1st SOCES preserves endangered species habitat

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrea Posey
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla --  Just below the soil’s surface rests a small black and grey or white net-like patterned creature called the Ambystoma bishopi, also known as the reticulated flatwoods salamander, an endangered type of salamander whose habitat exists amongst the seasonal ponds found throughout the base.

Per the base environmental policy, Hurlburt Field is committed to conducting its mission in a manner that will minimize impacts on the environment. The temporary ponds, which are essentially habitats and breeding grounds for these small creatures, underwent the beginning of restoration efforts by the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron July 28, after they received a $75,000 grant through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Because the salamander population is so critically low, if present at all right now, we cannot afford the risk of wasting time or resources through ineffective action,” said Patricia Williams, a natural and cultural resources program manager from the 1st SOCES. “USFWS has selected Hurlburt Field to perform this habitat improvement - at no cost to Hurlburt - because of the dire condition of the species here.”

Like many other endangered species, the salamander population is affected by a change in its environment, including human interaction.

According to Philip Pruitt, installation management flight chief from the 1st SOCES, in the past, Hurlburt officials worked with the Natural Resources Conservative Service to close six roads that were being used to illegally gain access to areas for off-road riding. The unauthorized off-road riding was taking place in an ecologically-sensitive preserve that is home to numerous rare species.

“Land development is one of the worst threats to this species - and probably the largest threat to most native species.” Williams said. “Reticulated flatwoods salamanders thrive in a healthy habitat of seasonal wetland ponds within a sparse longleaf pine ecosystem.”

With the funds from the grant, contractors will use equipment such as chain saws to remove excess growth within the pond limits. Herbicidal treatments, a substance used to destroy or inhibit the growth of plants, will be applied to cut stumps to prevent regrowth, and trimmed limbs will be piled outside pond limits to await the next prescribed fire.

This restoration project encompasses approximately 23 acres of habitat, or the span of nearly 20 football fields.

“The USFWS project will aggressively improve this portion of habitat, but the process is a perpetual commitment,” she said. “All efforts are directed at improving habitat to stabilize populations for these seriously endangered amphibians.”

For further protection of the habitats, off-road enthusiasts should adhere to Hurlburt regulations prohibiting vehicular access off prepared roadways - asphalt or sand. Williams encourages people to volunteer for projects by contacting her at 850-884-5961 or check out the Hurlburt Field Environmental Facebook page for updates.

“Each event is designed specifically to enrich a particular habitat while expanding our shared responsibility for Department of Defense lands and the diverse plants and animals they support,” William said. “The alternative is species extinction, which is a very sad state, particularly because we do not understand enough about how each unique environment and species are so interdependent.”