Key support for an ecosystem-management approach to natural resources management appeared in the DoD memorandum on implementing ecosystem management (1994), the subsequent DoDI 4715.3, Environmental Conservation Program (1996), and the Sikes Act Improvement Act in 1997 (SAIA). DoDI 4715.3 provides early guidance to the military services in implementing ecosystem management. The DoD Policy regarding ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation was derived largely from the recommendations of the “Keystone Center Policy Dialogue on a Department of Defense (DoD) Biodiversity Management Strategy” (Keystone Center 1996). The 1996 DoD Biodiversity Handbook (Leslie et al. 1996) and the NatureServe/TNC 2008 revision to the handbook (Benton et al. 2008) speak to and support that policy. The key elements of the 1996 DoD policy for ecosystem management include the following goals and principles:
Goal of ecosystem management
INRMPs are designed to ensure that military lands support present and future training and testing requirements while preserving, improving, and enhancing ecosystem integrity. Over the long term, that approach shall maintain and improve the sustainability and biological diversity of terrestrial and aquatic (including marine) ecosystems while supporting sustainable economies, human use, and the environment required for realistic military training operations.
Next Page: Principles
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