Endangered Species Survey and Biological Assessment, Roosevelt Roads U.S. Army Reserve Center

The U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, proposed to implement an Energy Saving Performance Contract at Fort Buchanan and 11 U.S. Army Reserve Centers (USARCs) in Puerto Rico. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) had expressed concern that the installation of wind turbines could adversely affect the endangered yellow-shouldered blackbird (YSBB) (Agelaius xanthomus), its associated designated critical habitat, and other birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. For this reason, USACE and the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Buchanan identified a need to conduct a Biological Assessment (BA) and associated endangered and migratory bird survey in and around the 54-acre Roosevelt Roads USARC to determine potential impacts of the proposed installation of wind turbines and other energy-saving equipment at the site. ANAMAR was contracted to conduct the survey and generate the BA and survey report as part of an Environmental Assessment and an Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation with USFWS. The endangered and migratory bird survey was performed during a 14-day period. A BA and survey report was generated by ANAMAR, including an extensive literature review, analysis of effects, and recommendations of conservation measures.