Integrated Training Area Management EA and Final FNSI

disturbance or removal, best management practices would minimize and mitigate these impacts. Overall,the long-term cumulative impacts to vegetation resulting from ITAM activities under the proposed actionwould be beneficial.3.3 WETLANDS3.3.1 Affected EnvironmentNearly one-half of Alaska is classified as wetlands (Ford and Bedford 1987). They are sociologically,ecologically, and economically important for the state. Alaskan wetlands are unique compared towetlands in lower latitudes because of features such as permafrost and aufeis (overflows of ice that occurwhen a section of stream channel freezes completely). The presence of permafrost provides animpermeable layer, resulting in saturated surface soils.Types of wetlands in Alaska include floodplains, lower elevation areas with standing water for at least10% of the growing season, areas periodically flooded by tides, and other areas supporting wetland plantcommunities and hydric soils. Army lands in Alaska have both saltwater and freshwater wetlands.Saltwater wetlands include tidal flats and estuaries. Freshwater wetlands include freshwater marshes,bogs, and fens, which are distinguished by water source and/or vegetation type.USARAK classifies wetlands as “high-function” or “low-function.” Note that these classifications areused for management purposes and are not mandated by federal or state policies. High-function wetlandscurrently include riverine, permanent emergent, semi-permanent emergent areas, riparian areas, and othersensitive wildlife habitats that lie within any wetland areas. Low-function wetlands include all otherwetland types. These classifications are undergoing review. Classification of wetlands will be under theguidance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers while classification of habitat will be under U.S. Fish andWildlife Service. Revised classifications will be based on field visits and vegetation types using AlaskaVegetation Classification (Viereck et al.), Alaska Biological Research mapping, National WetlandInventory wetland classifications (Cowardin et al. 1979), and trafficability. Vegetation types will becategorized as either high value or low value for both wetlands and wildlife habitat.USARAK obtained a Clean Water Act Section 404 five-year wetland permit to conduct military trainingin wetlands at Fort Wainwright (2000 to 2005) including Fort Wainwright Main Post, Tanana FlatsTraining Area, Yukon Training Area, and Donnelly Training Area. This permit, which expired in March2005, allowed limited maneuver or other military activities to occur in some wetland areas where, in thepast, no activity was permitted at all. USARAK could not damage more than 40 acres of wetlands peryear. If that amount was exceeded, training in wetlands would be prohibited and individuals would beliable for fines and other penalties. Restoration of all wetland damage was mandatory and completedunder the LRAM program. USARAK proposes to reapply for a five-year Section 404 individual wetlandspermit to continue conducting military operations on USARAK lands, including the potential impact toup to 40 acres of wetlands per year on Fort Wainwright and Donnelly Training Area.Environmental limitations overlays were developed as a tool for planning military training activities,managing wetlands, and complying with the wetlands permit. Each overlay is available in a summer andwinter version. They include approved and restricted activities listed in three color-coded categories andare used during military training activities.Additional information regarding wetlands on USARAK lands can be found in the Transformation ofU.S. Army Alaska Final Environmental Impact Statement (USARAK 2004).._____________________________________________________________________________________________Environmental AssessmentUnited States Army Alaska, Integrated Training Area Management ProgramManagement Plan 30