Conservation & Restoration

The Natural Resources program is dedicated to managing and protecting the installation's native flora, fauna, and ecosystems. This team monitors local habitats to support biodiversity while ensuring that military training missions can proceed without environmental conflict. By implementing active monitoring and conservation programs, the team manages sensitive ecological areas and protects threatened or endangered species in compliance with the Endangered Species Act.

Fort Meade’s Cultural Resource Office is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal historic preservation laws and managing the cultural resources on the installation. The federal government has a legal and ethical responsibility to be a steward of our nation’s heritage, which includes protecting the 17 historically eligible buildings and structures, archaeological sites, and other cultural resources found on Fort Meade.

To achieve this, the office confers with the Maryland State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the 15 Native American tribes (THPO) that claim ancestral relations with Fort Meade lands. This consultation is achieved following the Section 106 review process under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), which requires federal agencies to consider potential effects of their projects on historic properties before proceeding with federal funding, permits, or actions. This process follows a four-step review and encourages public input and consultation depending on the project.

Additionally, the office oversees the upkeep of the Post Cemetery and 16 historic family cemeteries located on Fort Meade and Department of the Interior lands to ensure they remain in compliance with federal regulations.

As buildings on Fort Meade approach the age of 50 years, the office initiates a Determination of Eligibility (DOE) for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in coordination with SHPO. The 17 identified "Eligible" structures are inspected monthly to ensure their exteriors remain in good condition.

For ground-disturbing activities, the office reviews all dig permits to prevent the disturbance of archaeological resources. Fort Meade has surveyed and cleared all archaeological sites except for one protected site, which remains restricted. If construction activities unearth potential new discoveries, workers must report them to the Environmental Office immediately and enact a stop-work order until the Cultural Resource Manager investigates.

All recovered artifacts, which span from the Early Archaic Period (7500 BC) to the Vietnam War, are safely curated at the climate-controlled Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab (MAC Lab) in Calvert County. Some of these artifacts are displayed to the public at the yearly Fort Meade Earth Day event, Native American heritage events, local schools, and during the annual "Discovering Maryland Archaeology Day" held each spring at the MAC Lab.

Resource Link: Download the Archaeology at Ft. George G. Meade Presentation

The Forestry program focuses on the health and management of forest ecosystems across the installation to support environmental sustainability and community safety. This team manages Fort Meade’s extensive tree canopy through health assessments, urban forestry planning, and active reforestation efforts. They also lead wildfire mitigation efforts, which include maintaining firebreaks and clearing hazardous fuels, to protect both natural habitats and built infrastructure.

The Hydrology program manages Fort Meade’s vital water resources, including stormwater runoff, wetlands, and local waterways. To ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act and other state and federal environmental laws, this program monitors water quality, manages stormwater drainage systems, and reviews construction plans to enforce critical sediment and erosion controls. These efforts prevent runoff from damaging local watersheds and preserve the natural function of the installation’s wetlands.

The Nuisance Wildlife program addresses human-wildlife conflicts across the installation, providing management and guidance to ensure the safety of both the community and the local wildlife. The team coordinates humane exclusion and relocation methods to resolve issues with displaced animals on base.

Immediate Hazard Notice: If you encounter immediate hazardous wildlife or a displaced animal, do not attempt to handle or relocate it yourself. Contact the Environmental Office immediately for assistance.