This chapter describes the purpose of Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs), policies and other guidance that inform their content and structure, and describes some best management practices for developing effective INRMPs.
INRMPs are based on the principles of ecosystem management. They establish goals and objectives, describe how to manage natural resources, allow for multipurpose uses of those resources, and define public accessโall while ensuring no net loss in the capability of an installation to support its military testing and training mission. They are the clearing house for everything natural resource-related on the installation. They integrate other information and plans such as installation master plans and range and training land plans; recreation; natural resources compliance commitments; and partnerships, as well as the Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) program (Army only, several exceptions) in support of the Armyโs Sustainable Range Program.
There are currently over 380 INRMPS being implemented across the Department of Defense (DoD) military services on more than 25 million acres of land managed by the military (Orndorff 2020) (Figure 5.1). The INRMP integrates all traditional elements of natural resources management related to species, habitats, and environmental quality. The process also considers military mission requirements, installation master planning, environmental planning, and outdoor recreation. To address installation requirements and regional issues, INRMPs involve appropriate stakeholders, thereby providing for more efficient and effective management of natural resources on a landscape-scale, all while ensuring that military readiness is sustained.
Next Page: INRMP drivers and underpinnings
Author
David S. Jones, RA IV, Ecologist/Project Manager
Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands
Warner College of Natural Resources
Colorado State University
The Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan: Foundations and Key Topics
INRMP drivers and underpinnings
Box 5.1: Black-capped Vireo at Fort Hood and Fort Sill: INRMP captures commitments after delisting