N6945022R0049_WHMP_0005.pdf

NASK BASH PROGRAM

WILDLIFE HAZARD

MANAGEMENT PLAN (WHMP)

ENCLOSURE (l} I [Document subtitle]

I . Introduction

I . I This Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) is the source document for Naval Air Station Kingsville (NASK) Integrated Wildlife Damage Management (IWDM) strategy and requirements. This document was developed by the NASK 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 NASKINST 3750.6C 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.

1.2 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 150/5200-338. 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 [List of BASH Working Group members by title and specific role]

2.1 Air Operations Officer

2.2 Airfield Manager

2.3 TW-2 Safety Officer

2.4 TW-2 Ground Safety Officer

2.5 Deputy Public Works Officer

2.6 Natural Resource Manager

2.7 USDA-WS BASH Coordinator

2.8 Deputy Air Operations Officer

2.9 CPLO

2.10 ATCFO

2.11 Deputy Air Field Manager

2 Enclosure (I)

2.12 Field Support WDDT Lead

2.13 ASO

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.]

3 .1 Federal Permits

3.1 .1 USFWS Migratory Bird Depredation Permit# MB056855-0- This permit covers all migratory birds and allows for take of the minimum number necessary to ensure flight safety however no threatened or endangered species, or bald and golden eagles may be taken. No more than 5 of any birds of conservation concern (BCR 37 list) may be taken without further authorization from USFWS permitting office. This permit has been issued to Erik A. Spitzer

Commanding Officer NAS Kingsville and is overseen and renewed annually by the NASK Natural Resource Manager. Renewal of this permit involves the completion of a renewal packet provided by USFWS combined with the completion of a Form 37, which is completed by USDA-Wildlife Services.

3.2 State Permits

3.2.1 Currently there are no State wildlife permits at NASK.

3.3 Integration with Other Management Plans and Guidance Documents

3.3.1 NAS Kingsville Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP)

3.3.2 NAS Kingsville Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP)

4. References

4.1 CNICINST 3700

4.2 NASKINST 3750.6C

4.3 NASK INRMP

4.4 NASK IPMP

4.5 NASK Wildlife Hazard Management Assessment (WHA) Jan.-Dec. 2012

4.6 CNIC BASH Manual

4.7 FAA AC 150/5200 32A

3 Enclosure ( 1)

4.8 FAA AC 150/5200 338

5. BMZ (BASH Management Zone) (Appendices 1 and 2)

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

5.2 BMZ2 - Area from the edge of the primary surface area out to the airfield perimeter fence. At installations with no airfield perimeter fence the Air Operations Officer and BWG will define the boundary.

5.3 BMZ3 - Area from airfield perimeter fence or notional perimeter boundary to the installation perimeter fence.

5.4 BMZ4 - 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.

6. AEM (Airfield Environmental Mitigation)

6.1 In alignment with FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-338, AEM provides airfield environment mitigations, BMZ mapping and resourcing requirements below for each of the local BASH-relevant categories.

6.1.l Waste Disposal

6.1.1.1 Trash Receptacles

NASKINOG-Trash receptacles located within BMZ 2 and BMZ 3 at NASK and NOLF Orange Grove are emptied twice a week. Patrons are encouraged to keep all lids and doors closed on these receptacles.

6.1.1.2 Landfills

NASK- located in BMZ 4 the Kleberg county landfill is located approximately 3 miles south of the airfield perimeter fence and covers approximately 160 acers.

USDA-WS agent worked closely with the CPLO to establish relations with City landfill administration personnel. Verbal agreements were made that insured all putrid waste material would be covered daily, in order to limit forging by Vultures, Caracara, Laughing Gulls, Herring Gulls, and other scavenging birds. City officials also agreed to conduct baseline surveys of birds utilizing the landfill.

NOG-N/A

6.1.2 Water Management Facilities

4 Enclosure ( 1)

6.1.2. l Stonn water management

NASK- Stonn water ditch located within BMZ 1; found in blocks 22 and

23. This storm water drainage ditch attracts a number of wildlife species by serving as cover, nesting, and foraging habitat. Species identified utilizing this area include Turkey Vultures, Javelina, Coyote, and Raccoon as well as several species of songbirds. This area is monitored regularly for wildlife activity.

NOG- Stonn water drainage ditch located within BMZ 1 found in block 2.

This storm water drainage ditch attracts a number of wildlife species by serving as cover, nesting, and foraging habitat. Species identified utilizing this area include White-Tailed Deer, Feral Hogs, Coyotes, and Raccoons &s well as several species of songbirds.

6.1.2.2 Wastewater treatment facilities

NASK- there are two city operated wastewater treatment facilities that are located within BMZ 4. One located approximately l mile northwest of the base, the other approximately l mile southwest of the base.

NOG-N/A

6.1.3 Wetlands

NASK- There is one wetland area within BMZ 1 which is located in blocks 24 and 28. There is one wetland area within BMZ 2 which is located in blocks 22 and 23 and is labeled Storm Water Ditch. There are several wetland areas located within BMZ 3 and are located in blocks 6-12, 16, 19,20,24, and 28.

NOG-N/A

6.1.4 Agricultural Activities

6.1.4. l Crop production

NASK- There are two row crop leases located within BMZ 4 . One is located just south the base perimeter fence at the approach of35. The second is located about 1-mile north of the base perimeter fence at the approach 17. Naval Facilities and the NASK Natural Resource Manager shall consider BASH when renewing these agricultural leases.

Regular monitoring of these areas should be done to identify trends in bird activity.

NOG-N/A

6.1.4.2 Livestock production

NASK- there is one livestock grazing lease located within BMZ 4. It is located just outside the base perimeter fence just west of south field. Na val Facilities and the

5 Enclosure ( 1)

NASK Natural Resource Manager shall consider BASH when renewing these agricultural leases.

Regular monitoring of these areas should be done to identify trends in bird activity.

NOG-N/A

6.1.4.3 Aquaculture

NASK- one pond located within BMZ 3 is used for recreational fishing.

known as the Captain's pond it is located in the extreme southwest comer of the base.

NOG-NA

6.1.4.5 Hunting programs

NASK- There are several areas within BMZ 4 (located in blocks 6-13, 16, 24, 27, and 28) where large game, such as White-Tailed Deer and Javelina are hunted from blinds. Within BMZ 3 bird hunting is common in the South Field area ofNAS Kingsville and both quail and dove are hunted during open seasons.

NOG-N/A

6.1.5 Golf Courses, Landscaping and Other Land Use Areas

6.1.5. l Golf Course

NASK- Kingsville Municipal Golf Course located within BMZ 4, boarders the southwest side of the base.

NOG-N/A

6.1.5.2 Grass maintenance

NASK- Most of the grass within BMZ 1 and 2 is maintained at a 7'' to 14" height. Areas around airfield signs and lighting are kept between 5" to 10". The area around the Armory shotgun range, also located within BMZ 1, is maintained between 5" and 1 O". Most of the grass located within BMZ 3 is maintained between 5" and 10", except for some areas south of the main gate commonly known as South Field.

NOG - BMZ 1 is currently maintained to a 7" to 14" height. All other blocks included in BMZ 2 and BMZ 3 must be added and maintained to the same 7" to 14" for secondary clear zones and all mowed at least twice per month for areas outside of clear zones one and two, to mitigate livable habitat on the airfield due to the fact that there is no existing exclusion fence around the facility.

6.1.5.3 Herbicide and pesticide

6 Enclosure ( 1)

NASK/NOG- Pesticides are used within BMZ 3 to treat small areas of identified nuisance pest in accordance with label application guidelines. Herbicides are used to mitigate and/or eliminate vegetation encroachment onto facilities.

6.1.5.4 Tree and shrub maintenance

NASK/NOG- Trees and shrubs within BMZ 3 are maintained in accordance with current COL levels and are governed by OP.5 and ATF requirements.

7. Wildlife Management

7.1 Wildlife Hazard Assessment Summary

During the WHA a total of 57 different species of birds were observed at NASK.

Songbirds made up 83% of the total strikes at NASK (2009-2012), and swallows accounted for the majority of those strikes (27%). Strikes involving Raptors and Cormorants (Black Vultures, Red-Tailed Hawks, and Anhinga) were responsible for 96% of the total cost associated with wildlife strikes at NASK from October 2008- December 2012. However, these are by no means the only avian species of concern for flight safety at NASK. Numerous species of mammals were observed within the AOA at NASK. Javelina (Pecari angulatus) is a species of concern due to their high population densities, propensity to form loose bands numbering from 2-25, and their size (40-50lbs). Recommendations were made aimed at improving strike reporting, program awareness, program management, and implementation of passive and direct control methods with a focus on problem species identified in strike data.

7.2 Observed Hazardous Species Data

A number of hazardous wildlife species have been observed within BMZl and BMZ2 at both NASK and NOG. While these species do not show up using normal Risk Assessment methods (due to lack of strike incidents) they do pose a significant risk to aircraft operations. For that reason, some of these species will be analyzed separately.

7.2.1 Observed Hazardous Species Risk Assessment

Species Hazard Score Probability Risk Score White-Tailed Deer 88 1 88 Javelina (no score available) Coyote 22 1 22 Free Ranging Dog 71 I 71

7.3 Historical Strike Data

7 .3.1 Wildlife Species Risk Assessment (List)2011-2016

7 Enclosure ( 1)

Species Hazard Score #Struck Risk Score Turkey Vulture 73 8 584 Black Vulture 78 7 546 Broad-Winged Hawk 30 6 180 Mourning Dove 17 9 153 White-Tailed Hawk 30 4 120 Bank Swallow 9 IO 90

Species Hazard Score #Struck Risk Score American Wid~eon 78 1 78 Unknown Dabbling 78 I 78 Duck Savannah Sparrow 7 8 56 Barn Swallow 3 15 45 Upland Sandpiper 21 2 42

7.3.2 Historical Strike Rates (Table with IO year history)

The table below depicts the calendar year and the strike rate (strikes per I Ok operations) for each year.

2008 I 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

4.5 17.2 8 7.3 6.3 6 4.1 4.8 6.2 4.7

7.4 Species Management Strategies

The BASH program at NASK/NOG shall implement an integrated approach to wildlife damage management. To that end many strategies being implemented are designed to have mitigating effects on numerous wildlife species. Passive and direct control measures include habitat management, daily patrols conducted by trained WDDT members that include active dispersal, exclusion, lethal control, mandatory strike/near miss reporting, regularly scheduled formal surveys, and airport personnel training. Strike/near miss data, which may include species and location, is compiled and analyzed in order to identify trends which are used to develop and evaluate targeted mitigation strategies. In addition, avian radar technology is used to both alert WDDT members of emergent wildlife activity and is used by Wing personnel for ORM aimed at reducing flight operations during peak bird activity. These strategies will be referred to as Normal BASH program strategies. Below are strategies being implanted that are species specific which are aimed at reducing overall strike rates and reducing costs associated with wildlife strikes.

7.4.l Turkey/Black Vulture and Northern Crested Caracara

8 Enclosure ( 1)

7.4.1 .1 Normal BASH program strategies

7.4.1.2 Community Outreach

CPLO assisted City of Kingsville and Kleberg County Officials in the establishment of a Joint Airport Zoning Board which created regulations that incorporate the Navy's compatible land use recommendations which include BASH initiatives. CPLO worked with Air Ops and the USDA agent to create and produce pamphlets designed to educate surrounding land owner about wildlife conflicts with Navy flight operations and land use practices that may contribute to those conflicts including carcass disposal. CPLO worked with USDA agent and met with Kingsville City Landfill personnel to discuss wildlife conflicts to Naval flight operations and how City Landfill personnel could assist with efforts to reduce availability of food to scavengers such as TUVU and other species at this landfill. Landfill personnel also agreed to conduct wildlife surveys to document wildlife utilization of the landfill.

7.4.1.3 Carcass removal

WDDT member conducting routine BASH patrols shall remove any animal carcasses that are attracting savaging birds within normal aircraft operating areas and dispose of them according to BASH program SOP.

7.4.2 Broad-Winged Hawk

7.4.2. l Normal BASH program strategies

7.4.2.2 Historical Biological Data

Biological and historical data indicates that these birds are strictly transient species for this part of Texas. By focusing some of our normal BASH program strategies during spring and fall migration, the risk posed by this species can be mitigated. This is achieved by increasing awareness throughout the airport community. Information about upcoming spring and fall migration periods are put out to both the Wing and A TC communities.

WDDT members are aware of the likelihood of large groups of these birds coming through this area of Texas. Avian radar and daily patrols are key components of effective mitigation for these types of species.

7.4.3 Mourning Dove

7.4.3.1 Normal BASH program strategies

7.4.4 White-Tailed Hawk

7.4.4.1 Normal BASH program strategies

7.4.5 Bank Swallows (includes all swallows)

9 Enclosure ( 1)

7.4.5.1 Nonnal BASH program strategies

7.4.5.2 Nest destruction

7.4.5.3 Exclusion from nesting sites

7.4.6 American Widgeon/ Unknown Dabbling Duck

7.4.6.1 Nonna) BASH program strategies

7.4.7 Savannah Sparrow

7.4.7.1 Nonnal BASH program strategies

7.4.8 Upland Sandpiper

7.4.8.1 Nonna) BASH program strategies

7.5 BASH HAZARD PRIORITY ONE

Maintain Clear Zones at NOG located within BMZ 1 &2

Conduct a one-time bum to mitigate out-of-control vegetation is BMZ 2 and 3.

Conduct root plowing in secondary and tertiary clear zones.

Maintain grass height at 7" to 14" in all primary and secondary clear zones.

Add all BMZ zone 2 and 3 to the mowing contract to be mowed at least twice monthly.

Action Lead: PWD

Coordination and Communication Required: Air Ops

Relationship to Other Program Areas/Plans: unlinked

Funding: $75K; FX to bum areas first; $80K to clear and grub area; Fund additional $250K cost to add additional BMZ zones to the mowing contract in perpetuity.

Execution: Timeline: FY 19 and beyond

Action/Project Effectiveness: PWD submits annually for ST dollars lO Enclosure (I)

Measures of Effectiveness: yellow; more Air Ops up their chain may help increase support from the FEC and CNIC.

7.6 BASH HAZARD PRIORITY TWO

Improved fencing at NOG

Exclusion of White-Tailed Deer, Feral Hogs, and Coyotes and other meso mammals.

Action Lead: PWD

Coordination and Communication Required: Air Ops and Security Relationship to Other Program Areas/Plans: unlinked

Funding: $8.336M; ST special project funding

Execution: Timeline: FY20 and beyond

Action/Project Effectiveness: PWD submits annually for SRM dollars

Measures of Effectiveness: yellow; more Air Ops and Security support up their chain may help increase support from the FEC and CNIC.

7.7 BASH HAZARD PRIORITY THREE

Improve fencing at NASK

Exclusion of Javelina, Coyotes, and other meso mammals

Responsibilities, Requirements, and Assessment

Action lead: PWD

Coordination and Communication Required: Air Ops and Security Relationship to other program areas and plans: unlinked; more work required to develop a good scope of work.

Funding: TBD; ST funding

Execution timeline: FY19 and beyond

11 Enclosure (I)

Action and project effectiveness: PWD submits annually for SRM dollars

Measures of effectiveness: yellow; more Air Ops and Security support to finalize the minimum scope of work, so PWD can design and cost.

7.8 BASH HAZARD PRIORITY FOUR

Application of vinyl stripes to culvert located just outside north gate ofNASK.

Exclusion of nesting swallows

Action lead: PWD

Coordination and Communication Required: Air Ops and Security. Relationship to other program areas and plans: unlinked; more work required to develop a good scope of work.

Funding: TBD; ST funding

Execution timeline: FYI 8 and beyond

Action and project effectiveness: PWD executes SRM work.

Measures of effectiveness: yellow; Air Ops should confirm a work order is in the system.

7.9 BASH PRIORITY FIVE

Removal of storm water drainage ditch located within BMZ 1

Exclusion of Javelina, Coyotes, and other meso mammals

Action lead: PWD

Coordination and Communication Required: Air Ops and Security. Relationship to other program areas and plans: unlinked; the ditch is the outfall to airfield and has been cleaned twice of UXO previously dumped in the 1940s. It is very unlikely this work will be supported due to the current funding climate.

Funding: TBD; MILCON funding

Execution timeline: FY22 and beyond

12 Enclosure ( 1)

Action and project effectiveness: PWD submits SRM project annually for MILCON; it is not in the top two for NAS Kingsville.

Measures of effectiveness: yellow; more Air Ops support up their chain may help increase support from the FEC and CNIC.

8 Command Approval

CO signature approval of a WHMP is required only once during the command tour although they may elect to sign it each year. If the local BASH instruction is updated during the tour, the WHMP can be appended to it under the cover of a single signature for both documents. If the WHMP is a stand-alone document, however, then it requires a cover page with Command letterhead and the CO's signature. Once a change of command occurs, then the existing cover page and this signature page should be removed and replaced with new ones. The Air Operations Officer and Public Works Officer (PWO) will sign on the "Approved by" lines and submit the whole document to the new CO for signature.

8.1 Review and Update

This document will be formally reviewed every 12 months from the date of the CO's signature until the next change of command. The BWG shall re-validate all AEM mitigation procedures and WM risk assessments and procedures and make any document changes as required. Once the BWG validation and document update is complete, the Air Operations Officer and PWO will sign the "Reviewed by" lines below and brief the CO. The completed annual BASH self-assessment checklist shall also be included in the brief.

8.2 Reviewers:

For this period Reviewers of the Documents were Mr. Eddie Earwood, Mr. Ken Moses and Mr. Patrick Paddock. Additionally, this entire Plan was presented in its current format with its current conclusions to the entire BHWG and unanimously approved.

8.3 Amendment Process

This WHMP is meant to be a "living document" and a recurrent agenda item at periodic BWG meetings. Should the BWG determine during the course of a year (between formal reviews) to make substantive changes to hazard priorities or mitigation procedures, or to add an emergent hazard, the changes should be documented in BWG meeting minutes, briefed to the CO, and included as part of the annual WHMP review process

9. Appendices

(I) NAS Kingsville BASH Mapbook

)3 Enclosure (I)

(2) NALF Orange Grove BASH Mapbook

(3) Current Wildlife Hazard Assessment (WHA)

Air Operations Officer/Date

2nd Yr Reviewed by:

Air Operations Officer/Date

3rd Year Reviewed by:

Air Operations Officer/Date

Approved by:

£-!(j~6 fl/! 7/zo11 Public Works Officer/Date

Public Works Officer/Date

Public Works Officer/Date

AS Kingsville

Z1 AV6 Zo1~

14 Enclosure ( 1)

Contents:

Page 2 - Executive Summary

NAS KINGSVILLE

Bird and Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Mapbook

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Data Sources:

•Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) -Advisory Circular 15015200-33B

CRITIGEN

Page 3 - BASH Mitigation Zones Overview Map Page 4 - BASH Mapbook Legend

• Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) BASH Program - CNIC Instruction 3750.1

Page 5-30 - BASH Mitigation Zones and BASH Attractants Mapbook Page 31 - BASH Attractant Outliers

• Integrated Wildlife Damage Management (IWDM)

• Wildlife Hazard Assessment {WHA)

• Wildlife Hazard Management Plan {WHMP) •Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP)

• Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) •Airfield Environment Management (AEM) fJ ~P€,J1JJX I

Bird and Wiidiife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH)

Mitigation Zones

NAS KINGSVllLE

+~~GE3

~---T1ua ~ ..!.

llueMapf..euns t=r - --..:.,..,, __ I

Ad .. ~'"""'.., $lat•• ~hsl .. •on BAIHM ........ Zone c:::J BASHM .... z., ••. TlM•n

~•Hbt".,...,...e;pt9MI")' wrfK• ..... Md NMdn .,. Tnt•.

eM • d4i ... '°'"'",a-a~ anc1 r.,,.

I a'ld IQC:IHIJllllK(C..A Md

Cll.Fl•--."'°'Gf'lleNl'1..,.._at dflMd .. ~C 2-000-W c:::J !I.ASH M._,:1111 z.,. 2. TM ...

hfft ....... t/11Mptlm.W'J'M'f-.i ... .,. ta ... mWd P9RfMls l1re• Ai ~ona,... no_...,., Pl"lm ..... _ ... ,..0p otker Md~ YYofloftt Gfoup ... .......... ~.

0 BASH l.l•Ollon Zene l. The •n hrn.Wd,.,..,...1ttt.ftc• ti1 noe_.,_,mttff-.~tofl•

M&lllDoft ,...,.... ... ··~ · c:::::J BASH lrl•gmton bn• 4. TM ...

hml'le.-..tiDn~tence NW •mnmum rl 10,000 '"4 md may- 11iend DUI t. • ._. ~n. TM cbt*1t• '* .,,. .... " lkgm .... c.,,.

.......... d.

N =..,-~:'t'::' i;i;;• wta1t1W

J... 1NM""11· v1 .. 1r ...

" ... trJJIOI . ·---==='"' ~-·,11-i;::::==.~.:"

II <i> -~ n.·zn1no11

IU ... ,--...1:,....._.c--i....._11:

-...... Ulla-. ..... MM c...a SEG#tC . .-CWI MJ4lts o.t ............. _...,.,,,.........., 1--.. ................ ~ c-..........,.,..._~co C-- CMSe~C-...'-•---

a. • ...,_ .. ~...,,,.U,.t .. .._ ................ _ .... ,...., .. ..,....., .ccanct .......... ,,,....,..,..,.......,.

Hazard (BASH)

Attractant Outliers

N ... S KINGSVILLE

N•w 'Mo

"'GE 31

T e.1 a -.;;

D aASH Atra:tant aa.Ma,F .... rH o - ...

BAIH MtDgMloftZ....e

D 61.SH u..-on Zone t TIM •H 91'1C~ .. b,.--f\al'nlr.,.........,, -..«111;t..,11.9f'ld~fl1Twl"I

Ind I dt• lonH '°- B~ Md l,,e l ."'4alde:ernnn1a ... Aerw1 Olfl..i"'9.-n4l .. fl1~M delned .,_UfC 2.0D0--5N c BASH U•,._, Zani 1. 1M ••• h111 l\e edge cithe P'llNFY ..., ..

••• mat 18 .,., ..leld pen,_.. ~· A.l...US.GN""1no_.eld penn.W fMU 9'eM Clp•lliotm Ol'lcH Md aAsti 'NDl1lfto Gloup Wiii

....... "' Mundaty CJBASHM.,.onl#l1J. Th••H him .Uctp.rwn.W l..::1 Of nolf.NI ,,.,.,......, 111..-.,, 10 ~~-fmt•.

Q BASH M•11111on.t.n1 4 . The ...

toomW...~'°" penn11tnf111"a1 DUI 1111 • nwwtUl"I a1 1 a .ooa '"' Md ~ealeftdUt.h1rnlln..lt-11 ~1nrne1 .. 9dhmll1cm .. 1t

°'"•.t•ct c..-·11~ :.c1~ O...W0&1M<I

...... w.1r w.1 lt-• SC. ..... . ·-.......... c=======~··"'

11 9 B~

0..1111/'l011 ,... ..... --..t ......... ~

..._~._.,MU

C...-.rtstiia1;;f90IJ,., .. ,..

fOlt OfrlCALUAI DIHY ,....,.., ... _.._. ...... ,.aa.i ... °""" .......... __...,........, ....................... ,.........."" ~*'.......,.. .. - ..... ~ ........................ _......, .. c...........,.,..,.. ........ ~ ~~-~~ClliMlt ti• ........... _,.awtw....,.tl .. .... .._..._ ... _ ... ,....., .. _,...., _..,, ,_..,,. . .......,~..,, FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

BASH Mitigation Zone r-1 BASH Mitigation Zona 1. The area l___J encompassed by lhe runway primary surface area and indudes the Type I and II clear zones (Class B) and Type I and Ill r::lear zones (Class A end OLF) el Ille ends of lhe runways es defined In UFC 2.000.5N.

r-1 BASH MiligaUon Zone 2. The area from !he l___J edge of lhe primary surface area out lo the airfield perimeter fence. Al Installations with no airfield perimeter fence Ille AJr Operations Officer end BASH V>.brklng Group Will define Ille boundary.

r-1 BASH Mitigation Zone 3. The area from l___J airfield perimeter lance or notional perimeter boundary lo the installation perimeter fence.

r-1 BASH Mitigation Zone 4. The area from Ille l___J lnstalallon perimeter fence ou! lo a minimum ol 10,000 fee! and may extend out to five miles. The distance is measured from the center of the airfield.

BASH Attractant Type r----1 Aarii:utturalAc!ivi!y: •Hunting ( 681.74 Acre) L___J • Livestock ( 86.36 Acre l

•Modified Habitat ( 39.76 Acre)

• Row Crops ( 154.94 Acre) L=:J Dredge Sooil Con!ajnmeot &ea: • (NIA)

Environmental Layers ~~;:~ VUetland c:J Lendscaoina Golf Courses end Olher Activities: •Goll Course ( 167 .29 Acre )

Wiidiife Observations

~ Listing Slalus· Threatl!fled

0 Listing Status: Special COl'lcem

• Plant. Spedes Specific Obsetvalion

Base Map Features c=J Installation

C=:J Building I Structure

\/\l!ller Feature

- SlormOilch

L__. \legetetion Control· • Mow to 5 Inches, Avoid spraying I After Flighl OPS I ( 1.47 Acre I

Pes! Control: • (NIAi pes! And \legeta!ion Control· • Mow general areas lo 7·14 inches, Pesticide Herbicide I Aller Flighl OPS I ( 755.82 Acre )

• Pavement edging to 75 feel. Mow to 5 inches, Pesticide, Hefblcide I Aller Flight OPS I ( 281 .18 Acre ) r---1 Wilsta Oisposa! Operation· • Construction Debris ( 11.35 Acre) ~ •Landfill ( 159.69 Acre)

•Waste Water( 3.SAcre I ,..---., Waler Maneqemen! Faciljty· •Artificial Pond ( 23.SAcre) L....-J • Pond ( 28.61 Acre)

• Storm Vo.Bier Odeh ( 3.5 Acre ) l=:J~ •WeUand(61.41Acte) c=J To Be pe!ennined: •(NIA)

Bird and Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH)

Mitigation Zona 1 & 2 Legend

"'"' 1 ... -

NAS KINGSVILlE

.. T .r ~ ...,_ -

=-' .. ---....-.. 'l•I~

II <i> ....... I.le-., B~ o.. znmcnr

Mt•r.c:Mn~c.-MI~ Mwt~ltMdl...,...

Cefad" SlCRC. f'IMI !MJ-llft

,0. Ol'ttClolLUM DNl.T

"*-.,.,u.~ ...... ,,.,~ ~""' .......... _......,~ .a.....-.-....-.,............___ ,........ ......... ., ..... ,.~ ,.,.,.,.,,. ....... .,,..(-.1., ..

~ ..... ,..,,_.s.-...~ ..

c-w Q#fli-........... c.11r .... .., .... ... ,.. ....... _,....,....._,..,,.._.,.. .............. -.............. _..., _,n. ......... ~..,, FOR OPFJClAL USE ONLY Bird and Wiidiife

Hazard IBASH)

Mitigation Zone 1 & 2

PAGE5

N =.,. .... ~:= OCll'IQI 1M4

I\ "-''" t1'1" 11rw ~ ...., tl• ll G> --•.ff

II~~

Dm v.uno11 ...... ,~ .. ~c-M

..... Ulla ........ ~ CefUilt R.DllC (l9oq s..o.m r.:INalFJIC =-·--- ... -·-·~ -+

Contents:

Page 2 - Executive Summary

NALF ORANGE GROVE

Bird and Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Mapbook

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Data Sources:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) -Advisory Circular 150/5200-33B

CR1TIG EN

Page 3 - BASH Mitigation Zones Overview Map Page 4 - BASH Mapbook Legend

• Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) BASH Program - CNIC Instruction 3750.1

• Integrated Wildlife Damage Management (IWDM)

Page 5-33 - BASH Mitigation Zones and BASH Attractants Mapbook • Wildlife Hazard Assessment (WHA)

• Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) •Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP)

• Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP)

• Airfield Environment Management (AEM) l!Pf~t:>1)1. z_

Bird and WlldlUe

Hazard (BASH)

Mitigation Zones

NALF ORANGE GROVE

...,fa.OE3 ·1 ... _ tn.as J...

o - ..

llAIH MtttgatklnZone

.. --•""" 'tr~ a.i.,., c:J BASH Mao-an Zerle 1. The ...

~-·d..,..,. .,..,.., pnMfy

IUl'fK• ..... •d indudn "•type I .v:t. ct.. ton .. 1a-a1 .... fype lmMilld.uzCl'ln(Cn•AMd Ol.Ft ..... ..-d .. enat .. ys• delned il'I urc z~oo.sN c:J BASH M•,.an Zone 2. Tiw ...

~m.,.. "9• ol the Jllf1"*Y~ ••• DUt-'tl• 91fW4ptn-.-. ~' At~..-..mftN..ttkl p.l'l'ft.W f~ tw""' 0p .. .-.,.

erk" Miii BUH Woftiong Gfoup

CJ BASH Meg.am1 l one 3. JN ...

hm -Wd pentMC8 r.nce • .,. .... penmetst"ltou!Ml.,.t•W'I• ~ penmet9r lenc9 c:J BASHU~W1Zona4_TM .. • from .... IMt•IUOft ,..,_.tt>, ranui Mtle,,.,..l'Nlftofto DIO l'tttMCI mat ett.M M te he miln. TM ~" ""awrH tom f'I• ~me.

., ....... d..

c-..-.~ CCtwct llM O......~tlM• fMO

"""'kt-ll"W• lrM ae..1N.OCO

,_.. 21*'1

II <i> 0.3'11'2017

... _.,...._, ...... ~s.w.-w ....... ._ ....... , c.ad KG-RC llCMI !Ml.,U

FOR Qt'PIQAL UH 0 .. 1.Y .-. .......................... ,_mu.a °""""' ........... "".~~ ..................................... ,,....... ......... ~ ............ ,,,..._,...,. ... ..--.-...-i., .. c;__.,,...,. ...,_ ~,__,..-.

C.... O#IU'~C.--1 .. .._, ........... _, ...... ....,."' ...... .............. .,..._ .... , ....... .,~ _, ,.... ..... ,.........,,.,._.,, FOR OFFJCAL USE ONLY

BASH Mitigation Zone C::: J SASH MiUgalion Zone 1. The area

• encompaued by !he runway primary surface area and lndudes !he Type I •md II dear zones (Class B) and Type I and Ill clear zones (Class A and OLF) al Iha ends DI the runways as defined In UFC 2-000-SN.

~SASH MiUgatlon Zone 2. The atea from the ..... edge of the pnmary surface area out to the airfield perimeter fence. At Installations with no airfteld perimeter fence the Air Operations Officer and SASH W>rking Groop wil define Ille boundary.

~BASH MIUgation Zone 3. The area from ..__..airfield petimeler tence or notional perimeler boundary to Iha installation perimeter fence.

BASH Mitigation Zone 4. The atea from the lnslalation perimeter fence out lo a minimum of W..000 feet and may extend oot to five miles. The distance Is measuted from the center or Iha airfield.

BASH Attractant Type ~ Aaricultura! Act;yily; (0) • (NIAi

~ Dre<loe Spo;! Con!Dinmmt Alea: 10) • (NIA)

Base Map Features

~Installation ~ Buiding I Structure

- - • • • Storm Dilch

[::J Golf Coorses Landu;aplng. and o!her land use areas:.{!} • U...mainlalned Vegetation ( 4'49, 1 B Aae )

:------1 VeaelatJon Conlrol: 1281 •Mow general areas ID 7-14 Inches I After F!lght OPS I ( 781,86 Aae ~

Pest Control· 101 •(NIA)

•(NIA)

•(NIA)

c=J Wnte pisDOsal OperaUoo- m • Construction Debris ( 5.5 Aae ) l::::J IM!l!!f Management Eaci!jtv· 111 • Ctaek & SID1TI1 Water ( 2.83 Aae I c=i Welland: IOI • (NIAi c=i To Be De!eanined· rm •IN/Al

Bird and Wiidiife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH)

Mitigation Zone 1 & 2 Legend

NALF ORANGE GROVE

H.,., ~~'ltC:

.::~ l . ,_ .

Tera$ 1 '> - ' "* -,- .,.

II <i> E~

DIM 34V1011

...... IF ....... ~c-MS....Ht itrr..Mll l.u.... ..,...._NM c..aa Sl.QlllC_ rtGt•MZ47U

•o• orUCi&L UIM: ONLY

"*--*A~ ....... ,.~ oa..,M.,. .... ~~ ~J!Mooy ............... ~ ..

C....CHllU~C..••H.., ... .,_,.. __ _,,_.......," ~ 1'.Ml .... /11/t.,._...~ ...

Hazard (BASHI

Mitigation Zone 1 & 2

NALF ORANGE GROVE

e 1 B 9 10

1i .1.J 11•

18 .I· B 19 " ·21

~, 23 ~ 2S'27 1 2ll

32 :1

PAGE7

25 j

BUH •ttnn.nc Arn c:::J Gell CMnn, ~·-Md ... ..-.~-·-a ...... , .. ,..

c:::J

N

A

C.-- &..- IK<•MM HM

0-MatMot.

._...,.. n·w~ 1rH kMt1f400 l <i>

Dllt JnlnOO' ...... r.-..1,..._..~....__.

Auet~ c...a.cz· ILQ"C. ,,_., SU .. JU

USDA

Na val Air Station Kingsville Wildlife Hazard Assessment January - December 2012

Submitted by:

United States Department of Agriculture

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services

Table of Contents

List of Acronyms Definitions ..................................................................................................................................................... S List of Figures and Tables lntroduction Objectives Legal Authority Legal Statutes of Wildlife Wildlife Strikes

Strike Reporting NASK Strike History Strike Rate

Study Site Description Location NASK Wildlife Hazard Management Review Habitat Description Grassland Shrublancl/Woodland Wetland/Ponds Riparian Disturbed Sites Agricultural Lands

Methods Bird Point Count Survey General Surveys Analysis of Data

Results and Discussions Birds

Raptors Waterfowl Grassland Birds Swallows Blackbirds Shorebirds Wading Birds Woodland/Flycatcher Doves Connorants/Seabirds

Mammals White-tailed Deer Collard Peccary Canids Felids Lagomorphs Mesomammals Bats

Other Surveys General Recommendations Summary

Literature Citcd

Appendix A- CNICINST 3700 Appendix B- USDA-CNIC Memorandum of Agreement Appendix C-CertAlert- FAA Part 139.337, Wildlife Hazard Management Plan Outline Appendix D - NASKINST 3750.6C Appendix E- USFWS Migratory Bird Depredation Permit NASK Appendix F -TPWD Deer and Javclina Permit NASK Appendix G - Map - Wildlife Attractants on and around NASK Appendix H - FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-338 (8/28/2007) Appendix I - CNIC BASH manual Appendix J - FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-32A (12/22/04) Appendix K - NASK Location Maps Appendix L- Drainage Ditch on NASK

List of Acronyms

AGL

AOA

APHIS

ASAP

BGEPA

BHWG

BS

CFR

CNIC

DOD

ESA

FAA

FIFRA

GIS

GPS

IA

MBTA

MOA

NAS

NASK

NEPA

NOAA

OPS

RWY

T&E

TCEQ

TDA

TPWD

us

USDA

USFWS

USN

WESS

WDDT

WHA

WHMP

ws

Above Ground Level Airfield Operations Area Animal Plant Health Inspection Services Aviation Safety Assurance Program Bold and Golden Eagle Protection Act Bird Hazard Working Group Bird Strike Code of Federal Regulations Commander Naval Installations Command Department of Defense Endangered Species Act Federal Aviation Administration Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Global Information System Global Positioning System lnteragency Agreement Migratory Bird Treaty Act Memorandum of Agreement Naval Air Station Naval Air Station Kingsville National Environmental Protection Act National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Operations Runway Threatened and Endangered Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Texas Department of Agriculture Texas Parks and Wildlife Department United States United States Department of Agriculture United States Fish and Wildlife Services United States Navy Web Enabled Safety System Wildlife Detection and Dispersal Team Wildlife Hazard Assessment Wildlife Hazard Management Plan Wildlife Services

Definitions

Avian - All species within the class (Aves), all bird species.

Ecological Study (e.g., Wildlife Hazard Assessment) - a document that includes information and data collected to determine and document the wildlife activity and hazards.

Feral Animal - domestic animal that has reverted to living in the wild (also includes strays, for the purposes of this document).

Granivorous - seed eating.

Guild - a group of individual species with similar characteristics.

Habitat - the environment in which an animal lives.

Hazardous Wildlife - wildlife species associated with or capable of causing damaging collisions or those which attract other wildlife with the potential for causing an aircraft strike.

Insectivorous - insect eating.

Integrated Pest Management/Integrated Wildlife Hazard Management - is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a variety of common-sense practices. IPM utilizes a combinations of tactics such as habitat management, exclusion, sanitation, behavior management, populations reduction, and monitoring.

Lagomorph - the Order that contains all Families and Species of rabbits, hares, and cottontails.

Migratory Birds- species of birds that change climate or location from breeding to wintering grounds.

Species lists of Migratory Birds can be found at:

http://\ 1'l1'l1•.fi1•s .go1 •/migratmybirdslintrnl trlmbtalmbtin tro. html Omnivorous - eats both plant and animal.

Strike (wildlife strike, air strike) - an incident involving the collision between an animal and an aircraft.

Take - an activity that may result in the capturing or killing of wildlife.

Wildlife - for the purposes of this document will include any animal, wild or domesticated.

Wildlife Hazard Biologist - an individual meeting FAA requirements for certification in wildlife hazard management that conducts Wildlife Hazard Assessments and helps develop and implement Wildlife Hazard Management Plans.

Wildlife Coordinator - the person responsible for overseeing the wildlife hazard management plan.

Wildlife Committee - a committee formed to implement and monitor the wildlife hazard management plan.

Wildlife Hazard - potential for a damaging collision between an aircraft and wildlife on or near an airport.

Wildlife Hazard Assessment (e.g., Ecological Study) - a document that includes information and data collected through a period of time to determine and document the wildlife activity and hazards.

Wildlife Hazard Management Plan - a document that provides guidance to personnel regarding methods for reducing hazards to aircraft caused by wildlife.

List of Figures and Tables

Figures

Figure 1 WESS Reported BS Figure 2 Songbird Strikes Figure 3 Strike Rates N ASK Figure 4 Strike Rate by Month Figure 5 USDA-WS Figure 6 Class A Strike Figure 7 Airfield at NASK Figure 8 South Field at NASK Figure 9 Fishing Pond at NASK Figure 10 Drainage ditch located on the airfield Figure 11 Hayfield at NASK Figure 12 Bird Count Numbers by Month Figure 13 Immature Red-tailed Hawk Figure 14 Percentage of Occurrences of Raptors by Point Figure 15 Variety of Waterfowl Figure 16 Percentage Occurrences of Waterfowl by Point Figure 17 Eastern Meadowlark Figure 18 Percentage Occurrences of Grassland Birds by Point Figure 19 Cliff Swallow Figure 20 Percentage of Occurrences of Swallows by Point Figure 21 Red-winged Blackbird Figure 22 Percentage of Occurrences of Blackbirds by Point Figure 23 Killdeer Figure 24 Percentage of Occurrences of Shorebirds by Point Figure 25 Cattle Egret Figure 26 Percentage of Occurrences of Wading Birds by Point Figure 27 Green Jay Figure 28 Percentage of Occurrences of Woodland/Flycatchers by Point Figure 29 Mourning Dove Figure 30 Percentage of Occurrences of Dove by Point Figure 31 Double-crested Cormorant Figure 32 Percentage of Occurrences of Cormorant/Pelican by Point Figure 33 American White Pelican flying over NASK Figure 34 Javelina scoot under fence Figure 35 Fence skirting along perimeter fence Figure 36 Coyote Figure 37 Dog access to AOA under fence Figure 38 Culvert with grating Figure 39 Bobcat Figure 40 Black-tailed Jackrabbitt Figure 41 Raccoon

Tables

Table 1 WESS Reported BS by Guild Table 2 BS Cost October 2008-December 2012 Table 3 Raptor BS Cost Analysis

Table 4 Cormorant/Seabird BS Cost Analysis Table 5 WESS Reported Near Miss Events Table 6 Species Guild

Introduction

In the past twenty years (1992-2012) the United States Navy (USN) has reported in the Web Enabled Safety System (WESS) a total of $374,314,896.00 in bird strike related costs. These kinds of numbers have re-energized the Navy Safety Center to focus on proactive ways to reduce the overall cost of bird strikes and reduce the risks to aircraft operators at an installation level. In 2008, the USN entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with The Smithsonian Institute Feather ID Lab in Washington D.C., to identify bird strike remains. In July 2011, the Commander, Naval Instillations Command, signed the

CNICINST 3700 NAVY BIRD/ANIMAL AIRCRAFT STRIKE HAZARD PROGRAM

IMPLEMENTING GUIDANCE (Appendix A), making Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) a program of record, while providing funding and guidance for roles and responsibilities for all command installations.

USN has asked for, and received support from USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services (WS) through an Interagency Agreement (IA) providing for a certified airport wildlife biologist and or a technician at 17 different naval installations (Appendix B). Under this IA, WS is required to conduct a Wildlife Hazard Assessment (WHA) at each installation and their outlaying fields. The WHA will then be used to implement a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP), to mitigate hazards identified in the WHA.

The WHMP should describe specific actions that will eliminate or reduce wildlife threats to aircraft operations. It should also provide for a means to evaluate the effectiveness of wildlife damage management techniques being implemented at the installations.

Wildlife strikes to aircraft are largely uncontrollable events due to the diverse and dynamic environments on and off the airport property. There are many different variables that effect wildlife behavior and movements. A species potential to cause a significant strike can be gauged based on the animal's body mass, it's frequency on the airfield, it's behavior while on the airfield, and it's overall abundance on and around the airfield. For the purpose of this WHA, species that rank high in one or more of these factors will be considered a hazard to aircraft operations. It is important to understand this WHA will focus on wildlife that has the highest potential to cause a damaging strike and not simply the highest potential for a strike. This WHA will define wildlife hazard as "a potential for a damaging collision with an aircraft on or near an airport" [14 CFR Part 139.337(a) (3)].

This Wildlife Hazard Assessment (WHA) is consistent with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines outlined in 14 CFR Part 139.337 (Appendix C) and was conducted by a trained airport wildlife biologist during a year-long data collection period. Strike data was collected and analyzed both for historical and year of the assessment trends. Bird point count survey data was collected for the year of the assessment and analyzed to identify areas on and around the airfield that are utilized by specific species and to help understand species densities. This assessment contains site specific recommendations designed to reduce wildlife hazards that are based on available scientific research. Some of the trends identified may lead to a need for further data collection. This is due largely to the lack of time and manpower during the assessment timeframe to conduct additional surveys. Efforts should be made to increase resources in the future to study the relationships between identified wildlife species and the environments on and around the area of operation (AOA) at Naval Air Station Kingsville (NASK).

Additional surveys such as insect and plant surveys would help better understand these relationships and how they affect hazardous wildlife species. The WHA should be used to create a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) that will address the recommendations made in this assessment and establish timelines, goals, and roles and responsibilities that will mitigate the identified wildlife hazards. NASK (Bernhard Field) is one of the Navy's premier locations for jet aviation training. The primary mission at NASK is to train Student Naval Aviators for USN and U.S. Marine Corps as well as tactical jet pilots for other select NATO and Allied countries. To accomplish its mission, NASK is home to Training Air Wing TWO (TW-2) and several other tenant commands, military as well as civilian, with a total complement of approximately 300 officers, 200 enlisted, 350 civilian personnel, and 625 contract maintenance personnel.

The AOA at NASK consists of dual parallel 8k' runways that are each 200' wide (R l 3-R3 l & Rl 7-R35).

On average the airfield will do 11,000 tower operations a month, while training an average of approximately 360 carrier qualified jet pilots a year. The Wing currently flies the Boeing T -45 Goshawk aircraft, providing a single engine, carrier capable aircraft that replaced the North American Rockwell T-2 Buckeye and the McDonnell Douglas T A-4 Skyhawk II. All original T -45A aircraft are being replaced or reconfigured with the updated T-45C aircraft. The T-45C is equipped with a digital or "glass" cockpit similar to what students will find when they transition to operational fleet combat aircraft.

Objectives

The objective for this WHA is;

• To identify attractants and land use practices on and around NASK that may contribute to the threat to aircraft operations caused by wildlife.

• To identify the most hazardous species to flight operations at NASK, through historical strike data and survey data analysis.

• To determine hazardous wildlife species parameters such as seasonal abundance and periods of peak activity.

• To make recommendation to the Bird Hazard Working Group (BHWG) at NASK to reduce wildlife hazards that is specific to the airfield and can be implemented in a WHMP that does not severely impact mission requirements.

Legal Authority

WS is authorized and directed to protect America's agriculture, natural resources, property, human health and safety including hazards to aircraft and the flying public from damage associated with wildlife. WS provides assistance to the aviation conununity to assess and manage wildlife hazards at airports and train airport personnel to identify and manage wildlife hazards. The primary statutory authority by which WS operates is the Animal Damage Control Act of March 2, 1931, as amended (7 U.S.C. 426-426c; 46 Stat.

1468). WS has the authority to manage migratory bird damage as specified in the aforementioned U.S.C.

For more information about WS go to http:f/www.aphis.u..~a.gov/wildlife damage/. WS activities are conducted in cooperation with other Federal, State and local agencies, and private organizations and individuals. Authority to conduct these activities on airports is typically granted to WS through contracts and agreements with airport and transportation authorities.

The WS program has an IA with USN that established a cooperative relationship between USN and WS for resolving wildlife hazards to aviation in a manner benefiting aviation safety (Appendix B). The IA establishes that WS has the wildlife damage management expertise to provide technical and operational assistance to alleviate wildlife hazards at airfields. WS may conduct a Wildlife Hazard Assessment (WHA) to serve as a basis for the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP), but the responsibility of development, approval, and implementation of the WHMP lies with the Air Operations Officer and stake holders of the Bird Hazard Working Group (BHWG) as outlined in the CNJCINST 3700 (Appendfa: A) and tire NASKJNST 3750.6C (Appendix D).

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is the principal Federal agency responsible for conservation, protection, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats. The USFWS has a primary responsibility to manage and protect Federal trust species, which include migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, inter-jurisdictional fish, marine mammals, and other species of concern. Specific responsibilities include enforcing Federal wildlife laws, managing migratory bird populations, administering the Endangered Species Act, and conserving and restoring wildlife habitat such as wetlands. The USFWS may issue depredation permits to take or harass migratory birds and/or Bald and

Golden Eagles as well as Threatened or Endangered (T &E) species, when those species are causing damage to various resources or threaten human health and safety. These Jaws and regulations can be viewed at www.fws.gov.

The State of Texas also has authority to protect wildlife species considered Game animals or animals that have met requirements as State listed T &E species. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is the State agency with primary responsibility for protecting the State's fish and wildlife resources and to manage a system of parks, wildlife management areas and historic sites across the State. A depredation permit may be obtained from TPWD to take State protected animals that are causing damage to various resources or threaten human health and safety. All of these laws and regulations can be viewed at www.tpwd.state.tx.us.

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is designated as the State's lead agency in the regulation of pesticide use and application. TDA is responsible for licensing and training pesticide applicators, overseeing worker protection, registering pesticides for sale in the State and working to minimize unnecessary impacts to agriculture while enhancing protection of T &E species as mandated by the Federal law.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the State agency who is responsible for the protection of the State's human and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development.

TCEQ goal is clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste material.

Legal Statutes of Wildlife

The US Government has passed several Acts for the protection of wildlife, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBT A), Lacey Act, Endangered Species Act (ESA), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). These are the basis of most wildlife regulations found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Several agencies are responsible for implementing these regulations, many of which affect wildlife management operations at airports and surrounding areas.

Federal wildlife laws are administered by the USFWS and primarily involve the ESA, the MBT A and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. A Migratory Bird Depredation Permit from the USFWS is required to do lethal control of bird species protected by these laws and must be updated annually, unless otherwise stated on the permit. Harassment of non-T &E species does not require a permit.

The Endangered Species Act of 1972 affords protection to wildlife species in danger of becoming extinct.

Section 7 of the ESA requires Federal agencies to…