Integrated Training Area Management EA and Final FNSI

Reptiles and AmphibiansOne species of amphibian, the wood frog, is commonly found in bogs, freshwater and saltwater marshes,and lake margins on post. Wood frogs are important prey species for sandhill cranes (CH2M Hill 1994).No reptiles occur on Fort Richardson.FisheriesTen species of fish are found in Fort Richardson’s lakes and waterways. Four lakes on Fort Richardson(Clunie, Gwen, Otter, and Walden) are stocked under the Fort Richardson Army Base Subdistrict Plan(Alaska Department of Fish and Game 2002). In addition, chinook and coho salmon are stocked in ShipCreek under the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Enhancement Plan (Alaska Department of Fishand Game 2002)Wild populations of game fish include king salmon, chum salmon, silver salmon, red salmon, pinksalmon, and Dolly Varden. Fort Richardson’s only significant nongame fish are the three-spinestickleback and the slimy sculpin.Fort WainwrightMammalsLarge mammals on Fort Wainwright include black bear, grizzly bear, moose, and caribou. Tanana FlatsTraining Area is particularly important for moose and supports the state’s largest population. Caribouhave historically used Yukon Training Area and Tanana Flats Training Area, but populations havedeclined over the years, possibly due to predation and severe winters (USARAK 2004).Fifteen species of furbearers inhabit Tanana Flats Training Area and Yukon Training Area. These includewolverines, coyotes, lynx, red fox, pine marten, wolves, snowshoe hare, and red squirrel. Other speciesinclude muskrat, beaver, and four species of weasel. River otter exist, but they are not common(USARAK 2004).Known small mammals include five vole species, two lemming species, two species of mice, and fourspecies of shrew. The little brown bat is found in wooded areas and in abandoned buildings. Introducedmammals such as the house mouse, Norway rat, and woodchuck also exist in the cantonment area ofMain Post.Avian SpeciesSpruce grouse, ruffed grouse, and ptarmigan are common in the region. Grouse hunting is popular atYukon Training Area and they are also harvested on Main Post. The variety of nongame birds on landsassociated with Fort Wainwright includes at least 58 passerines. Benson (1999) observed 61 species ofbirds during a 1998 survey at Tanana Flats Training Area.Although no threatened, endangered, or species of special concern were observed, several Priority Speciesfor Conservation (Boreal Partners in Flight Working Group 1999) were observed. In addition, six speciesof woodpecker, the rock dove, Rufous hummingbird, and belted kingfisher have been observed on theselands.At least 25 species of waterfowl and 20 species of raptors use Fort Wainwright (BLM and U.S. Army1994). Twenty-six species of shorebirds, three gull species, and the Arctic tern have also been observed(USARAK 1999). Four species of loon and two types of grebes have been observed to use waterways on_____________________________________________________________________________________________Environmental AssessmentUnited States Army Alaska, Integrated Training Area Management ProgramManagement Plan 39