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ERDC/CRREL SR-02-2
available between Farish (4000) and the Academy (2000). In 2003, the Air Force
Academy will comply with new state regulations that mandate stocking of
whirling-disease-free fish in all waters connected to streams that support wild,
reproducing salmonid populations. Disease-free fish are already stocked on base.
Nuisance wildlife includes bears, coyotes, and mountain lions, along with
smaller mammals, such as mice, squirrels, bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons. The
management approach is to educate people and implement practices that do not
attract these animals to the more populated areas. Coyotes and bears in trashcans
are the most common complaints. Nuisance bear calls should decline in base
housing because Pine Valley was outfitted with bearproof dumpsters in 2001 and
Douglas Valley will be bearproofed by late 2002. Additional bearproofing will
be needed elsewhere on base as the bears discover that food is no longer
available in the housing areas. Persistent bears may be harassed with spot-
lighting, fireworks, paintballs, or rubber buckshot to teach them to avoid certain
areas on base, particularly the housing areas. Occasional sightings of mountain
lions are reported to Natural Resources. The base public is educated on safety in
lion country through various articles, signs, and CDOW brochures.
Erosion and sedimentation, both from on- and off-base sources, are
degrading wetland, riparian, and upland habitats, including areas occupied by
the federally protected Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse. The permanent loss
of soil resources exacerbates the difficulties and cost associated with conducting
successful revegetation projects. Natural Resources is coordinating with on- and
off-base entities to prevent erosion, sedimentation, and excessive runoff into wet-
land and riparian areas. Conservation Agreement mitigation projects and erosion
control projects to enhance wetland and riparian habitat include willow planting,
tree planting, soil stabilization measures, and native revegetation. Construction
projects are coordinated to minimize the amount of time that bare ground is
exposed. Native seed mixes and NRCS-recommended site preparation and
seeding guidelines are used for all revegetation projects to promote the estab-
lishment of vegetation cover. Any new development of impacts within the 100-
year floodplain of Monument Creek and its tributaries is discouraged.
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