F-22 Plus-Up Environmental Assessment - Joint Base Elmendorf ...

F-22 Plus-Up Environmental Assessment
3.0 Affected Environment
Fish and Wildlife. Common fish and wildlife species under the existing airspace are generally
as described in Section 3.6.1. Regionally important game species include moose, caribou
(Rangifer tarandus), Dall’s sheep (Ovis dalli), bears, and various species of waterfowl. Moose,
caribou, and Dall’s sheep have critical lambing/calving, wintering, and rutting areas
underneath the training airspace. The Air Force has existing airspace restrictions that prevent
potential overflight effects on these and other wildlife species (Air Force 1995).
Special-Status Species. Special-status species include species designated as threatened,
endangered, or candidate species by state or federal agencies. No federally listed species occur
on lands under the existing training airspace. Five Alaska species of special concern likely
occur under the training airspace. These are peregrine falcon, olive-sided flycatcher, graycheeked
thrush, blackpoll warbler, and Townsend’s warbler. Habitat requirements of these
species are discussed in Section 3.6.1.
3.7 Cultural Resources
Cultural resources are any prehistoric or historic district, site, or building, structure, or object
considered important to a culture or community for scientific, traditional, religious, or other
purposes. They include archaeological resources, historic architectural resources, and
traditional resources. Archaeological resources are locations where prehistoric or historic
activity measurably altered the earth or produced deposits of physical remains (e.g.,
arrowheads, bottles). Historic architectural resources include standing buildings and other
structures of historic or aesthetic significance. Architectural resources generally must be more
than 50 years old to be considered for inclusion in the NRHP, although resources dating to
defined periods of historical significance, such as the Cold War era (1945-1989) may also be
considered eligible. Traditional resources are associated with cultural practices and beliefs of a
living community that are rooted in its history and are important in maintaining the continuing
cultural identity of the community. Historic properties (as defined in 36 CFR 60.4) are
significant archaeological, architectural, or traditional resources that are either eligible for
listing, or listed on, the NRHP. Both historic properties and significant traditional resources
identified by Alaska Natives are evaluated for potential adverse impacts from an action.
For the Proposed Action, the ROI for cultural resources is defined as JBER-Elmendorf and its
environs.
3.7.1 Base Existing Conditions
3.7.1.1 Archaeological Resources
Since the beginning of cultural resource investigations at JBER-Elmendorf in 1978, most survey
work has been concentrated along the northwest border of the base property. Through these
survey efforts 27 archaeological sites have been located at JBER. Twenty sites are recommended
as ineligible for the NRHP, five are unevaluated, and two are considered eligible (Air Force
2008; Elmendorf AFB 2010). No NRHP-listed archaeological resources have been located in the
project area (Air Force 2008; National Register Information Service [NRIS] 2011).
3.7.1.2 Architectural Resources
There are 54 NRHP eligible buildings or structures on JBER-Elmendorf, most of which are located
in one of three historic districts: the Flightline Historic District adjacent to the runway; the Alaska
Air Depot Historic District west of the main cantonment area; and the Generals’ Quad Historic
District (Figure 3.7-1). Other historic structures at JBER outside the three historic districts include
12 Cold War-era facilities (Air Force 2010a).
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