accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, and (3) optimally
integrated with existing plans and mission requirements.
ISSUE
BIO‐2
Only red‐cockaded woodpeckers are actively managed on DCR. While the
American alligator and red wolf are found on DCR, they do not require
specific management and benefit from other non‐species‐specific ecosystem
management such as maintaining wetlands, reducing erosion, controlling
noxious and invasive species, and other conservation work.
One of the goals included in the INRMP is the management of wetlands and
water resources for wildlife habitat and ecosystem function. Two objectives
of this goal is to improve hydrology in altered wetlands and protect high‐
quality wetland and forest ecosystems and wetland habitats supporting
threatened and endangered species and in accordance with applicable laws
and regulations. Projects to achieve this goal include the use of prescribed
fire, invasive species treatments, and erosion control measures appropriately
in key areas.
Findings
The threatened American alligator, endangered red wolf, and
endangered RCW are three federally listed species present at the DCR
and surrounding Alligator River NWR.
The red wolf population currently does not appear to adversely impact
or be impacted by military operations at DCR.
Only red‐cockaded woodpeckers are actively managed on DCR.
Even though current threatened and endangered species populations
do not present a day‐to‐day challenge at the range, rising sea levels
could produce flooding and alter habitat at DCR.
Background Report
Waterfowl Management in Areas Surrounding Dare
County Range
Waterfowl could be impacted by military overflight
particularly during breeding and migration seasons,
working against investments that have been made to
protect these species. Need to protect local and
migratory waterfowl in areas surrounding the Dare
County Range.
Compatibility Assessment
The DCR is located within part of the Atlantic Flyway, a major migratory bird
corridor in the US. Flyways are routes migratory birds take to get from the
southern winter feeding grounds to the northern summer breeding grounds
and back. Flyways generally occur along coastlines or major rivers, which
provide habitat for birds to rest. Migratory waterfowl, su