DCR is comprised entirely of jurisdictional wetlands with the exception of
roads, buildings and parking areas. To the maximum extent practicable, the
Air Force will avoid actions which would either destroy or adversely modify
wetlands though sea level rise could necessitate the relocation of target sites
at DCR. In addition to the potential impact on red cockaded woodpecker
habitat, construction associated with the relocation of targets may
necessitate wetlands mitigation requirements under Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act.
In May 2014, the Center for Naval Analyses (CAN) Corporation’s Military
Advisory Board (MAB), comprising retired three‐ and four‐star flag and
general officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, released
the report National Security and the Accelerating Risks of Climate Change.
Improved models, better data collection, and satellite monitoring have all
increased scientific confidence in predicting the future effects of climate
change. Though there continues to be political disagreement and debate
regarding climate change, the risk is high enough that the MAB encourages
immediate action.
Existing Tools
Department of Defense Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap
This guidance fulfills a requirement of Executive Order 13514, Federal
Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance. It states
that all Federal Departments and Agencies should evaluate climate change
risks and vulnerabilities to manage both the short‐ and long‐term effect of
climate change on the agency’s mission and operations, and include an
adaptation planning document as an appendix to its annual Strategic
Sustainability Performance Plan.
Weapon System and Platform Technology
The US Air Force has funded and is currently working to enhance virtual
testing systems for its laser‐weapons program to be able to arm fighter jets
and other platforms with such with such technology by the early 2020s.
Figure 5.4‐1 Estimated Relative Sea Level Rise at DCR from 2040 to 2100.
(Source: Legacy Resource Management Program Project (#08‐410) Fact Sheet, by
Alion Science and Technology)
Page 5.4‐2
Background Report