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| Library > Environmental > Conservation |
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Cultural Resources Management Program
Our cultural heritage is protected for future generations through the identification, evaluation and preservation of historic and prehistoric artifacts and sites. Andrew's Cultural Resources Management Program fulfills the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act, Archaeological Resources Protection Act, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and other cultural resource laws.
Joint Base Andrews has a variety of historic and cultural resources found on base. Belle Chance, a historic property eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, is located on Joint Base Andrews. A historical chapel is also located on base.
Natural Resources Management Program
Our natural resources are conserved through the Natural Resources Management Program. This program fulfills the requirement of the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Clean Water Act and other natural resource laws. Andrews Air Force Base is home to more than just airplanes. Some protected plant and wildlife species have been found on base. Base activities are managed to avoid impacting these resources.
Threatened and Endangered Species
Joint Base Andrews has one federally listed endangered species, sandplain gerardia (Agalinis acuta). The plant is managed and protected where it occurs in a small area near the Base Lake.
Wetlands
Over 87 acres of jurisdictional wetlands are found on Andrews AFB. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires the Air Force to protect these areas. No draining or other adverse activities are allowed in these areas.
Environmental Impact and Analysis Process
Proposed actions such as changes in aircraft inventory, new facilities, and construction projects are analyzed for potential impact on the environment. Alternate ways to accomplish the project and methods for reducing impacts to the environment are also studied. These factors are taken into account during the decision-making process. The environmental impact analysis process fulfills the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. NEPA is an "umbrella" law, which requires agencies to give appropriate consideration to all potential environmental impacts of actions and reasonable alternatives as part of agency planning and decision-making.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) consists of a full analysis of potential environmental impacts that may result from a proposed action and its reasonable alternatives, including the no-action alternative. The purpose of an EIS is to provide unbiased environmental information to the decision-maker and the public regarding the potential effects of a proposal, both adverse and beneficial, in an effort to facilitate informed decision-making. In addition, it should provide full and fair disclosure of any reasonable alternatives or mitigation measures that would avoid or minimize adverse impacts, or enhance the quality of the environment. The main goal of the EIS is to improve Federal agency decision-making on proposed programs, actions, and activities.
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