Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune

Posted buffer zone.

Restrictions

Buffer zone marked with white paint and signs.
 

Training Restrictions associated with threatened and endangered species conservation are outlined in the following Base Orders:

·           BO 11015.3B Endangered Species Protection Program

·           BO 11015.6C Red-cockaded Woodpecker Protection Program / Measures

·           BO 11015.7C Sea Turtle Protection Program

·           BO P3570.1 Standard Operating Procedures for Range Control

 

FORESTED MANEUVER AREAS:

The Standard Operating Procedures for Range Control (Base Order P3570.1) outlines several measures intended to maintain the integrity of Camp Lejeune’s maneuver areas.  These include but are not limited to:

Ø      Tracked vehicles must stay on established trails.

Ø      No pine trees greater than the width of a man’s arm will be cut or used for cover.

Ø      Pine trees will not be girdled with communication or concertina wire nor will they be topped for antenna equipment.

Ø      Fighting positions will be refilled when no longer in use. 

Specific protective measures are in place for marked endangered species habitat.  Single bands of white paint around the perimeter of a protected area along with signs indicate that endangered species and their habitats are present.  * Maps of Buffer Zones

  RCW buffer sign.RCW buffer zone marked with white painted trees and signs.Endangered species buffer sign.

Within marked habitat, the following activities are prohibited:

x    Vehicular traffic (tactical or POV) off of designated trails

x    Excavation of fighting positions, foxholes, etc.

x    Cutting, girdling, or otherwise damaging pine trees

x    Live fire other than small arms blanks

x    Extended occupation- e.g. Bivouac, command posts

x    Removal or destruction of signs marking a restricted area

 

However, the following actions are permitted in marked habitat:

ü      Transient foot travel

ü      Transient vehicular traffic ON EXISTING MAINTAINED trails/roads

ü      Blank small arms firing

 

We’re trying to reduce both the extent and impact of RCW related training restrictions.  To see how we intend to accomplish this and how YOU can help, please read about Camp Lejeune's Military Impact Study.

ONSLOW BEACHOnslow beach ORRV sign. - *Map     

Since 1978, Camp Lejeune has adgered to conservation measures put in place to protect sea turtles.  These measures attempt to avoid harming or harassing individual turtles, protect nesting habitat form disturbance, prevent disorientation from artificial lighting, and maintain a turtle nest "CLEARZONE" in which to conduct intensive training.

These measures include:

     Ø      Minimize nighttime landings or assaults.

     Ø      Minimize artificial nighttime lighting.

     Ø      Travel the beach below the mean high tide line; ie. wet sand.

     Ø      Beachmaster camps or bivouac sites must be behind the primary dune.

     Ø      Use the marked ingress/egress points; yellow/black posts.

     Ø      Do not run over vegetation.

     Ø      Do not use vehicle headlights when sitting idle.

 

Turtle nest protected by cage.  Driving is only allowed on the seaward side of these posts.  Onlow beach access map. Click on map for larger view.

  When planning large exercises that involve leaving troops or equipment on the beach overnight, or excavations / disturbances greater than normal, contact EMD for ways to minimize impacts to sea turtles. 

In addition to sea turtles, several bird and plant species occur on the beachfront that enjoy varying levels of protection.  When operating on the beach, be mindful of posted signs protecting discrete areas for these species.                               *Map

Other Endangered Species Training Restrictions   

Bald Eagle:  A single bald eagle’s nest is found on Camp Lejeune- at the junction of Sneads Creek and the New River near the back gate.  Three protective buffers have been established at approximately 750’, 1000’, and 1500’ from the nest site.  These buffers restrict ground and air-use activities.  Within the 750’ buffer, all commercial and industrial development, logging and tree cutting, and use of chemicals that are toxic to wildlife are prohibited throughout the year.  In addition, unauthorized human entry is to be avoided during the nesting season.  Within the 1000’ buffer, air space is restricted such that all aircraft must remain at least 155 meters above the site during the breeding season.  Within the 1500’ buffer, all actions that will permanently alter the landscape, including road and building construction, are prohibited.     

Rough-leaved Loosestrife:  RLL habitat is marked in the same way of RCW habitat- single bands of white paint on the trees surrounding the plant site.  The marked area indicates a 100’ buffer zone around the outermost plants.  Within the marked area, vehicular traffic, excavation, and the cutting or damaging of pine trees is prohibited.  Pedestrian traffic is allowed.  While the vast majority of RLL sites are found within protected RCW areas, several stand-alone sites occur in the Greater Sandy Run Area.

 

The Threatened & Endangered Species Section is working hard to minimize the impact of endangered species to the training mission.  To see some examples of how we balance the mission with conservation, please take a look at our Success Stories.

 

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Environmental Management Division

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Installations & Environment Department

Last Updated:  August 13, 2002