The Natural Resources management measures and strategies implemented at Fort Cavazos have been developed with consideration for the interrelationships between the individual components of the ecosystem, the requirements of the military mission, and other land use activities. The focus is on maintaining the structure and integrity of biological communities, while recognizing that the Soldiers and military mission are a vital component of the ecosystem. Monitoring programs generate the data needed to determine whether the management measures and strategies are effective in achieving their intended goals and objectives. This approach helps preserve and enhance the natural resources, while providing the optimum environmental conditions required to sustain the military mission and realistic training conditions at Fort Cavazos.
Fort Cavazos Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) 2024-2029:
The purpose of an INRMP is to provide guidance for the implementation and management of natural resources on Fort Cavazos during the 5-year period from 2024 through 2029. This INRMP uses an integrated, adaptive, ecosystem management approach for sustainability and consistency with the military missions on Fort Cavazos. The DoD with the assistance of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) are responsible under the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670a-670f, as amended) for carrying out programs and implementing management strategies to conserve and protect biological resources on Fort Cavazos lands. INRMP implementation is imperative for increasing mission capabilities, minimizing military training constraints, and maintaining maximum flexibility.
Integrated natural resources management in an ecosystem framework promotes overall environmental quality and provides for recreational uses while protecting biological ecosystems and allowing military training access to the resources needed to maintain a high degree of combat readiness at Fort Cavazos. Effective sustainable use of natural resources accomplishes no net loss in the capability of the installation to support the military mission.
This INRMP provides a description of Fort Cavazos and its surrounding environments and presents various management practices designed to mitigate potential negative impacts and enhance the positive effects of the installation’s mission on the regional ecosystem. These management practices complement the requirements of Fort Cavazos to accomplish mission requirements at the highest possible level of efficiency. For the most recent Fort Cavazos INRMP, click HERE.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) Management on Fort Cavazos
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA, 16 USC 703-712; 50 CFR Part 10) states that, “Unless and except as permitted by regulations…it shall be unlawful at any time, by any means or in any manner, to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, attempt to take, capture, or kill…any migratory bird, any part, nest, or eggs of any such bird…concluded November 19, 1976.” Further, Executive Order 13186 provides guidance to Federal agencies with the purpose to, “minimize the potential adverse effects of migratory bird take, with the goal of striving to eliminate take, while implementing the mission.”
In accordance with Executive Order 13186 and the associated MOU between the DoD and the USFWS to Promote the Conservation of Migratory Birds, Fort Cavazos will, to the extent feasible and practical, conduct non-military readiness activities in a manner that will minimize or avoid their impacts on migratory birds, with special emphasis on migratory bird species of concern.
On Fort Cavazos, migratory bird season is 15 March to 15 August annually. During this nesting period, several stipulations must be followed to ensure no incidental or intentional take of migratory birds. Before large-scale mowing activities, tree trimming/removal, or removal of brush or landscaping, individuals must coordinate with DPW Natural Resources biologists.
Additionally, if a nest is found on a building or vehicle, DPW Natural Resources biologists must be contacted prior to removal. To contact a biologist on Fort Cavazos, contact 254-287-1088.
Landscaping, Tree Trimming, & Vegetation Removal on Fort Cavazos
- Native hardwood trees of a certain DBH must be replaced at a ratio of 10 new trees for every 1 tree removed, and they must be maintained for a warranty period
- Oak trees must be sprayed immediately upon each cut with wound paint to prevent the spread of Oak Wilt
- Only approved species may be planted as landscape on Fort Cavazos