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Natural Resources:<br />

There was an informative discussion regarding the Natural Resources Damage Assessment <strong>and</strong> how the<br />

AHATS INRMP can play a critical role in helping guide <strong>and</strong> implement wildlife restoration projects on<br />

AHATS. The NRDA trustees are considering a Conservation Easement on the AHATS property,<br />

excluding the 300 acre proposed cantonment area site.<br />

Wildlife: (Fauna)<br />

6. All hunts were very successful. Harvest on AHATS was 47 White-tailed Deer.<br />

7. The DMA will continue to implement the hunting programs at AHATS (2 Youth Hunts, 5<br />

Deployed Soldier Hunts, <strong>and</strong> 1 Volunteer Hunt) to increase the deer harvest.<br />

8. The DMA will establish two Spring Archery Turkey hunts this year (April 15-17 <strong>and</strong> 20-22,<br />

2009) (601A <strong>and</strong> 601B)<br />

9. A 2009 winter aerial survey identified 104 White-tailed deer.<br />

10. Bird <strong>and</strong> small mammal surveys were completed in 2008.<br />

11. Important Bird Area Dedication (IBA) 4 May, 2008.<br />

12. 388 Bluebird boxes fledged 240 young, <strong>and</strong> 9 kestrel boxes fledged 20 kestrels.<br />

13. Recommendations were made regarding the implementation of purple martin nest boxes on site.<br />

Vegetation: (Flora)<br />

A lot of discussion involved updating the vegetation management portion of the AHATS INRMP; to<br />

include identifying potential vegetation restoration projects throughout AHATS. Topics that were<br />

discussed include:<br />

1. 5 NRDA Projects were proposed <strong>and</strong> inputted in 2008 Conservation report.<br />

2. Vegetation screening on the West <strong>and</strong> North Boundary of AHATS.<br />

3. Updating the vegetation management goals <strong>and</strong> objectives to include establishing restoration<br />

projects for the INRMP.<br />

4. Projects were underway in 2008 to eradicate black, clammy <strong>and</strong> bristly locus <strong>and</strong> eliminate<br />

Siberian elm <strong>and</strong> cotton woods.<br />

5. A project is being implemented in March 2009 to chip up all down wood debris as bio-fuels for<br />

alternative energy.<br />

Cultural Resources:<br />

Complete the Phase II evaluation of 4 protected cultural sites located on AHATS. One site is<br />

prehistoric <strong>and</strong> the other three are historic farmsteads.<br />

General Maintenance:<br />

1. Continue to maintain <strong>and</strong> repair roads <strong>and</strong> trails on AHATS.<br />

2. Continue to remove interior fence <strong>and</strong> railroad tracks.<br />

Meeting was adjourned at 11:45 am.<br />

2009 Conservation Program Report<br />

Minutes Submitted By:<br />

Jay Brezinka, Natural Resource Manager<br />

Page 196

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