Freshwater and Forest Environment: Eglin Air Force Base Reservation
- • Discuss the historical trends leading to preservation of habitat and species at this site.
- • Describe the value of wetlands in protecting water quality, maintaining biodiversity and preserving the watershed.
- • Describe the role and value of fire, water, elevation and other climatic events and how they impact the habitats at this site.
- • Identify the main species from each habitat on site.
- • Identify sustainable and environmental initiatives at this site
The Eglin AFB Reservation was at one time and still is an active testing area for the military base. Most of the testing they do takes place at night or if during the day parts of the reservation will be closed. Every year a new map is printed and will be given to you at the time of your reservation pass renewal. The reason behind this pass is so that everyone is educated on endangered species found within the reservation as well as what to do if you come across military paraphernalia including dangerous live ordinance.
Testing Area and restricted “red” zone for pass holders.
Although the military uses this area for testing they are at large protecting many endangered species within this property. One of Eglin AFB’s largest research project and ecological win is the red-cockaded woodpecker, please see attached article below. Some of the endangered plant and animal species found there are: The Darter which 95% of the world’s population is located within Eglin AFB property, the red-cockaded woodpecker, the bald eagle, the gopher turtles, and MANY MORE. I was trying to find a complete list but I was unable for some reason, I thought it would be easier, but no luck so far.
Other than endangered species Eglin AFB reservation is home to a large variety of wildlife. These animals include black bears, bobcats, alligators, turtles including the box turtle, gopher turtle, and soft-shell turtle, diamond back rattlesnakes, white - tailed deer, and many freshwater fish species.
A local deer
Armadillo
A local hunter standing on the roof his truck, better to see I suppose…
Eglin AFB maintains this natural reservation by using controlled burns to keep the brush under control and to prevent over growth and non-usability of the land for military purposes.
Here is a photo I took during a controlled burn
During Hurricane season in Florida Eglin works hard to maintain the usability of all dirt roads through the reservation. This is important because at least 90% of the roads throughout are all dirt roads. Some roles of maintaining this is to keep downed trees cleaned up, therefore protected the ecosystem and road system.
Eglin is a sustainable environment because of conservation attempts by the local wildlife management teams. Eglin has so many different types of habitats including freshwater, saltwater, and wooded areas. The area is protected from people driving unless they have a pass obtained through the Jackson Guard. Also, no one is allowed within the property before sunrise or after sunset and this is strictly enforced by reservation park managers and military police. I grew up swimming in these creeks, running through the woods, fishing in the waters here. Nothing makes me happier than to know that this area is protected and will always be enjoyed by many generations to come. This is especially important with all the building happening to encourage tourists in my hometown.
Freshwater Habitats found within the reservation
All of the roads throughout Eglin’s Reservation are numbered similar to highways. These markers help you to find your way through using the yearly updated map.
Here is a great write up about the achievements of Eglin AFB in the area of wildlife preservation:
One of the installations achieving program victories in 2010 was Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Measures taken by program officials there have resulted in population increases for both the Okaloosa darter and the red-cockaded woodpecker.
The darter relies on clear water streams, and approximately 95 percent of the total remaining population of the tiny endangered fish resides on the base. Base officials' efforts to abate erosion at stream crossings and improve crossing structures in critical habitat areas have resulted in a population increase and a determination by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to down-list the species from "endangered" to "threatened" status.
The proposed rule is currently under review and will likely be published as a final rule in the federal register in the near future, according to base officials.
"It was up to the Air Force to make it or break it for this species," said Bruce Hagedorn, a supervisory biologist at Eglin AFB. "This was a monumental victory. It is the first vertebrate species down-listed solely by actions on a military installation."
The victory is the result of hard work and the implementation of innovative measures, such as creating and installing a sky-lighted culvert on Eglin AFB's golf course. The well-lit culvert encourages fish to travel through it while still allowing golfers to traverse the course.
Eglin AFB officials also made strides in protecting another endangered species on base: the red-cockaded woodpecker. Old-growth longleaf pine trees on the installation are the preferred habitat for the bird, and Eglin AFB's forest represents the largest contiguous tract of old-growth longleaf pine in the world.
Wildlife biologists at Eglin AFB have mapped, monitored and protected existing woodpecker clusters and created new nest sites for population expansion by drilling tree cavities.
The darter relies on clear water streams, and approximately 95 percent of the total remaining population of the tiny endangered fish resides on the base. Base officials' efforts to abate erosion at stream crossings and improve crossing structures in critical habitat areas have resulted in a population increase and a determination by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to down-list the species from "endangered" to "threatened" status.
The proposed rule is currently under review and will likely be published as a final rule in the federal register in the near future, according to base officials.
"It was up to the Air Force to make it or break it for this species," said Bruce Hagedorn, a supervisory biologist at Eglin AFB. "This was a monumental victory. It is the first vertebrate species down-listed solely by actions on a military installation."
The victory is the result of hard work and the implementation of innovative measures, such as creating and installing a sky-lighted culvert on Eglin AFB's golf course. The well-lit culvert encourages fish to travel through it while still allowing golfers to traverse the course.
Eglin AFB officials also made strides in protecting another endangered species on base: the red-cockaded woodpecker. Old-growth longleaf pine trees on the installation are the preferred habitat for the bird, and Eglin AFB's forest represents the largest contiguous tract of old-growth longleaf pine in the world.
Wildlife biologists at Eglin AFB have mapped, monitored and protected existing woodpecker clusters and created new nest sites for population expansion by drilling tree cavities.
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