J-1503020-14 WHMP NAS Jacksonville.pdf

NAS JACKSONVILLE

BASH PROGRAM

WILDLIFE HAZARD

MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. Introduction

a. This Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) is the source document for Naval Air Station Jacksonville (to include Towers Field & OLF Whitehouse) Integrated Wildlife Damage Management (IWDM) strategy and requirements. This document was developed by the Naval Air Station Jacksonville Bird/Animal Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Working Group (BWG) and is approved by the Commanding Officer (CO). Accordingly, any deviation from the plan expressed herein must be sanctioned by the BWG and briefed to the CO. The WHMP provides the final BASH program component combining the local BASH program concept of operations NAS Jacksonville (INST 3750.JE) and wildlife hazards identified in the Wildlife Hazard Assessment (WHA) with specific IWDM actions to mitigate, control, remove, or depredate these hazards to local airfield operations. The WHMP infuses risk management into resource planning by identifying habitat modification techniques and wildlife management actions for priority funding which will provide the greatest improvement to aviation safety.

b. IWDM actions, addressed below, will be managed by the Air Operations Officer and the BWG, and updated annually. Paragraph 6 addresses Airfield Environment Management (AEM) which provides airfield habitat management procedures and requirements for each of the categories as detailed in FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-33B. It prioritizes grounds maintenance and pest management funding by segregating the airfield operating area into BASH Mitigation Zones (BMZ). Paragraph 7 addresses Wildlife Management (WM). It prioritizes identified wildlife hazards by risk severity and provides specific actions to manage their presence or removal from the airfield.

2. Responsibilities

Air Operations Officer (Chairman) Wildlife Services Biologist (USDA) Airfield Manager (AFM) Aviation Safety Officer (ASO) Air Traffic Control Facilities Officer (A TCFO) Public Works Officer (PWO) Facilities Management Director (FMD) Natural Resources Manager (USDA) Community Plans Liaison Officer (CPLO)

3. Requirements

A WHMP integrates the local WHA, Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP), Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP), AEM, WM, and OPNAVINST 3750.6S Safety Management System (SMS) principles into a cohesive strategy to mitigate aviation safety risks posed by wildlife hazards to local airfield operations.

a. Federal Permits

USFWS Migratory Bird Depredation Permit - MB 192735-0

Location: Permit is kept at the Environmental Department, USDA APHIS WS office, and AFM office.

Naval Air Station Jacksonville Environmental Division Box 50 Code PR24AG Jacksonville, FL 32212-0050 U.S.A.

Expiration: 31 March 2019. Application for permit renewal was submitted within the mandatory timeframe. New 2019 permit is pending.

USFWS Eagle Depredation Permit: MB60395A-0

Location: Pennit is kept at the Environmental Department, USDA APHIS WS office, and AFM office.

Naval Air Station Jacksonville Environmental Division Box 50 Code PR24AG Naval Air Station Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL 32212-0050 U.S.A.

Expiration: 30 June 2021. Authorized to use non-lethal scare devices, scare tactics or frightening devices to move or disperse Bald Eagles that are roosting and committing or about to commit depredations at the authorized locations. Authorized to use air horns, pyrotechnics, effigies, propane cannons, kites, scarecrows, wind-driven deterrents and drive vehicles with horns as necessary to scare eagles. Pyrotechnics must not be shot directly at the eagles.

Renewal: USDA Wildlife Biologist completion of a Form 37 (description of methods used, recommendations, and damage caused during the period covered by the permit), annual summary of any justifications/recommendations for depredation needed to maintain aviation safety. In addition, the USDA Wildlife Biologist compiles all data in relation to dispersal/harassment, lethal removal and any nests destroyed under the permit. This infonnation is forwarded to the Natural Resources division who reviews it and sends it to the permitting office.

b. State Permits

NIA

c. Integration with Other Management Plans and Guidance Documents

(a) NAS Jacksonville Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP)

(b) NAS Jacksonville Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP)

(c) NAS Jacksonville Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard Plan (BASH)

(d) NAS Jacksonville Wildlife Hazard Assessment (WHA)

4. References

(a) NAS Jacksonville Wildlife Hazard Assessment (WHA)

(b) CNlC BASH Manual

(c) CNICINST 3750.1

(d) OPNA VINST 3750.21

(e) NASJAXINST 3750.1

(t) NAS JAX INRMP

(g) NAS JAX IPMP

5. BASH Mitigation Zones <BMZ)

a. BMZ I - Area encompassed by the runway primary surface area defined as 500 feet or 1,000 feet laterally from runway centerline for Class A and 8 runways respectively to include the Type I and II clear zones at the ends of the runways as defined in UFC 2-000-5N.

b. BMZ 2 - Area from the edge of the primary surface area out to the airfield perimeter fence.

c. BMZ 3 - Area from airfield perimeter fence or notional perimeter boundary to the installation perimeter fence.

d. BMZ 4 - Area from installation perimeter fence out to a minimum of 10,000 feet and may extend out to five miles. Distance is measured from the center of the airfield.

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6. Airfield Environment Management (AEM)

a. In alignment with FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-338, AEM provides airfield environment mitigations, BMZ mapping and resourcing requirements.

b. Local BASH-relevant categories

(I) Waste Disposal

(a) Transfer station - NIA

(b) Fishing boat waste - NI A

(c) Landfills - NIA

( d) Underwater waste discharge - NI A

(e) Recycling center - NIA

(f) Construction and demolition disposal sites and facilities - NIA

(g) Fly ash disposal - NI A

(h) Composting operation - NIA

(2) Water Management Facilities

(a) Storm water management - The Airfield Operation Area (AOA) splits the storm water through a network of channels, culverts, inlets and pipes in route to the St.

Johns River.

(b) Wastewater treatment facilities - NIA

(c) Artificial marshes - NIA

(d) Wastewater discharge and sludge disposal - NIA

(3) Wetlands - Several naturally occur on or in the vicinity of the airfield, and are attractive to wildlife. Areas are continuing to be maintained as needed.

( 4) Dredge Spoil Containment Areas - NI A

(5) Agricultural Activities - NIA

(a) Crop production - NIA

(b) Livestock production - NIA

(c) Aquaculture - NIA

( d) Alternative uses of agricultural land - N/ A

(6) Golf Courses, Landscaping and Other Land Use Areas

(a) Gravel areas and gravel roof top - Least Tern nesting on Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) SE Hangars 101 and tots roofs. Short-term plans include altering the color of the existing roof to deter nesting. Long-term plans include replacing the roof with non-gravel alternative that will deter nesting. Completion of this project will ultimately result in a safer airfield environment.

(b) Grass maintenance - The type of grass used within the perimeter fence and between the runways should produce small or no seeds, but still be able to generate new growth or re-seed itself to provide a thick, monotypic stand and prevent erosion.

The selected ground cover should withstand drought, flooding, and other normal climatic conditions, and be somewhat unpalatable to grazers such as geese, wild ducks, and deer. The grasses should also harbor relatively few insects and rodents that may attract hawks, owls, starlings, and other hazardous wildlife species. Several varieties of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), if allowed to grow to a height of8-14 inches, have been found to be unattractive to Canada geese because of a fungus harbored by the plant, and the fescue will generally preclude other more attractive grass species from invading the airfield. Whenever possible, grass mixtures indigenous to the local area will be used at NAS JAX when replanting as part of a construction or mitigation project, provided it can be demonstrated the seed mixture poses no significant wildlife attraction.

(c) Herbicide and pesticide-Annual use ofinsecticide Dimilin 2L, in the early spring, to the airfield grass to reduce grasshopper and Jun bug populations.

(d) Tree and shrub maintenance - Herbaceous vegetation growing on the edge of a ditch, river or other wetland may provide preferred habitat for species considered most hazardous to aircraft. The vegetation that grows alongside ditches and streams on NAS JAX property may be removed or maintained within permitted guidelines so that habitat is not provided for waterfowl, herons, blackbirds, rabbits, and other wildlife that could present a direct or indirect hazard to aviation. Rock ( e.g., quarry spauls, rip-rap), and in some instances, shrubs or grass, can be used to replace undesirable plants, slow erosion, and conceal a base flow of water from wildlife, but the situation will need to be examined on a case-by-case basis to avoid worsening the hazards. NAS JAX should identify where existing streamside conditions attract wildlife and develop an appropriate plan to reduce the hazard. In the event that rock is used, periodic vegetation removal should be scheduled from the rock areas to prevent shrubby growth.

( e) Commercial fishing - NI A

(f) Shellfish harvesting - NIA

(7) Hunting Programs - Hunting program is active at OLF Whitehouse outside the airfield fence line. NAS Jacksonville follows the Florida hunting season for deer and turkey with hogs being taken during the same time frame.

7. Wildlife Management {WM)

a. WHA Summary

The United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (WS) program conducted a 12-month wildlife hazard assessment (WHA) to identify wildlife hazards to aviation safety at NAS JAX from July 2011 through June 2012. To assess daily and seasonal patterns of wildlife use, WS conducted bird surveys 4 times per month throughout NAS JAX and 12 night surveys to observe wildlife abundance and distribution. Data collected included species abundance, behavior, and habitat use. In addition, WS identified and monitored areas outside of the airfield that may attract hazardous wildlife species to NAS JAX.

Bird species observed were grouped into guilds (species that display similar behavioral characteristics) for analysis. Data collected during surveys were analyzed and compared with records from the Navy Safety Center Web Enabled Safety System (WESS) database, control efforts by NAS JAX and WS personnel, and a wildlife hazard ranking list to identify the species that are most hazardous to aviation safety at NAS JAX.

Based on information collected during the WHA, 8 guilds identified at NAS JAX from July 2011 through June 2012 presented the greate~t threats to aviation safety. These group/guilds include~ gull/tern, raptor/vulture, heron/egret/stork, pelican/cormorants, waterfowl, pigeons/doves, shorebirds, crow/blackbird. Though gulls/terns were the most abundant guild, raptors/vultures, pelicans/cormorants and herons/egrets/storks were the most hazardous due to their large size, strike record, availability of habitat at or near NAS JAX, and general abundance in the area. There were four species observed during the WHA that ranked as extremely high hazards to aviation safety, three as very high, five as high hazards and four moderate.

WS recommends a variety of methods to reduce or eliminate the threat of wildlife strikes from the group and guilds observed during the WHA. Habitat management can include: eliminating or excluding areas of standing water; vegetation management in the airfield; reducing or excluding bird perching/loafing areas; reducing abundance of prey species (such as insects) in the airfield, and ensuring that the perimeter fence is in good repair and prevents mammals from entering the airfield. WS also recommends harassment methods such as pyrotechnics, sirens, propane cannons and other acoustic dispersal devices to disperse birds from the airfield. Lethal control of hazardous species should be exercised when necessary utilizing firearms and/or traps. Permits for lethal control of species protected under Federal and State laws should be maintained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

(FWC).

Additional recommendations include: creating the NAS JAX Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP), continue the meeting of a formal Bird Hazard Working Group (BHWG), establish a Bird Detection and Dispersal Team (BDDT), establish formal BASH training and evaluating potential wildlife hazards when planning new construction or land use changes. It is recommended that NAS JAX continue to monitor wildlife abundance and habitat use in order to provide insight into wildlife use of the airfield and aircraft hangars to gauge the effectiveness of control efforts.

Permits for lethal control of species protected under Federal and State laws should be maintained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The following is a summary of the guilds identified in the WHA as threats to aviation safety. For more information on any of the individual guilds see reference (e).

( 1) Wildlife species most hazardous to aviation (from WHA list)

Gullsfferns

Description: Laughing gulls are the primary gull species observed at NAS JAX. They have an average body weight of 16 ounces and their wingspan ranges between 37-47 inches. Adult individuals are primarily white and have an entirely black head with black wingtips. Gulls are opportunistic foragers at NAS JAX and feed on fish and crustaceans from the St. Johns River, ponds and ditches but also feed on insects and discarded trash found at NAS JAX. Gulls are ground nesters and form their nests by simply laying their eggs in a sand/gravel substrate easily found on the shore of a body of water. Gull offspring tend to fledge and leave the nest from late spring-early summer.

Least terns and royal terns were the only tern species observed at NAS JAX. Least terns and royal terns are similar in appearance in the fact that they both possess a black head cap with a white forehead and under belly. The top of the wings can appear bluish grey and have black tips. The predominant factor differing between these two species is their weight. An adult royal tern is approximately 16 ounces were as an adult least tern is only 1.5 ounces. Both are ground nesters like gulls; however, terns are known to nest on rooftops with a gravel substrate as well. Tern offspring usually leave the nest in early summer.

Attractants: Gulls are attracted to water or food including refuse from dumpsters and landfills, earthworms, insects, and carrion. The presence of a few gulls act as an attractant to others passing.

Gulls can be extremely gregarious and if they observe others feeding, they will flock in to get a share. They are also attracted to airports because they often provide ideal loafing sites. Gulls can often be observed at some airports flocking on runways or taxiways following rainstorms to feed on earthworms.

Damage: Gulls are generally considered a primary hazard because of their size, abundance, wide and expanding distribution, flocking behavior, relatively slow flight characteristics, and general tendency to concentrate at airports. Gulls were observed crossing the runways at NAS JAX in flocks at low elevations putting them in conflicting airspace with arriving and departing aircraft.

Control Measures: Given the geographical location of NAS JAX along the St. Johns River, it is impossible to completely eliminate the threat of foraging gulls.Items on the river bank. Harassment efforts should be continued in these areas when gulls/terns are present. Gulls are attracted to the interior of the AOA for foraging and loafing activities. During periods of rain, temporary standing water may form in low lying areas of the ramp, taxiway or runways. As with many species, removing sources of water is an important component of gull/tern management. The AOA should be graded to eliminate any standing water on the infield or asphalt areas and sweepers should continue to be used to remove standing water when present. Additionally, any drainage on the AOA that does not allow water to completely drain over a 48-hour period should be modified to do so or be covered. Currently the drainage ditches at NAS JAX hold water which sustains populations of fish that attract gulls/terns. Grass heights should be maintained at the contracted 8- 14 inches as shorter grass exposes insects for easy forage. Care should also be taken to ensure that dumpsters and other waste disposal areas are covered to prevent attracting gulls. Any feeding of gulls by NAS JAX personnel/visitors should be stopped immediately.

Terns should continue to be actively harassed along the seawall ramp during the breading/nesting period. It is also recommended, that when building 101 (and any others) are scheduled for re roofing, that a sloping, smooth surfaced material be considered, rather than the current gravel medium that is in place. This gravel type roof closely mimics the preferred beach habitat these shorebirds typically nest. Additional rooftop harassment could include pyrotechnic harassment, automated scarecrows and possible grid wire systems or colored paint to prevent the birds from nesting on building_ 101 in future seasons.

RaptorsNultures

Description: Raptors are predatory birds and scavengers that possess hooked beaks and talons to capture and feed on prey. This group includes eagles, falcons, hawks, owls, and vultures. Raptors observed at NAS JAX range in size from as small as the 8-inches long American kestrel to as large a 43-inches long (head to tail) bald eagle. Most species have characteristic hunting styles such as soaring (e.g., vultures, eagles, ospreys and hawks), low-flying (e.g., harriers), hovering (e.g., American kestrel), and watching from perches (e.g., hawks and owls). Several factors typical of airports are attractive to raptors. These include; open grasslands, adequate prey base, and regularly dispersed perch locations. Predominant prey items include small mammals ( e.g., rabbits, mice, and voles), smaller birds (e.g. doves, pigeons, and sparrows) and smaller reptiles (e.g. snakes and lizards). Ospreys and vultures can be observed year-round at NAS JAX while other raptors are seasonal migrants.

Attractants: Peek raptor sighting occurred between November-March, during fall migration throughout the winter months. Ospreys, Red-tailed Hawks and Bald Eagles were the most commonly observed raptor at NAS JAX and were present year-round, usually at the north antenna farm structures, near the St. Johns River. Ospreys were commonly observed foraging fish from the river and storm water drainage ditches. In addition, abundant insects, small mammal populations (e.g. rabbits, ground squirrels and mice), open spaces and perching structures provide ideal habitat for most raptors. Perching structures may include dead trees, approach lights, runway/taxiway signage, and antenna and radar structures.

Damage: Raptors represent a significant hazard to aircraft because they are typically large in size.

Their hunting and soaring behavior near runways place them at risk of collisions with aircraft.

Control Measures: To reduce the likelihood of strikes involving raptors, Blackwell and Wright (2006) suggest that management efforts on the airfield should be directed towards the availability of food and alteration of habitat used by raptors. The reduction of food sources such as rodents and insects on the airfield is critical in controlling foraging by raptors/vultures (Blackwell and Wright 2006). Any animal carcasses found in BMZ one through four should be removed and disposed of promptly to avoid attracting vultures. Any carcasses located in BMZ five should be dealt with on a case by case basis due to limited man power. When possible, reducing the availability of locations where raptors may perch, roost, loaf, or nest is recommended. NAS JAX should consider the removal of trees in BMZ one through three, as well as specific problem trees in BMZ four. For structures that cannot be removed (i.e., signs, lights, towers, etc.), devices that exclude birds or make it difficult for their perching should be considered (such as spider wires, bird spikes, coil wire, etc.). Raptor species should be harassed from the airfield whenever present using methods such as vehicles, horns, pyrotechnics, and trapping. Raptors can be captured using several styles of traps, including bal-chatri, padded-jaw leghold, and Swedish goshawk. Most of these capture devices can be used to take and translocate specific individuals. Appropriate permits (NAS JAX currently has) must be obtained prior to control operations. Vultures commonly soar high above the airfield making it difficult to disperse using 15mm pyrotechnics, given their limited range. Devices with greater range (such as CAPA rounds or 12-gauge shellcrackers) may be more useful for dispersing vultures. However, there is evidence from experienced bird dispersal personnel to suggest that vultures don't respond well to pyrotechnics in their particular locations.

Lethal removal of some raptors may be necessary for persistent individuals, and as such NAS JAX's depredation permit must be kept current to allow take of raptors. Lethal removal may include methods such as shooting and trapping. As mentioned earlier a separate permit must be obtained in order to harass eagles from the airfield.

Herons/Egrets

Description: Herons and egrets are long lean bodied birds with long legs and necks and have dagger like bills. Adult great blue herons can stand up to four feet tall and weigh over seven pounds, while smaller egrets such as the snowy egret weigh less than a pound. All fly with their neck folded in and legs straight behind them. Typically, these species fly slowly at very low altitudes across the airfield or bodies of water.

Attractants: Herons and egrets are attracted to ditches, canals, ponds, lakes and rivers (any wetland habitat available). At NAS JAX they are attracted to the series of ditches on and around the airfield. Most wading birds primarily feed on small fish, although they are also known to eat amphibians, reptiles, insects, rodents and small mammals.

Damage: These species can create significant aviation hazards due to their size and slow flight.

The rookery adjacent to the approach end of Runway 28 is no longer active nor a safety hazard.

Control Measures: Techniques for controlling herons, egrets and storks at NAS JAX would include habitat modification/management, exclusion, harassment and shooting. Airfield drainage ditches should be covered or be made to completely drain within a 24-hour period. Birds flying over the AOA should be harassed with pyrotechnics. Lethal control may be necessary to reinforce harassment efforts, but should be conducted in accordance with state and federal law.

Pelicans/Cormorants

Description: Brown pelicans are the primary pelicans observed at NAS JAX. Adult brown pelicans are approximately 3.5 feet long and weigh approximately 120 ounces. They have very long pouched bills for scooping fish. Adults often possess dark brownish-black plumage and are primarily white on their head and neck. Pelicans typically fly at varying altitudes searching for fish. Once a pelican has spotted its prey, it dives straight into the water, scooping its prey with the open bill/pouch. The excess water is drained from the pouch and the prey is digested. Adult double-crested cormorants are approximately 2.5 feet in length and weigh approximately 62 ounces. Cormorants have black feathers and a fleshy orange-yellow throat. Cormorants primarily feed on fish, crustaceans and occasionally insects. Cormorants will typically float on the water's surface and dive under to pursue prey.

Attractants: Brown pelicans and double-crested cormorants can be observed year-round at NAS JAX but are observed in greater numbers throughout the winter months, due to migrants arriving from the northeast. They have been observed loafing on the seawall ramp light pier to forage fish or dry their feathers. During general observations during the WHA, pelicans and double-crested cormorants could be observed transiting the bank of the St. Johns River, crossing the approach of Runway 28.

Damage: Pelicans and cormorants are particularly hazardous to aircraft because of their size, weight and flocking behavior.

Control Measures: Due to the attractiveness of the St. Johns River and migratory patterns, it is difficult to completely eliminate the threat of pelicans and cormorants at NAS JAX. Airfield personnel should continue to harass pelicans and cormorants whenever observed on or near the AOA. It would be impractical to place anti-perching devises on the seawall ramp light pier as it would restrict foot traffic required for maintenance; however, propane cannons could be used at this location to harass these species during daylight hours. Propane cannons are most effective when used diligently as target species are observed along with pyrotechnic harassment. Anti perching devices could be used atop the St. Johns River signage structures, stating restricted waters, where pelicans and cormorants are occasionally observed loafing.

Waterfowl

Description: Waterfowl are aquatic birds with webbed feet, flattened bills, narrow pointed wings, and short legs. This guild includes ducks and geese. Larger species (e.g. geese) can weigh approximately 200 ounces while smaller species (e.g. ducks) can weigh approximately 12 ounces.

Some species of waterfowl {mallards in particular) spend a great deal of time loafing and feeding in the ditches and canals on the property surrounding NAS JAX.

Attractants: This guild is attracted to a variety of water bodies and short grass. At NAS JAX, they are attracted to the river, ditches, short grass and temporary standing water. Waterfowl were most frequently observed October through March as migrants traveled south for the winter;

however, numerous ducks and geese remain in Florida year-round.

Damage: Due to their large size, waterfowl can easily damage or down an aircraft. The hazard is increased by their tendency to form flocks, possibly resulting in multiple engine ingestions and subsequent failure.

Control Measures: Vegetation management can be an important approach for managing Canada Geese. Generally, it is recommended that airfields maintain grass at an intermediate height in the airfield {between 6 and 10 inches). It has long been thought that tall vegetation management in the airfield would deter Canada Geese since they often prefer to forage in areas of short grass, though there is limited scientific data on how Canada Geese react to tall vegetation management and studies have often produced conflicting results. Canada geese present at NAS JAX have been observed feeding on bahia grass seed stalks. During a trial basis, the seed inhibitor Panoramic was used on sections of bahia grass on the NAS JAX AOA. The results were successful and a significant reduction in seed head production was noted. It is recommended that this practice be continued, especially in the grassy areas at the approach end of the runways. Though more research is needed, studies suggest that the use of endophyte-infected variety of tall fescue when re-seeding areas of an airport disturbed by tree removal, construction or renovation, could greatly reduce the attraction of Canada geese (Washburn et al. 2007). Research suggests that when consumed by wildlife, the endophyte-infected tall fescue produces a variety of adverse effects (taste aversion, physical distress) and is generally avoided. When re-seeding areas of the airfield, NAS JAX should consider planting tall fescue and avoid grass mixtures containing millet or ryegrass so as not to provide a preferred food source for geese and other hazardous bird species.

Pigeons/Doves

Description: Doves have an approximate weight of 5 ounces while pigeons are much larger at an approximate 11 ounces. Mourning doves typically fly close to the ground near cover as they travel between feeding and roosting areas, whereas feral pigeons tend to fly at higher altitudes, descending to their destinations in a rapid circling pattern. Although both species are primarily seed foragers, they will occasionally consume protein-rich animal material such as insect larvae.

Pigeons are known for readily accepting handouts from humans or feeding on human food waste.

Attractants: Mourning doves, Eurasian collared-doves and feral pigeons were present year-round at NAS JAX; however, only mourning doves were observed during the point count survey. When reviewing the data, no one particular survey point stands out as having significant findings towards dove abundance but it does indicate that a significant number of doves are present at NAS JAX August-September and May-June for seasonal migration. Dove habitat usage was observed to have 3 primary habitat types: structure, short grass, and bare soil. Doves were most commonly observed on airfield structures including the perimeter fence, windsocks and airfield signage.

Doves were also highly observed feeding on seeds in the cut grass and patches of bare soil on the

AOA.

Damage: Mourning doves, while being somewhat small in size, form loose flocks, especially in winter. This flocking behavior gives them the potential to cause a multiple strike incident.

Although pigeons are not as large as many other species considered detrimental to aviation safety (e.g., waterfowl, gulls, raptors/vultures), they are still a concern because of their overall abundance, dense body structure and movements around the airfield. Pigeons may also damage aircraft in hangers because of accumulations of their droppings and potential to nest within the aircraft.

Control Measures: Habitat modification will help reduce the number of mourning doves and pigeons directly using the NAS JAX AOA. Utilizing the seed inhibitor Panoramic (Section 4.6c) on stands of bahia on the airfield would reduce the amount of forage available to attract doves/pigeons to the AOA. AOA grass heights should also be maintained between the contracted 8-14-inch height requirement as to not create bare soil patches from vegetation death or physical damage from the mower deck. Flocks of birds in these guilds may be dispersed by using pyrotechnics, sirens, horns, or recorded distress calls. Persistent species that do not easily disperse should be removed lethally by shooting or trapping.

Shorebirds

Description: Killdeer, sanderlings, solitary sandpipers and spotted sandpipers are included in the shorebird guild, however killdeer accounted for 99% of shorebirds observed during the point count survey. Killdeer are a small plover and weigh approximately 4 ounces. Their feathers are brownish-tan on top and a white underneath while their throat patch is marked with two black bands.

Attractants: All shorebirds observed on the airfield would frequent open grassy areas, gravel, and paved areas.

Damage: Shorebirds present a threat to air safety at NAS JAX because of their dense flocks and persistence to loaf on runways and taxiways.

Control Measures: Because of their flight characteristics, shorebirds do not respond favorably to harassment efforts, such as using pyrotechnics. Shorebirds may be persuaded to leave the airfield for a short time, but often return. Caution should always be exercised when dispersing shorebirds because they often circle the airfield for a period before abandoning the sight.

Therefore, it is essential to consider the status of air traffic before initiating any action. This should always be considered before attempting to disperse any species of wildlife from the airfield.

However, pyrotechnics combined with shooting should be considered an option when attempting to disperse large flocks of birds from the airfield.

Crow/Blackbirds

Description: Blackbirds are medium sized-song birds (7-11 inches long) with heavy mandibles.

They have predominantly black feathers and medium length tails. European starlings are similar in size, but appear stockier with a shorter tail and have iridescent speckles on feathers. Starlings were introduced into North America from Europe in the late I 800's. Starlings are cavity nesters and will use most any structure with holes for nesting. All in this guild are gregarious, especially in the fall and winter when they can form roosts numbering in the tens of thousands, sometimes consisting of mixed species. These large flocks form during crepuscular periods (i.e., twilight hours) as the birds head toward their winter roost. This guild follows a diurnal pattern (active during daylight hours).

Crows are well-known, boisterous birds of exceptional intelligence (as far as birds are concerned), and are very social. Crows are completely black and weigh approximately 16 ounces. Crows feed on a wide range of food items including crops, insects, and human food waste.

Attractants: Blackbirds are primarily granivorous, whereas starlings require a higher protein diet consisting mainly of fruits, insects, and some grains. Blackbirds are attracted to a variety of habitats depending on the species. Starlings are attracted to urban areas, including airports, grass and weedy fields, and fallow croplands. These species form roosts in winter where cover and warmth is provided. Blackbirds are attracted to croplands, weedy fields, and wetlands. They roost and nest in marshy areas, particularly in cattails or reedgrass. The individuals in these roosts can number in the tens of thousands. Crows and blackbirds were observed year-round at NAS JAX but increased during October and June for migration

Damage: Due to their size, crows can inflict severe damage to aircraft and exhibit a tendency to form larger flocks during the winter, which increases the potential for damage if struck. While starlings and meadowlarks are smaller than crows, there dense flocks can increase the amount of individuals hit per strike and increase the risk of foding an engine.

Control Measures: Habitat modification is helpful in reducing crow/blackbird abundance on an airfield. The removal of refuse from on or near the AOA will keep the airport from attracting crows, while maintaining the contracted grass height will reduce the amount of short grass habitat available to starlings and meadowlarks. Crows and blackbirds can easily be hazed using pyrotechnics, propane cannons, bioacoustics (electronic distress calls) and visual repellents, but they soon habituate to these devices if not enhanced by lethal reinforcement. Pyrotechnics are especially effective when supplemented with shooting. A modified Australian starling/crow/blackbird trap can be quite effective at removing large numbers of crows and blackbirds; while shooting with a pellet gun or shotgun can be useful in removing specific individuals from an airfield.

(2) Strike Data ________ S_t_n_·k_e _h_is_to~ bJ!..)!_ear.f!om 2009 - 2018 at KNIP

Wildlife Strikes Per Year

"' 100 (IJ

VI 80

(IJ 60 .Cl E z 40

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Year

_______ D_a_n_iaging strike cost b~ SEecies .f!om 2009 - 2018 at KNIP

Damage Cost/ Species

Gamebird

Swallow

Passerlne

~ Blackbird ':'i I!)

":;" Wadingbird

(IJ

·o ~ Shorebird

VI

Raptor

Unknown

Gull-Tern

I

$30

$6, 611

$0 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000

Amount($)

$62,229

$70,000

b. WM addresses risk-prioritized wildlife hazards and corresponding mitigation actions for wildlife control as required for individual local species. The hazards below are categorized by aviation risk severity from greatest to least.

c. BASH hazard priority one: Remove and maintain scrub/wooded areas on airfield.

(1) Target issue: NAS JAX contains diverse vegetation types, some of which are highly attractive to wildlife. The most effective approach to reducing this attraction in the critical zone is to remove all unnecessary trees, shrubs, weeds and plants, and establish non-seeding or small-seeded grass, especially within 200 feet of the runway.

(2) Specific actions needed to control or address target issue: The NAS JAX Natural

Resource Manager and Wildlife Biologist should remove vegetation through proper permitted activities. NAS JAX's airfield generally has an abrupt transition between the infield grass and forested areas, thus minimizing the amount of attractive shrubs and herbaceous cover available to wildlife. NAS JAX maintenance will continue to monitor and maintain these transition zones.

(3) Responsibilities, requirements and assessment

(a) Action lead: Facility Maintenance Department and Public Works.

(b) Coordination and communication required and relationship to other program areas/plans: Environmental, Airfield and Public Works.

(c) Funding: Public Works.

(d) Execution timeline: Ongoing. Environmental Assessment in process.

( e) Action and project effectiveness: Seed/nut bearing grasses and trees attract various insects, birds and small rodents (mice, shrews, and voles) seeking to feed on seeds/nuts, which in turn attract predators. Seed bearing grasses (primarily bahia) are found on the AOA and any grassy area around NAS JAX.

Fleshy seeds can be found on invasive Chinaberry trees and Chinese tallow trees in the forested section of the AOA near the north antenna farm. Additional trees including oak and pine can be found throughout the surrounding areas of the AOA and provide nuts for large seed eating birds including jays and cardinals. Blackberry vines are also present in large patches on the AOA and grow along the ground to prevent growth damage from mowers. The blackberry vines produce numerous fleshy seeds per vine throughout the spring and early summer attracting birds and mammals.

(f) Measures of effectiveness: With the removal of these food sources, nesting and perching sights, and shelter, the BASH hazard with multiple species (both avian and mammalian) will ultimately be reduced on the airfield.

d. BASH hazard priority two: Drainage/ditches/aquatic vegetation

( 1) Target issue: Herbaceous vegetation growing on the edge of a ditch, or other wetland provides preferred habitat for species considered hazardous to aircraft.

(2) Specific actions needed to control or address target issue: The vegetation that grows alongside ditches and streams on NAS JAX property needs to be removed and maintained so that habitat is not provided for waterfowl, herons, blackbirds, mammalian species, and other wildlife that could present a direct or indirect hazard to aviation.

(3) Responsibilities, requirements, and assessment

(a) Action lead: Public Works.

(b) Coordination and communication required and relationship to other program areas/plans: Public Works, Environmental, and USDA.

(c) Funding: Public Works.

(d) Execution timeline: Ongoing.

(e) Action and project effectiveness: Reduced attractiveness of airfield and potential reduction in BASH incidents.

(t) Measures of effectiveness: Reduced BASH incidents with species associated with these waterways, such as red-tailed hawks, waterfowl, blackbirds/starlings and herons/egrets. Another measure would be reduced observations and dispersals of the aforementioned species.

e. BASH hazard priority three: Least Tern nesting on hangar roofs.

(1) Target issue: Least Tern nesting population on FRC-SE hangars 101, lOlS.

(2) Specific actions needed to control or address target issue: Short-term plans include altering the color of the existing roof to deter nesting (green/brown). Long-term plans include altering roofing material to prevent nesting.

(3) Responsibilities, requirements, and assessment

(a) Action lead: FRC.

(b) Coordination and communication required: Environmental, FRC-SE, Airfield, Public Works.

(c) Funding: TBD.

(d) Execution timeline: TBD.

(e) Action and project effectiveness: Reduced BASH hazard with Least Terns that nest on FRC hangars annually.

(t) Measures of effectiveness: This project, once in place, will ultimately result in a safer airfield environment.

f. BASH hazard priority four: Insecticide Dimilin 2L application to the airfield grass.

( 1) Target issue: The grasses should also harbor relatively few insects to reduce the attractiveness of gulls, swallows, and other hazardous wildlife species.

(2) Specific actions needed to control or address target issue: Insects and other invertebrates (e.g., beetles, grasshoppers, earthworms, spiders, etc.) attract many species of wildlife at NAS JAX, particularly gulls, swallows, and raptors. Insect populations have been monitored on the AOA and it has been determined they are present in sufficient numbers and attract hazardous species to the airfield.

(3) Responsibilities, requirements, and assessment

(a) Action lead: Public Works.

(b) Coordination and communication required: Pest Management Coordinator (PWD), USDA, Airfield, Environmental.

(c) Funding: Public Works.

(d) Execution timeline: Ongoing.

(e) Action and project effectiveness: Reduced BASH hazard with gulls, swallows, and raptors.

(t) Measures of effectiveness: Reduced BASH incidents with gulls, swallows, and raptors. Another measure would be reduced observations and dispersals of the aforementioned species.

g. BASH hazard priority five: Fence repair at OLF Whitehouse

( 1) Target issue: Portions of fence line needs repair to keep large mammalian species from entering the airfield.

(2) Specific actions needed to control or address target issue: Funding needed for complete overhaul. Small sections are repaired as needed by USDA; however, the current large sections are beyond the scope of USDA.