The INRMP is the Installation Commander ‘s comprehensive integrated plan for the conservation and management of natural resources to comply with natural resources stewardship requirements while optimizing primary activities on mission land and waters, and where compatible, conducting secondary activities. An integrated plan, to the maximum extent practicable, focusing on ecosystem-based management that shows the interrelationships of individual components of natural resources management (e.g., fish and wildlife, forestry, land management, outdoor recreation) to mission requirements and other land use activities affecting an installation’s natural resources. INRMPs ensure natural resources conservation programs and military operations are integrated and consistent with stewardship and legal requirements through cooperation among DOD, USFWS, NOAA Fisheries Service, and State fish and wildlife agencies [DODI 4715.03, Glossary]
The foundation of this document includes interrelationships and processes between other Army range, operations, training area and range management, master planning, cultural resources, integrated pest management, wildland fire, emergency services and other internal offices as well as external statutory partners of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Fish and Wildlife agencies, and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Offices as appropriate. Requirements are set forth in legislation, implementing regulations, and Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Army (DA) regulations and directives, and define the Army’s compliance responsibilities for planning and management of natural resources. [Ref. AR 200-1, Chapter 4].
The Sikes Act is one such governing law which requires Department of Defense installations to conserve and rehabilitate natural resources on military installations; provide public access to facilitate use, subject to safety and military security and provide for the sustainable multipurpose use of resources on the installation (hunting, fishing, trapping and non-consumptive uses. It also requires the preparation and implementation of INRMPs at U.S. DoD installations that contain significant natural resources. This includes all DoD operations, activities, real property, and property interests owned, leased, permitted, and controlled in the US. (near-shore areas and public lands withdrawn from all forms of appropriation pursuant to public land laws and reserved for use by the DoD, unless the law specifically places responsibilities on another organization).
In order to carry out a program for the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources on military installations, the Sikes Act requires the preparation and implementation of Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs) at U.S. DoD installations that contain significant natural resources. In addition to the statutory references, the U.S. Army’s Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment [OASA(IE&E)] released on 12 January 2015 its Strategy 2025. According to the Army’s website, “OASA (IE&E) Strategy 2025 is important, as it serves to guide and shape the Army’s future and current actions related to Installations, Energy, and Environment, as well as provide the strategic roadmap to achieve its vision.” Managing lands to support the mission is an element of the strategy.
Integrated Natural Resources Management Planning directly supports efforts across Army and DoD to support an enterprise-wide approach for plans and operations, training and testing, built and natural infrastructure, and acquisition and supply.