CEMML Environmental Planning

Effective environmental planning and management of military installations is essential to sustain the capabilities of military lands to support realistic training and testing. The Center develops environmental planning documents for installations to incorporate the protection of natural resources with military training objectives. CEMML has a knowledgeable staff with the capability and experience to complete Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans, Environmental and Biological Assessments, and
Environmental Impact Statements.

Sustaining a realistic military training environment is dependent upon maintaining functional ecosystems on an installation. Ecosystem management protects biodiversity by maintaining total numbers of species, managing for varied habitats, and maintaining and restoring natural processes to the landscape. CEMML develops Integrated   Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMP) using an ecosystem-based management philosophy that integrates all natural resources and ITAM programs on an installation, while supporting its military mission.

Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) are prepared to identify, consider, and resolve environmental problems early in the planning stages of project development. Both EAs and EISs are developed by CEMML as planning documents to integrate environmental considerations into an installation's decision-making process. CEMML assists installations in maintaining quality training lands by incorporating damage minimization, mitigation, and restoration
strategies into EA and EIS development. Appropriate application of NEPA in project planning supports "no net loss" in the capability of installation lands to support existing and projected military missions.

Biological Assessments identify threatened and endangered species, and critical habitats. They determine if formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service is necessary. These assessments can be combined with NEPA requirements, to minimize duplication of work and avoid delays in project implementation.

Military training and testing are the primary land uses on installations. Their future of an installation depends on responsible management of natural resources and ecosystems. Effective planning and management sustains realistic training environments and ensures the military mission is accomplished.

Point of Contact: Cal Bagley, (970) 491-3324, Calvin.Bagley@ColoState.EDU

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