2007-2012 FGA INRMP.pdf

U.S.

Army Garrison Fort Greely Alaska

Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan

2007 - 2011

September 2007

Sikes Act Road Map

The Sikes Act Road Map references the chapters or sections in the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) where the ten criteria points are found. Stakeholder and interested parties can use the road map to quickly check the location and effectiveness of this INRMP in meeting Sikes Act requirements. The Sikes Act requires the following criteria points be included where appropriate and applicable:

Required Sikes Act Criteria Location in INRMP

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

Chapter 1, Chapter 2 and throughout the

INRMP

2. Establishment of specific natural resource management goals and objectives and time frames for proposed action. Annexes A, B, C, D, and E

3. Integration of, and consistency among, the various activities conducted under the plan.

Annexes A, B, C, D, and E, and Prescriptions

4. Fish and wildlife management, land management, forest management, and fish and wildlife oriented recreation. Chapter 3, and Annexes A, B, C, and D

5. Fish and wildlife habitat enhancement or modification. Chapter 3 and Annex C

6. Wetland protection, enhancement, and restoration where necessary for support of fish and wildlife. Chapter 3 and Annex A

7. Public access to the military installation that is necessary or appropriate for sustainable use of natural resources by the public to the extent that such use is consistent with the military mission and the needs of fish and wildlife resources, subject to requirements necessary to ensure safety and military security.

Chapter 3 and Annex D

8. Sustainable use by the public of natural resources to the extent such use is not inconsistent with the needs of fish and wildlife resources management.

Chapter 3 and Annex D

9. Enforcement of applicable natural resource laws and regulations. Chapter 3 and Annex D

10. Other such activities as the Secretary of the military department considers appropriate. Throughout the INRMP

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Purpose

This Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) will guide implementation of the natural resources programs for U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Greely Alaska (Fort Greely) lands from 2007 through 2011. The INRMP is designed to support the military mission, manage Fort Greely’s natural resources, and to ensure compliance with related environmental laws and regulations.

Scope

This plan applies to organizations internal and external to Fort Greely that are involved with or interested in the management and/or use of Fort Greely’s land and natural resources for military and nonmilitary purposes. This plan applies to active duty units, National Guard and Reserve Components, tenant organizations, contractors, installation directorates, private groups, and individuals. This INRMP falls within the framework of the Fort Greely Summary Development Plan (USAG-FGA 2003b) and will provide guidelines for the natural resources management of Fort Greely during the next five years (2007 - 2011) and will provide a solid foundation from which to build and continue the program beyond 2011.

Relationship to the Military

U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Greely Alaska reports to the Installation Management Command – Pacific Region and also supports the Missile Defense Agency in carrying out its missile defense mission. This INRMP supports the military mission by conserving, managing, and enhancing Fort Greely’s natural resources. This plan describes impacts that military activities may have upon natural resources and outlines methods which can used to mitigate these impacts. However, this plan does not evaluate Fort Greely’s military missions, nor does it replace any requirement for environmental documentation of those missions

Environmental Compliance

This INRMP is required by the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670a et seq.), Department of Defense Instruction

4715.3 (Environmental Conservation Program), and Army Regulation 200-3 (Natural Resources - Land, Forest, and Wildlife Management). This plan describes how Fort Greely will implement provisions of Army Regulation 200-3, local regulations, and comply with other federal and state laws, most notably laws associated with environmental documentation, wetlands, endangered species, and wildlife management

This INRMP has the signatory approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to acknowledge its compliance with the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service review of the INRMP is considered informal consultation with regard to the Endangered Species Act. This INRMP also has the signatory approval of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as required by the Sikes Act.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to consider the environmental consequences of proposed major federal actions. Installations are directed by 32 CFR Part 651 (Army Regulation 200-2, Environmental Analysis of Army Actions) and NEPA to integrate environmental analysis as much as practicable with other environmental reviews, laws, directives, and

U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Greely 2007 - 2011 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan ES-2 executive orders. Fort Greely has prepared a separate environmental document, “Environmental Assessment of the U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Greely Alaska INRMP (2007 – 2011),” that provides a comprehensive description, analysis, and evaluation of all environmental actions proposed within this document.

Ecosystem Status

Fort Greely is considered to be within one ecological management unit. Fort Greely has 13 vegetative types that can be broken down into seven forest types (aspen, balsam poplar, mixed hardwood, white spruce, black spruce, mixed spruce, and mixed hardwood/spruce), riparian scrub, emergent wetland, graminoid meadow, muskeg, and pond. The 13th type is a catch-all category of vegetation burned in the 1999 Donnelly Flats fire, which affected 4,400 acres. The installation has a wide variety of flora and fauna, none of which are classified as threatened or endangered.

Partnerships

This INRMP cannot be implemented by Fort Greely alone. In accordance with ecosystem management philosophy, Fort Greely is forging partnerships with various agencies to manage its natural resources.

Implementation of portions of this plan is coordinated with U.S. Army Garrison Alaska natural resources personnel responsible for the neighboring Donnelly Training Area. This partnership enables a more robust ecosystem management program by allowing coordination of goals and objectives on a larger scale. Major partners in the implementation of this plan are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Other partners in this effort may include the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, universities, other federal, state and local agencies, native groups, contractors, and private citizens.

Unresolved Issues

The U.S. Army is developing a new environmental funding process no longer based on compliance but rather focused on sustainability. At this time the manner in which new natural resource funding requirements are considered is not clear. Implementation of the INRMP is always “subject to the availability of funding” as required by the Anti-Deficiency Act.

Plan Components

This document guides the natural resources management program at Fort Greely. It outlines goals, objectives and policies in five general areas: stewardship, military readiness, quality of life, compliance, and program integration. It explains Fort Greely’s missions in general terms, including their impacts on natural resources. It describes Fort Greely’s climate, land base, facilities, and natural resources, including a brief legal and administrative history of natural resources management. The plan also lists agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in the implementation of this INRMP.

This plan is organized to promote integrated management of the military mission and natural resources. Chapters 1 through 4 contain the main portion of the plan; Chapter 1 is an overview of the Fort Greely natural resources program, Chapter 2 describes the mission and Fort Greely lands, Chapter 3 describes natural resources management strategy and mission sustainability and Chapter 4 describes implementation of the plan. Annexes A through E contain management component plans, which are much more detailed than the main body of the plan (i.e. watershed management plan, fish and wildlife management plan, etc.). The Prescriptions section contains the specific management

U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Greely 2007 - 2011 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan ES-3 recommendations, or projects being proposed. The Supplements section contains standard practices and methodology for each management plan. Appendices at the end of this document will include species lists upon completion of planning level surveys. A separate document, the Environmental Assessment for the Fort Greely INRMP (2007 – 2011), satisfies the National Environmental Policy Act requirements.

Fort Greely 2007-2011 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan- Changes from Previous Plans

Previous natural resources management planning for Fort Greely was contained in the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan 2002-2006, U.S. Army Alaska Volume 1 – Fort Greely, which also covered the Donnelly Training Area, now part of Fort Wainwright. This plan addresses only Fort Greely. Additionally, the format of the 2007-2011 plan meets the proposed new U.S. Army Environmental Command and Department of Defense guidance for INRMPs.

Ongoing Planning Activities

The 2007-2011 INRMP uses existing information as a basis to continue and improve natural resources management while planning continues. An INRMP is required to be prepared and implemented with updates occurring every five years, regardless of the stage of program development. The INRMP is not a static document; it is a mechanism used to guide program operation for the next five years (2007- 2011).

Benefits and Costs

Military Mission Benefits: Implementation of this plan will improve the quality of Fort Greely lands and improve long-range planning. The INRMP will improve mission sustainability by providing a mechanism for land management, stewardship and compliance, thereby supporting the missions at Fort Greely.

Environmental Benefits: The plan provides the basis for the conservation and protection of natural resources. The management techniques outlined in this plan will serve to reduce vegetation loss and soil erosion due to military activities, reduce the potential for environmental pollution, and provide for biodiversity conservation. Certain sensitive areas and species will be protected from unacceptable damage or degradation. Plan implementation will increase overall knowledge of Fort Greely ecosystems through surveys and monitoring.

Other Benefits: Plan implementation will decrease long-term environmental costs and reduce potential liabilities from environmental noncompliance.

Costs: The environmental conservation funding required to implement this plan is $254,500 for 2007- 2011 or an average of $50,900 per year. These estimates will be adjusted each year as needed.

Summary

The actions within this INRMP will comply with environmental laws, conserve and protect Fort Greely natural resources, improve relationships with the public, and enhance the military mission.

While this plan will not resolve all existing and/or future environmental issues, it does provide the guiding philosophy to work toward resolution of such issues.

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INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Purpose .......................................................................................................................................... ES-1 Scope. ............................................................................................................................................ ES-1 Relationship to the Military ........................................................................................................... ES-1 Environmental Compliance ........................................................................................................... ES-1 Ecosystem Status ........................................................................................................................... ES-2 Partnerships.................................................................................................................................... ES-2 Unresolved Issues .......................................................................................................................... ES-2 Plan Components ........................................................................................................................... ES-2 Ongoing Planning Activities.......................................................................................................... ES-3 Benefits and Costs ......................................................................................................................... ES-3 Summary........................................................................................................................................ ES-3

TABLE OF CONTENTS .........................................................................................................................i LIST OF TABLES..................................................................................................................................vi LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................................vi LIST OF ACRONYMS ..........................................................................................................................vi CHAPTER 1. Overview

1.1 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan Vision

1.2 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan Design

1.2.1 Purpose of the Plan

1.2.2 Scope of the Plan

1.2.3 Revisions

1.2.4 Review and Approval

1.2.5 Plan Implementation

1.3 Strategic Goals and Objectives

1.4 Land Management and Stewardship

1.5 Responsibilities

1.6 Public Review and National Environmental Policy Act

1.6.1 Army Regulations 200-2 and 200-3

1.6.2 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan and National Environmental Policy Act Integration

1.7 Pending and Unresolved Issues

CHAPTER 2. Installation Description and Mission

2.1 Installation Description

2.1.1 Location and Neighbors

2.1.2 Infrastructure

2.1.3 Restoration Sites

2.1.4 Climate

2.1.5 Physical Resources

2.1.6 Biological Resources

2.1.7 Acreage, Acquisition, and Land Status

2.1.8 Installation History

2.1.9 Historic Natural Resources Program Development

2.1.10 Fort Greely Mission

2.2 Relationships between Natural Resources and the Military Mission

2.2.1 Impacts of the Military Mission on Natural Resources

2.2.2 Impacts of Natural Resources on the Military Mission

CHAPTER 3. Management Strategy and Sustainability

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3.1 Ecosystem Management

3.1.1 Management Strategy

3.1.2 Planning Level Surveys

3.1.3 Monitoring

3.2 Watershed and Wetlands Management

3.2.1 Soil Resources Management

3.2.2 Water Resources Management

3.2.3 Vegetation Management

3.2.4 Wetlands Management

3.2.5 Pest Management

3.2.6 Invasive Species

3.2.7 Agricultural Outlease Management

3.2.8 Minerals Management

3.3 Forestry and Wildland Fire Management

3.3.1 Forest Management

3.3.2 Integrated Wildland Fire Management

3.4 Fish and Wildlife Management

3.4.1 Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Plan

3.4.2 Fish and Wildlife Inventory and Monitoring

3.5 Outdoor Recreation Management

3.5.1 Public Access

3.5.2 Subsistence

3.5.3 Recreational Activities

3.6 Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species Management

CHAPTER 4. IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 Natural Resources Implementation Goals and Objectives

4.2 Achieving Military Mission Sustainability

4.3 Reporting

4.4 Partnerships

4.5 Cooperative Agreements

4.5.1 Department of Defense Agreements

4.6 Organizational Enhancement, Roles, and Responsibilities

4.6.1 Staffing

4.6.2 Training

4.7 Decision Support

4.7.1 Environmental Management System

4.7.2 Integrated Facility System

4.8 Outreach

4.9 Financial Management

4.9.1 Funding

4.9.2 Budgeting

4.9.3 Contracting

4.10 Command Support

ANNEX A. Watershed and Wetlands Management A1. Introduction

A1.1 Watershed and Wetlands Management Goals A1.2 Watershed and Wetlands Management Responsibilities

A2. Watershed and Wetlands Management A2.1 Soil Resources Management

A2.1.1 Soil Resources Survey and Monitoring A2.1.2 Soil Resources Rehabilitation and Management

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A2.2 Water Resources Management A2.2.1 Water Resources Inventory and Monitoring A2.2.2 Water Resources Management

A2.3 Vegetation Management A2.3.1 Vegetation Inventory and Monitoring A2.3.2 Vegetation Management

A2.4 Wetlands Management A2.4.1 Wetlands Inventory and Monitoring A2.4.2 Wetlands Management

A2.5 Pest Management A2.5.1 Installation Pest Management Plan A2.5.2 Pest Management Inventory and Monitoring A2.5.3 Pest Management

A2.6 Invasive Species A2.6.1 Goals and Objectives A2.6.2 Invasive Species Survey and Monitoring A2.6.3 Invasive Species Management

A2.7 Agriculture Outlease Program A2.8 Minerals Management A2.9 Grounds Management

A2.9.1 Standards for Ground Maintenance A3. Proposed Management

A3.1 Projects ANNEX B. Forestry and Wildland Fire Management B1. Introduction

B1.1 Forestry and Wildland Fire Management Goals and Objectives B2. Forest Management

B2.1 Forest Inventory and Monitoring B2.2 Forest Protection B2.3 Forest Health B2.4 Firewood/Personal Use Program B2.5 Tree City USA B2.6 Outreach

B3. Integrated Wildland Fire Management B3.1 Pre-Suppression Actions B3.2 Fire Suppression Actions B3.3 Post Fire Actions

B4. Forestry and Wildfire Proposed Management B4.1 Fort Greely Firewood Policy

B4.1.1 Background B4.1.2 Policy

ANNEX C. FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

C1. Introduction

C1.1 Ecosystem Management C1.2 Fish and Wildlife Management Goals C1.3 Fish and Wildlife Management Responsibilities

C2. Fish and Wildlife Management C2.1 Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Plan C2.2 Fish and Wildlife Monitoring

C2.2.1 Fauna Planning Level Surveys C2.2.2 Fish and Wildlife Monitoring

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C2.3 Fish and Wildlife Management C2.3.1 Fish and Wildlife Population Management C2.3.2 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management

C2.4 Outreach C3. Proposed Management

C3.1 Policy ANNEX D. Outdoor Recreation Management D1. Introduction

D1.1 Goals and Objectives D1.2 Responsibilities

D1.2.1 Management Responsibility D2. Current Management

D2.1 Public Access D2.1.1 Encroachment Policy D2.1.2 Trespass

D2.2 Hunting and Trapping Programs D2.3 Fishing Program D2.4 Subsistence D2.5 Off-Road Recreational Vehicles D2.6 Other Recreational Activities

D2.6.1 Introduction D2.6.2 Watchable Wildlife D2.6.3 Fire Tower Hill D2.6.4 Skeet Range D2.6.5 Morale, Welfare, and Recreation

D2.7 Recreational Use Monitoring D2.8 Public Outreach

D3. Proposed Management D3.1 Policy

ANNEX E. Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Management E1. Purpose and Objectives

E1.1 Purpose E1.2 Objectives

E2. Biological Diversity E3. Surveys E4. Management Planning E5. Interagency Cooperative Management E6. Summary E7. Rare, Sensitive, Candidate and Species of Concern

E7.1 Candidate and State Listed Species E7.1.1 Candidate Species and Species at Risk E7.1.2 State Listed/Special Status Fauna Species E7.1.3 Special Status Flora

E7.2 Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Monitoring E7.3 Priorities for Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Management

E8. Special Interest Areas E8.1 Special Interest Areas Goals E8.2 Special Interest Area Management

E9. Proposed Management E9.1 Policy

E9.1.1 Threatened and Endangered Species Policy

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E9.1.2 Rare and Sensitive Species Management Policy E9.1.3 Special Interest Area Policy

PRESCRIPTIONS

P1. Watersheds and Wetlands Management

P1.1 Update Ecological Land Classification P1.2 Update Floristic Inventory P1.3 Soil Erosion Monitoring P1.4 Vegetation Monitoring P1.5 Canister Lake Water Quality Surveys P1.6 Re-vegetation of Disturbed Areas

P2. Forestry and Wildland Fire Management P2.1 Update Forest Inventory P2.2 Install Landscaping Trees

P3. Fish and Wildlife Management P3.1 Update Wildlife Inventory P3.2 Moose Census P3.3 Rusty Blackbird Nesting Habitat Survey P3.4 Cliff Swallow Monitoring

P4. Outdoor Recreation Management P4.1 Recreational Impact Monitoring P4.2 Newcomers’ Briefings P4.3 Interpretive Panels

P5. Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Management P5.1 Update Floristic Inventory P5.2 Update Wildlife Inventory

SUPPLEMENTS

S1. Watersheds and Wetlands Management

S1.1 Ecological Land Surveys S1.2 Floristic Inventories S1.3 Soil Erosion Monitoring S1.4 Vegetation Monitoring S1.5 Canister Lake Water Quality Surveys S1.6 Revegetation in Disturbed Areas

S2. Forestry and Wildland Fire Management S2.1 Forest inventory S2.2 Landscaping Trees Installation

S3. Fish and Wildlife Management S3.1 Wildlife Inventories S3.2 Moose Census S3.3 Rusty Blackbird Nesting Habitat Survey S3.4 Cliff Swallow Monitoring

S4. Outdoor Recreation Management S4.1 Recreational Impact Monitoring S4.2 Newcomers’ Briefings S4.3 Interpretive Panels

S5. Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Management S5.1 Floristic Inventory S5.2 Wildlife Inventory

LIST OF PREPARERS

REFERENCES

PERSONS CONTACTED

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APPENDIX A: Flora of Fort Greely APPENDIX B: Fauna of Fort Greely

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF ACRONYMS

AR Army Regulation DBH Diameter Breast Height DOD Department of Defense GIS Geographic Information System GMD Ground-Based Missile Defense GPS Global Positioning System INRMP Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan ITAM Integrated Training Area Management NEPA National Environmental Policy Act PLO Public Land Order RTLA Range and Training Land Assessment

Table E7-1 Rare Plant Species Occurring on Fort Greely

Table P List of proposed projects and dollar amounts in the year they should be implemented

Table P1 List of watersheds and wetlands management projects Table P2 List of forestry and wildland fire projects Table P3 List of fish and wildlife management projects Table P4 List of outdoor recreation management projects………………………………...…88 Table P5 List of rare, threatened, and endangered species management projects Table S1 List of watersheds and wetlands standard procedures Table S2-1 List of forestry standard procedures Table S2-2 Land Cover Classification Scheme Table S2-3 Definitions of Stand Descriptors Table S2-4 Land Classification Chart by Acreage Table S2-5 Forest Land Area by Timber Type Table S2-6 Gross volume by size class/species Table S2-7 Example of total cubic volume by strata Table S3 List of fish and wildlife standard procedures Table S4 List of outdoor recreation standard procedures Table S5 List of rare, threatened, and endangered species standard procedures

Figure 2-1 General location of Fort Greely Figure 2-2 Soil map and soil map unit names for Fort Greely Figure 2-3 Surface waters and National Wetland Inventory wetlands of Fort Greely Figure 2-4 Fire history for Fort Greely and the surrounding area, 1954 to 2005 Figure B3-1 Fire Management Areas of Fort Greely Figure B4-1 Fort Greely Firewood Map Figure D3-1 Fort Greely Outdoor Recreation Areas

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CHAPTER 1. OVERVIEW

The Army Strategy for the Environment applies a community, regional, and ecosystem approach to managing natural resources on our installations. It incorporates the principles of sustainability across the Army and into all functional areas.1

Natural resources management on Fort Greely will strive to provide a land management program that conserves land as an essential training asset, provides sound stewardship, complies with environmental laws, and provides recreational opportunities that contribute to quality of life. This chapter provides an introduction to this Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP).

1.1 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan Vision

The Army’s commitment to natural resources management is reflected in The Army Strategy for the Environment: Sustain the Mission – Secure the Future. The strategy establishes a long-range vision that enables the Army to meet its mission today and into the future. Sustainability is the foundation for the strategy. It connects our activities today to those of tomorrow with sound business and environmental practices. The five long-term goals of the strategy are: foster a sustainability ethic;

strengthen Army operations; meet test, training and mission requirements; minimize impacts and total ownership costs; enhance well-being; and drive innovation.

The Army's commitment to natural resources management is emphasized in Army Regulation 200-3 (Natural Resources - Land, Forest, and Wildlife Management), which requires that INRMPs be developed and maintained for all Army installations. This INRMP is a tool to help natural resources personnel implement ecosystem management. The INRMP looks at how Fort Greely’s natural resources program objectives fit within the framework of the military mission and integrates them with the environmental program as a whole, outdoor recreation, the National Environmental Policy Act, cultural resources, surrounding communities, and neighboring lands. It is also a source of information for responsible or interested parties that are not directly managing Fort Greely’s natural resources.

1.2 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan Design

The centerpiece of natural resources planning is the INRMP. An INRMP guides the natural resources management programs at each installation. Implementation of the INRMP measures, maintains, protects, and enhances the ecological integrity of training lands and the biological communities inhabiting them. The document is prepared to assist Installation Commanders in their efforts to conserve and rehabilitate natural resources "consistent with the use of military installations to ensure the preparedness of the Armed Forces." INRMPs are intended principally to help Installation Commanders manage natural resources more effectively so as to ensure that installation lands remain available and in good condition to support the installation's military mission (i.e. ensure "no net loss in the capability of military installation lands to support the military mission of the installation").

Fort Greely prepared this INRMP in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. This interagency participation results in a document that reflects the mutual objectives of Department of Defense, Department of the Interior, and the State of Alaska concerning conservation, protection, and management of natural resources. Fort Greely also

1 Office for the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and Environment. 2004. The Army Strategy for the Environment: Sustain the Mission – Secure the Future. http://www.asaie.army.mil.

U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Greely 2007 – 2011 Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan 2 provides an opportunity for the public to review and submit comments on this plan. More details regarding the preparation, update, and implementation of the INRMP can be found in Chapter 4.

1.2.1 Purpose of the Plan

The primary purpose of this INRMP is to establish natural resources goals, objectives, and policies that Fort Greely will use to manage its lands. The plan also sets forth the processes and actions to accomplish the goals and objectives. It is the intent of the Department of Defense to clearly and openly express these goals, objectives, and policies to the public through this plan. Implementing this INRMP would provide a land management program that conserves land, provides sound stewardship, complies with environmental laws, and provides recreational opportunities that contribute to the quality of life.

A further purpose of this plan is to serve as a funding identification document for the management of natural resources on military lands.

1.2.2 Scope of the Plan

The focus of this INRMP is the management of natural resources on Fort Greely. The management measures have been developed based on the current conditions of the resources and the military mission and activities as they are anticipated. This INRMP will guide Fort Greely’s natural resources management for the next five years (2007-2011) and provide a solid foundation from which to build and continue the program beyond the year 2011.

1.2.3 Revisions

The INRMP will be reviewed annually by the installation to determine whether the plan must be updated to attain Army objectives for mission and stewardship. Each updated INRMP shall not be considered approved or executable until approved by the Installation Management Command.

INRMPs must be updated by the installation and approved by the Installation Management Command at least every five years. The Installation Management Command must ensure that revised plans are based on current information, including updated planning level surveys. Landscape planting plans will be revised as needed. Information relating to soils, natural vegetation, and environmental data not requiring revision should be retained in the plan.

1.2.4 Review and Approval

Cooperative efforts among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the Army shall be accomplished within the framework of the INRMP, starting at the draft INRMP stage. The draft plan and each subsequent five-year revision shall be forwarded to the Installation Management Command for approval. After incorporation of the Installation Management Command requirements, the draft INRMP is subject to public comment. It is then finalized by the installation and signed by the Garrison Commander. For fish and wildlife, the plan is signed (or concurred with in coordination letter) by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Finally, the signed INRMP is provided to the Installation Management Command and is then executable after notification from the agency.

INRMPs shall be reviewed annually by installations in cooperation with other parties involved with the INRMP. Annual reviews will be documented by the Fort Greely commander through a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fairbanks office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 7 Director, the Delta Junction Area Office of Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Office of the Commissioner, and by a memorandum to Installation Management

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Command – Pacific Region. Annual reviews may be used, as appropriate, to determine if INRMP revisions are necessary.

1.2.5 Plan Implementation

The Sikes Act Improvement Act requires not just preparation and update of an INRMP, but implementation of the plan. The following section discusses the definition and funding implications of implementation. Implementation anticipates the execution of all “must fund” projects and activities in accordance with specific time frames identified in the INRMP.

An INRMP is considered to be implemented if an installation:

• Actively requests, receives, and uses funds for “must fund” projects and activities.

• Ensures that sufficient numbers of professionally trained natural resources management personnel are available to perform the tasks required by the INRMP.

• Coordinates annually with all internal and external cooperating offices.

• Documents specific INRMP action accomplishments undertaken each year.

Natural resource requirements defined by the Office of the Secretary of Defense as environmental "must fund" are those projects and activities required to meet recurring natural resources conservation management requirements or current natural resources compliance needs. The Army equivalent to Office of the Secretary of Defense's "must fund" projects are projects as described in classes 0, 1, and 2, high in current Army policy and guidance for identifying environmental program requirements.

Projects are contained in the Prescriptions section and will be reviewed and updated annually depending on implementation status.

1.3 Strategic Goals and Objectives

The main goal of this INRMP is to support U.S. Army and Fort Greely’s military and nonmilitary activities while maintaining a functional, healthy ecosystem. Over the next five years this document and the programs outlined here will be refined as the situation warrants. Ecosystem management is an evolving management scheme. As new information and ideas are gleaned from current research, management will change to reflect the best information available.

The following general goals and objectives illustrate the Army’s commitment to manage natural resources. All five goals not only support management of natural resources but also support the overall military mission. Statements listed below represent objectives for attaining those goals. These statements will serve as a checklist for monitoring the plan’s success. More specific objectives and tasks for Fort Greely are described in the Annexes and Prescriptions.

Military Readiness

Goal: Provide quality natural resources, as they are critical assets for accomplishing the military mission.

Objectives:

• Ensure no net loss in the capability of Fort Greely’s lands to support existing and projected military missions.

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Stewardship

Goal: Manage natural resources at Fort Greely to ensure good stewardship of public lands that are entrusted to the Army’s care.

Objectives:

• Use ecosystem management philosophies to protect, conserve, and restore native fauna and flora with an emphasis on preventing further loss of habitat.

• Monitor and manage soils, water, vegetation, and wildlife with a consideration for all biological communities and human values associated with these resources.

• Provide enforcement of natural resource laws.

• Involve the surrounding community in Fort Greely’s natural resources program.

• Ensure the Fort Greely natural resources program is coordinated with other agencies and conservation organizations with similar interests.

Quality of Life

Goal: Improve the quality of life for the Fort Greely community through development of high quality natural resources-based recreational opportunities.

Objectives:

• Provide natural resources-based opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, snowmobiling, All Terrain Vehicle riding, skiing, and birding.

• Provide conservation education opportunities to the military and civilian community.

• Establish and maintain an environmental setting conducive to a healthy and satisfying lifestyle for the military community.

Compliance

Goal: Comply with laws and regulations that pertain to management of Fort Greely’s natural resources.

Objectives:

• Manage natural resources within the spirit and letter of environmental laws, particularly the Sikes Act, upon which this INRMP is predicated.

• Manage to protect, restore, maintain, or enhance sensitive species, wetlands, and unique areas.

• Use the NEPA process to make informed decisions that include environmental and social considerations, mitigation, and agency and public involvement.

• Ensure that Fort Greely’s natural resources program is consistent with the protection of cultural and historic resources.

• Implement this INRMP within the framework of Army policies and regulations.

Integration

Goal: Comply with laws and regulations that pertain to management of Fort Greely’s natural resources.

Objectives:

• Ensure the integration of, and consistency among, the various activities identified within this

INRMP.

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• Ensure that natural resources management is consistent with principles of integrated pest management.

• Ensure the integration of new military infrastructure development with the principles and guidelines of this plan.

• Provide the command with information needed to make decisions, which include natural resources-related values.

1.4 Land Management and Stewardship

The Department of Defense (DOD) is a single mission agency. As such, it has a single, mission-oriented use for the land it manages: military readiness for national defense. However, the quality of life of DOD’s personnel is also an important component of DOD’s national defense mission. In support of their specific missions, DOD’s services and agencies implement a variety of land management practices on their installations that support military readiness and quality of life programs. For DOD, multiple use is an approach to land management rather than an element of its mission. An important aspect of this type of multiple-use approach to land management, however, is that it is employed only to the extent that it does not conflict with the overall national defense/readiness mission of the agency.

Fort Greely lands have been permanently withdrawn from the public domain for military use (PLO 255, Dec 14, 1944; 11CFR 8362-8379 Aug 2, 1946). Whenever the military uses withdrawn public land, it incurs legal and moral responsibilities for the stewardship of the land and its resources.

Fort Greely was withdrawn from public use to enhance military readiness in the interest of national defense. Under Fort Greely garrison management, land is intended to be used primarily for national security purposes but will also be managed to accommodate additional uses as long as they do not impinge on the primary military readiness mission.

1.5 Responsibilities

Under the Sikes Act, Fort Greely is responsible for preparing, updating, and implementing this INRMP. Since all uses and projects described in this plan support the overall military mission, implementation of this plan is defined as a military use. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game are responsible for the management of fish and wildlife populations.

Within DOD, many individuals and organizations have responsibilities for the overall implementation of this INRMP. Several are listed below.

The Garrison Commander, Fort Greely, is responsible for operation and maintenance of Fort Greely, including implementation and enforcement of this INRMP. The Fort Greely Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Department is the office through which the Garrison Commander manages natural resources.

Implementation of this plan also requires the assistance of other Fort Greely directorates and organizations, including: Directorate of Public Works (facility management, environmental compliance, utilities, base operations), Provost Marshal (law enforcement), Directorate of Logistics (supply and transportation), Resource Management (budget, personnel, and equipment authorizations), Public Affairs (public awareness programs), and Staff Judge Advocate (legal assistance).

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Fort Greely’s higher headquarters, Installation Management Command – Pacific Region located at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, will assist with development and implementation of conservation programs. The Installation Management Command provides environmental funding for the implementation of this

INRMP.

The United States Army Environmental Command, located at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, provides oversight and centralized management. It provides support capabilities for NEPA, endangered species, cultural resources, environmental compliance, and related areas. The United States Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, is responsible for issuing wetland permits in accordance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

1.6 Public Review and National Environmental Policy Act

Public review of this INRMP, as required by the Sikes Act and Army Regulation 200-3, will be accomplished through the NEPA process. Fort Greely has prepared an environmental assessment to analyze the potential consequences of implementing this plan. This environmental assessment will be released for a 30-day public review. Fort Greely will collect comments and use this information to improve the INRMP and decide whether to adopt the plan. All comments received will be recorded and considered.

The National Environmental Policy Act requires federal agencies to consider the environmental consequences of proposed major federal actions. The premise of NEPA is to provide environmental information to public officials and citizens before decisions are made and actions are taken. The process is intended to help public officials and citizens make decisions that are based on timely and scientifically accurate information. The analysis must fully disclose the environmental effects of the action, analyze alternatives to the action, and demonstrate that the project proponent and the decision-maker have taken an interdisciplinary "hard look" at the environmental consequences of implementing a major federal action.

1.6.1 Army Regulations 200-2 and 200-3

32 CFR Part 651 (Army Regulation 200-2, Environmental Analysis of Army Actions, dated March 29, 2002 ) dictates policies, responsibilities, and procedures for implementing the Council of Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act regulations and directs installations to integrate environmental analysis as much as practicable with other environmental reviews, laws, directives, and executive orders. This regulation requires that INRMPs be evaluated for environmental impacts (32 CFR Part 651 Section 651.10 (b) of Army Regulation 200-2). The requirements of Army Regulation 200-2 will be addressed through the preparation of an Environmental Assessment on the potential effects of implementing this INRMP on Fort Greely lands.

Army Regulation 200-3, Natural Resources-Land, Forest and Wildlife Management, dated February 1995, outlines policy, procedures, and responsibilities for the conservation, management, and restoration of land and the natural resources thereon consistent with the military mission and other applicable national policies. Army Regulation 200-3 states that "Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans require appropriate environmental review according to the National Environmental Policy Act and Army Regulation 200-2…appropriate level of documentation will be determined on an installation by installation basis." Army Regulation 200-3 further states, "It is Army policy to integrate environmental reviews concurrently with other Army planning and decision-making actions to avoid delays in mission accomplishments."

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1.6.2 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan and National Environmental Policy Act Integration

Army Regulation 200-2, (32 CFR Part 651 Section 651.14 (a)), states that "The Army goal is to concurrently integrate environmental reviews with other Army planning and decision-making actions, thereby avoiding delays in mission accomplishment. To achieve this goal, proponents shall complete National Environmental Policy Act analysis as part of any recommendation or report to decision makers prior to the decision (subject to 40 CFR 1506.10. Early planning (inclusions in Installation Master Plans, INRMPs, Integrated Cultural Resource Management Plans, acquisition strategies, strategic plans, etc.) will allow efficient program or project execution later in the process.”

This INRMP will institute standard operating procedures and best management practices for the natural resource projects to provide consistency among management approaches, increase oversight, and streamline processes and procedures to increase efficiency.

All natural resource projects must meet applicable regulatory requirements before projects can be implemented. These include the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, the Clean Water Act, Alaska state laws, and U.S. Army Alaska regulations, in addition to the National Environmental Policy Act.

The INRMP environmental assessment will provide the decision-maker with the information necessary to evaluate the environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic impacts associated with the alternatives as directed by NEPA. The selection of an alternative will take into account technical, economic, and political feasibility; environmental and social issues; and the ability to meet objectives of the mission. The following alternatives have been evaluated within the environment assessment for presentation to the decision-maker:

Alternative 1: Continue natural resources management without an updated INRMP (No Action)

Alternative 2: Implement natural resources management with a revised INRMP (Proposed

Action)

The natural resource standard practices identified in the INRMP Prescriptions are the focus of the NEPA analysis. The scope of analysis in the environmental assessment includes potential environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic impacts of the proposed action.

1.7 Pending and Unresolved Issues

The U.S. Army is developing a new environmental funding process no longer based on compliance but rather focused on sustainability. At this time the manner in which new natural resource funding requirements are considered is not clear. Implementation of the INRMP is always “subject to the availability of funding” as required by the Anti-Deficiency Act.

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INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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CHAPTER 2. INSTALLATION DESCRIPTION AND

MISSION

The conservation of natural resources and the military mission will not be mutually exclusive.2

Alaska is a state of extraordinary beauty with a wealth of natural resources. Its area of 586,412 square miles is roughly equal to one-fifth the size of the continental United States. Because of its strategic location, the Army has maintained a presence in Alaska since 1867. The following chapter describes the installation setting and the mission for Fort Greely.

2.1 Installation Description

2.1.1 Location and Neighbors

Fort Greely lies embedded within Donnelly Training Area south of Delta Junction, Alaska, and is approximately 6750 acres consisting of a cantonment area, airfield, and missile fields.

The installation is located 107 road miles southeast of Fairbanks and six road miles south of the junction of the Alaska and Richardson highways. It is separated from Delta Junction by the Donnelly Training Area and Jarvis Creek. Southeast Fairbanks Census Area’s (an unincorporated area that covers the populated areas to the north and east of Fort Greely and Donnelly Training Area) population is over 6,000. Delta Junction is the largest community in the area, with a population of 840 residents (2000 census - compared to 703 in 1970) (U.S. Census Bureau 2005). Other developed areas include Big Delta to the north and the Clearwater farming and ranching area to the east. The Donnelly Training Area lies within the central valley and hill area, bordered by the Yukon Tanana Uplands to the north and the Alaska Range to the south. The entire region lies within the Tanana River Valley.

Figure 2-1 shows the general location of Fort Greely.

2.1.2 Infrastructure

Most of Fort Greely’s facilities are located in three main areas, the cantonment area, missile field complex area, and the Allen Army Airfield area. The cantonment area consists of housing, support, administrative, light industrial, and heavy industrial facilities. The missile field complex area consists of silos with ground-based interceptors and associated support facilities. The Allen Army Airfield area consists of three active runways, a hanger, aircraft parking, and airfield support facilities (USAG-FGA 2005).

The Richardson and Alaska highways serve Fort Greely and the Delta Junction area. Both are maintained year-round. The Richardson Highway is a two-lane primary road that connects the port of Valdez to the south, with Fairbanks to the north. It also intersects the Glenn Highway at Glenallen, and provides a direct link with Anchorage. The Alaska Highway is the primary road connecting Alaska to the lower 48 through Canada; it terminates at Delta Junction where it meets the Richardson Highway.

The nearest rail service is at Eielson Air Force Base, about 70 miles north. The Alaska Railroad provides year-round passenger, freight, and vehicle service between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Most northbound freight arrives by sea at either the port of Anchorage or the port of Whittier for transfer to the railroad. The Alaska Railroad provides a connection to Seward, 80 miles to the south of Anchorage, the nearest port with intermodal capability. There is no rail service to Fort Greely;

2 AR 200-3, Natural Resources-Land, Forest, and Wildlife Management, para 2-11.

U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Greely 2007 – 2011 Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan 10 however, the Alaska Railroad has proposed the construction of a new rail line connecting an existing rail line near Eielson Air Force Base to a point near Fort Greely…