Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
AROUND THE ARMY RESERVE
4 THE FRONT LINES The Army Reserve Earth Day Message
6 BATTLE RHYTHMS
ENERGY
10 POWER PLAYERS Fort Buchanan trained 30 Building Energy Monitors, who will lead the charge for conservation at the Installation.
12 KEEP YOUR COOL Beat the heat and conserve energy.
WATER
13 GREENER GARDENS You can enjoy a lush landscape and conserve water.
14 THE WATERS RUN DEEP Wastewater can have major impacts on public health, the environment and the mission.
SOLID WASTE + RECYCLING
16 WHAT IT MEANS TO BUY GREEN As a Federal entity, the Army Reserve must comply with regulations regarding sustainable procurement. But, what does “buy green” really mean?
SOLDIERS FOR SUSTAINABILITY is the magazine of Army Reserve Sustainability Programs Branch.
Army Reserve Sustainability Programs Branch is part of the Army Reserve Installation
Management Directorate (ARIMD) of the United States Army Reserve.
COLONEL GLENN KIESEWETTERDirector
ARIMD, OCAR
COLONEL BRIAN GRIFFINDirector
ARIMD, USARC
PAUL WIRTChief
Army Reserve Sustainability Programs Branch
HEATHER BROWNJONELLE KIMBROUGH
Editors of SOLDIERS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Scott Sturkol
CONTACT USPHONE
910.570.8906
WEBsustainableusar.com
SOCIAL MEDIAfacebook.com/SustainableUSAR
Twitter @SustainableUSAR
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 20 PUTTING THE METAL TO THE PETAL An innovative way to reduce the military’s impacts on the environment is blossoming in the Department of Defense.
21 HOT STORY Fort McCoy, Wisconsin’s prescribed burn program enhances habitat and maintains accessible training lands for Soldiers.
MANEUVERS
22 CALENDAR
COMING IN THE JULY ISSUE
PRESERVING THE ENDANGERED PALO DE ROSA AT FORT BUCHANAN
CREATING A POLLINATOR PARADISE AT FORT MCCOY
PREPARING FOR NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY
PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM GREEN WASHING
AND MUCH MORE!
SUBMISSION GUIDESOLDIERS FOR SUSTAINABILITY, THE MAGAZINE OF ARMY RESERVE SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS, is published quarterly – in January, April, July and October.
We welcome submissions from the field for SOLDIERS FOR SUSTAINABILITY.
Timely stories or story ideas on energy, water, solid waste and environmental quality programs, projects and successes may be sent to the editors or to [email protected].
Submissions are due by the 15th of the month prior to publication. For instance, submissions for the July issue are due by June 15.
Due to the volume of content we receive, however, we may not be able to guarantee publication in a particular issue.
The magazine editors and United States Army Reserve Command Public Affairs reserve the right to edit any submission to the magazine for grammar, content, clarity and space.
Press-quality graphics and photographs are welcome. Ensure that photos are clear and of high quality, at least 4” x 6” at 300 DPI in their original format. Graphics should be sent as separate files.
WE CANNOT ACCEPT PHOTOGRAPHS OR GRAPHICS THAT ARE EMBEDDED IN WORD, PDF OR POWER POINT DOCUMENTS. Photographs should be sent as JPG files. High contrast graphics such as charts or logos should be sent as PNG or TIF files.
Articles and graphics should be reviewed and cleared for release by your Installation, Regional Support Command or Mission Support Command Public Affairs Office prior to submission. Contact us if you require assistance with release.
Articles and graphics in this magazine may be shared or republished if the author is credited. If no specific author is listed, please credit Army Reserve Sustainability Programs Branch as the author.
UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVE EARTH DAY MESSAGE
“Of all the questions which can come before this nation, short of the actual preservation of its existence in a great war, there is none which compares in importance with the great central task of leaving this land even a better land for our descendants than it is for us.” - Theodore Roosevelt
As a boy, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt fostered an intense appreciation for the natural world. As a young man, he became America’s first and perhaps most famous Soldier - Conservationist. As the 26th President of the United States, he created an unprecedented culture of preservation that was respected by his constituents and emulated by his successors.
On Earth Day, the United States Army Reserve celebrates President Roosevelt’s legacy, and we recognize that resource conservation enables our mission and plays a vital role in the defense of the nation.
During his time in office, President Roosevelt instituted policy to protect over 230 million acres of land, establishing pristine wildernesses for the enjoyment of generations of Americans, past and future.
Similarly, the Army Reserve manages 321,103 acres of land and 4,559 buildings, allowing hundreds of thousands of Soldiers to have an unhindered focus on mission preparedness, year after year.
Our Installations, Regional Support Commands and Mission Support Command strive to protect mission essential resources such as accessible land, fresh air, reliable energy and clean water.
They employ innovative, efficient land management practices to ensure the continuous availability of healthy, functional ranges. These lands serve as critical platforms for Soldiers to train in effective, natural environments. As a result of integrated planning, these lands also serve as habitats for Federally threatened and endangered species and Army species - at - risk such as the Karner Blue Butterfly, Northern Long Eared Bat, Puerto Rican Boa and Monterey Spineflower.
Our sites also practice energy conservation, water conservation, waste reduction and sustainable procurement. These practices reduce environmental impacts, and they create resilient, secure and resource conscious facilities and communities. For instance, the Army Reserve reduced energy use intensity by 17.9 percent in fiscal year 2016, compared to the fiscal year 2015 baseline. That reduction translates into a cost avoidance of $6.7 million, or the level of funding required to conduct nine training missions.
THE
FRO
NT
LIN
ES
PAGE 4
Soldier, naturalist and statesman President Roosevelt said, “Conservation is a great moral issue, for it involves the patriotic duty of ensuring the safety and continuance of the nation.” This Earth Day, let us recognize the Soldiers, Civilians and Families, who, with patriotism and passion, achieve the mutually supportive objectives of an ever - sustainable, resilient and ready Army Reserve.
COLONEL GLENN A. KIESEWETTERDIRECTORARMY RESERVE INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE21 APRIL 2017
SUSTAIN THE MISSIONSECURE THE FUTURE
THE FRO
NT LIN
ES
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
CLEARING THE WAY FOR SOLAR ENERGY
John “Jack” Surash, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Energy and Sustainability, signed a Finding of No Significant Impact for a Programmatic Environmental Assessment regarding the construction, operation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic projects on Army installations. The assessment will streamline the National Environmental Policy Act process for future photovoltaic projects, enabling the Army to leverage favorable market conditions to its advantage and implement initiatives that contribute to energy security and resilience.
THE POWER IS IN OUR HANDS
The United States Army has set another ambitious goal: to sustain energy and water at installations for 14 days, with no dependence on civilian supplies.
Robert Speer, Acting Secretary of the Army, signed a directive titled “Installation Energy and Water Security Policy” on February 23, 2017. The directive mandates limited independence from the public power grid and water supply.
BATT
LE R
HYT
HM
S
RIGHT AS RAIN
The 81st Regional Support Command completed the construction of a rainwater harvesting pilot system at Harry Milton Kandel Army Reserve Center in Savannah, Georgia in March 2017. Rainwater will supplement or supply the water needs for vehicle wash and reduce the use of potable water at the site. A second rainwater harvesting pilot system is at the 63rd Regional Support Command in Grand Prairie, Texas. The systems support Goal #3 of the Army Reserve Water Security Implementation Strategy, “Utilize Alternative Water Sources.”
BATTLE RHYTH
MS
PAGE 7
The United States Army Reserve Solid Waste Team recently reviewed over 100 contracts from the field to determine if their purchases were compliant with Federal sustainable procurement standards such as the Federal Acquisitions Regulation, or FAR.
The review will strengthen efforts to retain fiscally and environmentally sound products and services that conserve energy and water, reduce waste, promote recycling, preserve the environment, protect public health and encourage social responsibility.
Learn more about “What It Means To Buy Green” on page 16.
THE ‘FAR’ SIDE
CELEBRATING WORLD WATER DAY
The United States Army Reserve celebrated World Water Day on March 20 and 21, 2017. The Office of the Chief of Army Reserve and United States Army Reserve Command hosted information stations on wastewater, the global theme of World Water Day for 2017.
In addition, the Army Reserve observed Fix-A-Leak Week on March 20 to 26. Army Reserve Sustainability Programs provided information and educational materials on leak detection to our communities at our World Water Day events.
“From the modern plumbing systems in our facilities to the water purification activities in the field, the Army Reserve can’t fulfill its mission without clean, available water,” said Trey Lewis, Army Reserve Water Program Coordinator. “We celebrate World Water Day to acknowledge the critical role that water plays in every aspect of Army Reserve operations and to share our activities and successes as effective stewards of this precious resource.”
PAGE 8
BATT
LE R
HYT
HM
S CULTIVATING PARTNERSHIPS
In January 2017, the National Football League Environmental Programs partnered with Green Works Orlando to build the Colonial Town community garden in Orlando, Florida. United States Army Reserve Soldiers from the 143rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, students from Annunciation Middle School, athletes from the University of Central Florida, Verizon Wireless and the City of Orlando assisted with the project.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
Representatives from the Office of the Chief of Army Reserve, United States Army Reserve Command, four Regional Support Commands and the 9th Mission Support Command attended Army Reserve-specific training for the new Army Enterprise environmental management software, Headquarters Army Environmental System, or HQAES.
Army Environmental Command provided the training on March 21 to 23, 2017 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
Environmental professionals can use HQAES software to collect and manage environmental requirements, liabilities, documents and records for all Army components.
PAGE 9
BATTLE RHYTH
MS
SHARING OUR SUCCESSES
Paul Wirt, Chief of the Army Reserve Sustainability Programs Branch, briefed the Honorable Katherine Hammack, former Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, on January 18, 2017. Attendees included Stephen Austin, Assistant Chief of the Army Reserve; Colonel Glenn Kiesewetter, Director of the Army Reserve Installation Management Directorate; Army Reserve Sustainability Programs Branch staff; and Hammack’s staff. The brief featured fiscal year 2016 results in the areas of energy and sustainability across five cross-cutting strategies: Inform Decisions, Support the Program, Optimize Resource Use, Use Alternative Sources and Build Partnerships.
UNSUNG HEROES
The 9th Mission Support Command received the City and County of Honolulu’s Environmental Hero Award at a ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii in February 2017. The award applauded the Command’s continued support of the annual Pearl City bicycle path beautification project.
At the event, the City and County of Honolulu lauded over 50 agencies including the Waikiki Aquarium, the University of Hawaii and several local schools for their work to protect Hawaiian waters and the environment. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell addressed the honorees, calling them “unsung heroes.”
The 9th Mission Support Command received the City and County of Honolulu’s Good Neighbor Award in 2015.
HAILS AND FAREWELLS
Army Reserve Sustainability Programs welcomed two new team members in January 2017.Olivia Oudinot joined the team as Programs Coordinator. Reach out to Olivia at 703.806.6726 or [email protected]. Frank “Trey” Lewis joined the team as our new Water Program Coordinator. You can contact Trey at 703.806.6720 or [email protected].
Eric Loughner, Deputy Director of the Army Reserve Installation Management Directorate at the Office of the Chief of Army Reserve, retired in March 2017 after many years of distinguished service.
POWERPLAYERS
BUILDING ENERGY MONITORS ARE LEADING THE CHARGE FOR CONSERVATION AT FORT BUCHANAN, PUERTO RICO.
The United States Army Reserve strives to protect its critical energy assets for the missions of today and the missions of tomorrow. Often, facility occupants are the first lines of defense, and Building Energy Monitors lead the charge for conservation.
Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico boasts a robust Building Energy Monitor Program. Dmitrii Cordero Mojica of Fort Buchanan’s Directorate of Public Works and Heather Brown of Army Reserve Sustainability Programs trained 30 Building Energy Monitors during Earth Day observances in April.
In their roles, Building Energy Monitors will thoroughly assess their facilities and identify opportunities for energy conservation. They will educate their peers and encourage sustainable practices. They will also collaborate with Energy Managers at Installations, Regional Support Commands and the Mission Support Command. Ultimately, their efforts impact the development of energy projects that save resources and avoid costs for the Army Reserve. Colonel Glenn Kiesewetter, Director of the Army Reserve Installation Management Directorate, called Building Energy Monitors the “force multipliers in the Army Reserve’s Energy Program.”
STORY CONTINUES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE
PAGE 10 PAGE 11
PAGE 9PAGE 11
POWER PLAYERS
STORY CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE
During the training at Fort Buchanan, the Building Energy Monitors addressed instances of energy waste in the Installation’s 1300 area, which is slated for demolition. Cordero Mojica and his colleagues investigated the claims in facility surveys. So far, the team has identified and corrected 27,332 kilowatt hours of energy wastes that represent a cost avoidance of nearly $5,000 each year. The Directorate of Public Works will inspect more 1300 area facilities in the future.
“Fort Buchanan is well on track toward the Army Reserve’s energy goals,” said Cordero Mojica, the Installation’s Resource Efficiency Manager. “Building Energy Monitor training is key at our Installation for the advancement and sustainment of the goals established in our Energy Conservation Management Action Plan. This training will create awareness of energy conservation efforts and push our facility coordinators and environmental compliance officers toward mission readiness, sustainability efforts and community resilience.”
The successes of the Building Energy Monitor Program, and other energy initiatives, are apparent at Fort Buchanan. The Installation reduced its energy use intensity by 9.5 percent in fiscal year 2016, compared to the 2015 baseline. As an enterprise, the Army Reserve reduced its energy use intensity by 17.9 percent, for a cost avoidance of $6.7 million or the level of funding to conduct nine training missions. Fort Buchanan contributed 6.8 percent of that entire reduction.
Energy conservation is a top priority for the Department of Defense and Goal One of the Army Reserve Energy Security Implementation Strategy. Building Energy Monitors, at Fort Buchanan and beyond, are achieving this goal by shaping a resource-conscious culture of Soldiers, Civilians and Families for generations to come.
“QUOTE UNQUOTE”Building Energy Monitor training will create awareness of energy conservation efforts and push our facility coordinators and environmental compliance officers toward mission readiness, sustainability efforts and community resilience.
- DMITRII CORDERO MOJICA
PAGE 12
YES! YOU CAN CONSERVE RESOURCES AND STAY COMFORTABLE AS TEMPERATURES RISE!
• Use ceiling fans to cool rooms, and you can raise your thermostat with no loss of comfort.
• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees.*
• Close your curtains in direct sunlight to prevent ambient heat gain.
• Use energy efficient lights, appliances and electronics that generate less heat.
• Use heat-generating appliances in the morning or evening to prevent heat gain.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes to reduce your hot water use.
• Shorten your shower to reduce your hot water use.
• Schedule maintenance for your climate control system.
• Change your air filters to improve your air conditioner’s performance.
*Unless otherwise directed by your installation regulations regarding facility humidity levels.
FIND MORE ENERGY CONSERVATION RESOURCESenergy.gov/EnergySaver
PAGE 13
GREENGardens
YOUR PLANTS NEED WATER TO GROW AND THRIVE, BUT CONSERVATION IS IMPORTANT IN THE GARDEN, TOO.
A water efficient landscape can reduce water use by 20 to 50 percent, conserve up to 10,000 gallons of water each year and significantly reduce your water costs.
• Choose plants that are indigenous to your region. Native plants are adapted to your area’s unique environment and are tolerant of drought.
• Use rich, well-drained soil to encourage root growth and reduce your water use.
• Install plants in blocks instead of rows, and group plants with similar water needs.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your hardscapes.
• Irrigate your in-ground plants during early morning hours, and irrigate your container plants during evening hours to prevent water loss through evaporation.
• Irrigate your plants deeply, and thoroughly soak their roots to retain water.
• Harvest rainwater to irrigate your plants.*
• Use mulch.
FIND MORE WATER CONSERVATION IDEAS FOR YOUR GARDEN wateruseitwisely.com
*Municipal rainwater harvesting is regulated in some states. Learn your local laws before you harvest rainwater.
MISSION
PAGE 14 PAGE 15
THE WATERSRUN
EVERY DAY, EVERY PERSON GENERATES WASTEWATER. BUT, WASTEWATER CAN IMPACT OUR ENVIRONMENT, OUR FACILITIES AND OUR SOLDIERS.
If water is life, then wastewater is a fact of life.
According to the United States Geological Survey, each person uses 80 to 100 gallons of water every day. The vast majority of that water is “recycled,” treated and released into the municipal water supply.
Wastewater treatment is a necessary but complicated, expensive process. And, wastewater treatment impacts many aspects our lives and the United States Army Reserve’s mission.
WASTEWATER AND INFRASTRUCTUREWastewater treatment requires a lot of infrastructure, which requires a lot of maintenance. Our water quality can be compromised as these systems age or falter. We can protect water infrastructure by conserving water and discarding wastes properly.
WASTEWATER AND UTILITY COSTSWastewater treatment is resource-intensive. The costs to treat wastewater are passed on to consumers in our utility bills. We can ultimately reduce these costs by conserving water. When we produce less wastewater, we have to treat less wastewater.
STORY CONTINUES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE
DEEP
PAGE 13PAGE 15
THE WATERS RUN DEEPSTORY CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE
WASTEWATER AND PUBLIC HEALTHWaterborne illnesses can infiltrate our municipal water supply and cause widespread public health concerns if we do not properly treat our wastewater. When we properly treat our wastewater, we protect our communities and our Soldiers, and we can prevent impediments to the mission caused by water-related ailments.
WASTEWATER AND THE ENVIRONMENTIf wastewater is not managed and treated, contaminants can infiltrate bodies of water and harm their surrounding environments. Proper wastewater management and treatment efforts prevent the pollution of the municipal water supply and recreational waters, and these processes protect vegetation, fish and wildlife.
WASTEWATER AND THE MISSION
Proper wastewater treatment bolsters the integrity of our facilities, enhances the viability of our training lands and supports our war fighters – especially our Water Treatment Specialists, who ensure that Soldiers have the water resources that they need to complete their missions.
Wastewater reuse is an opportunity for the Army Reserve to be an innovative, agile force within the Department of Defense. To that end, the Army Reserve Water Security Implementation Strategy addresses alternative water sources and wastewater in Goal #3, “Utilize Alternative Water Sources.”
By reusing our wastewater, we can turn a logistics liability into an asset. We can reduce the demands on potable water at our facilities, and we can lessen our reliance on limited groundwater and surface water supplies.
Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico and Fort Hunter Liggett, California are investigating the collection of wastewater for applications such as irrigation and wetland restoration. Pilot projects at the 63rd and 81st Regional Support Commands are testing the feasibility of rainwater harvesting to supplement or completely supply the water needs for vehicle wash facilities at Army Reserve Centers.
With such cutting-edge initiatives, the Army Reserve continues to be a proactive element within the Army, striving to safeguard the water resources that enable mission resilience and support goals toward water security.
PAGE 16
PAGE 17PAGE 17
GOAL #1 OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVE’S SOLID WASTE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY IS “DEVELOP A SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT PROGRAM.” BUT, WHAT DOES SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT REALLY MEAN?
The Army Reserve and all Federal agencies must comply with statutes, Executive Orders and the Federal Acquisition Regulation regarding sustainable procurement. In fact, 95 percent of our new contracts, contract modifications and purchases of products and services should meet sustainable procurement standards.
WHAT ARE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS?Sustainable products reduce our environmental impacts throughout their entire life cycles - from production, through consumption, to disposal. They are designed to save energy and water, reduce waste, prevent pollution, protect public health and conserve natural resources. These products are also economically sound and socially responsible.
For the Army Reserve, sustainable products conserve mission-critical assets such as reliable energy, clean water, fresh air and accessible land. They contribute to our waste diversion efforts, and they enhance the quality of our facilities for our Soldiers, Civilians and Families.
Hundreds of products are designated to be sustainable under the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines, the Department of Agriculture’s Biopreferred Program, the Department of Energy’s Energy Star ™ Program, General Services Administration and other initiatives.
Army Reserve Sustainability Programs can provide information about sustainable procurement. Contact Tyrone Cook, Army Reserve Solid Waste Program Coordinator, at 703.806.6738 or Robin Sullivan, Senior Support Engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, at 509.375.2980.
Buy for the future. Buy GREEN.
PAGE 18
ARE ENERGY EFFICIENTLight Emitting Diode (LED) and Compact
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Energy Star ™ Rated Electronics and Appliances
Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)Designated Electronics and Appliances
EPEAT Designated Electronics and Appliances
Energy Efficient Doors and Windows
ARE WATER EFFICIENTWater Efficient Showerheads, Faucets and Toilets
WaterSense ™ Designated Products
CONTAIN RECYCLED AND RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
Paper and Paper Products
Furniture
Recreational Products such as Bicycle Racks, Benches and Running Tracks
Facility Construction and Maintenance Materials such as Insulation, Roofing and Paint
Vehicle Maintenance Products such as Parts, Tires and Coolants
Grounds Maintenance Materials such as Mulch and Compost
ARE BIOBASEDCleaners and Janitorial Products
Food Service Products such as Disposable
Tableware and Cutlery
Construction and Facility Maintenance Materials such as Carpet and Paint
Vehicle Maintenance Products such as Hydraulic Fluids, Lubricants and Sorbents
Blast Media
Personal Care and Hygiene Products
Cosmetics
Candles
United States Department of Agriculture Biopreferred Designated Products
CONTAIN SAFER MATERIALSCleaners
Vehicle Maintenance Products such as Metal Polishers
Parts Washers and Solutions
Medical Products such as PVC - Free Gloves and Mercury - Free Thermometers
Aerosols, Refrigerants and Propellants with Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP) Chemicals
or Other Alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances
United States Environmental Protection Agency Design for the Environment or Safer Choice
Designated Products
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS ...
PAGE 19
CONTAIN SUSTAINABLY SOURCED
OR HARVESTED MATERIALSForest Stewardship Council Certified Wood and
Paper Products
Rainforest Alliance Certified Products
Fair Trade Certified Products
United States Department of Agriculture Certified Organic Foods
Green Seal Certified Products
Locally Manufactured Products
USE ALTERNATIVE FUELSAlternatively Fueled, Hybrid and
Electric Vehicles
SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTSSUSTAINABLE FACILITIES TOOL
http://sftool.gov/GreenProcurement
FEDERAL FACILITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE CENTER
https://www.fedcenter.gov/programs/buygreen/
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts
FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION https://acquisiton.gov/FAR
These lists are not exhaustive.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS ...
A NOVEL NEW INITIATIVE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND THE SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM COULD REVOLUTIONIZE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF TRAINING AMMUNITION.
Military manuevers can leave “bootprints” – literally and figuratively – on the Earth, and training ammunition is a particular environmental concern.
When training rounds are expended, they stay where they fall. Thus, they can corrode and release numerous pollutants into the soil and water on ranges. In fact, the Government Accountability Office estimates that military munitions have contaminated 15 million acres of land, and remediation could cost more than $35 billion.
In an effort to reduce its impacts and avoid the costs of remediation, the Department of Defense recently solicited research proposals for the development of biodegradable training ammunition.
But, wait ... there’s more.
The biodegradable ammunition would also contain seeds that yield specially engineered plants. The plants would remove contaminants from the soil and consume the biodegradable components of the ammunition.
Will this vision “blossom” into reality? Read more at sustainableusar.com. Select “Sustainability News.”
PAGE 20
PAGE 23
HOTSTORY
(LITERALLY)
Fort McCoy, Wisconsin’s first prescribed burns of the year began in February and will continue throughout the spring.
Jim Kerkman, Installation Forester for Fort McCoy’s Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division, Natural Resources Branch, said that completing and planning prescribed burns throughout the post is a team effort.
“Prescribed burns, generally, are done in the spring and fall seasons because weather conditions are most favorable at those times,” Kerkman said.
On February 22, 2017, the prescribed burn team completed a burn at Range 29 on Fort McCoy’s North Post – one of the earliest dates to start a burn season at the Installation.
Charles Mentzel, the Forestry Technician who supervised the burn, said that the burn was an ideal opportunity to prepare the area for Operation Cold Steel, which began on March 4 on post.
Prescribed burns improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plants, restore and maintain native plant communities, and reduce the potential for wildfires.
“Prescribed burns help reduce wildfire potential in areas all around the post – especially in places where military training is taking place,” Mentzel said.
STORY BY SCOTT STURKOL
THE FULL STORY AND PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE AT SUSTAINABLEUSAR.COM. SELECT INSTALLATIONS, THEN FORT MCCOY.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Operation Cold Steel was an extensive live-fire exercise that occurred during March and April at Fort McCoy. An estimated 1,800 Army Reserve Soldiers from 60 units across the country participated in the training mission.
PAGE 21
PAGE 22
MAY 2017MEMORIAL DAY - FEDERAL HOLIDAY Monday, May 29
ENERGY TELECONFERENCEWednesday, May 31
JUNE 2017WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY “CONNECTING PEOPLE TO NATURE”Monday, June 5
WATER TELECONFERENCE Wednesday, June 7
WORLD OCEANS DAYThursday, June 8
ENERGY TELECONFERENCEWednesday, June 14
COMING SOONBASE OPERATIONS ADVISORY FORUMJuly 2017
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP FORUM (TELECONFERENCE)July 8
MA
NEU
VER
S
PLEA
SE N
OTE
: CA
LEN
DAR
EVEN
TS A
RE S
UBJ
ECT
TO C
HA
NG
E W
ITH
OU
T N
OTI
CE
