Appendix_W_-_Natural_Resources_Management_Plan.pdf

Contract No. FA2523-15-C-0002 1 Jan 2016

A066 NATURAL RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Thule Air Base, Greenland

DRAFT

Thule Air Base Images by Jack Stephens

Greenland Contractors Environmental Engineering Supersedes CDRL CEV-13, FY15 edition

A066 Natural Resources Management Plan

Contract No. FA2523-15-C-0002 1 Jan 2016

INSTALLATION IMPLEMENTING INSTRUCTIONS

Date:

This plan is current as of 1 January 2016

Requiring Office:

21 CES/CEIE

OPR:

Greenland Contractors, Environmental Engineering (GC/EE)

Subject:

Reference:

Final Governing Standards for Environmental Protection by United States Forces in Greenland (FGS-GL), Chapter 12, section 12.3.4.2

Purpose:

To implement a Natural Resources Management Plan for Thule Air Base (Thule AB), Greenland.

Discussion:

This plan was designed to assure installation compliance with FGS- GL regulations governing land use and endangered, threatened and protected species. All BMC sponsored activities (on and off Thule Defense area) must be in accordance with this plan. This plan is the initial submission of BMC deliverable A066. The plan will be updated within 30 days of changes.

Applicability: Relevant Thule AB personnel and organizations will review the plan and ensure full compliance. Their cooperation in implementing this plan will ensure the protection and enhancement of cultural & natural resources and threatened or endangered species.

Action: Relevant Thule AB personnel and organizations will review the plan and ensure full compliance in project planning and programming.

Approved by

821 ABG/CC

Date

STUART A. PETTIS, Colonel, USAF Commander, 821st Air Base Group

Thule Air Base, Greenland 3 1 Jan 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 LETTER OF INSTRUCTION

1.1 SECURITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

1.2 REGULATORY OVERVIEW

2 INTRODUCTION

2.1 INSTALLATION DESCRIPTION

3.2 CLIMATE

3.3 REQUIREMENTS TO PERSONNEL

4 LAND MANAGEMENT

4.1 FACILITY SITE OVERVIEW

4.2 GEOLOGY

4.3 NATURAL RESOURCES

4.4 LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT AND USE

4.4 OPEN AREAS

4.5 NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION

5 MANAGEMENT OF FISH, WILDLIFE AND PLANTS

5.1 ENDANGERED SPECIES

5.2 HUNTING AND FISHING

5.3 DISTURBANCE OF BIRD COLONIES

5.4 HUMAN/ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

5.5 BOTANICAL AREAS

6 OUTDOOR RECREATION RESOURCES

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

APPENDIX 2: THULE DEFENSE AREA

APPENDIX 3: UXO AREAS

APPENDIX 4: NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES AREA MAP

APPENDIX 5: THULE FLORA AND FAUNA

APPENDIX 6: BOTANIC LIST FOR THULE AIR BASE

APPENDIX 7: HUNTING AGREEMENTS, ANANERSUUP KOMMUNIA

Thule Air Base, Greenland 4 1 Jan 2016

1 LETTER OF INSTRUCTION

1.1 Security and Administrative Instructions

Title: The title of this document is Natural Resources Plan.

Classification: The document is unclassified.

Responsibilities: Greenland Contractors, Environmental Engineering (GC/EE) is the office of primary responsibility for developing and maintaining the plan. The instructions given in this plan are applicable to all organizations and tenant units at Thule AB. Organizations are authorized to extract and reproduce those sections of the plan that are essential in the accomplishment of necessary planning and in the preparation of supporting documents and reports.

Reviews/Changes: This plan is updated within 30 days of changes occurring. The initial draft is submitted to the BMC Deliverable distribution list. Any review comments received will be incorporated in the final version of the plan within 30 days; thereafter the document will be submitted to 821ABG/CC for signature.

Distribution: The Final plan is distributed IAW the Deliverable distribution list, tenant units, US/Danish Contractors and other organizations performing work at Thule AB.

1.2 Regulatory Overview

Thule AB: Final Governing Standards for Environmental Protection by United States Forces in Greenland (FGS-GL), Chapter 13.

Environmental, Safety, Occupational Health Council (ESOHC) decisions

Host Country: The Greenlandic Government has jurisdiction at the Dundas peninsula, including Dundas village. Relating to natural resource management three laws are of particular interest:

Landstingslov nr. 29 af 18. december 2003 om naturbeskyttelse (law on protection of the nature) http://lovgivning.gl/Lov.aspx?rid={B285FE79-D0A5-4C4A-92B4-B93D0C018161}#

Landstingslov nr. 12 af 29. oktober 1999 om fangst og jagt inklusive ændringslove af 2001, 2003 og 2008 (law on hunting as amended) http://lovgivning.gl/lov?rid={1A6BE69B-3B89-4173-BAC1-1C61736FF93C}#

Hjemmestyrets bekendtgørelse nr. 8 af 2. marts 2009 om beskyttelse og fangst af fugle (order on the protection and catching of birds) http://lovgivning.gl/lov?rid={36C03635-DFB5-411F-A8E0-1963C0BDB363}#

The regulations are written in Danish and no official translation to English exists. This plan has been written to ensure compliance with the host nation legal standards.

Thule Air Base, Greenland 5 1 Jan 2016

2 INTRODUCTION

2.1 Installation Description

Thule AB is located at 76°31’N, 68°30’W, in the Arctic area on the northwest coast of Greenland, 930 miles south of the North Pole and 750 miles north of the Arctic Circle.

Thule AB facilities are the property of the United States Air Force and it is the most northern installation of American military forces, and one of the most northern air bases in the world. The base is located on the aerial route halfway between Washington DC (2344 miles) and Moscow (2335 miles). The base is located in a coastal valley, bordered by mountain ridges to the north and south, the ice cap to the east, and the North Star Bay to the west. Therefore, it is only possible to reach Thule AB by ship during the brief port season (late June to early September) or by air throughout the year.

The Greenlandic Government owns the site and in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, approx. 490,000 acres (1983 km2) were laid out as a defense area at the time of establishment. In 2003, this area was reduced to its present size of approximately 233,000 acres (943 km2). The northern border consists of Wolstenholme Fjord and Harald Moltke Glacier;

the eastern border is the Ice Cap; the southwestern border is a straight line going from the Pittufik Glacier to an area on the coast of Wolstenholme Fjord, see Appendix 2. The area is uninhabited, and the closest community is a small settlement, Savissivik.

The main base provides housing for all military personnel, as well as civilian and contractor employees. As of December 2015, the total number of permanently assigned personnel consisted of approximately 400 individuals, including US military personnel. Up to 150 temporary contractors are added to this number during the summer construction season. The base was initially built to handle more than 10 times as many people. Therefore, many buildings were demolished and others have been vacated, as the base population decreased.

3.2 Climate

The climate at Thule is highly arctic with a monthly average temperature ranging from between -23oC (-9o Fahrenheit) and 5oC (41o Fahrenheit) in 2014.

Mean annual precipitation (rain and snowfall) is normally 40.0 inches (1 meter), of which 75 percent is snow. The normal summer is very short occurring only 3 months of the year with average daily temperatures above freezing. The annual thaw of the frozen ground starts in May and ends in September.

The wind speed record at Thule is registered at 189 knots.

This is an area where high arctic storms occur. The arctic storm conditions are characterized by:

very low temperatures (Chill factor minus 40 degrees or colder), high wind speeds (30-50 knots or more) and very low visibility. The official storm season is from 15 September to 15 May.

Arctic storms can also occur during the summertime. From April to August daylight prevails 24 hours a day, while darkness reigns from November through January.

Thule Air Base, Greenland 6 1 Jan 2016

Annual Extreme Annual Average Maximum Wind Precipitation Totals Max Temps Celsius Values Celsius Degrees Speed Inches Inches Snow

Month Max Min Temp Dew Pt. (True) (knots) SNOW WATER Depth Month

Jan 2 -32 -18 -22 110 43 0,8 0,03 6 Jan Feb -3 -34 -23 -28 290 50 0 0,00 6 Feb Mar -10 -31 -22 -26 140 53 3 0,03 5 Mar Apr -3 -27 -15 -20 130 56 3 0,12 5 Apr

May 1 -18 -5 -9 80 48 4 0,24 5 May Jun 12 -2 3 -1 150 48 3 1,22 0 Jun Jul 13 0 5 2 130 54 0 0,64 0 Jul

Aug 12 -2 5 1 150 73 2 2,73 0 Aug Sep 6 -15 -1 -5 80 39 5 0,53 2 Sep Oct 6 -18 -9 -12 90 33 2 0,20 2 Oct

Nov -1 -25 -14 -18 130 49 7 0,56 5 Nov Dec -10 -32 -22 -26 10 61 2 0,15 5 Dec

Annual Extreme Temps Avg Temp/Dew Pt Maximum Wind Precipitation Totals Annual 13 -34 -10 -14 150 73 30,8 6,45 6 all in degrees celsius degrees knots inches inches inches

2014 Climate data (source: 821 SPTS/OSW)

3.3 Requirements to personnel

BMC personnel performing Historical and Cultural Resource functions and Government personnel directing such functions must have the requisite expertise in managing endangered and threatened species as well as host nation protected species, wetlands management and soil stabilization.

It is the legal responsibility of each individual at Thule AB to observe the regulations the FGS and the requirements of this plan. Newcomer briefings are an important awareness tool to inform people about this responsibility. Further, a pamphlet presents guidelines for the maintenance and protection of habitats favorable to the reproduction and survival of indigenous plants, fish, and wildlife when exploring the defense area and surroundings. The pamphlet is available at the Community Center (Bldg. 362).

BMC personnel responsible for recreational activities (see section 6) must ensure that all participants are aware of the requirements in this plan. This also applies to tripping activities that occur outside the defense area.

Enforcement within the Defense Area is the responsibility of the 821st Security Forces Squadron. For activities outside the defense area, the Danish police inspector has jurisdiction.

Thule Air Base, Greenland 7 1 Jan 2016

4 LAND MANAGEMENT

4.1 Facility Site Overview

The Thule AB defense area is bounded by the icecap to the east and by the coastline to the west and north; see APPENDIX 2. To the southwest the boundary is a line from Ivnaq Ungatdleq through hill 800 (Hans Nielsen’s Fjeld) with a true bearing of 225 degrees.

The Thule AB main facilities are located in a valley formed by sedimentary sand and gravel deposits (Main Base, Flight line, and DET-1) and close by is a pier (DeLong Pier).

Communication and navigational aids are installed on South Mountain. The Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR) is located at UEWR Site-1. These three locations are constructed on rocky ground with a thin layer of topsoil.

4.2 Geology

Marine Mesozoic sediments (formed 248-65 million years ago) and other younger platform deposits together with folded Paleozoic (formed 540-148 million years ago) and other older rock platform deposits dating back about 1,200 to 1,880 million years form the 4,500-meter thick layer in the Thule Basin.

The Greenlandic Government owned company Nunamineral were established in order to start a commercial use of the rich mineral deposits in the Greenlandic underground as mineral prospects are improving as prices are increasing.

Minerals/metals of commercial value found in Greenland include iron, uranium, aluminium, nickel, platinum, tungsten, titanium, copper and gold. Gemstones to have been found in Greenland, these including diamond, ruby, sapphire, lapis lazuli, amazonite, peridot, quartz, spinel, topaz, and tourmaline.

When European scientists first arrived in Greenland to study the geology, they encountered native Greenlandic people who were already familiar with the gemstones.

View of Thule AB in summer

Thule Air Base, Greenland 8 1 Jan 2016

The base is located along the west end of an east-west trending valley that was carved by an advancing glacier. The ridge to the north is predominantly igneous (diorite) whereas the south ridge is predominantly sedimentary (limestone).

The naturally occurring, near surface sediments were deposited by glacial outwash and by the receding ice cap. Glaciers and glacial lakes are located within a few miles of the airfield. Glacial outwash deposition continues each year during the warm season (July through September) when runoff from the ice cap and inland glaciers converge into the North and South Rivers. The rivers transport a substantial sediment load of silt, gravel, cobbles and boulders through the valley. The sediments actually form deltas along the coast. Periodically, (about every ten years) the runoff volume and velocity reach the point that culverts, roads and bridges may be damaged or destroyed during these periodically events.

The soil of the valley, in which the Main Base and Det-1 are located, is composed of settling materials transported by run-off resulting from the melting of the ice cap. No soil analysis has been performed, but judging from visual inspections of undisturbed areas, the topsoil consists of areas with a dark humus composition and areas of lighter sandy materials.

Within the defense area several minerals/stones of interest to amateur geologists can be observed. Minerals/ stones as: Slate, Pyrite, iron ore, planetary stones, Granite, Sodalities, Garnets, and Quartz.

The year-round permafrost at a depth of 1-6 feet always restricts the niche for the local flora.

The in situ or native soils are predominantly silty, sandy gravel or silty gravelly sand that is commonly referred to as glacial silt. Because of the high content of silt and clay (fines) these sediments are frost susceptible. Lenses and layers of relatively clean (low fines content) sand and gravel that are interpreted to be glacial sediments make up a lesser but significant volume.

These elements are less frost susceptible.

4.3 Natural Resources

According to Greenland regulations mineral exploration and exploitation beyond rock and gravel cannot take place without specific authorization from the Greenland Government.

Sources of gravel, sand and cover material

There are no permanent gravel pits at Thule AB. Instead, material can be recovered from one of the approved zones indicated on the following map.

After work in a designated area the landscape must be left in a harmonious state (i.e. without scarring, deep and sudden depressions and without unnecessary stockpiling of unused material).

In addition to these zones, gravel and silt recovered from the rivers (also known as ‘river material’) can be freely exploited.

Extraction of material from other sources must be approved by the ESOHC.

Thule Air Base, Greenland 9 1 Jan 2016

G ra ve l e xt ra ct io n ar ea s, T hu le

A B

Thule Air Base, Greenland 10 1 Jan 2016

Quarry

Hard rock material is blasted from the hillside on North Mountain. The rock material is typically crushed and screened at Larsen’s Square, an area immediately east of the main base. The crushed materials extracted by the BMC are primarily dedicated for maintaining the existing roads.

The North Mountain quarry will also be used for blasting of hard rock material for cover material, asphalt production or other purposes by third party contractors in connection with construction projects.

4.4 Landscape Development and Use

Grounds shall be maintained to meet designated mission use and ensure harmony with the natural landscape and/or the adjacent host nation facilities where practical.

The defense area consists generally of undeveloped grounds without specific use. Improved and semi-improved grounds are found only in the active locations of Thule Main Base, Delong Pier, the Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR) Site-1, DET-1, transmitter and receiver installations at South Mountain, inactive installations at North Mountain, the old rocket launches B and C, Camp Tuto, as well as the grid of roads connecting the different installations.

Airport:

Paved Areas: The 10,000 feet (approx. 3 km) long main runway and adjoining taxiways and aprons are paved with asphalt-concrete. The total paved area is 900,000 sq. yards (190 acres,

0.7 km2) of which 107,000 sq. yards (22 acres, 0.09 km2) are abandoned.

Roads:

Unpaved Areas: All roads are gravel surfaced requiring an annual surface maintenance in the form of ripping, adding crushed material, grading, spreading of calcium chloride for dust prevention and watering followed by roller compaction. The total area of maintained roads is 1,318,000 sq. yards (280 acres, 1.1 km2). Abandoned roads of approximately the same total sq.

yards are still useable due to very little deterioration caused by the weather conditions.

Abandoned roads are monitored but erosion damage is not repaired. In case of excessive erosion the roads can be declared off limits. Access to the road will be blocked with sand filled barrels or similar obstacles.

Only traffic control signs are used and they must be maintained for personnel safety. Therefore, they must be replaced when damaged. Temporary traffic signs must be removed when no longer required, as must other signs that no longer serve their purpose.

Waste oil has been used on roads as a dustbinder in the past. It is, therefore, likely that the soil close to and on the roads is contaminated. Gravel is presently being used to reduce road slipperiness.

Grass and vegetation is neither mowed nor otherwise controlled along traffic areas because growth is stunted by the climate.

There is no road connection between the villages and Thule Air Base. Any connection to other municipalities in Greenland is by air or by ship.

Thule Air Base, Greenland 11 1 Jan 2016

Harbor:

The harbor is located on the North Star Bay and is navigable during 3 months of the summer.

The location of the harbor is based on the natural depth considerations. The most important fuel supplies arrive to the base by sea. The same is the case with elements for larger construction assignments.

During summer 2007, Earth Tech took out samples to investigate sediment composition around the pier for dredging purposes.

Tank Farm The tank farm north of the harbor consisted of about 32 cluster tanks when the Base was founded. Throughout the years tanks have been demolished. Today the arm consists of twelve Bulk Storage Tanks, each with a capacity of 2.1 million gallons. The tanks have secondary containment sized for 110% of the tank capacity. The tank farm is located on a hill side above the North River with the first tank being approximately a mile from the bay.

Storm Shelters:

Along the roads to UEWR Site-1 and South Mountain, USAF emergency (storm) shelters are located. In total there are 14 shelters, which are only to be used in case of emergencies during storm conditions. The shelters are equipped with oil burners, candles, matches, storm rations, mattresses and blankets, and a telephone connection to the main base telephone operator for reporting location and situation.

Landfills:

All household, solid and construction waste generated at Thule is collected and disposed at a landfill located south of the main base area. Exception: Asbestos containing waste is disposed of at a special landfill located at the South Mountain.

The landfill operations are regulated by the Solid Waste and Asbestos Management Plans, respectively.

4.4 Open Areas

The major part of the Thule Defense Area is unmanaged. It consists of mountains with streams, ponds, and some wetlands with scarce vegetation. At some locations there have been gravel and sand reclaiming activities to provide materials for road construction and aggregates for concrete. Large areas are left with piles of dozed up materials, but as scarce vegetation has found foothold, these areas will not be restored in order not to cause any further damage to nature.

Storm shelter #3

Melt water in terrain

Thule Air Base, Greenland 12 1 Jan 2016

The rocky undeveloped areas do not require any active management, and construction should not disturb additional areas. Air Force Instructions dictate that to develop landscapes, control erosion, perform general maintenance of undeveloped areas, manage outdoor recreational resources, and manage game and non-game species, such actions should be negotiated between the Government of the United States and Greenlandic government.

Landscaping of undeveloped areas is not applicable, as the natural development of the grounds is very slow. Hunting and off road travel by motor vehicles is prohibited.

Coastal Waters and Sewages The shoreline is 32 miles (51 km) long. The prevalence of icebergs of all sizes originating from the glaciers, combined with local wind conditions greatly complicates port access for ships during the short summer period.

During wintertime, the icebergs not blown to sea or melted during the summer, become part of the frozen sea, which can reach a thickness of 5-6 ft (1.5 – 1.8 m).

The amplitude of the tidal variations in the bay is 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m). These variations create a tidal current, which is responsible for the water exchange in the North Star Bay.

The North Star Bay receives raw sewage waste from the Base. Point source pollution control is not performed. HQ AFSPC/CE had issued a waiver for FGS, but it expired in 2003 and could not be renewed. The waiver was based on a Wastewater Characterization Survey performed by Occupational and Environmental Health Directorate, Brooks Air Force Base 1992. In 2004 ISC Consulting Engineers performed an updated Wastewater Characterization Survey with proposed solutions for a wastewater treatment plant. Again in 2010, ISC Consulting Engineers visited Thule AB, this time to perform a wastewater treatment plan feasibility study. At this time a Wastewater Treatment facility remains on the unfunded MILCON project list for Thule AB and the 21st SW.

Water Streams and Lakes Several streams carry melted snow, rain and runoff from the icecap to coastal waters in the defense area. Only a couple of these are named, e.g. North River and South River (also known as Fox Canyon River).

The total length of rivers/streams is approx. 80 miles (127 km). They are only active in the short summer season from mid-June to mid-September. No streams are navigable.

There are several lakes and ponds estimated to cover about 200 acres (0.8 km2). These lakes/ponds are closely associated with the streams and are only ice-free during the short summer season. Lake Crescent is partly man-made by means of dikes. This lake provides the defense area with potable water. As precipitation is limited, the use of open ditches for storm water runoff is not common.

Of the rivers present within the Thule defense area the only managed river area are the North Star River (the River area managed runs along the 12 SWS road from shelter 7 towards the North star Bay) and Fox Canyon river (the area managed is located where the road crosses towards D-launch, not on the river delta side.).

Iceberg captured in the frozen sea

Thule Air Base, Greenland 13 1 Jan 2016

The management consists of the collection of silt sand to be used in road maintenance and to avoid floods affecting existing active roads and bridges. A bulldozer is driven into the river and from here it pushes the materials up upon the riverbanks to be collected and transported to a storage area until use. This material is known as ‘river material’. The potential environmental impact of the bulldozer activity (oil leaks etc.) require a reliable maintenance and frequent vehicle checks by drivers.

Due to the effect of large fuel spills in the past, seeps and sheens can often be observed during the summertime. A list of monitored Areas of Concern (hazmat sites) is being maintained by the

BMC.

Drinking Water Lake Crescent is the only source for potable water at Thule AB. The water is pumped up at a depth of 6 – 12 meters and transported to the water treatment facility in bldg. 1411 on the main base. Underground water streams supply the lake; despite the use of water on the base, the water table never drops. There are more than sufficient quantities of water to cover the demand for household use, steam production and firefighting.

There is no direct protection of the water source in Lake Crescent and runoff from the watershed is directly into the lake. Except for the old pump and water treatment facility, there are no improvements in the vicinity of the lake. Handling of chemicals and other water pollutants are not permitted in the proximity of the lake without special precautions. If handling is needed near the lake guidelines and assistance can be obtained by contacting the BMC Environmental section.

Wetlands and River Deltas:

There are several wetlands close to lakes or streams with the characteristics of lowland fens and marshes in late spring and summer.

Additional smaller wetlands exist only as remnants of melting ice; permafrost prohibits the water from being absorbed by the soil. The total area of wetlands is close to 900 acres. The areas is the habitat for several species of web footed birds and are not routinely managed. Dredging near the North Star River delta could become necessary due to the vicinity of the water port at DeLong Pier.

If required, potential environmental impacts must be assessed prior to project execution.

Storm water drainage system:

The main purpose of the storm water drainage system at Thule AB is to ensure melt water from the ice cap and surface water from melting ice and snow pass to the fjord during spring and summer, without affecting installations (buildings, roads, storm drains ex.) at Thule AB. Serious flooding has previously occurred at Thule AB, washing bridges and roads away.

The storm water drainage system consists of an interconnected system of culverts, catch drains, naturally formed ditches and waterways (with no possibility of polluting the system). Adhering to best management practice (FGS, table C4.T3), this system is secured against receiving any possible sources of pollution. Ultimately, the storm water drainage systems end up in Wolstenholme Fjord. The system has no connection to the potable water system or to the waste water system.

Fox Canyon River delta, south of main base

Thule Air Base, Greenland 14 1 Jan 2016

Pesticide Use:

No pesticides are currently used on open land. Registered pesticides will only be used if approved by the appropriate AFSPC pest management consultant. The BMC Environmental section can help coordinate the contact to AFSPC.

4.5 Natural Resource Protection

The land and vegetative management activities at Thule AB shall be consistent with current conservation and land use principles (e.g. ecosystem protection, biodiversity conservation, and mission-integrated land use). As Thule AB is located in the sensitive region of the arctic desert, people are not allowed to disturb the habitat without permission from the Greenland Government.

Erosion Protection:

Coastal erosion protection is required for old landfill areas south of the main base area. This is accomplished with environmental projects. Project WWCX 30-0035 Landfill Face stabilization was completed in August 2011. The project provided rock cover for a large section of exposed coastal landfill. Erosion control for North Star River is accomplished by rock cover in key sections and reinforced banks where river material has been dozed into place and compacted.

Construction work is limited to the Thule main base area. It can therefore be safely assumed that new construction does not impact wildlife beyond the present day status.

Invasive Species Protection:

The Greenlandic environment is protected against introduction of new plants or animals. For the use of protective vegetative cover only indigenous Greenlandic plants may be used. At Thule AB, there are no trees and shrubs, the long winters are harsh on these types of life and the short arctic summers leaves only a limited time for plants to evolve. Therefore, only seed plants should be used as vegetative cover.

Trash Disposal:

It is not permitted to leave trash in the natural environment. Trash must be brought back to the base for disposal in a solid waste container; burning it is not allowed.

Use of Off Road Vehicles:

Off-road cars and driving off-road with 4-wheel drive cars is normally not authorized. All travel is to take place on established roads due to the harm to the Arctic vegetation and cultural artifacts from unregulated traffic. Off-road and 4-wheel drive cars may be authorized by the Thule Base Commander to establish emergency response and unique mission specific requirements. This restriction is included in the environmental awareness program continuously.

In general, off-road travel with smaller footprint vehicles (e.g. Snowmobiles and ATVs) is permitted, provided proper care is taken to avoid unnecessary damage to habitats, vegetation and terrain and disturbance of wildlife. Further guidance is available in the outdoor recreation pamphlet available from the community center (see also chapter 6).

Thule Air Base, Greenland 15 1 Jan 2016

5 MANAGEMENT OF FISH, WILDLIFE AND PLANTS

A complete inventory of the flora and fauna in the Defense area, as well as the ecology in the North Star Bay, has not been completely cataloged. The Peregrine Fund, which operates at Thule Air Base, made a field study mainly about the Peregrine Falcons in 1993/1994. During the field study, a list of birds in the Thule Air Base area was developed. Bill Burnham and Jack Stephens (26/9/96) have further developed a list of the mammals in the Thule Air Base area;

Jette Raal Hansen (9/11/96) developed a list of plants common in the Thule Air Base area. In 2004 DHI performed a Zoological and Botanical Inventory of Thule Air Base and North Star Bay.

At the moment these four lists are the closest to a complete inventory of flora and fauna for the Thule Air Base area (See APPENDIX 5).

Among the most common land mammals found is the Arctic fox. The Arctic fox is abundant in the area and on the base. Also, the Arctic hare is very common. The musk oxen were reintroduced in Northwest Greenland in 1986 and may be observed in the Green Valley.

Recently Reindeer have migrated from Canada to Inglefield Land approximately 200 km to the North of Thule AB. By 2002 the population had increased considerably. Polar Bears are occasionally observed in the vicinity of Thule AB.

Birds frequently seen at the Thule Defense Area include; Snow Bunting, Northern Fulmar, Common Eider, Oldsquaws, Common Ringed Plover, various species of gulls, Black-legged Kittiwake, Thick-billed Murre, Dovekie, Black Guillemot, Canada Goose, Red-throated Loon, and ravens.

The rivers flowing through the Defense area are greatly generated by runoff from the icecap.

These rivers dry up or freeze during the winter months, and only a few species are adapted to the environment. Arctic Char live in some of the numerous lakes in the area. A few fish species are found in the sea including Polar Cod, Greenland Halibut, Short-spined Sculpin. The lower animal life is represented by species of butterflies, bees, mosquitoes, flies, and spiders. Ringed

Arctic Fox Arctic Hare

Gaucous Gull

Thule Air Base, Greenland 16 1 Jan 2016 seals are common in the fjords. Narwhale, Beluga, Hooded seal, and Walrus have been observed in the area.

5.1 Endangered Species

Locally Endangered Species:

A study on the peregrine falcons was performed in 1993 and 1994. In 1993, the objectives were to locate breeding Peregrine Falcons, band young for identification, collect and identify prey remains from catch debris, collect information on nesting phonology. During 1994, the objectives also included placing a satellite-tracked radio transmitter on an adult female peregrine. The study showed that the peregrine falcon does breed in this area and that one nest was located on the western side of the Dundas Mountain. Additionally, three gyrfalcons with young were identified. The falcons are protected from hunting, under Greenlandic regulations, but otherwise no active management is performed.

International Endangered Species:

CITES is an acronym for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora signed by more than 150 countries worldwide. The aim of the CITES is to protect the endangered species and wildlife of the World through controlling the international trade. More than 30 CITES-species (and a few plant species) live in Greenland and surrounding waters.

The endangered species are listed in three categories:

I (globally endangered species):

This covers species, which are banned from all export. In Greenland this includes:

Sperm whale Bowhead whale Fin whale (Razorback) Humpback whale White-tailed eagle

Falcon feeding nestlings

Thule Air Base, Greenland 17 1 Jan 2016

II and III (endangered and locally endangered species):

Narwhale Beluga whale Minke whale Walrus Polar bear

Category II and III covers the whole or any part of a species which can be exported for private, non-commercial use when accompanied by a CITES permit. The CITES permit is issued at most of the shops and outlets selling these products.

Further information about CITES and the endangered species in Greenland and the region around Thule AB can be found on http://www.cites.org. Greenland is a full member of the Washington-convention / CITES.

There are no known endangered/threatened species known to occupy the Thule Defense Area. Polar bears are occasionally travelling through the area.

Notification of host nation installation commander:

The host nation installation commander at Thule Air Base is the Danish Liaison Officer (DLO), located at Bldg. 461. IAW FGS C13.3.5 the DLO is notified of the discovery of any endangered or threatened species and host nation protected species not previously known to be present on the installation.

5.2 Hunting and Fishing

General hunting in Greenland is only permitted to people with a license and with hunting/trapping as their main occupation. Hunting is not permitted within the defense area for base personnel.

A local agreement was established on 15 September 1990, in order to allow local hunters/trappers from the surrounding community of Qaanaaq Municipality to use part of the defense area for hunting purposes. A copy of the agreement is provided in APPENDIX 7. The local hunting agreement and regulation for all mammals is described in details. As a rule of thumb, all hunting is prohibited during the breeding season. Local hunters have not been using those rights in recent years, except by invitation from the Danish Police Inspector to help with population control of arctic foxes at the base landfill.

Outside the defense area, the general Greenlandic regulations apply. Legal references are provided in section 1.2.

Danish citizens and foreign nationals can obtain a license to hunt or fish if they have permanent residence in Greenland.

Fishing is tolerated in the waters near Thule AB.

5.3 Disturbance of Bird Colonies

According to Greenlandic legislation it is not permitted to shoot or in other way make noise within 5 km of bird colonies of Thick-Billed Murre, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar, or Cormorant (Skarv).

Thule Air Base, Greenland 18 1 Jan 2016

Islands inhabited by Common Eider, King Eider, Black Guillemot, Arctic Tern, all species of gull except for Black-legged Kittiwake. Shooting and other means of noise is not permitted within 200 m.

Helicopters and speed boats are extremely noisy and may thus cause considerable damage to breeding birds if the above restrictions are not respected.

5.4 Human/Animal Encounters

The animals that the residents of Thule AB most often encounter are the Arctic Hare and Arctic fox. Whales are seldom observed from Thule AB, but both Whales and seals can be seen on boat trips at the Fjord. Direct human / whales –seals encounters are rare.

The Arctic Hare is often seen in small groups with its youngsters during the summer. Over winter time the Arctic Hare population on the base is not affected by migrating hares looking for feed as the animal’s main food source is found in the vegetation evenly spread throughout the defense area. The Arctic Hare is a shy animal and it does not normally pose a threat to the residents at Thule AB.

The Arctic Fox is often a guest at Thule AB, most often during the winter as the animal’s hunt for food leads it down to main base or the sanitary landfill. The residents of Thule AB are prohibited from providing food sources to the foxes and all garbage cans are to be secured from the foxes. The Arctic Fox population is held artificially by residents feeding them, which affects the normal population size leading the foxes to compete for food sources.

The Arctic Fox is normally a shy animal, but at Thule AB they can be aggressive due to desperation searching for food. Normally, the foxes don't pose a threat to the residents, but direct contact should be avoided as there is a risk of rabies (disease transmissible from animal to human).

Personnel responsibilities:

Do not feed animals.

Avoid direct contact with animals.

Notify SFS/CC or DPI immediately when a dead animal is found or when an animal is acting abnormally.

Report immediately to the hospital for treatment if a physical encounter with an animal occurs.

Dovekie (Photo: Jack Stephens)

Thule Air Base, Greenland 19 1 Jan 2016

The responsibilities of the DPI include:

Capturing or destroying animals on base. (ex. roaming sled dogs seeking human contact at Thule AB. These dogs would be accompanying visiting hunters camping in “hunter’s cabins” in Dundas Village).

When necessary, programmed extermination of animals in the Thule AB defense area will be conducted after coordination with the SFS/CC, BHSD, 821SPTS/SG, DLO and the Installation commander.

After permission from the Greenlandic government, it is the DPI’s responsibility to take care of emergency exterminations (ex. when Polar Bears pose threat to Thule AB’s residents.)

Polar Bears may travel through the defense area, but human – polar Bear encounters are rare. If a Polar Bear / Polar Bear tracks or a Musk Ox / Musk Ox tracks are seen it is to be reported to the DPI.

The DPI coordinates appropriate safety guidelines or other actions to avoid human – animal encounters from event to event with the SFS/CC, 821SPTS/SG, BHSD, DLO, and the Installation Commander. Safety information is given by briefings, PA announcements, pamphlets or television channels on possible threats from animals to TAB residents. These guidelines shall be followed by all Thule AB residents.

When unattended young animals are discovered the adult animal is often nearby, but it hides from human contact. Direct human contact is to be avoided with the young animals, as they will be rejected by the adult animal if they smell of humans. If the young animal is left/ abandoned by the adult, it is often because the young animal is sick and it is not able to survive on its own. The harsh reality of the arctic fauna are that these animals will die. It is an accepted fact throughout Greenland.

5.5 Botanical Areas

The Thule Defense Area is located in the high arctic zone characterized by a severe arctic climate with little snowfall, precipitation is so low that the vegetation in many places is desert-like. Winters are long and cold with temperatures below freezing point most of the time.

Summers are very cool with an average temperature below 5°C in July.

The Thule Defense Area is within the permafrost zone, which has an important influence on the distribution and diversity of plants. Due to the permafrost some areas are waterlogged whereas other areas have increased salinity. These conditions require special adaptations of the vegetation.

A variety of plants are found despite the harsh Arctic environment. At the fell-field, which is found at wind swept ridges and stony barrens, plants are adapted to the desiccation and are hidden in small depressions and behind stones. These include Arctic Willow, Purple Saxifrage, Moss campion, Alpine Chickweed, and grass-like plants in APPENDIX 5 and 6.

Straws covered with ice

Thule Air Base, Greenland 20 1 Jan 2016

At the wetlands, fens and marshes, the floristic composition further depends on the contents of nutrients, the stability of the soil, and the snow cover.

Mosses, Lichens, and Arctic Cotton-grass are commonly seen, while patches of Snow Buttercup, Tufted Saxifrage, Mountain Sorrel, Alpine Whitlow-grass, White Arctic Bell-heather, and the Arctic Poppy represent the more colorful view.

Common plants found on the base are inventoried in APPENDIX 6. The botanical ecosystem has not yet been systematically inventoried.

The statement on inventorying the local botanic project and botanic ecosystems (habitats) is:

The occurrences of the searched flora have not been done yet.

The selection of the flora with coordination of national protection items of special interest and the issues of sustainable characters has not been researched.

The suggestions of which habitats and which flora should have the highest priority of protection have not been developed.

Broad-Leafed-Willow-Herb is the national flower of Greenland and is very common and can be found everywhere, especially on heaths, by old riverbanks and beside springs.

Greenland National Flower Broad–Leafed-Willow-Herb

Thule Air Base, Greenland 21 1 Jan 2016

6 OUTDOOR RECREATION RESOURCES

The defense area outside the main base and other sites with improved grounds is a natural environmental area capable of supporting dispersed recreational activities.

It is important to protect the delicate and unique arctic nature found at Thule AB and the surrounding areas. Recreational activities must be exercised in such a way that the environment endures and will be available for future visitors.

Organized trips are being arranged by the BMC services section. The personnel involved in this program receive briefings on the requirements of the conservation programs for of natural, historical and cultural resources before assuming their duties. The overall topic is: Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

Further, a pamphlet is available from the Community Center (Bldg. 362) that can used for inspi-ration for planning hiking trips. The pamphlet also introduce the conservation principles applica-ble to Thule AB and surroundings.

The Waterfall is a popular hiking destination at

Thule aB The pamphlet ’Exploring the Kingdom of Nanok’ is available for hiking inspiration.

Thule Air Base, Greenland 22 1 Jan 2016

Cabins There are approved 22 private cabins within the defense area. A list of caretakers and alternates and a map of the locations of the cabins is being maintained in the BMC Real Property office (bldg. 562).

Additionally 5 Cabins within the defense area are available for personnel to rent for recreational purpose.

These cabins are managed by the Thule Community Center.

New cabins can only be constructed with the written permission from the Base Commander. The point of contact to seek this approval is 821 SPTS/CE.

Cabin No. CE-15 Scenic Outlooks:

The clear sky allows numerous scenic views to be enjoyed. The three scenic outlooks visible from UEWR are 3 glaciers, "Harald Moltke," "Knud Rasmussen," and "Chamberlain".

These areas do not require special management to preserve their qualities. When visiting these viewpoints, visitors stay on established roads.

Other areas of interest are P-mountain and Camp Tuto (near the Icecap).

View of the three glaciers, “Harald Moltke,” “Knud Rasmussen” and “Chamberlain”

View of Dundas Mountain

Thule Air Base, Greenland 23 1 Jan 2016

APPENDICES

Thule Air Base, Greenland 24 1 Jan 2016

APPENDIX 1: DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

Conservation - wise management and use of natural resources to provide the best public benefits for present and future generations.

Chill factor – a still-air temperature that would have the same cooling effect on exposed human skin as a given combination of temperature and wind speed.

Floodplain - the 100-year floodplain is the lowland area adjoining inland and coastal waters, including flood prone areas of offshore islands that would be inundated by a 100-year flood. The critical actions (or 500-year) floodplain is the area that would be inundated by a 500-year flood.

High Arctic - the region north of the Arctic Circle (i.e. north of 66°33'N). Biologists define the Arctic in terms of vegetative patterns, dividing it into three sub-regions: the Sub-Arctic, Low Arctic, and High Arctic. The High Arctic starts where the Low Arctic vegetation is replaced (in northwards direction) by cushion plants, cryptograms, prostrate shrubs, and rosette herbaceous forbs (average air temperature in July lower than 5°C).

Multiple-Use - the integrated, coordinated, and compatible use of various natural resources to derive the best benefit while perpetuating and protecting those resources.

Natural Resources Management - action taken to manipulate, alter, or manage environmental, human, and natural resources in harmony with each other to meet present and future needs.

Restoration - the act or process of accurately recovering the form and details of property and its setting as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of later work or by the replacement of missing earlier work.

Wetlands - areas inundated by surface or groundwater with a frequency sufficient to support (and under normal circumstances does or would support) a prevalence of vegetative or aquatic life that requires saturated or seasonally saturated soil for growth and reproduction. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas such as sloughs, mud flats, and natural ponds.

Thule Air Base, Greenland 25 1 Jan 2016

APPENDIX 2: THULE DEFENSE AREA

(ACCORDING TO MOU DATED 20 FEBRUARY 2003)

Thule Air Base, Greenland 26 1 Jan 2016

APPENDIX 3: UXO AREAS

In 2003 The United States Air Force (USAF) contracted with a private contractor to perform a preliminary unexploded ordinance (UXO) site investigation at Thule AB. The contract included visual sweeps of off-base areas where UXO had previously been found, delineation of other UXO source areas, and mapping of located UXO items. The project took place in the summer of 2003.

UXO contamination is prevalent in many locations near C-launch and C-control. The first and largest UXO contaminated area is situated east, northeast, and south of DET-1. During the 2003 survey, a trail of UXO items was tracked southward from C-Launch leading to South Mountain.

The area below the sanitary landfill in the direction of Fox Canyon is also a known UXO area.

And another area is situated in the grass area behind North Mountain (behind the B-launch area) along the road to the “Secret Place”.

Photos show UXOs located near DET-1

A number of disposal pits are situated adjacent to the road from C-Launch. The pits are filled with water at an estimated maximum depth of approximately 3 feet. The pit bottoms consist primarily of about 3 feet of unstable silt and mud. The pits appear to have been initially dug as dry disposal pits and over time the pits have filled with water from either precipitation or snowmelt. Not all UXO’s are recovered from these ponds.

The photos show one of the UXO disposal pits at Thule AB and some of its contents.

Thule Air Base, Greenland 27 1 Jan 2016

Several roads run through the UXO areas (e.g. around DET-1). There is no risk connected with travelling on these roads, but it is connected with danger to deviate from the established roads.

As a consequence, it is prohibited to enter the UXO areas without special permission and precautions.

During seasonal flooding, UXO items may be transported southward. This is of special concern in the sloping UXO area leading toward Fox River. UXOs washed into Fox River could easily be transported to the fjord and could potentially resurface on the shorelines of Thule AB.

Apart from this, there are no other distinctive characteristic features within the landscape.

Yet another UXO area is situated in the northern Dundas area facing the glaciers. This area is outside the Base area, but it is possible for personnel assigned to Thule AB to enter it by mistake.

Over time, several different types of UXO have been found, such as ammunition boxes, fuses, GAS grenades, smoke grenades, blasting caps, supplemental high-explosive charges and unfired AP-T projectiles.

The photo shows different UXOs found at Thule AB.

Regarding the blasting caps, several wirings have been observed in the UXO areas disappearing into the ground to unknown sources, making the areas hazardous to personnel safety.

Photos taken at one of the UXO areas. The photo on the left shows different smoke grenades, blasting caps, cache and wirings. The Photo on the right shows wirings leading to unknown sources.

Thule Air Base, Greenland 28 1 Jan 2016

Further information regarding UXOs and UXO areas can be found in the report “Assessment and identification of recovered UXO items at Thule Air Base”; Thule, Greenland; Weston solutions Inc.; Contract No. F41624-01-D-8548.

In the perimeters around the UXO areas signs have been posted, giving warnings that the UXO area is a restricted area and a dangerous area not to be entered by unauthorized personnel.

Furthermore, the UXO areas are indicated on hiking maps.

Thule Air Base, Greenland 29 1 Jan 2016

APPENDIX 4: NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES AREA MAP

Thule Air Base, Greenland 30 1 Jan 2016

APPENDIX 5: THULE FLORA AND FAUNA

Bird List for Thule Air Base Area (Bill Burnham and Jack Stephens) 9/26/96

English Name Scientific Name Danish Name Greenlandic Name

Occurrence

American Golden Plover

Pluvialis Dominica Rare

Arctic Tern Sterna Paradisaea Havterne Imeqqutaalaq Occasional

Atlantic Puffin Fratercula Arctica Lunde/Søpapegøje Qilanngaq Localized

Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris Bairdii Bairds Ryle Occasional

Black Guillemot Cepphus Grille Tejst Serfaq Very common

Black-bellied Plover (Grey Plover)

Pulvialis Squatarola Strandhjejle Anngilik Rare

Black-legged Kittiwake

Rissa Tridactyla Ride Taateraaq Very common

Brent Goose Branta Bernicla Rare

Buff-bellied pipit Anthus Rubescens Rare

Canada Goose Branta Canadensis Canadagås Canada nerlia Rare

Common Eider Somateria Mollissima Ederfugl Miteq siorartooq Very common

Common Raven Corvus Corax Ravn Tulugaq Very common

Common Redpoll Carduelis Flammea Gråsisken Orpimmiutaq Common?

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius Hiaticula Stor Præstekrave Tuujuk Very common

Dovekie (Little Auk)