SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 5 – Environmental ConsequencesLess Than Significant ImpactsSoil Erosion Resulting from Wildland Fires Ignited by Live-Fire Training Activities: There would bean increase in the total number of rounds fired at new and existing ranges, as well as increasedvehicular traffic. An increased risk of accidental wildfire ignition would come from ordnance,vehicles, flammable materials, or cigarettes, which could lead to subsequent large areas of bare soilssusceptible to erosion. Wildfire plays an important role in Alaskan ecosystems and is considered abeneficial impact on the natural environment. Negative impacts are seen as those that threaten humanlife and property. However, fire starts generated by military training activities often occur in elevatednumbers and intervals, thereby causing unacceptable damage to critical vegetative cover that aids instabilizing soils from wind and water erosion. A wildland fire assessment was completed for areas ofconcern for the 2004 USARAK Transformation FEIS. Fuel maps were created indicatingconcentrations of fire-prone vegetation and areas recommended for hazard fuel reduction projects.The fire assessment results were also used in assessing wildfire risk for the 2006 BAX and CACTFFEIS. Impacts associated with soil erosion resulting from wildland fires ignited by live-fire trainingactivities are expected to be less than significant with implementation of the following mitigationmeasures.Areas most likely to be affected by wildland fire are adjacent to those areas that are used for live-firetraining. Measures are designed to prepare the landscape for impending wildfires. Patches of thinnedtrees and controlled burns in high-risk areas may slow wildfire intensity and speed.The following mitigation measures currently in place are continually revised and reviewed to respondto new or increasing impacts.• Use the fire index in cooperation with BLM.• Coordinate live-fire training exercises when fire weather and indices are low to help prevent theignition and spread of wildfire.• Avoid ordnance use during periods when weather and fuels conditions are conducive to quick firestarts and spreading.• Continue to update and implement fire management plans written by USARAK and the BLMAlaska Fire Service for each installation. The plans assess current fire hazards and listrecommendations to reduce them.• Maintain existing firebreaks on USARAK lands, including on the southern end of Main Post.• Comply with existing range regulations and restrictions (USARAK Regulation 350-2).• Follow existing range guidelines to prevent wildfires.Some USARAK projects and programs already propose measures that would mitigate many impactsto fire management. These programs are only partially implemented and funded. The proposedmitigation is, therefore, to fully implement plans and projects that have already been identified byUSARAK’s INRMPs. Additional possible mitigation measures are listed below.• Review access to firing ranges to enable quick and effective response by initial attack forces inthe event of a wildfire.• Conduct prescribed burning. This would be considered as an option where grass is the primaryfuel type. Burning may be done every 1 to 3 years depending on fuel load and conditions. Thiswould increase user days for the Army with a lower risk of wildfire.February 2008 5-76 2/25th SBCT Final EIS