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for the BALD EAGLE (HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS) Fort Eustis, Virginia |
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for the BALD EAGLE (HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS) Fort Eustis, Virginia |
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Executive Summary Background According to Army Regulation (AR) 200-3, Endangered Species Management Plans (ESMPs) are required for any federally listed or proposed threatened or endangered (T & E) species or federally designated critical habitat present on Army installations. All Army land uses are subject to these regulations (AEC, 1995). Chapter 11 of AR 200-3 involves coordination with the federal agency responsible for the protection of these species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). USFWS in turn coordinates with the state agencies responsible for T & E species, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) for animals, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) for plants and insects in accordance with their respective cooperative agreements with the USFWS. Failure to comply with these regulations and this ESMP could result in a violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. Current Species Status The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was listed as endangered throughout the United States in 1978 (43 FR 6233). It was subsequently downlisted to threatened in 1995 (50 CFR Part 17) when the Chesapeake Bay bald eagle recovery population met its population and productivity objectives (USFWS, 1990, 1995). It's status is presently under review throughout the U. S. as to whether it should remain on the Threatened and Endangered Species list. One eagle nest was first recorded on Fort Eustis in 1987 and has since produced 21 young through 1998. The nest is located along the James River shoreline near Marshy Point and is situated in a large loblolly pine in an area of scattered large pines and hardwoods. The area has been secured from disturbance and an Eagle Management Area (EMA1) has been established A second nest was reported in 1998 along Jail Creek near the southern tip of Mulberry Island. The nest is surrounded by expansive marshland designated as an impact area. This nest is isolated from disturbance and a second EMA (EMA 2) has been established for its protection (Figure 1). The most pressing potential disturbance for both nests is the overflight by aircraft, since the nests are within the airfield approach and training zones. The nests are relatively secure at these locations due to the surrounding marsh and forested shoreline, the impact zone restrictions, and the limited access for training and other human activities. If air access and training restrictions are implemented and institutionalized, the nest should be secure. Habitat Requirements and Limiting Factors The primary limiting factor to the Chesapeake Bay bald eagle population is the destruction of and disturbance to shoreline and riparian forested habitats. These habitats are used for nesting as well as roosting and foraging. Limiting factors on the installation include disturbance to the nesting pair from training activities, specifically aircraft operations. Therefore, disturbance to the eagles and their habitat and modification of shoreline and riparian forests represent the most limiting factor on the base. Management Objectives Fort Eustis will maintain the current bald eagle use on the post and protect the existing nesting, foraging, and roosting habitat. Fort Eustis will protect its nesting eagle pairs and their 1/4 mile radius EMAs, as well as maintain the existing foraging and roosting areas by managing for the continued health of the forested riparian areas and shorelines Conservation Goals The primary goals are to maintain the existing nesting pairs of eagles and to maintain the nesting, foraging, and roosting habitat for existing use by implementing the following actions: Actions Needed The major steps needed to meet the management objectives and achieve the conservation goals are: 1. Maintain an EMA of ¼-mile radius (1320 feet) around each eagle nest site, comprised of a primary management zone (from the nest site to 750-foot radius) and a secondary management zone (from 750-foot to 1320-foot radius).  a. Post land and water access points and routes and enforce the restricted area.b. Restrict air access within 1/4 mile of the nest 2. Maintain the forested islands along the James River marsh and shoreline, which are inaccessible by land, in their natural state as potential nesting/foraging/roosting areas. Where possible, Fort Eustis will preserve a 750-foot riparian buffer of trees along the James River shoreline to provide and protect additional habitat. 3. Incorporate bald eagle management into installation operations and documents including the master plan, military training, ITAM, and Real Estate plans, as well as other base information communication mechanisms. Publish EMA status and restrictions in the operation and training documents, and other training/flight plan Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and distribute to all personnel in a position to affect the EMA. 4. Conduct annual surveys and coordinate with VDGIF to monitor nesting, roosting, and foraging sites and to determine status and locations of eagle use. 5. Minimize the effects of contaminants, pesticides, and other chemicals used at Fort Eustis on the eagle. 6. Forward the approved ESMP to the TRADOC environmental director and HQDA and Director of Environmental Programs (DAIM-ED-N). 7. Prepare ESMP Compliance Reports according to AR 200-3, 11-6g(2)(a-d) and review the ESMPs annually (AR 200-3, 11-6e). 8. If emergency situations arise and these restrictions cannot be followed, immediately contact Natural Resource Staff who will in turn contact VDGIF or USFWS to find an immediate solution to the situation. These contacts are listed in Exhibit B. |
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