................... 7-3

7.1.6 Other Interested Parties ...................................................................................... 7-3

7.2 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS.............................................................. 7-3

7.3 LAW ENFORCEMENT ............................................................................................. 7-3

7.4 FOREST MANAGEMENT......................................................................................... 7-3

7.5 FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ..................................................................... 7-6

7.5.1 Habitat Management........................................................................................... 7-6

7.5.2 Game Species Management............................................................................... 7-8

7.5.3 Nongame Species Management ....................................................................... 7-10

7.5.4 Inventorying and Monitoring Natural Resources................................................ 7-11

7.6 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES MANAGEMENT........................... 7-12

7.7 WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ................................................................... 7-13

7.8 WETLAND MANAGEMENT.................................................................................... 7-14

7.9 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT ................................................................................... 7-15

7.9.1 Soil Resources Management ............................................................................ 7-15

7.9.2 Cantonment Area Management ........................................................................ 7-16

7.10 FIRE MANAGEMENT............................................................................................. 7-17

7.11 OUTDOOR RECREATION ..................................................................................... 7-18

7.11.1 Outdoor Recreation Program ............................................................................ 7-18

7.11.2 Military Mission Considerations......................................................................... 7-19

7.11.3 Public Access, Safety, and Security.................................................................. 7-19

7.11.4 Sales of Natural Resource Permits ................................................................... 7-20

7.12 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS ......................................................................... 7-20

7.12.1 Military Personnel Awareness........................................................................... 7-20

7.12.2 Public Awareness ............................................................................................. 7-21

7.13 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM................................................. 7-21

7.14 INTEGRATED CULTURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ................ 7-22

7.14.1 Cultural and Historic Resources Program ......................................................... 7-22

7.14.2 Natural Resources Management Implications ................................................... 7-23

7.15 SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT MEASURES ........................................................ 7-23 8 MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .............................................................. 8-1 9 IMPLEMENTATION..................................................................................................... 9-1

9.1 FUNDING ................................................................................................................. 9-1 iii

9.2 NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT STAFFING............................................. 9-2

9.3 ANNUAL COORDINATION REQUIREMENTS ......................................................... 9-3

9.4 MONITORING INRMP IMPLEMENTATION.............................................................. 9-3

10 REFERENCES

Tables Table 5-1. Terrestrial Mammal Survey Scent Station Results................................................ 5-10 Table 6-1. 2011 Timber Cruise Estimates .............................................................................. 6-3 Table 6-2. Timber Cutting Cycle............................................................................................. 6-4 Table 7-1. Summary of Management Measures.................................................................... 7-24 Table 9-1. Summary of INRMP Projects.................................................................................. 9-5 Figures Figure 3-1. PBA Location ........................................................................................................ 3-2 Figure 3-2. PBA Installation Map - North................................................................................. 3-3 Figure 3-3. Installation Map – South........................................................................................ 3-4 Figure 3-4. Arsenal Zones....................................................................................................... 3-6 Figure 4-1. Elevation Map of the PBA ..................................................................................... 4-2 Figure 4-2. Soils of the PBA.................................................................................................... 4-4 Figure 4-3. North PBA Monitoring Well and Ecological Monitoring Locations .......................... 4-7 Figure 4-4. South PBA Monitoring Well and Ecological Monitoring Locations ......................... 4-0 Figure 4-5. Water Features in the PBA ................................................................................... 4-2 Figure 4-6. Fishable Lakes at the PBA.................................................................................... 4-3 Figure 4-7. Wetlands at the PBA............................................................................................. 4-8 Figure 5-1. Level III Ecoregions (EPA, 2015) .......................................................................... 5-1 Figure 5-2. Level IV Ecoregions (USEPA, 2015) ..................................................................... 5-2 Figure 5-3. Mussel Sampling Locations ................................................................................ 5-23 Figure 6-1. General Land Use for PBA.................................................................................... 6-2 iv

Appendices Appendix A: RECORD OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION (REC) Appendix B: Flora Species List Appendix C: Mammal Species List Appendix D: Bat Information Appendix E: Amphibian and Reptile Species List Appendix F: Crayfish Species List Appendix G: Bird Species List Appendix H: Insect Species List Appendix I: Fish Species List Appendix J: Threatened and Endangered Species Lists Appendix K: Memorandum on Availability of Timber for Harvest at PBA Appendix L: Timber Harvest Information Appendix M: PBA PL 200-2 Firewood and Christmas Tree Removal Appendix N: Migratory Birds Information Appendix O: PBAR 200-1 Hunting and Fishing Regulations Appendix P: PBA Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance Soil Erosion Control Procedures Appendix Q: Integration Wildland Fire Management Plan Appendix R: Integrated Pest Management Program Appendix S: Agency Coordination v

ACRONYMS and ABBREVIATIONS °F degrees Fahrenheit ACSIM Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management ADHRL Arkansas Department of Health Rabies Lab AFS American Fisheries Society AGFC Arkansas Game and Fish Commission AMC U.S. Army Materiel Command ANHC Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission AR Army Regulation ARA Automatic Reimbursable Authority ARPA Archaeological Resources Protection Act ATV all-terrain vehicle BACS Bachman's Sparrow BMPs best management practices BOID Business Operations and Integration Division BREA Bond Road Exclusion Area CBRN Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear CFR Code of Federal Regulations CLA Conventional Limited Area COMO Common Moorhen CRM cultural resources manager CWA Clean Water Act DA Department of the Army DAIM-ED-N Department of the Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management DBH diameter at breast height DFAS-IN Defense Finance and Accounting Service–Indianapolis Center DHEW Department of Health, Education, and Welfare DES Directorate of Law Enforcement and Security DoD Department of Defense DoDI Department of Defense Instruction DPW Directorate of Public Works DUSD (I&E) Office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Installations and

Environment EO Executive Order vi

EP&S Engineer Plans and Services Division ESA Endangered Species Act FMWR Family Morale, Welfare, and Recreation FY fiscal year GIS geographic information systems HABS Historic American Buildings Survey HAER Historic American Engineering Record HOME Hooded Merganser HQDA Headquarters, Department of the Army ICRMP integrated cultural resources management plan INRMP integrated natural resources management plan IPM integrated pest management IPMP integrated pest management plan ITAM integrated training area management LEBI Least Bittern MACOM Major Command MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act MOU Memorandum of understanding msl mean sea level NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service NWI National Wetlands Inventory PBA Pine Bluff Arsenal PBAR Pine Bluff Arsenal Regulation PBGR Pied-Billed Grebe PL policy letter PLS planning level survey RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act REC record of environmental consideration RSHA Red-Shouldered Hawk SAG Sub Activity Group SAIA Sikes Act Improvement Act SHPO state historical preservation office vii

SWPPP stormwater pollution prevention plan TRES Tree Swallow USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S.C. United States Code USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service viii ix

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The following documents are maintained by Pine Bluff Arsenal and are incorporated by reference into this document. Persons wishing to view these documents should contact the below listed points of contact in the Pine Bluff Arsenal Directorate of Public Works, Engineer Plans and Services Division, in building 23-390, or the Natural Resources Office in building 17-130.

Documents available from the Engineer Plans and Services Division:

• Integrated Pest Management Plan

• Pest Management Contract

• Real Property Master Plan

• Vegetation and Landscape Maintenance Contract

Documents available from the Natural and Cultural Resources Office:

• Archaeological Survey

• Annual Timber Management Work Plans

• Cooperative Agreement with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Forestry

Division for Wildland Fires Firefighting Support

• Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural

Resources Service

• Fauna Surveys (Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles, Crayfish, Birds, Insects, and

Fish)

• Flora Survey

• Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan

• Memorandum of Understanding with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

• Soil Classification Maps and Descriptions

• Timber Inventory

• Wildland Fire Protection Plan

• Integrated Pest Management Plan x xi

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1 PURPOSE

1.1.1 Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this integrated natural resources management plan (INRMP) is to guide the natural resources management program at Pine Bluff Arsenal (PBA) from 2025 through 2030 and to provide a solid foundation on which to build the program beyond 2030, ensuring that natural resource conservation measures and Army activities on mission lands are integrated and are consistent with federal stewardship requirements.

The scope of the INRMP includes natural resources management on all lands over which PBA has jurisdiction and control, including lands occupied by tenants or lessees or lands being used by others pursuant to a permit, license, right-of-way, or any other form of permission. This plan applies to all actions that affect or have the potential to affect the natural resources at PBA. Work performed by PBA employees or contractors shall be required to conform to the standards and procedures specified in this plan. The terms PBA and Arsenal are used interchangeably throughout this document.

1.1.2 Support of Army Mission

Maintaining optimal environmental conditions on military lands is essential for the success of the military mission at PBA. The management measures in this INRMP have been developed based on the conditions of the resources and the military mission and activities as they are anticipated.

1.1.3 Benefits

The INRMP provides the Army and the Arsenal with one document that describes the state of natural resources and describes natural resources management on PBA.

Formerly, individual species management was the norm, and each managed species had a management plan. These plans often had redundant information and did not address the larger context of ecosystem-level natural resources management goals and objectives. The INRMP, however, provides a concise analysis of all levels of the ecosystem, from the interaction of terrestrial and aquatic habitats with each other to the management methods and goals for individual species. This larger picture provides a broader basis of understanding for planning and budgeting purposes.

1.2 IMPLEMENTATION

1.2.1 Primary Natural Resource Management Goals

The general goals of this INRMP conform to those outlined in The Army Strategy for the Environment plan and are as follows:

• Maintain sustainability of lands for mission use.

• Conserve natural resource assets.

• Preserve cultural resource assets.

• Provide for recreational opportunities.

• Accommodate multiple use activities.

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The ability to achieve these goals depends directly on the health and condition of the natural resources at PBA. Protecting the ecological and biological integrity of the military lands ensures that the environmental conditions continue to provide the soil and vegetative cover necessary for controlling erosion, reducing fire hazards, and improving overall operational safety and efficiency.

This INRMP also identifies the following planned major initiatives to achieve PBA’s natural resource management goals:

• Forest management techniques to harvest timber, control disease and insect infestations, and maintain a healthy and productive forest. Harvest schedules and harvest rates are established for the next 5 years.

• Fish and wildlife management techniques to maintain and protect the species of wildlife and fish that inhabit PBA. Management goals are established for game and nongame species, to include threatened or endangered species, for the next 5 years.

• Land management techniques to manage the Improved and Semi-Improved Grounds facilities.

• An annual prescribed burning contract to provide for prescribed burning of selected areas for improvement of plant and animal habitats.

• Surveys to look for new Bald Eagle nests.

• A hunting and fishing program administered by the natural resources specialist for the control and health of game animals.

The natural resources management program must remain flexible if it is to achieve long-term success. It will achieve and maintain this flexibility by incorporating adaptive management techniques. Adaptive management is a process by which new information from monitoring data, special studies, or scientific literature is used to evaluate the success of the management measures in place. This information is then used to determine the changes in the management approach necessary to ensure the continued success of the program. The natural resources management program also might be required to adapt to unforeseen changes in military mission and legal requirements.

1.2.2 Impact on Current Management Practices

This INRMP defines natural resources management goals and objectives for PBA. These goals and objectives have been designed to reflect the aim of continual improvement of the ecosystem at PBA and maintain the balance between the ecosystem and military mission.

1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

As stated in Army Regulation (AR) 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement, “the Army is committed to environmental stewardship in all actions as an integral part of its mission and to ensure sustainability,” and will “sustain the environment to enable the Army mission and secure the future.” This INRMP has been prepared in accordance with AR 200-1 and the Department of Defense (DoD) Manual 4715.03-M, Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) Implementation Manual. In accordance with Title 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 651, Environmental Effects of Army Actions—which states that “environmental analyses required by this part will be integrated as much as practicable with other environmental reviews, laws, and Executive Orders”—

1-2 this INRMP integrates into a single document the installation’s INRMP and the associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis (i.e., a record of environmental consideration [REC]) for implementing the program. NEPA requires that federal agencies consider the environmental impacts of major proposed actions. The expected environmental impacts of implementing the INRMP are in the REC in Appendix A. In preparing this INRMP, PBA has maintained its commitment to ensure that environmental considerations are integral to its mission and has complied with AR 200-1 and 32 CFR part 651 by integrating the INRMP and NEPA compliance documentation. In addition, this INRMP provides the guidance necessary for PBA to maintain compliance with DoD Instruction (DoDI) 4715.03; Executive Order (EO) 11990, Protection of Wetlands; the Clean Water Act (CWA); and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973.

1.4 SUMMARY

This is a comprehensive plan that outlines management challenges and prescribes management actions necessary to protect, conserve, and maintain the natural resources entrusted to the DoD and PBA.

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2 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This INRMP will serve as an effective tool for managing natural resources consistent with mission goals and as the adaptive plan for managing natural resources consistently with the military mission while protecting and enhancing resources for multiple use, sustainable yield, and biological diversity. The plan ensures that natural resources conservation activities on mission land are integrated and consistent with federal stewardship requirements.

This INRMP is designed to address natural resources and their management throughout the Arsenal. Managing natural resources on properties that lie outside the boundaries of the installation is not addressed in this document, but management activities are coordinated with adjacent landowners and other property managers where the activities concern resource management planning on a landscape scale.

The previous PBA INRMP, dated 2016, was reviewed and updated to create this new document. The updated plan presents a review of the natural resources activities undertaken at PBA over the past 5 years and proposes new projects and initiatives for implementation in 2025 through 2030.

Not intended as a stand-alone document, this plan records the health, extent, and management of existing natural resource assets and assists in fully integrating natural resources management into other installation plans and activities.

This INRMP should be used in conjunction with the Arsenal’s real property master plan, integrated cultural resources management plan (ICRMP), integrated pest management plan (IPMP), vegetation and landscape maintenance contract, cleanup operations conducted under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and related provisions, and other appropriate plans and offices. This INRMP is not intended to function as a comprehensive compilation of detailed information on all these related topics. Rather, it briefly summarizes the key interrelationships among these plans and specifies where the plans can be obtained as well as where additional information can be found.

2.2 AUTHORITY

DoD is considered a leader in natural resources management. The military services have fully embraced the concept since DoD’s adoption of ecosystem management in 1994 (DoD, 1994). Although DoD and the Department of the Army (DA) had provided guidance before 1994 on most of the major natural resources components (e.g., forestry;

endangered species; game, fish, and wildlife; and related outdoor recreation), the guidance was not integrated and did not incorporate an ecosystem management approach. Today, mission support, sustained yield, and multiple uses continue to be supported under an ecosystem management approach; however, additional objectives are included. Ecosystem management objectives are established in a regional context and emphasize a desired future condition anticipated within 10, 20, or more years.

2.2.1 The Sikes Act and Sikes Act Improvement Act

Under the Natural Resource Management on Military Lands Act of 1960—commonly known as the Sikes Act (Title 16 of the United States Code [U.S.C.] Section 670 et. seq.):

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“The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a program to provide for the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources on military installations. To facilitate the program, the Secretary of each military department shall prepare and implement an integrated natural resources management plan for each military installation in the United States under the jurisdiction of the Secretary. Consistent with the use of military installations to ensure the preparedness of the Armed Forces, the Secretaries of the military departments shall carry out the program to 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.”

The Sikes Act Improvement Act (SAIA) of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 670a(1)(b)) states that “the Secretary of each military department shall prepare and implement an INRMP for each military installation in the United States under the jurisdiction of the Secretary, unless the Secretary determines that the absence of significant natural resources on a particular installation makes preparation of such a plan inappropriate.” In accordance with the SAIA, to the extent appropriate and applicable, this INRMP 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.

• Wetland 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 resource management goals and objectives and time frames for proposed actions.

• Sustainable use of natural resources by the public 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, military security, and fulfillment of the military mission.

• Enforcement of applicable natural resource laws (including regulations).

• No net loss in the capability of military installation lands to support the military mission of the installation.

• Such other activities as the Secretary of the military department determines appropriate.

2.2.2 DoDI 4715.03, Natural Resources Conservation Program

This revised INRMP was prepared in accordance with DoDI 4715.03. DoDI 4715.03 prescribes procedures for integrated management of natural and cultural resources, including preparing an INRMP as required by the SAIA. DoDI 4715.03 also states that “INRMPs shall be prepared, maintained, and implemented for all installations and ranges that contain significant natural resources for which DoD has authority for or control of natural resources management.”

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2.2.3 AR 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement

The Army’s commitment to the conservation of its natural resources is further reflected in AR 200-1, which requires the preparation of INRMPs and prescribes Army policies, procedures, and standards for the “conservation, management, and restoration of land and the renewable natural resources on it, consistent with and in support of the military mission.”

2.2.4 Sikes Act Policy and Guidance

2.2.4.1 DoD Sikes Act Policy Memorandum

On October 10, 2002, a memorandum from the Office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Installations and Environment (DUSD [I&E])—Implementation of Sikes Act Improvement Act: Updated Guidance—specified requirements and expectations associated with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and state natural resources agency coordination, DoD reporting, implementation and funding, and other miscellaneous requirements (e.g., no net loss to military lands and cooperative agreements).

Supplemental Guidance for Implementation of the Sikes Act Improvement Act: Additional Guidance Concerning INRMP Reviews was issued by the Office of the Secretary of Defense on November 1, 2004, in relation to the October 2002 memorandum. It provides additional guidance concerning the scope of INRMP reviews, public comments on INRMP reviews, and ESA consultation on INRMPs. Specifically, this guidance clarifies that, although DoD policy indicates that INRMPs must be reviewed regularly (not less often than every 5 years), not all INRMPs will require revision as a result of those reviews and INRMPs should be reviewed annually by the installation and other parties to the INRMP.

With respect to public review of INRMPs, no legal obligation exists under the policy to invite the public either to review or to comment on a mutually agreed-upon decision to continue implementing an existing INRMP without revision. Finally, regarding USFWS consultation, the policy specifies that most INRMPs will incorporate by reference the results of previous ESA consultations and, as a consequence, neither a separate biological assessment nor a separate formal consultation should be necessary concerning most INRMPs or INRMP revisions. Informal consultation with USFWS during the INRMP revision process is, nonetheless, encouraged.

These guidance documents were further revised by Implementation of Sikes Act Improvement Amendments: Supplemental Guidance Concerning Leased Lands—a memorandum dated May 17, 2005 by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The memorandum clarifies that an INRMP must address resource management on all the lands for which an installation has real property accountability, including lands occupied by tenants or lessees or being used by others pursuant to a permit, license, right-of-way, or any other form of permission.

2.2.4.2 INRMP Comprehensive Strategic Action Plan

The Comprehensive Plan for Using Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans at Active Military Installations and Ranges to Sustain Readiness describes a set of activities related to implementing INRMPs that will ensure DoD’s ability to properly manage the valuable natural resources entrusted to its care and sustain the readiness of its force.

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2.2.4.3 Sikes Act Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding

This memorandum of understanding (MOU) established a cooperative relationship between DoD, USFWS, and state fish and wildlife agencies (represented by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies) for preparing, reviewing, and implementing INRMPs.

2.2.5 32 CFR Part 651, Environmental Effects of Army Actions

Title 32 of the CFR “…implements the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), setting forth the Army’s policies and responsibilities for the early integration of environmental considerations into planning and decision-making.” In particular, 32 CFR 651.14, Integration with Army Planning, states that “environmental analyses required by this part will be integrated as much as practicable with other environmental reviews, laws, and Executive Orders (40 CFR 1502.25)” and “...installation management plans, particularly those that deal directly with the environment.” PBA meets the requirements of 32 CFR part 651 by combining this INRMP and the associated NEPA analysis (a REC, included in Appendix A of this INRMP).

2.2.6 HQDA INRMP Policy Memorandum

A Headquarters DA (HQDA) INRMP policy memorandum dated March 21, 1997—Army Goals and Implementing Guidance for Natural Resources Planning Level Surveys and Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan—states that the purpose for completing planning-level surveys and the INRMP is “to ensure that natural resource conservation measures and Army activities on mission land are integrated and are consistent with federal stewardship requirements.”

2.3 RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful management of natural resources on the grounds of PBA requires a cooperative effort among the parties directly responsible for implementing this INRMP.

The level of success can be enhanced by developing partnerships among all of the parties with a vested interest in the responsible management of the natural resources at PBA.

The parties directly responsible for implementing this INRMP are briefly described in this section. Outside parties and their roles and responsibilities are described in section 7.1.

2.3.1 Installation Commander

The commander is directly responsible for operating and maintaining PBA, including implementing and enforcing this INRMP. Command support of the PBA natural resources program has always been favorable, and it is anticipated that the command group will continue to support the program. The command group’s support through proper funding and command emphasis is crucial to the success of the plan. The command group must ensure that everyone on PBA knows that protecting, conserving, and preserving the natural resources entrusted to PBA are mission-essential.

2.3.2 Installation Organizations

The INRMP is implemented through the Arsenal’s Natural Resources Office and coordinated through other organizations as their services and cooperation are needed or as their programs impact natural resources. The PBA Natural Resources Office is part of the Environmental Compliance Division of the Directorate of Risk Management and

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Regulatory Affairs (RMRA). Additional support is provided by Engineer Plans and Services Division (EP&S), which is part of the Directorate of Public Works (DPW).

Logistical support is provided by the DPW. Real property management, pest management, and vegetation and landscape maintenance is provided by EP&S. Safety and law enforcement support is provided by the Directorate of Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs (RMRA) and Directorate of Law Enforcement and Security (DES), respectively.

Some recreational activities are provided by the Directorate of Family Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (FMWR) (Section 7.1.1.3). Outreach assistance is provided by the Public Affairs Office.

2.4 MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

2.4.1 Supporting the Army Military Mission

Maintaining optimal environmental conditions on military lands is essential for the success of the military mission at PBA. The management measures documented in this plan have been developed based on the existing conditions of the resources and anticipated military mission activities. The PBA natural resources program and the military mission are fully integrated. Conflicts are resolved through mitigation and negotiation.

2.4.2 Developing this INRMP

The preparation of this INRMP involved the review and analysis of the 2016 INRMP, and the current condition of the existing resources (as detailed in section 4.0). The review process included interviewing the PBA natural resources specialist; collecting existing environmental documentation; and conducting a field reconnaissance of the Arsenal.

Once the existing conditions had been established, management practices were reviewed to ascertain whether they had been effective over the past 5 years and where they might be improved. As a result of this analysis, the natural resource management goals and objectives have been more clearly defined, but not altered significantly from the previous INRMP (section 8.0). Proposed projects are designed to attain those goals and objectives.

2.4.3 Implementing the Army Principles of Ecosystem Management

This INRMP uses an ecosystem management approach to natural resources management. Each element of the ecosystem is studied and managed in relation to the other elements of the ecosystem, so that natural biological integrity is maintained to the maximum extent feasible. Stewardship of natural resources on an ecosystem scale addresses water quality, soil productivity, biological diversity of native flora and fauna, and compliance concerns. This INRMP, therefore, emphasizes protection and management of soil and water resources and lower levels of the food chain, which will, in turn, support the sustainability of biological resources and of mission activities.

2.4.4 Supporting the Installation Planning Process

This INRMP supports PBA’s planning process by identifying and prioritizing natural resources management goals, identifying projects to support those goals, and identifying the schedule and resources (labor and funding) required for performing those projects.

These functions, then, help guide the larger planning process, including budgeting, hiring, and acquisition.

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2.4.5 Integrated Training Area Management Program

PBA is not classified as an Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) installation. No formal ITAM program exists on PBA because of the limited amount of troop training that occurs on the Arsenal, as training is not a primary mission for PBA.