FY26 Student Conservation Association Intern at Naval Air Station Jacksonville

This project is a strategic investment in national defense, enabling warfighter readiness and safeguarding the Navy's mission-critical operations at Naval Station (NS) Mayport. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) intern's work in monitoring species and habitats is a forward defense against the designation of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act, which would add regulatory hurdles in vital training areas and waterfronts. Properly marking, inventorying, and protecting sea turtle nests and hatchlings are crucial permit-driven obligations that help avoid costly fines and legal battles that would divert funds from the warfighter. Their work in reinforcing protective dunes and shorelines against storm surge makes the installation resilient to storm surge, protecting millions of dollars in naval infrastructure from natural disasters and ensuring it remains operational under all weather conditions. This project’s small investment ensures legal compliance, maximizes mission flexibility, and fortifies the installation, ensuring that NS Mayport continues to train and deploy the world's most powerful naval force, unimpeded by regulatory and environmental threats.