By implementing proactive measures, most issues can be resolved before they escalate into a larger problem.
At Fort Carson, specialized surveying, monitoring and planning by the Mission Sensitive Species Team of several different species – from birds and bats to lizards and butterflies – has led to several proactive strategies and tactics that have produced real results.
“Our Mission Sensitive Species Team works together, combining time, knowledge and material resources to effectively support mission sensitive species and military readiness,” said Dan Follet, Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Environmental Division wildlife biologist. “Our team of biologists employ a blend of innovative technologies, such as acoustic monitoring and DNA testing, to gather important data on the health of populations of sensitive species.”
Amanda Luper, a DPW natural resources specialist, said this not only helps preserve and protect the various species under observation, but it also prevents delays or issues with the vital training mission at the Colorado installation.
“In many instances, if a species of concern becomes listed (by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), there will likely be significant impacts to the military training mission,” said Michelle Blake, DPW natural resources specialist. “By taking proactive measures to conserve these species and their core habitats, the team biologists may help preclude a species listing.”
“Our goal is to enable military readiness through dynamic, integrated, innovative and cost-effective habitat restoration and management project,” said Joe Wyka, the acting Fort Carson deputy garrison commander. “These conservation measures ensure that training missions are less likely to be adversely impacted in the future and enable the highest quality Solider training.”
The MSST’s successful actions contributed to them winning the 2024 Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards Program Natural Resources Conservation team category. The team was recognized for supporting the following sensitive species:
· Tricolored and little brown bat
Fort Carson is home to 18 species of bats, including the tricolored bat, which is a proposed endangered species and the little brown bat, which is under federal review. Working with the Arizona Fish and Game Division, the MSST conducted baseline surveys of bats, mapped core habitats and identified new roosting locations.
The team used a blend of techniques including mist netting, DNA guano analysis, acoustic monitoring and telemetry to collect data.
· Pinyon jay
Fort Carson, and the installation’s Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, are an important home to the pinyon jays whose species is declining. It is estimated that approximately 50 percent of the total population lives in the region between Fort Carson and the Four Corners, where the borders of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona meet.
The MSST team is taking proactive steps to preserve key habitat. This selective management strategy ensures that the jays will have a continuous food supply. The team also ensures that pinyon pine-rich areas are protected. Using acoustic monitoring equipment, areas inhabited by the jays are identified and maps of their habitat are generated. The team coordinates closely with Fort Carson’s Range Control to minimize disturbance in those areas.
· Burrowing owl
One of the main ways the MSST team protects the burrowing owls on the installation is to survey the installation for burrowing owl nests and directly collaborating with Fort Carson’s Range Control to create buffers around the owl nesting areas. The team has seen great success protecting the miniature raptors and has seen an upward population trend.
· Colorado checkered whiptail
By careful studying and surveying the behaviors and habitat of the Colorado checkered whiptail, an all-female species likely to become federally listed, the MSST team developed plans to protect the lizards. They also discovered that many of the lizard’s habitat areas are already under protection and would not require additional measures at the installation. For example, because the lizards were almost exclusively observed in pinon-juniper habitat, shale outcrops, canyons and near vacant ranch houses – areas already protected or lightly trafficked – the MSST determined ground training exercises will not have significant impacts on the lizards.
· Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterflies have declined during the past 20 years leading them to be listed as a candidate species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Therefore, conservation efforts for the iconic monarch butterfly – famous for its two-way migration across North America – are another priority for the Fort Carson MSST. The team coordinates with the Fort Carson Fire Department to ensure that the location and timing of prescribed burns will not impact monarchs or their food sources and collaborates with Range Control to prevent mowing in areas where the monarch is actively breeding. The team works with the installation’s Integrated Training Area Management team to recommend milkweeds and pollinator-friendly flowers for inclusion in the restoration seed mixes. These efforts also support other pollinators, including bees.
“By working diligently to understand the environmental stressors impacting these and other species, our team is constantly seeking proactive measures to sustain their core habitats while enabling the military mission,” said Roger Peyton, DPW Environmental Division Conservation Branch chief.
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