ID07180024_PWS_Attachment_5_Cannon_INRMP_final_11_30_17_(1).pdf

U. S. AIR FORCE INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Cannon Air Force Base

Melrose Air Force Range

New Mexico

(See INRMP signature pages for plan approval date)

INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN

ABOUT THIS PLAN

This installation-specific Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is based on the U.S. Air Force’s (AF) standardized Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) template. This INRMP has been developed in cooperation with applicable stakeholders, which may include Sikes Act cooperating agencies and/or local equivalents, to document how natural resources will be managed. Non-U.S. territories will comply with applicable Final Governing Standards (FGS). Where applicable, external resources, including Air Force Instructions (AFIs); AF Playbooks; federal, state, local and FGS, biological opinion and permit requirements, are referenced.

Certain sections of this INRMP begin with standardized, AF-wide “common text” language that address AF and Department of Defense (DoD) policy and federal requirements. This common text language is restricted from editing to ensure that it remains standard throughout all plans. Immediately following the AF-wide common text sections are installation sections. The installation sections contain installation-specific content to address local and/or installation-specific requirements. Installation sections are unrestricted and are maintained and updated by AF environmental Installation Support Teams (ISTs) and/or installation personnel.

NOTE: The terms ‘Natural Resources Manager’, ‘NRM’ and ‘NRM/POC’ are used throughout this document to refer to the installation person responsible for the natural resources program, regardless of whether this person meets the qualifications within the definition of a natural resources management professional in DODI 4715.03.

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

DOCUMENT CONTROL 6

INRMP APPROVAL/SIGNATURE PAGES

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 OVERVIEW AND SCOPE

1.1 Purpose and Scope

1.2 Management Philosophy

1.3 Authority

1.4 Integration with Other Plans

2.0 INSTALLATION PROFILE

2.1 Installation Overview

2.1.1 Location and Area

2.1.2 Installation History

2.1.3 Military Missions

2.1.4 Surrounding Communities

2.1.5 Local and Regional Natural Areas

2.2 Physical Environment

2.2.1 Climate

2.2.2 Landforms

2.2.3 Geology and Soils

2.2.4 Hydrology

2.3 Ecosystems and the Biotic Environment

2.3.1 Ecosystem Classification

2.3.2 Vegetation

2.3.3 Fish and Wildlife

2.3.4 Threatened and Endangered Species and Species of Concern

2.3.5 Wetlands and Floodplains

2.3.6 Other Natural Resource Information

2.4 Mission Impacts on Natural Resources

2.4.1 Natural Resource Constraints to Mission and Mission Planning

2.4.2 Land Use

2.4.3 Current Major Impacts

2.4.4 Potential Future Impacts

2.4.5 Natural Resources Needed to Support the Military Mission

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

4.0 GENERAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

5.0 TRAINING

6.0 RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING

6.1 Recordkeeping

6.2 Reporting

7.0 NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

7.1 Fish and Wildlife Management

Cannon Air Force Base Melrose Air Force Range

7.2 Outdoor Recreation and Public Access to Natural Resources

7.3 Conservation Law Enforcement

7.4 Management of Threatened and Endangered Species, Species of Concern and Habitats

Cannon Air Force Base Melrose Air Force Range

7.5 Water Resource Protection

Cannon Air Force Base Melrose Air Force Range

7.6 Wetland Protection

7.7 Grounds Maintenance

7.8 Forest Management

7.9 Wildland Fire Management

7.10 Agricultural Outleasing

7.11 Integrated Pest Management Program

Cannon Air Force Base

7.12 Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH)

Cannon Air Force Base Melrose Air Force Range

7.13 Coastal Zone and Marine Resources Management

7.14 Cultural Resources Protection

7.15 Public Outreach

7.16 Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

8.0 MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

9.0 INRMP IMPLEMENTATION, UPDATE, AND REVISION PROCESS

9.1 Natural Resources Management Staffing and Implementation

9.2 Monitoring INRMP Implementation

9.3 Annual INRMP Review and Update Requirements

10.0 ANNUAL WORK PLANS

11.0 REFERENCES

11.1 Standard References (Applicable to all AF installations)

11.2 Installation References

12.0 ACRONYMS

12.1 Standard Acronyms (Applicable to all AF installations)

12.2 Installation Acronyms

13.0 DEFINITIONS

13.1 Standard Definitions (Applicable to all AF installations)

13.2 Installation Definitions

14.0 APPENDICES

Appendix A. Annotated Summary of Key Legislation Related to Design and Implementation of the

INRMP

Appendix B. Common Fauna and Habitat Associations Appendix C. Fauna of CAFB and MAFR

Appendix D. Invasive and Noxious Plants of East-Central New Mexico Appendix E. Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Appendix F. Suggested Landscape Plants Appendix G. Melrose Air Force Range Plant List 2015 & 2016

15.0 ASSOCIATED PLANS

List of Figures

Map 1: Location of CAFB and MAFR……………………………………………………………… 19

Map 2: Current MAFR Configuration, Key Areas and Location……..…………………………….22

Map3: Topography of Cannon Air Force Base ……….…….………………………………………..25

Map 4: Topography of Melrose Air Force Range ………….………………………………….……..26

Map 5: Land Types at Cannon Air Force Base ……………………………………………………….27

Map 6: Land Types at Melrose Air Force Range ……………………………………………………..28

Map 7: Soil Association Found on Melrose Air Force Range ……………….…………………… ...30

Map 8: Hydrologic Features of Cannon Air Force Base …………………………………………….33

Map 9: Hydrologic Features of Melrose Air Force Range …………………………………………..34

Map 10: Habitat Types and Locations on Cannon Air Force Base ………………...………………. 37

Map 11: Vegetation associations found on Melrose Air Force Ran……………………………… ….41

Map 12: Lesser Prairie Chicken Lek Site at Melrose Air Force Range Last Known Active, 2012 .61

Map 13: Prairie Dog Towns at Cannon Air Force Base ……………………………………………...65

Map 14: Active and Inactive Prairie Dog Towns at Melrose Air Force Range ……………………..66

List of Tables

Table 1: Habitat Description, Listing Status, and Observed/Not Observed of Potentially Occurring

Listed Species on Cannon Air Force Base and Melrose Air Force Range as of Surveys Conducted

During 2015 & 2016 ………………………………………………………………………………….….47

Table 2: Results of the Aerial Surveys Conducted on Melrose Air Force Range …………………..70

Table 3: Existing Land Use at Cannon Air Force Base ……………………………………………….72

Table 4: Land Use at Melrose Air Force Range ……………………………………………………….73

Table 5: Land Use Under Restricted Airspace Surrounding Melrose Air Force Range …………….73

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Record of Review – The INRMP is updated not less than annually, or as changes to natural resource management and conservation practices occur, including those driven by changes in applicable regulations.

In accordance with (IAW) the Sikes Act and AFI 32-7064, Natural Resources Management, the INRMP is required to be reviewed for operation and effect not less than every five years. Annual reviews and updates are accomplished by the base Natural Resources Manager (NRM), and/or an Installation Support Team Natural Resources Media Manager. The installation shall establish and maintain regular communications with the appropriate federal and state agencies. At a minimum, the installation NRM (with assistance as appropriate from the NR Media Manager) conducts an annual review of the INRMP in coordination with internal stakeholders and local representatives of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), state fish and wildlife agency, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, where applicable, and accomplishes pertinent updates. Installations will document the findings of the annual review in an Annual INRMP Review Summary. By signature to the Annual INRMP Review Summary, the collaborating agency representative asserts concurrence with the findings. Any agreed updates are then made to the document, at a minimum updating the work plans. Following update, the installation NRM obtains approval signatures on the updated document.

INRMP APPROVAL/SIGNATURE PAGES

The following three pages are designated for documentation of concurrence with this INRMP by the 27th Special Operations Wing Commander, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish (AFI32-7064 2004, Sikes Act 2010)

27th SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING/CC

CONCURRENCE WITH CANNON AIR FORCE BASE

INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN

Pursuant to the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670a-670o), as amended, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, has completed its 5-year update of the installation’s Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP).

The 27 SOW/CC has reviewed the INRMP and concurs with the findings and management recommendations therein.

STEWART A. HAMMONS, Col, USAF Date Commander, 27th Special Operations Wing

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

CONCURRENCE WITH CANNON AIR FORCE BASE

INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN

Pursuant to the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670a-670o), as amended, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, has completed its 5-year revision of the installation's Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has reviewed the INRMP and concurs with the findings and management recommendations therein.

OCT 10 2017

Date

NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH

CONCURRENCE WITH CANNON AIR FORCE BASE

INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN

Pursuant to the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670a-670o), as amended, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, has completed its 5- year revision of the installation's Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP).

The New Mexico Department of Game & Fish has reviewed the INRMP and concurs with the findings and management recommendations therein.

Date r , EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Department of Defense (DoD) manages approximately 25 million acres (ac) of land in the United States (U.S.). Each military installation that has suitable habitat for conserving and managing natural ecosystems is required to prepare, maintain, and implement an Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). This INRMP was prepared for Cannon Air Force Base (CAFB) and Melrose Air Force Range (MAFR), in accordance with the following authorities:

• DoD Instruction (DoDI) 4715.3, Environmental Conservation Program;

• Air Force Instruction (AFI) 32-7064;

• 16 U.S. Code (U.S.C.) 670a-670f, Sikes Act, as amended, 18 November 1997; and

• 32 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 190, DoD Natural Resources Management Program.

This INRMP is a long-term planning document that guides implementation of the natural resources program to help ensure support for the installation mission, while protecting and enhancing natural resources and providing a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for station personnel. This plan documents the military mission, baseline condition of natural resources, impacts to natural resources due to the military mission, the management approaches to conserve and enhance natural resources, and a list of specific projects to protect and enhance natural resources at CAFB and MAFR.

In accordance with the Sikes Act, this INRMP was prepared in cooperation with the Secretary of the Department of Interior, acting through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF). Because of this coordination effort, the INRMP reflects the mutual agreement of these parties concerning conservation, protection, and management of fish and wildlife resources. Future involvement of the state and federal wildlife agencies during informal annual reviews and formal 5-year renewals will ensure continued mutual agreement and cooperation in managing the natural resources at CAFB and MAFR.

Eleven resource-specific natural resources program elements have been developed to address relevant issues at CAFB and MAFR. Existing conditions, baseline survey data, current management practices, and recommended management actions have been described for each program element. Management program elements covered in this INRMP include:

1. Fish and Wildlife Management

2. Conservation Law Enforcement

3. Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Management

4. Watershed Protection

5. Wetlands Management

6. Grounds Maintenance

7. Wildland Fire Management

8. Integrated Pest Management

9. Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH)

10. Cultural Resources Management

11. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Management

The management actions and projects identified for the CAFB and MAFR natural resources program are intended to help installation commanders manage natural resources effectively to ensure installation lands remain available and in appropriate condition to support the military mission and to ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations. These actions are based on the principles of ecosystem management and are consistent with Air Force policy on sustainable, multiple use of natural resources on Air Force (AF) property.

1.0 OVERVIEW AND SCOPE

This INRMP was developed to provide for effective management and protection of natural resources. It summarizes the natural resources present on the installation and outlines strategies to adequately manage those resources. Natural resources are valuable assets of the United States Air Force. They provide the natural infrastructure needed for testing weapons and technology, as well as for training military personnel for deployment. Sound management of natural resources increases the effectiveness of Air Force adaptability in all environments. The Air Force has stewardship responsibility over the physical lands on which installations are located to ensure all natural resources are properly conserved, protected, and used in sustainable ways. The primary objective of the Air Force natural resources program is to sustain, restore and modernize natural infrastructure to ensure operational capability and no net loss in the capability of AF lands to support the military mission of the installation. The plan outlines and assigns responsibilities for the management of natural resources, discusses related concerns, and provides program management elements that will help to maintain or improve the natural resources within the context of the installation’s mission. The INRMP is intended for use by all base personnel. The Sikes Act is the legal driver for the

INRMP.

1.1 Purpose and Scope

INRMPs provide for the management of natural resources, including fish, wildlife, and plants. They incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable, multiple use ecosystem management principles and provide the landscape necessary for the sustainment of military land uses. Consistent with the use of military installations to ensure the readiness of the Armed Forces, the purpose of INRMPs is to provide for the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources on military lands.

INRMPs assist installation commanders in their efforts to conserve and rehabilitate natural resources consistent with the use of military installations to ensure the preparedness of the Armed Forces. INRMPs are intended principally to guide the management of an installation’s natural resources effectively so as to ensure that its lands remain available and in good condition to support the installation’s military mission and with “no net loss” in the capability of military installation lands to support the military mission of the installation. To ensure frequent and continued use of land for military training, now and in the future, management programs and actions in INRMPs must ensure natural resource utilization is (1) sustainable, in accordance with laws and regulations, and (2) optimally integrated with existing military installation plans and mission requirements.

The CAFB and MAFR INRMP provides the foundation of ecosystem management goals and objectives to direct management and stewardship of its lands. This INRMP documents and assists the development, integration, and coordination of natural resources management on CAFB and MAFR. Further, it describes CAFB and MAFR natural resources management programs and how those programs provide for: (1) the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources; and (2) the sustainable multiple use of resources. In addition to describing natural resources management programs, this document is intended to accomplish the following:

• Provide baseline information and conditions that support daily decision-making and compliance with regulatory and planning processes;

• Identify, document, and facilitate the organizational capacity, support, and linkages necessary for successful implementation and administration of the INRMP and management of CAFB and MAFR natural resources;

• Integrate the various natural resources management programs to reduce overlap and redundancy, improve management effectiveness, and ensure that CAFB and MAFR lands remain available and in good condition to support the military mission;

• Show the interrelationships between current and proposed components of natural resources management (e.g., vegetation, wetland, fish and wildlife), mission requirements, and other land use activities;

• Establish natural resources program management goals, objectives, and actions that will be implemented during the duration of the plan and provide time frames for proposed actions;

• Identify lower priority projects that may be done as funding becomes available; and

• Establish a process for the periodic review, update, and reporting of program goals, objectives and projects within the INRMP.

This INRMP is intended to integrate natural resources conservation and management efforts in support of land use and military mission requirements and responsibilities at CAFB and MAFR. This INRMP reflects installations’ approach to natural resources management and stewardship and summarizes baseline information and agreements through which compliance with regulatory and planning processes, such as those required by the Sikes Act Improvement Act (SAIA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA), is accomplished. This INRMP also fulfills other responsibilities with regard to DoDIs and DoD Directives (DoDDs), as well as the USAF policies for natural resource planning, conservation, management, and rehabilitation in support of the Base’s military training mission.

Since the last 5-year INRMP renewal two major land use changes have been made, and one major regulatory change has occurred. All agricultural outleases on MAFR were terminated. Livestock grazing no longer occurs and cropland leases no longer exist. A contiguous 10,968 acre (ac) parcel is now an integral part of MAFR and is treated as such in all environmental planning and analysis. The lesser prairie chicken has had its US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) status decision vacated.

1.2 Management Philosophy

The guiding principle behind the development of this INRMP is sound ecosystem management. Managing ecosystems involves addressing the environment as a complex system of interrelated components rather than a collection of isolated units. Military operations and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements are essential components of the CAFB mission. Successful ecosystem management requires AF environmental managers to consider factors such as the military mission, state and federal laws, community values, socioeconomics, and adjacent land uses in addition to the biological environment when setting management goals.

The overall comprehensive goal of ecosystem management is to maintain and improve the sustainability and biological diversity of native ecosystems in supporting the AF mission and the needs of the military community. The INRMP implements ecosystem management by setting goals for attaining a desired land condition.

Two major components of ecosystem management are biodiversity conservation and control of exotic and invasive species. For biodiversity, the goal is to maintain or re-establish viable populations of native species on AF controlled lands when practical and consistent with the military mission. The primary goals associated with control of exotic and invasive species are to determine presence/absence of these species and, where necessary, to develop and implement plans to control or eradicate these species. To increase the effectiveness of control, management plans for the control of exotic and invasive species should be a cooperative effort with federal, state, and/or local agencies, and adjoining landowners.

This INRMP is also based on a set of principles developed by the AF as guidelines for natural resource management (AFI 32-7064, Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM)). These principles are:

• Maintain or restore native ecosystem types across their natural range where practical and consistent with the military mission;

• Maintain or restore ecological processes such as fire and/or other disturbance regimes where practical and consistent with the military mission;

• Maintain or restore hydrological processes in streams, floodplains, and wetlands when feasible;

• Use regional approaches to implement ecosystem management on an installation by collaboration with other DoD components as well as federal, state and local agencies and adjoining property owners.

The INRMP supports the Base Comprehensive Planning Process by identifying natural resources that need to be considered and incorporated into the Installation Development Plan (IDPP), element plans, and other component plans. Natural resources installation project plans are identified and prioritized for a five year period in the INRMP to provide for advance planning, funding, and management.

1.3 Authority

In recognition that military lands have significant natural resources, Congress enacted the Sikes Act in 1960 to address wildlife conservation and public access on military installations. The Sikes Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 670a-670f, requires the Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to provide for the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources on military installations in cooperation with the USFWS and the state fish and wildlife agencies. The 1997 amendments to the Sikes Act require the DoD to develop and implement an INRMP for each military installation with significant natural resources.

INRMPs are prepared in cooperation with the USFWS and the state fish and wildlife agency and reflect the mutual agreement of these parties concerning conservation, protection, and management of fish and wildlife resources on military lands.

The Sikes Act requires the Secretaries of the military departments to prepare, implement, and review/revise INRMPs for each military installation unless exempted due to the absence of significant natural resources. To make the exemption determination, AFI 32-7064 is used to classify military installations and ranges into one of two natural resource management categories. Category I installations/ranges are those that have natural resources requiring protection and management, such as habitat for protected species, aquatic resources, or any habitat for conserving and managing wildlife.

Category II installations have a limited natural resources land base and no significant natural resources.

CAFB and MAFR are classified as Category I installations.

Though several other laws (e.g., Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended [ESA] and Clean Water Act [CWA]) that require military installations to protect sensitive biological resources. The Sikes Act requires each installation possessing significant natural resources to prepare and implement an INRMP that supports the mission of the installation and complies with the suite of federal laws governing natural resources management and protection (e.g., ESA, CWA). Thus, an INRMP reflects an installation’s programs and intent to comply with other federal and state laws, most notably laws associated with environmental documentation, endangered species, water quality, and management of wildlife in general.

The Sikes Act, Updated Guidance on Implementation of the Sikes Act Improvement Act of 10 October 2002 (U.S. DoD 2002), Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Supplemental Guidance for Implementation of the Sikes Act Improvement Act of 1 November 2004 (U.S. DoD 2004), OSD Supplemental Guidance for Implementation of the Sikes Act Improvement Act of 5 September 2005 (U.S.

DoD 2005), Air Force Policy Directive (AFPD) 32-70, Environmental Quality, and the AFI 32- 7064, INRM provide detailed guidance on and identify required elements to be included in the preparation and update of INRMPs.

An ecosystem management approach with natural resources stakeholders that is within the constraints of the military mission is mandated by the Sikes Act, DoDI 4715.3, and AFI 32-7064. DoDI 4715.3 further states that installation ecosystem management will be achieved by developing and implementing the INRMP and insuring that it remains current. AFPD 32-70 provides directives to clean up environmental damage, plan future activities to reduce environmental impacts, manage responsibly the natural and cultural resources and eliminate pollution from its activities whenever possible on AF installations. AFI 32-7064, implements DoD and AFPD directives by establishing the Installation INRMP as the primary planning document for natural resources at AF installations. The INRMP assures compliance with key acts, statutes, and Executive Orders (EOs) including, but not limited to:

• Clean Air Act (CAA)

• CWA

• ESA

• Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)

• EO 13112, Invasive Species

• EO 13186, Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds

The ESA requires all federal agencies to implement protection programs for designated (listed) species and to use their authorities to further the purposes of the act. Other legislation protecting birds include the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), the MBTA, and EO 13186. To comply with the ESA, the USAF is required under AFI 32-7064 to inventory for federally listed threatened and endangered species, and if present on USAF land, provide an overall ecosystem approach for the protection and management of the species. Although not required, when practical a similar approach should be used for listed federal candidate species and state-listed species (AFI 32-7064). The federal government is also legally mandated to protect and maintain healthy migratory bird populations and to ensure the conservation of more than 800 species of migratory birds and their habitats by domestic legislation and through international conventions and treaties.

Installation-Specific Policies (including State and/or Local Laws and Regulations) Tree Care Ordinance

It shall be the policy of CAFB to maintain an active tree program, consisting of three areas: tree planning, tree planting, and tree maintenance.

1.4 Integration with Other Plans

The 27th Special Operation Civil Engineering Squadron (27 SOCES) Civil Engineering Wing (SOCES/CE) manages several programs integral to land use of the installations. There is frequent overlap of the different subject matter experts within the squadron. The following describes how this INRMP integrates with or supports the entire Squadron’s mission:

• Installation Development Plan (IDP): Objective 6 of the recently-completed plan is to “Be leaders in sustaining an environmentally conscious culture while ensuring mission effectiveness and meet or exceed all appropriate state and federal environmental laws.” The INRMP is thoroughly integrated into the IDP.

• Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ): The INRMP does not significantly overlap with the AICUZ. However, a 2016 AICUZ Study is pending and subject matter experts work closely together as part of the 27 SOCES program to ensure there are no conflicts.

• Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH): The BASH Program is in conformance with this INRMP as described in INRMP Section 7.12 (Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard) of this plan.

Annual reporting of BASH activities and the annual application for a new Depredation Permit are within the purview of the Natural Resources Program (NR) Section of the Environmental Element of 27 SOCES/CEIE. Updating and renewing the INRMP is also within the purview of the NR Program. Both plans are overseen by the NR Program thus ensuring integration.

• The Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP): Identifies two species of mutual concern with the INRMP: black-tailed prairie dogs and burrowing owls. The Entomology department is part of SOCES/CE and coordinates with the Environmental Element of SOCES/CE to ensure adherence to INRMP Section 7.11 (Integrated Pest Management Program). Specifically, avoidance of Burrowing Owl nesting and breeding.

• Cannon Green – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan (SLDP): This plan emphasizes the use of low maintenance landscaping, specifically low water use species. The plan recommends xeriscape practices such as targeted irrigation and the use of native and drought tolerant plants. The plan is in practice and in conformance with INRMP Section 7.6 (Grounds Maintenance) of this

INRMP.

• Wildland Fire Management Plan for Cannon AFB and Melrose AFR 2012: The goals of the most recent plans have changed since 2012 with the cessation of domestic livestock grazing leases. The current MAFR Prescribed Fire Burn Plan 2014 is described in INRMP Section 7.9 (Wildland Fire Plan).

• Cannon Air Force Base (Cannon Main Base & Melrose Air Force Range) 2009 Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan (ICRMP): The intent and purpose of this plan is to be an integral part of the Base General Plan (now called IDP). The INRMP Section 7.11 (Cultural Resources Management) states the ICRMP should be consulted prior to implementation of mission or natural resources management activities.

Environmental Assessment for the Management of the CAFB and MAFR development plans will be consistent with the INRMP upon completion of all necessary planning requirements and administrative approvals. As appropriate, CAFB and MAFR plans will be reviewed and revised as needed based on the results of this integrated planning effort. The INRMP baseline information and its associated GIS layers will be reviewed annually, where necessary, using an interdisciplinary process, and revised and modified as necessary to ensure a quality foundation for integrated planning efforts and natural resource management at CAFB and MAFR. The INRMP itself must be reviewed annually with the USFWS and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) and revised as needed every five years per the SAIA.

In accordance with AFI 32-1031, Civil Engineers Operations Management, activities that may affect natural resources require one or more of the following forms submitted: Air Force Form 332 (Base Civil Engineer Work Request), AF Form 813 (Request for Environmental Analysis), AF Form 103 (Base Civil Engineering Work Clearance Request), or DD Form 1391 (Military Construction Project Data).

2.0 INSTALLATION PROFILE

Office of Primary Responsibility 27 SOCES/CEIE has overall responsibility for implementing the Natural Resources Management program and is the lead organization for monitoring compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations

Natural Resources Manager/POC Charles Dixon, Ph.D.

(575) 904-6731 charles.dixon.6@us..af.mil

State and/or local regulatory POCs (For US-bases, include agency name for Sikes Act cooperating agencies)

NMDGF

Mark Watson (505) 476-8115 mark.watson@state.nm.us USFWS NM Ecological Services Field Office Jennifer Davis (505) 761-4761 jennifer_l_davis@fws.gov

Total acreage managed by installation 74,767 Total acreage of wetlands 767 Total acreage of forested land N/A Does installation have any Biological Opinions? (If yes, list title and date, and identify where they are maintained)

No

NR Program Applicability (Place a checkmark next to each program that must be implemented at the installation. Document applicability and current management practices in Section 7.0)

Fish and Wildlife Management Program ☐Threatened and endangered species Invasive species ☐ Wetlands Protection Program Grounds Maintenance Contract/SOW ☐ Forest Management Program Wildland Fire Management Program ☐ Agricultural Outleasing Program Integrated Pest Management Program Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Program ☐ Coastal Zones/Marine Resources Management Program Cultural Resources Management Program

2.1 Installation Overview

2.1.1 Location and Area

CAFB is located in a rural area of Curry County, New Mexico. The Base comprises approximately 4,397 ac and is approximately 17 miles west of the Texas-New Mexico state line, 7 miles west of Clovis, New Mexico, and 12 miles north of Portales, New Mexico. The major highways serving the installation are U.S.

Highways 60, 70, and 84. MAFR, which is administered by CAFB, is a training range. MAFR is located approximately 13 miles southwest of Melrose, New Mexico, and comprises 70,978 ac. (Map 1: Location of CAFB and MAFR).

mailto:charles.dixon.6@us..af.mil

Map 1: Location of CAFB and MAFR

Installation/GSU Location and Area Descriptions

Base/GSU Name

Main Use/Mission Acreage Addressed in

INRMP? Describe NR Implications

CAFB Special Operations Command

4,397 Yes, throughout this document

Urban with artificial attractions for birds.

Need to minimize bird strike hazards on airfield MAFR Training Range 70,978 Yes, throughout this document

Unimproved rangelands used by migratory birds and as wildlife corridor.

Need to control invasive brush to maximize ground movement training

2.1.2 Installation History

Cannon Air Force Base

During the late 1920s, Portair Field was established on the current site of CAFB as a civilian passenger terminal for transcontinental commercial flights. The airport's name was changed in the 1930s to Clovis Municipal Airport. After the U.S. entry into World War II, the Army Air Corps took control of the airfield, which became known as Clovis Army Air Base. A Glider Detachment was the first military detachment to use the base. In 1943, the 16th Bombardment Operational Wing arrived, which was a training unit for the crews of the B-17, B-24, and B-29 heavy bombers. The Base was renamed Clovis Army Airfield in 1945.

Flying, bombing, and gunnery classes continued until the end of World War II, with deactivation of the base in 1947. It was not until 1951 that the installation was reactivated as Clovis Air Force Base (AFB) and the airfield was reassigned to the Tactical Air Command (TAC). The first unit to arrive was the 140 Fighter- Bomber Wing. The 140 Fighter-Bomber Wing flew the F-86 “Sabre” jet fighter and was composed of Air National Guard elements from Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. The Base became a major training site for “Sabre” pilots, with the transfer in 1954 of the 474 Fighter-Bomber Group from Taegu Air Base (AB), Korea.

The installation was renamed CAFB on June 8, 1957, in honor of the late General John K. Cannon, a former commander of the TAC. The 474 and 312 Fighter-Bomber Groups were also redesigned as Fighter Attack Group during this year, with the 832nd Air Division being activated to oversee their activities. Two years later, the 312 Fighter-Bomber Group was deactivated and replaced by the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), an F-100 unit transferred from Bergstrom AFB, Texas. When F-100 training ceased at CAFB in 1969, the 27 TFW was re-equipped with the F-111E.

In July 1971, the last F-111E left CAFB, to be replaced with the F-111D in November of that same year.

Following deactivation of the 832nd Air Division in July 1975, the 27 TFW became the principal AF unit at CAFB. On October 1, 1991, the 27 TFW was renamed the 27 Fighter Wing (FW). In preparation for the DoD-announced retirement of the F-111 in 1996 and EF-111 in 1998, the 27 FW began receiving F-16s in May 1995.

On 15 September 1998, the 428 Fighter Squadron was reactivated at CAFB. The squadron was a hybrid USAF/Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16 Fighter Squadron manned by highly experienced USAF instructor pilots, maintenance and support personnel. The squadron operated 12 RSAF-owned F- 16C/Ds. With approximately 25 USAF personnel and 140 RSAF personnel, the unit was responsible for continuation training of Singapore personnel in rapid deployment and tactical employment of the F-16 throughout a wide spectrum of missions including air-to-air, joint maritime, and precision air- to-ground weapons delivery (USAF 2003).

Aircraft flight training for the 27 FW continued until 2007. On October 1, 2007, the 27 FW at CAFB was inactivated and command of the CAFB and MAFR was transferred to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), 27 SOW.

Melrose Air Force Range

Since the Korean War, AF, Navy, and Marine Corps units have used MAFR for bombing and gunnery practice. Early in 1952, the AF leased 7,771 ac of land near Melrose, New Mexico. The land served as a bombing range for the F-86 aircraft stationed at Clovis AFB (now CAFB). Over the years, faster aircraft with more complex weapon systems were introduced (first the F-100, then the F-111). These new weapon systems increased the requirements for larger and more sophisticated range facilities. Between 1968 and 1989, the AF bought more than 60,000 ac of land for approximately $12.5 million to expand the range, increasing the impact area to 8,800 ac. Since the early 1990s, the AF has used MAFR as a training range for a wide variety of military aircraft (USAF 2003). A land gift from the State of New Mexico added 10,968 ac to the western edge of the existing range. In 2008, the impact area of the range expanded to almost 10,000 ac (Map 2: Current MAFR Configuration, Key Areas and Location Map) and expanded total usable training area on MAFR to 70,978 ac.

2.1.3 Military Missions

The AFSOC official mission statement is “America’s specialized air power…a step ahead in the changing world, delivering Special Operations anytime, anywhere”. AFSOC, which was established on 22 May 1990, is a Major Command (MAJCOM) and the AF component of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). AFSOC forces provide global ability to conduct special operations missions. Prior to adding CAFB to AFSOC’s mission, AFSOC was responsible to USSOCOM for the worldwide readiness of AF special operations forces (SOF). AFSOC’s core tasks are grouped into four mission areas: forward presence and engagement; information operations; precision employment and strike; and SOF mobility.

The primary components of AFSOC are highly trained, deployable airmen who are capable of utilizing highly specialized aircraft.

Based on the AFSOC Assets Beddown at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico Environmental Impact Statement (AFSOC 2007) mission-related training that could occur during the current military mission includes:

• Flight training (touch and go, aerial re-fueling, and practice missions) with AFSOC aircraft (C- 130 gunships, CV-22s, Predator Unmanned Aerial Systems, and additional aircraft) at CAFB, MAFR, and on existing military training routes;

• Live fire training for C-130 gunships at MAFR;

• Drop and landing zone training at CAFB and MAFR;

• Infiltration and exfiltration of military personnel at MAFR and potentially outlying areas; and

• Amphibious training outside of MAFR.

27 Special Operation Wing

The primary mission of the 27 SOF is to support USSOCOM by developing, achieving, and maintaining forces capable of meeting needs. Major groups within the 27 SOW include Operations, Mission Support, Maintenance, and Medical groups.

Map 2: Current MAFR Configuration, Key Areas and Location Map

Listing of Tenants and NR Responsibility

Tenant Organization NR Responsibility AFSOC 26th Special Tactics Squadron None – no significant natural resources AFLOA Area Defense Council None – no significant natural resources AFSOS WC551st Special Operations Squadron None – no significant natural resources AFISRA 43rd Intelligence Squadron None – no significant natural resources AFOSI Detachment 120 None – no significant natural resources AETC 373rd TRS Detachment 17 None – no significant natural resources

2.1.4 Surrounding Communities

The nearest community to CAFB is Clovis, New Mexico. Clovis has an estimated 2014 population of 39,860 and is the county seat of Curry County, which had a population of 48,376 (U.S. Census Bureau 2013). Clovis has one airport accessible to small commercial and personal aircraft. The nearest major airports are in Lubbock, Texas (~100 miles southeast of Clovis) and Amarillo, Texas (~100 miles northeast of Clovis); (USAF 2003).

The nearest community to MAFR is the village of Melrose in Curry County, New Mexico. Melrose is located on the northeast side of the range, approximately 13 miles from the impact area. The population of Melrose was 651 in 2010 when the most recent census was conducted (U.S. Census Bureau 2010).

2.1.5 Local and Regional Natural Areas

Several natural areas occur in the general region of CAFB and MAFR. The Grulla and Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) are within 30 miles of CAFB and provide habitat for various migratory bird species. Anderson Basin National Historic Landmark (Blackwater Draw Museum and Archaeological Site) is located in Roosevelt County between Clovis and Portales. Oasis State Park, located approximately 11 miles southwest of CAFB, is the closest state park. The nearest national forest to CAFB or MAFR is the Lincoln National Forest, which lies approximately 120 miles southwest of CAFB. Additionally, the Kiowa National Grassland is located approximately 125 miles north of CAFB. The nearest river is the Pecos River which lies approximately 55 miles west of CAFB. The City of Clovis has 17 public parks.

These parks contain typical playground equipment, picnic facilities, team sport infrastructure, and a zoo (USAF 2003). Two Prairie Chicken Areas owned by NMDGF, Claudel and Liberty, lay 6 miles south and 12 miles southwest, respectively.

2.2 Physical Environment

2.2.1 Climate

The climate of CAFB and MAFR is arid or semiarid, with light precipitation, a high percentage of clear days, low relative humidity, and a relatively large change in diurnal temperatures (AFSOC 2007). For the city of Clovis, approximately 8 miles to the east of CAFB, the annual average maximum temperature is

72.0 degrees Fahrenheit (°F); the average minimum temperature is 43.0°F. Average monthly maximum temperatures range from 51.1°F in January to 92.0°F in July; average minimum temperatures range from 23.5°F in January to 62.2°F in July. The average annual rainfall in the area is 17.88 inches (in.), with the majority occurring in the summer months. Most of the precipitation for this region comes from sudden thundershowers which form over the mountains west of Clovis and travel east over the area. Monthly precipitation averages vary from 0.4 in. in the winter months to nearly 3.0 in. in July and August (Western Region Climate Center 2009).

The downslope warming of air from the mountains tends to modify and temper the air masses which pass over this area from the west and northwest. Winds from the northwest blow downslope and enhance atmospheric ventilation, while winds from the south and east blow upslope and lead to increased cloud formation and precipitation. Winds in the area average 12 miles per hour (mph) and are often gusty and persistent. Wind speeds are typically highest during March and April. Prevailing surface winds are from the west (USAF 2001a).

2.2.2 Landforms

Topography

CAFB and MAFR are located on a southeastward-sloping regional plateau known as the Southern High Plains. Within this area of the plateau, the topography is typified by flat, featureless terrain having almost no relief. Characteristically, the High Plains have a smooth and gently sloping or undulating surface on which scattered, normally dry, flat-bottomed depressions are the dominant relief feature.

The highest elevation on CAFB is 4,330 feet (ft.) above sea level (asl.) in the northwest portion of the base, while the lowest point is 4,260 ft. asl. in the southeast portion. The natural land surface is flat, sloping to the southeast. The only topographical features are several small, shallow, playa lake beds (Map 3:

Topography of Cannon Air Force Base). Playas are shallow lakes which collect water during rain events and often contain wetland or hydrophytic vegetation during wet seasons.

Elevations at MAFR range from approximately 4,200 ft. asl. in the northeast portion to over 4,600 ft. asl.

in the southwest portion (Map 4: Topography of Melrose Air Force Range). Several drainages and small canyons are present on MAFR (e.g., Sheep Canyon), and playas can be found in the flat portions of MAFR.

The largest topographic feature of MAFR is the Mesa, a northeast trending, flat-topped hill rising 4,660 ft.

asl. on the southwest side of the range (USAF 2003).

Improved, Semi-Improved, and Unimproved Lands

Improved, semi-improved, and unimproved lands consist of all land and water acreage for which an installation commander has responsibility. Improved grounds include acreage on which intensive maintenance activities must be planned and performed annually as fixed requirements. Semi-improved grounds are areas on which periodic maintenance is performed but to a lesser degree than the improved grounds. Unimproved grounds include all areas not improved or semi-improved (DoD 1996).

The total acreage of CAFB is 4,397 ac. Improved grounds at CAFB account for a total of 470 ac that include administrative areas, recreational areas, and housing areas. Semi-improved areas total 1,729 ac, areas with easements/license are 602 ac and unimproved lands total 1,596 ac; (Map 5: Land Types at Cannon Air Force Base). MAFR encompasses 70,978 ac. The range administrative area, which covers less than an acre, and Ground Electronic Combat Operations (GECO) compound, approximately 10 ac, are the only improved lands on MAFR. The impact area covers 10,126 ac and is classified as semi-improved land. Five areas previously used for agricultural crops are now in transition to a natural state and can be considered neither improved nor unimproved. Currently these former agricultural areas are disturbed but not ruderal.

The remainder of land (60,841 ac) on MAFR is unimproved (Map 6: Land Types at Melrose Air Force Range).

Map3: Topography of Cannon Air Force Base

Map 4: Topography of Melrose Air Force Range

Map 5: Land Types at Cannon Air Force Base

Map 6: Land Types at Melrose Air Force Range

2.2.3 Geology and Soils

CAFB and MAFR are located in the Great Plains province, which consists primarily of horizontal Mesozoic and Cenozoic formations overlying slightly warped Paleozoic structure. As part of the Raton Section of the Great Plains, the area is unique in having high mesas and plateaus capped in part by Tertiary lava flows.

The area is generally underlain by approximately 200 to 400 ft. of unconsolidated sediments deposited over sandstone known as the Triassic redbeds (USAF 2001a). These sediments are composed of unconsolidated poorly sorted gravel, sand, silts, and clays. This stratum of sediments forms the base of a section of the Ogallala aquifer, which is developed within the overlying sediments. The predominant extractable natural resources are oil, natural gas, sand and gravel, natural carbon dioxide, lime, and scoria (USAF 2002).

Soils in the region are comprised of a thin layer of topsoil that is underlain at relatively shallow depths by a leached clay-carbonate “caliche” hardpan. Caliche forms as calcium carbonate are leached from overlying sediments and precipitated in the pore spaces of underlying host sediments. Tightly cemented layers of caliche are present in several horizons in the natural soils and the Ogallala aquifer below.

Five major soil associations can be found on CAFB. These include Amarillo fine sandy loam, Amarillo loamy fine sand, Estacado loam, Randall clay, and Ranco clay. Amarillo fine sandy loam is the dominant soil association, covering about 90 percent of CAFB. The Amarillo series consists of very deep, well-drained, moderately permeable soils. Amarillo soils formed in loamy eolian sediments from the Blackwater Draw Formation of Pleistocene age. These soils are on nearly level to gently sloping plains. Slope ranges from 0 to 5 percent.

The soils on MAFR are much more complex than CAFB (Map 7: Soil Association Found on Melrose Air Force Range). Forty-nine primary soil associations are found on MAFR, with the most dominant being:

• Springer loamy fine sand - The Springer series consists of very deep, well-drained, moderately to rapidly permeable soils that formed in eolian sediments and alluvium. These nearly level to hummocky soils are on interdunes and dunes of sand sheets on stream terraces alluvial plains. Slope ranges from 0 to 10 percent.

• Clovis loam - The Clovis series consists of very deep, well-drained, moderately permeable soils that formed in medium and moderately fine textured sediments from quartzite gneiss, schist, sandstone, and limestone. The Clovis soils are on fan terraces, piedmont slopes, and plains. Slopes are 0 to 20 percent.

• Stegall loam - The Stegall series consist of soils that are well-drained and moderately deep, continuing down to the petrocalcic horizon. They are moderately to slowly permeable above the petrocalcic horizon and have a very slow permeability below the petrocalcic horizon. These soils formed in loamy eolian sediments over a layer of indurated caliche which is underlain by loamy calcareous material derived from the Blackwater Draw Formation of Pleistocene age. They are on broad, smooth, nearly level to very gently sloping plains. Slope ranges from 0 to 3 percent.

• Mansker and Portales loams - The Mansker series consists of very deep, well-drained, moderately permeable, soils. These soils formed in loamy, calcareous eolian sediments derived mainly from the Blackwater Draw Formation of Pleistocene age. These soils are on nearly level to moderately sloping plains. Slope ranges from 0 to 8 percent. The Portales series consists of very deep, well-drained, moderately permeable soils.