Fort Buchanan is an active U.S. Army installation located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The USACE Jacksonville District contracted ANAMAR to prepare an Ecological Management Plan (EMP) for Fort Buchanan. The purpose of the EMP is to identify Fort Buchanan’s ecological resources and make recommendations based on the landowner’s goals pursuant to the commitments made in the installation’s Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan. The objective of the plan is to develop and integrate sound natural resource management practices, enhance and preserve ecological resource functions, improve wildlife habitat, implement soil and water conservation measures, and improve recreational and environmental education opportunities.
ANAMAR coordinated with Fort Buchanan personnel, researched and compiled existing data, and conducted several surveys on the installation to help develop the EMP. The EMP focused on several areas including soils, aquatic and riparian habitats, wetlands, terrestrial habitats, special natural areas, threatened and endangered species, and invasive species management. Specifically, SOPs and management recommendations were developed for areas of special concern with regard to sedimentation and erosion, water quality monitoring, evaluation and improvement of physical habitats along streams, enhancement of wetland functions, and development of interpretive trails and educational signs throughout the installation’s natural areas