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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENEGRY

NATURAL MANAGEMENT PLAN For The Savannah River Site

Final November 2019

DISCLAIMER

This plan was prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service- Savannah River (USFS-SR) for the United States Department of under Interagency Agreement No. DE-EM0003622 and is an account of work performed under that Agreement. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or services by trademark, name, manufacturer or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of same by USFS-SR or the United States Government or any agency thereof.

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Prepared for United States Department of Energy by United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service-Savannah River New Ellenton, South Carolina

ii EXECUTIVE SUMARY

A plan is presented for managing the natural restoration projects were implemented. New resources on the Savannah River Site (SRS), near scientific and technical information related to Aiken, South Carolina. This Natural Resources natural resources has been incorporated into this Management Plan (NRMP) covers all natural plan. operations, including management, education, and research programs. The U.S. Under the plan, and subject to changes required to Department of Energy (DOE) mission at SRS is to accommodate new scientific information, serve the nation through safe, secure, cost regulatory conditions, mission mandates, or effective management of our nuclear weapons operations efficiency, the MAs will remain the stockpile, nuclear materials, and the environment. same as in the 2005 plan. The DOE Research Set- The management of the natural resources is Aside Program will continue. Management designed to support DOE missions and objectives activities will continue with a few proposed within applicable laws, regulations, DOE orders changes outlined below. and policies. The Supplemental Red-Cockaded Woodpecker SRS occupies some 198,000 acres in west central (RCW) MA does not have a population recovery South Carolina. Approximately 16,000 acres are objective. It will be managed like the Industrial used for industrial missions, including the cooling Core MA and serve as a buffer between industrial ponds. About 14,000 acres are reserved for non- facilities and the RCWMA. It will provide manipulative, ecological research. The remaining area of pine to supplement the RCWMA 168,000 acres are managed for a variety of natural only if the fully occupied RCWMA is insufficient resources. Management is designed to provide for to meet the recovery objective. environmental stewardship, information critical to the DOE science base, and The Lower Three Runs Corridor MA (4,300 ac) cost effective, flexible, and compatible programs has been evaluated and remediated under the to support SRS missions. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Since the last plan was developed in 2005, no Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), South changes in the management area (MAs) Carolina Department of Health and boundaries have occurred. The SRS land base Environmental Control (SCDHEC), and DOE currently facilitates Department of Defense and selected and implemented a Time Critical South Carolina National Guard training Removal Action (TCRA) of /sediment intermittently. New populations of endangered excavation. In addition, because low levels of (Smooth Purple Coneflower, Pondberry), residual contamination were left in place, Land and South Carolina State sensitive species have Use Controls (LUC) have also been implemented been identified. The Golden Eagle has been as part of the Removal Action. These include identified as foraging in the SRS. physical (e.g., fences and signs) and administrative (e.g., procedures and deed notices) Additional work was implemented to monitor and controls. Natural resource activities will be control invasive and animal species, and subject to CERCLA LUC. numerous environmental and ecological

iii TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMARY ...... iii 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Constraints on the Natural Resources Management Plan ...... 1 2 OVERALL DIRECTION ...... 4 2.1 Primary Purpose...... 4 2.2 Governing Principles ...... 4 2.3 Understanding the Revised Plan ...... 4 3 MANAGEMENT AREAS ...... 5 3.1 Industrial Core Management Area (MA 1)...... 6 3.2 Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Management Area (MA 2) ...... 6 3.3 Supplemental Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Management Area (MA 3) ...... 6 3.4 Crackerneck Management Area and Ecological Reserve (MA 4) ...... 6 3.5 Savannah River Swamp Management Area (MA 5) ...... 7 3.6 Lower Three Runs Corridor Management Area (MA 6) ...... 7 4 MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS ...... 14 4.1 , Population and Invasive Species, and TES Species Management ...... 14 4.1.1 Current Management Activities ...... 16 4.1.1.1 Habitat Management ...... 16 4.1.1.2 Population and Invasive Species Management ...... 16 4.1.1.3 TES Species Management ...... 16 4.1.1.4 Monitoring, Inventory, and Survey ...... 17 4.1.2 Expected Future Conditions ...... 17 4.1.3 Proposed Changes to Management Program Goals ...... 18 4.2 Forest Products Harvesting and Silviculture Management ...... 18 4.2.1 Current Management Activities ...... 19 4.2.1.1 Harvesting ...... 19 4.2.1.2 Silviculture ...... 19 4.2.2 Expected Future Conditions ...... 19 4.2.3 Proposed Changes to Management Program Goals ...... 20 4.3 Secondary Roads, Boundary, and Trails Management ...... 20 4.3.1 Current Management Activities ...... 21 4.3.1.1 Secondary Roads ...... 21 4.3.1.2 Boundary Maintenance ...... 22 4.3.1.3 Trails Management ...... 22 4.3.2 Expected Future Conditions ...... 22 4.3.3 Proposed Changes to Management Program Goals ...... 22 4.4 Watershed Management ...... 22 4.4.1 Current Management Activities ...... 24 4.4.2 Expected Future Conditions ...... 24 4.4.3 Proposed Changes to Management Program Goals ...... 24 4.5 Fire Management ...... 24 4.5.1 Current Management Activities ...... 25 4.5.1.1 Wildfire Suppression ...... 25 4.5.1.2 Prescribed Fire ...... 25 4.5.2 Expected Future Conditions ...... 25 4.5.3 Proposed Changes to Management Program Goals ...... 25 4.6 Research Set-Asides ...... 26 4.6.1 Current Management Activities ...... 26 4.6.2 Expected Future Conditions ...... 26 4.6.3 Proposed Changes to Management Program Goal ...... 26 4.7 Research ...... 28 4.7.2 Expected Future Conditions ...... 29 4.7.3 Proposed Changes to Management Program Goals ...... 29

iv 5 REFERENCES ...... 30 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ...... 32 APPENDIX ...... 34

v

1INTRODUCTION This Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP) describes the manner in which the United States Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to manage the natural resources of the Savannah River Site (SRS) (Figure 1). SRS occupies some 198,000 acres in west central South Carolina. A small portion is used for industrial missions (approximately 16,000 acres), and additional areas are managed for non- manipulative research (14,000 acres). The remaining area (168,000 acres) is managed for a variety of natural resources. A description of SRS natural resources and a history of management activities can be found in and Figure 1. Savannah River Site Management of a Forested : Fifty Pond and L Lake and the Lower Three Runs Creek Years on the Savannah River Site (Kilgo and Operable Unit falls under the Comprehensive Blake 2005). The companion document provides Environmental Response, Compensation, and a history of natural resource management, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This Act is a primary more detailed information on physical and regulatory compliance driver for management of biological resources. those sites, and the natural resource issues are addressed under the natural resource damage 1.1 Constraints on the Natural Resources assessment process. The Resource Conservation Management Plan and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a second, equally important regulatory driver for waste site Various factors guide the kind and intensity of management on SRS. Numerous waste sites have natural resource management. The DOE mission been closed under RCRA/CERCLA on the SRS. at SRS is safe and efficient operation to protect the Many remediated waste sites have been closed public health and the environment while with waste/contamination left in place. These supporting the nation’s nuclear deterrent and the closed waste units are unavailable for unrestricted transformation of the Site for future use. Site use and have Controls (LUCs) as operations include dispositioning legacy waste; defined in the Land Use Controls Assurance Plan remediating inactive waste sites managing and for the Savannah River Site, WSRC-RP-98-4125. units; controlling, minimizing, and LUCs include, but are not limited to, institutional monitoring tritium releases; and characterizing, controls. Institutional controls are actions that evaluating, and sustaining the health, productivity, may be used to supplement engineering controls and diversity of natural resources. Natural to prevent or limit exposure to contaminants at a resource management is designed to support DOE site to ensure protection of health. missions and objectives within applicable laws, Institutional controls may be applied to limit or regulations, DOE orders and policies. Biological prevent exposures to contaminants and to ensure and physical conditions associated with the that selected land uses are maintained. Sandhills physiographic region, climate, and land Institutional controls mitigate health risks by use history constrain resource management. The physically restricting land use at a waste site. management of the large lake systems like Par These controls may include fences, security

1 guards, warning signs, deed restrictions, and land • Clean Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 1251) use restrictions. These controls determine • Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 limitation of natural resources activities on these U.SC.401) sites. • Clean Air Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 7401) A large portion of the Lower Three Runs Creek • Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and has been remediated via a CERCLA Time Critical Rodenticide Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 136) Removal Action Agreement with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control • Executive Order 11988 as Amended (SCDHEC), Environmental Protection Agency Floodplain Management (EPA), and DOE. This Removal Action entailed • Executive Order 11990 as Amended contaminated soil and sediment excavation. Protection of Wetlands In addition, due to remaining residual • Executive Order 13112 as Amended Invasive contamination the following site specific physical Species and administrative LUC have been implemented: • DOE Policy 450.4, “Safety Management System Policy” • Installation of approximately 6.6 miles of new fencing. • Savannah River Site Environmental Management System Policy SRP 04-03 • Installation of Warning and No Trespassing signage along the entire perimeter from • DOE Secretary’s Planning Guidance, Patterson Mill Road to the Savanna River. December 21, 1994 • Security surveillance measure to control and • DOI Review and Update of the Federal restrict access to the public as part of existing • Wildland Fire Management Policy, 2001 security measures. • DOE Policy 430.1, “Land and Facility Use • Institutional controls (i.e., administrative Planning” measures) and use restrictions for on-site workers via site procedures, work controls, • DOE Order 430.1B, “Real Property Asset worker training, and worker briefings. Management” The primary legislation, policies, orders, • DOE Order 450.1, Environmental Protection agreements, and plans influencing the NRMP Program revision include the following: • DOE Guide 450.1-4, Wildland Fire • National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 Management Program (42 U.S.C. 4321) • WSRC-RP-98-4125, Land Use Control • Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 Assurance Plan for the Savannah River Site, U.S.C.1531) Rev. 1.1, August 1999, Updated January 12, 2002, Westinghouse Savannah River • Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 Company, Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC U.S.C. 668-668e) • SRNS-RP-2013-00046, Land Use Control • National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 Implementation Plan for the Lower Three (16 U.S.C. 470) Runs Integrator Operable Unit Tail Portion • Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C.703- Early Action, Rev 1.1, August 2013, 712) Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC • Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (5 U.S.C. 306)

2 • Savannah River Site Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Management Plan, December 2000, amended (2009) • Crackerneck Wildlife Management Area and Ecological Reserve: Comprehensive Natural Resource Management Plan, July 2000

3 2OVERALL DIRECTION 2.1 Primary Purpose • Natural resource activities will be compatible with waste site closure as defined by RCRA, The primary purpose established for SRS NRMP CERCLA, and other regulatory revision is as follows: requirements.

• Document changes in management direction. 2.3 Understanding the Revised Plan • Establish a reference document that supports This plan supersedes the 2005 NRMP (DOE 2005) natural resource management. and its implementation constitutes a proposed • Ensure that management plans are action under National Environmental Policy Act compatible with site mission goals and (NEPA) requirements. initiatives. This plan updates the 2005 plan to ensure these 2.2 Governing Principles changes are taken into account as DOE takes action to meet its natural resources management The following principles will govern SRS natural goals and objectives. resource management:

• All work will be done in accordance with Integrated Safety Management Procedures found in DOE Policy 450.4, “Safety Management System Policy.” • Environmental stewardship activities will be compatible with future SRS missions. • Sustainable resource management will be applied to SRS natural resources where appropriate. • Close cooperation will be maintained among organizations when managing and protecting SRS natural resources. • The results of research, monitoring, and operational findings will be used in the management of SRS natural resources. • Restoration of native communities and species will continue. • Employees, customers, stakeholders, state natural resource officials, and regulators will be invited to participate in the natural resource planning process. • SRS will maintain the area as a National Environmental Research Park (NERP).

4 3MANAGEMENT AREAS

Figure 2. Management Areas

For management purposes, SRS is divided into six • MA 2 Red-Cockaded Woodpecker management areas (MAs) based upon existing Management Area (RCWMA) biological and physical conditions, operations • MA 3 Supplemental Red-Cockaded capability, and suitability for mission objectives Woodpecker Management Area (SRCWMA) (Figure 2). • MA 4 Crackerneck Wildlife Management The following six MAs cover over 198,000 acres. Area and Ecological Reserve (CWMAER) The natural resource management objectives for • MA 5 Savannah River Swamp Management each of these MAs differ. Area (SRSMA) • MA 1 Industrial Core Management Area • MA 6 Lower Three Runs – Corridor (ICMA) Management Area (LTRMA)

5 3.1 Industrial Core Management Area research and educational opportunities, and (MA 1) generate revenue from the sale of forest products, compatible with the RCW Management Plan. The 38,300-acre ICMA contains major SRS Deer, beaver, and wild hog control activities facilities (Figure 3). Facilities operations occur. dominate the objectives of this MA. The primary objective is to support facilities and site missions. 3.3 Supplemental Red-Cockaded The SC National Guard training occasionally Woodpecker Management Area (MA 3) occurs here. Other important objectives are to promote conservation and restoration, provide The 47,100-acre SRCWMA serves as a buffer research and educational opportunities, and between the RCWMA and the ICMA (Figure 5). generate revenue from the sale of forest products. The SRCWMA has a no RCW population Deer, beaver, and wild hog control activities objective and is managed like the ICMA with a occur. As in other MAs, threatened, endangered, shorter rotation and limited prescribed fire and sensitive (TES) species populations are activities. Important objectives are to promote periodically surveyed and monitored. This area conservation and restoration, provide research and has no RCW population objectives. Therefore, no educational opportunities, and generate revenue management practices for the benefit of that from the sale of forest products. As in other MAs, species are applied. Prescribed fire is limited due TES species populations are periodically surveyed to smoke management constraints near facilities. and monitored. Harvesting and prescribed fire regimes more closely resemble those of the 3.2 Red-Cockaded Woodpecker ICMA. The management guidelines are subject to Management Area (MA 2) changes required to accommodate new scientific information, regulatory conditions, mission Protection of the RCW dominates natural resource mandates, or operations efficiency. Deer, beaver, decisions in the 87,200-acre RCWMA (Figures 4 and wild hog control activities occur. and 9). Habitat requirements of the RCW and associated species in this MA include longer 3.4 Crackerneck Wildlife Management harvest rotations with more frequent prescribed Area and Ecological Reserve (MA 4) fire. Burning reduces the occurrence of midstory species and hardwoods and facilitates the DOE established the CWMAER in June 1999. restoration of native grasses and forbs. A portion This 11,100-acre MA (Figure 6) previously was of Lower Three Runs Creek Tail Integrator part of the ICMA. The primary objective is to Operable Unit exists in this MA between the Par enhance wildlife habitat through silviculture and Pond Dam and the LTRMA (MA 6). This area will wildlife management practices. Another objective be managed consistent with the LUC. is to provide high-quality, outdoor recreational opportunities with an emphasis on public Restoration of native savanna communities and fishing, and nonconsumptive recreation, such occurs. The RCW Management Plan (Edwards et as bird watching and hiking. al. 2000, revised 2009) provides population objectives and current guidelines for harvesting, Management also promotes conservation and silviculture, and habitat management. These restoration, provides for research and educational guidelines are subject to changes required to opportunities, and generates revenue from the sale accommodate new scientific information, of forest products consistent with the CWMAER regulatory conditions, mission mandates, or Plan (Caudell 2000). Prescribed fire and operations efficiency. Management is designed to harvesting are used to encourage and maintain a promote conservation and restoration, provide forested savanna in some portions. Management

6 activities include introducing into action plan for the corridor/tail portion of the Skinface Pond, and planting plots on stream and floodplain restricts intrusive activities. roadsides and beneath thinned forests. Monitoring, inventory, and survey occur for TES species management and selected biota. This Wild hog and deer population control is achieved includes forest characterization and classification through recreational hunting. As in other MAs, activities. Harvesting and silviculture activities, TES species populations are periodically surveyed including prescribed fire, will be conducted to and monitored. support one or more of the following objectives as long as they are approved by the appropriate 3.5 Savannah River Swamp Management authorities where applicable: flora and fauna Area (MA 5) habitat management; population, invasive, and The SRSMA consists of 9,900 acres, and has had nuisance species control; TES species limited natural resource management during the management; forest health; research; last decade (Figure 7). Regeneration of the Pen environmental remediation; and ecological Branch corridor and delta was completed as part restoration. of the restoration of thermally impacted areas associated with past K-Reactor operations. Deer, beaver, and wild hog control activities occur. Monitoring, inventory, and survey for TES species and selected biota, are conducted. Harvesting and silviculture activities, including prescribed fire, will be conducted to support one or more of the following objectives: flora and fauna habitat management; population and invasive species control; TES species management; forest health; research; environmental remediation; and ecological restoration. The proposed objectives in the NRMP focus actions to improve the physical and biological quality of the wetland environment, such as invasive species control or enhancing habitat for native threatened, endangered, and sensitive species. Routine harvesting based upon a regulated schedule similar to other MAs will not be conducted.

3.6 Lower Three Runs Corridor Management Area (MA 6) The LTRMA consists of 4,300 acres, and has had limited natural resource management in the recent past (Figure 8). The area has been signed, common access areas have been fenced, and portions of the radiological contamination in the stream reduced through the removal of contaminated sediments. The approved removal

7

4MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS Several program areas are delineated to implement the goals and objectives of the NRMP and assist in planning, management and budgeting. Management among program areas is designed to be compatible in order to meet the overall MA objectives.

4.1 Habitat, Population and Invasive Species, and TES Species Management This program focuses on three primary areas, which include associated monitoring, inventory and survey: (1) Habitat Management; (2) Photograph 2. Protection of the red-cockaded woodpecker Population and Invasive Species Management; is important in natural resource decisions. and (3) TES Species Management. TES Species Management encompasses federally Habitat Management maintains suitable habitat threatened and endangered species ( stork, conditions for the sustained viability of existing RCW, American alligator, short-nosed sturgeon, and potentially occurring native flora and fauna, pondberry, and smooth purple coneflower), and including smooth purple coneflower, and golden regionally sensitive species (Figure 9). These and bald eagles. Activities range from the creation management activities focus on species of local wildlife openings, to the development and protection, maintenance, recovery, and habitat implementation of site wide habitat conditions, improvement. Monitoring, inventory, and survey such as snags for various species. These practices activities focus on tracking of TES species, habitat ensure a sufficient amount of various conditions, and selected biological groups. The (e.g., open fields, early succession habitats and program is based on compliance with applicable mature mixed forests) to support native laws and initiatives that pertain to species and populations. Restoration of pine savannas, habitat protection. wetlands or other communities occur when appropriate. The goals for the program are:

Population and Invasive Species Management • Continue to improve habitat and restore includes a wide range of activities. Population native communities and species. management is designed to reduce the likelihood of animal/vehicle collisions and reduce property • Continue to control damage to natural and resource damage. For example, a goal is to resources, infrastructure, and vehicles maintain a sustainable, low-density deer resulting from deer, beavers, wild hogs, and population that constitutes a minimal safety risk to other species. commuting SRS employees. Another goal is to • Continue to conduct a comprehensive minimize property and resource damage from approach to TES species management. wild hogs and beavers. Control of exotic and invasive plants occurs as needed.

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4.1.1 Current Management Activities Table 1. Reported Animal/Vehicle Collisions

4.1.1.1 Habitat Management Year Deer Hogs Habitat Management typically aims at 2005 72 15 establishing or maintaining a suitable vegetative 2006 59 28 type and structure, primarily through coordinated harvesting, silviculture, and prescribed fire. For 2007 80 16 example, snags may be left or created to provide 2008 64 43 habitat for species associated with decomposing 2009 78 27 trees and roosting locations for birds of prey. Forested savanna habitat is being restored, and 2010 82 43 non-federally listed native plants are being 2011 115 30 reintroduced where appropriate. 2012 88 40 4.1.1.2 Population and Invasive Species 2013 114 58 Management 2014 110 55 With the exception of the CWMAER and the 2015 61 26 LTRMA, wildlife control efforts are conducted 2016 55 23 site wide. Deer management is based on site wide 2017 57 59 population levels, localized deer densities, and safety risks associated with deer/vehicle collisions 2018 48 15 (Table 1-Reported Animal/Vehicle Collisions). 2019 *19 *3 Beaver control activities are conducted primarily *2019 Data January through April 30th. at culverts and nearby portions of drainages associated with secondary roads or other project areas. Beaver control includes trapping, shooting, and the use of exclusion devices. Control of wild hogs on SRS includes trapping/removal and public hunts. Alternative control practices may be implemented based on cost effectiveness, safety, and reliability. Invasive plant species are controlled locally where they present a threat to natural resource management goals and objectives.

4.1.1.3 TES Species Management TES Species Management is more complex as a result of the number of species involved, their local population extent, and the variety of habitat conditions required. Management of the wood stork complies with standards and guidelines as outlined in federal recovery plan (US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 1997).

Photograph 3. Threatened, endangered, and sensitive species, such as this smooth purple coneflower, are surveyed periodically to determine their extent and status.

16 largely result from natural dynamics or active Table 2. Standing Volume of Pine and Hardwood restoration. by Management Area as of 2009 LiDAR Inventory Management MA 1 MA 2 4.1.3 Proposed Changes to Management Area Program Goals Gross Gross Dominant Total Total Volume Volume None. Forest Type Acres Acres Ft3 Ft3 4.2 Forest Products Harvesting and Pine 84,246,301 41,634 19,246,829 10,894 Silviculture Management Pine Set-aside 2,736,866 2,211 38,390 38 Forest products harvesting and silviculture Hardwood 41,056,709 41,634 32,274,079 10,894 management are conducted to provide a variety of Hardwood 7,445,785 2,211 77,922 38 forest conditions to meet security needs, Set-aside encourage habitat development for native species Average and TES species, promote forest health, and 3,090 4,724 generate revenue from the sale of forest products. Volume/Acre Since establishment of SRS, the standing volume Management of pine and hardwood has increased. The volume MA 1 MA 2 of pine and hardwood increased between 2001 and Area 2009. Table 2 displays the summarized volumes Gross Gross Dominant Total Total from the 2009 LiDAR inventory. Over the last ten Volume Volume Forest Type Acres Acres years, the volume of forest products sold has Ft3 Ft3 3 averaged 7.3 Mft . Figure 11 illustrates the value Pine 147,248,028 72,203 7,010,085 9,789 of the annual volume sold in fiscal years (FY). Pine Set-aside 12,803,988 9,635 251,132 229 Harvesting activities include a wide range of Hardwood 41,890,082 72,203 52,762,356 9,789 removal methods: thinning; partial cutting; and Hardwood 26,595,125 9,635 1,507,379 229 clear cutting. Harvesting activities also include Set-aside salvage and operations as a result of Average damage from fire, wind, and storms such as 2,793 6,143 Volume/Acre occurred in February 2014. The maximum pine regeneration harvests exceed 1,800 acres per year Management based on the nominal rotation ages for each MA. MA 1 MA 2 The actual regeneration harvest is much lower. Area Gross Gross The remaining timber harvest is obtained from Dominant Total Total Volume Volume thinning operations. Forest Type Acres Acres Ft3 Ft3 Regeneration activities and plans for forest Pine 5,793,211 4,410 65,242,238 31,590 product sales are based on the program Pine Set-aside 8,350 9 4,189,582 2,183 management goals and MA objectives. Regeneration acreage goals are established on a Hardwood 21,560,559 4,410 36,791,370 31,590 ten-year cycle, using timber compartments, sub- Hardwood 40,222 9 5,336,222 2,183 watersheds, or any other area with an ecologically Set-aside or physically defined boundary. Silviculture Average 6,202 3,303 practice and technologies applied to regeneration Volume/Acre and stand management are typical of in the southeastern U.S. (SCFC 1995).

18 trees needed by the RCW. Most nonindigenous 4.2.3 Proposed Changes to Management slash pine stands will be harvested and native Program Goals loblolly or longleaf pines will be planted. None. Currently, there are 45,313 acres of longleaf pine and 1,685 of longleaf pine/hardwood on SRS. 4.3 Secondary Roads, Boundary, and Trails Table 3. Current SRS Forest Types Management Current Forest Types Percent There are approximately 1,250 miles of SRS Longleaf pine-scrub oak ** 0.5 secondary roads. This includes approximately 60 miles of Traffic Service Level B roads, 220 miles Longleaf pine 24.1 of Traffic Service Level C roads, and 970 miles of Loblolly pine 33.0 Traffic Service Level D roads (Table 4). All SRS Slash pine 4.7 roads are maintained to standards determined by the Traffic Service Level and the primary purpose Pine-hardwood 5.4 for their construction. Upland hardwood 6.2 Table 4. Secondary Road Traffic Service Levels Bottomland hardwood 12.3 Criteria Service Service Service Swamp (Cypress/Tupelo) 4.9 Level B Level C Level D Carolina bays 0.6 Vehicle Types Mixed-vehicle Relatively Generally single Udorthents*/Open meadow 6.2 type normally controlled use vehicles. Not found on mix of designed for 2.1 public roads vehicles mixed traffic Total 100.0 Critial Vehicle Traffic Special Some vehicles Type controls provisions could be unable Source: Present community type estimated from SRS needed where could be to negotiate Geographic Information coverage and Forest Stands database. clearances are needed for *Udorthents consist mostly of well-drained soil that are the marginal; vehicle spoil or refuse from excavations and major constructions or overload access due to areas intermingled with streets, sidewalks, buildings, and permits difficulty parking lots. needed negotiating ** Many longleaf pine-scrub oak stands were formerly some understocked, longleaf pine stands. segments Safety High-design High Adherence to Considerations priority and maintenance low speeds and traffic and speed traffic controls management controlled, as minimizes the necessary need for protection Traffic Controlled Erratic- Intermittent Volume during controlled traffic usually periods of as capacity associated with heavy use is reached a single purpose usage Road Surface Paved and Well Native surface-

Photograph 5. A sustainable harvest of forest products is heavily constructed/ generally a mix maintained through natural and artificial regeneration. compacted maintained of sand, clay, gravel native and rock, and grass surfaces gravel roads Source: Department of Transportation (DOT) 2001

20 Boundary maintenance protects the SRS perimeter and improves the perimeter’s defense against wildfire. SRS boundary maintenance includes government property signage, fence repair, and construction for approximately 120 miles. Boundary maintenance is generally performed for five reasons: (1) to delineate the line between government and private property, (2) to provide an accessible route for trespass patrol, (3) to provide a fenced, safety zone for on-site and offsite workers, (4) to act as a firebreak, and (5) to provide access for fire suppression activities.

Trails are constructed and maintained to support Photograph 7. Stabilization projects minimize soil employee wellness and fitness programs and movement into surface . recreation. Trails on SRS are designated for walking, running, and limited bike riding. There 4.3.1 Current Management Activities are six walking trails totaling approximately 14 4.3.1.1 Secondary Roads miles and 60 miles of bike trails on designated secondary roads. These trails do not include the Less than two miles of secondary roads are designated trails in the CWMAER. Employees constructed in an average year. Approximately 75 who use trails are impacted by visual resource miles of the existing secondary roads receive conditions. heavy maintenance which can include resurfacing and widening of existing roadways. About a mile The goals for the program are: or less of new road is constructed for timber harvesting. These roads are normally short spurs • Continue to maintain and construct less than 200 feet long. Approximately one mile secondary roads in support of SRS missions. of new road is constructed to support • Continue to maintain and construct the SRS environmental closure projects. Roads are used boundary. for forest operations, test well sites and utility line access, hunting, research, and facility area

• Continue to maintain the SRS trail systems. support. A large segment of these roads is maintained to provide access for other uses (e.g., security and fire protection). Maintenance of the secondary road system generally consists of, but is not limited to, grassing, road blading, borrow placement for subsurface stability, rock placement, treating encroaching vegetation and dust abatement for the surface running course. Scheduled maintenance of many secondary roads has been greatly reduced by grass mowing, maintenance of grass cover in ditch lines and placement of a surface stabilizer (e.g., calcium chloride used for dust abatement). Roads are

Photograph 6. The secondary road network is important to mowed and maintained in part to facilitate vehicle the success of the natural resources management program. access to designated locations for the hunting of SRS deer and wild hogs.

21 4.3.1.2 Boundary Maintenance obstructions to flow, and stream channel deposition or erosion in a number of A 25-foot corridor around the perimeter is maintained where appropriate. The river boundary subwatersheds between 2005 and 2015. The is signed. A fence is constructed or maintained as information provided a baseline on current required and no trespassing signs are placed along conditions and opportunities for stream mitigation the SRS boundary. Work includes brush and and banking. understory removal, existing sign replacement, Three major watersheds cover a substantial and new sign placement. portion of SRS (Table 5 and Figure 12). The major 4.3.1.3 Trails Management watersheds are divided into sub-watersheds that range from 10,000 to 40,000 acres. Upper Three Walking and running trails are constructed and Runs subwatersheds include Tims Branch and maintained in a manner that provides a relatively Tinker Creek. The Middle Site Watershed smooth and easily traversed course free of debris represents the interfluvial area between Upper and plant growth. Debris are removed by hand, Three Runs and Lower Three Runs, including gas-powered blowers, and various motorized Fourmile Branch, Pen Branch, Beaver Dam Creek equipment, while the growth of noxious plants is and Steel Creek Subwatersheds. In the Lower inhibited through the use of approved herbicides. Three Runs Watershed, only the Par Pond Subwatershed lies completely within the SRS. 4.3.2 Expected Future Conditions Road maintenance and construction activity in Table 5. SRS Watersheds support of environmental closure projects are Watershed Name Total Acres on Percent of expected to increase as monitoring wells are Acres SRS Watershed added. Other secondary road maintenance is Upper Three Runs 157,510 79,371 50 anticipated to continue at previous levels. Boundary maintenance, including the LTRMA Lower Three Runs 116,855 38,356 33 fence, will continue at previous levels. Trail Middle Site 88,052 75,419 86 improvements are anticipated to continue as trail Salkehatchie 47,278 3,424 7 use increases near facilities. SRS SR North 41,019 1,560 4 4.3.3 Proposed Changes to Management SRS SR South 61,678 214 0.3 Program Goals Source: Kilgo and Blake 2005 None. The goals for the program are: 4.4 Watershed Management • Maintain existing protective structures and developments. Watershed management efforts are designed to mitigate unacceptable, nonpoint source pollution • In areas of compacted soil, to restore soil impacts on SRS watersheds. These impacts result porosity and native vegetation. from natural resources management activities, • Restore or enhance sub-watershed channels from off-site activities impacting SRS, and from and riparian zones when opportunities for SRS industrial areas. Watershed impacts to soil mitigation exists. quality and productivity include the loss of nutrients, compaction, and erosion. These impacts • Control actively eroding areas that affect vegetative growth, increase runoff and potentially pollute streams, wetlands, and erosion, endanger infrastructure, and can lead to other open waters. stream sedimentation, channel modification, and • Implement required RCRA, CERCLA, or degradation of wetlands. The DOE completed other regulatory requirements for remediated detailed assessments of legacy erosion problems, and/or closed portions of watersheds.

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4.4.1 Current Management Activities 4.5 Fire Management The majority of the watershed restoration, The Fire Management Program is designed to stabilization, and maintenance work has occurred prevent and suppress all wildland fires inside SRS adjacent to developed areas. Due to the hardening boundaries. A prescribed fire program is of surfaces on these areas, runoff intensity is implemented to reduce fuels, to provide habitats magnified. Damage is mitigated in the areas by for a variety of plant and animal species, to various techniques, such as improved vegetative conduct research and silvicultural projects, and to cover, gabion structures, sheet pile walls, support construction and operational activities. retention basins, drop structures, and riprap SRS fire management activities are conducted in energy dissipaters. Maintenance is required to accordance with the DOE Guide 450-1.4, ensure the integrity of the structures and the Wildland Fire Management Program, and Review vegetative cover. An example of stabilization and Update of the 1995 Federal Wildland Fire work includes the F-02 Outfall, located adjacent Management Policy (Department of the Interior to F Area. 2001) as shown in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations, February 2019. Watershed stabilization and restoration activities The 2001 policy directs federal agencies to include, but are not limited to, soil cultivation, achieve a balance between suppression to protect liming, fertilization, seeding, installing erosion , property, and resources, and fire use to control structures to establish a vegetative cover, regulate fuels and maintain healthy ecosystems. and altering vegetative cover. Watershed maintenance activities include, but are not limited The goals for the program are: to fertilization, reseeding, mowing, and aeration. • Continue to suppress wildland fires with first priority for firefighter and public safety. • Continue to support natural resource management goals and objectives with a comprehensive management program.

Photograph 8. Watershed management protects the of streams.

4.4.2 Expected Future Conditions Stream bank and channel erosion control and restoration will receive increased emphasis. Legacy impacts on soil and water from site Photograph 9. Prescribed fire is one method of decreasing activities will be further reduced. the likelihood of a severe wildland fire.

4.4.3 Proposed Changes to Management Program Goals None.

24 4.5.1 Current Management Activities Table 6. Prescribed Fire Acres Completed at SRS FY 2005-2018 4.5.1.1 Wildfire Suppression Fiscal Research Site Wildlife/ Total In the past 13 years, SRS has experienced an Year Projects Preparation Hazardous average of 12 wildland fires per year. The size Fuels ranged from 0.1 to 260 acres with an average of 2005 1,227 943 19,649 21,819 12.2 acres. The ignition sources of these fires were 21 percent lightning, 20 percent equipment, 10 2006 - 567 19,574 20,141 percent debris burning, 3 percent smoking, 2 2007 340 31 19,998 20,369 percent incendiary, 2 percent railroad, and 42 2008 - 139 26,305 26,444 percent miscellaneous causes. The suppression objective is to suppress all wildland fires 2009 96 109 27,263 27,468 regardless of location and control 91 percent of all 2010 16 85 24,531 24,632 fires at 10 acres or less, and 99 percent at less than 2011 - 95 20,175 20,270 100 acres. 2012 1,552 478 22,615 24,645 Fire behavior varies by season and location. 2013 3,211 19 38,113 41,343 Occasional droughts combined with heavy fuel 2014 - 478 9,114 9,592 accumulations can produce intense fire behavior 2015 1,093 549 17,561 19,203 with a high degree of resistance to control. Some areas identified with high fuel loadings are close 2016 - 148 19,999 20,147 to facilities. Primary and secondary roads provide 2017 - - 7,188 7,188 good access for suppression of wildland fires and 2018 - - 11,027 11,027 for prescribed fire. Fire detection is provided from the ground as well as third party aerial detection flights. 4.5.2 Expected Future Conditions 4.5.1.2 Prescribed Fire Areas surrounding facilities and infrastructure in the ICMA and SRCWMA will be treated to reduce Active fuels management reduces wildland fire the risk of wildland fire using a variety of means intensity and resistance to control. An average of including harvesting, chemical and mechanical 21,021 acres were treated by prescribed fire each treatments. year from 2005 through 2018 (Table 6). Much of the dormant-season prescribed fire is designed to 4.5.3 Proposed Changes to Management reduce forest fuel levels. Stands on the RCWMA, Program Goals are managed with prescribed fire to produce forested savannas. Growing season prescribed fire None. is conducted to manage RCW habitat and habitat for many other native plants and animals. The prescribed fire program has successfully reduced fuels where applied. However, prescribed fire has been very limited in areas close to facilities or infrastructure due to smoke concerns.

25 4.6 Research Set-Asides prescribed fire program is coordinated with the Set-Aside Coordinator, and fire lines have been The purpose of the DOE Research Set-Aside established around a number of these areas. Any Program is to manage representative habitats at potential pine beetle problems are monitored and SRS primarily for non-manipulative research. evaluated for treatment in accordance with There are approximately 14,000 acres in 30 approved plans. separate Set-Asides (Davis and Janecek 1997). Set-Aside management facilitates long-term 4.6.2 Expected Future Conditions ecological research. These relatively undisturbed areas can serve as reference sites for evaluations The role of Set-Aside Areas on SRS will continue. of the impacts of SRS operations and management Boundary lines for Set-Asides will be adjusted activities. Existing management plans for each and maintained on a regular, and as needed basis. Set-Aside are customized to provide unique Areas identified as candidates for inclusion or habitat conditions and meet research objectives. deletion to the DOE Research Set-Aside Program Considerations for the development and will be evaluated. implementation of a plan for each Set-Aside include: (1) the primary reason(s) for establishing 4.6.3 Proposed Changes to Management the area; (2) the present and desired future plant Program Goal communities; (3) the significance of both past and None. current research; and (4) the research goals particular to that Set-Aside.

The goal for the program is: • Continue to develop and implement management plans for maintenance of each Set-Aside.

4.6.1 Current Management Activities Current management activities include updating flora and fauna surveys through research studies; monitoring; characterizing environmental conditions; integrating TES species management with sitewide plans; conducting prescribed fire and thinning where ecologically appropriate; and maintaining access. Unplanned disturbances are avoided by inspecting and refurbishing Set-Aside boundary postings and using the SRS Site-Use Coordination System. Generally, management plans are developed in conjunction with scheduled timber compartment prescriptions so that prescribed treatments to the adjacent forest areas and the Set-Aside can occur simultaneously. Photograph 10. An eddy flux tower tracks conditions in a Unplanned fires are suppressed. The SRS landscape scale experiment.

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4.7 Research The goals for the program are: Natural resource, ecological, cultural, and • Support the DOE natural resource, environmental research at SRS provides technical ecological, cultural, and environmental guidance to minimize conflicts between SRS missions. industrial missions and natural resources. • Enhance the capability and activities of SRS Research supports cost-effective implementation as a NERP. of natural resource goals and objectives, and evaluates the ecological, cultural, and • Integrate research, education and outreach environmental impacts associated with alternative activities where appropriate. management practices. SRS is designated as a NERP (DOE 1994) and provides a unique landscape in which to conduct nationally significant environmental, ecological, cultural, and natural resource research. SRS provides a high degree of security, extensive technical databases, infrastructure expertise, and an effective interface between and research personnel. Research, education, and outreach activities are integrated and complementary.

The natural resource research includes, but is not Photograph 11. Research plot to investigate the restoration limited to, endangered species, , of rare pollinator habitat: savanna restoration wetland restoration and mitigation, forest sustainability and operations, productivity, 4.7.1 Current Management Activities bioenergy, fate and transport of contaminant in the Natural resource, ecological, cultural, and environment and restoration technology. This environmental research projects are conducted at research is accomplished through large-scale locations best suited to the objectives of the manipulations, and monitoring of environmental projects, while minimizing impacts to operations. change and biological response. Basic ecological Research activities are designed to minimize effects of SRS operations are assessed through a conflicts with TES species management, special program of research on processes and principles. use areas and cultural resources. Research is Studies include biogeochemistry, ecological implemented only after review of appropriate stewardship, ecotoxicology, and radioecology. plans, field conditions, and consultation with Applied research, monitoring, and assessment of responsible personnel. Modifications of soil, impacts from industrial operations on the vegetation, or biological conditions are generally environment (i.e., soil, streams, flora, and fauna) conducted through harvesting, prescribed fire, and are also conducted. These studies are silvicultural techniques used operationally at SRS implemented in order to comply with federal laws or on similar lands. Sampling and monitoring and regulations dealing with environmental techniques for flora and fauna follow scientific effects of SRS operations on human-health and standards. The sampling, capturing, and banding ecological conditions. The work is performed of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and non- through field and laboratory studies, surveys, and migratory game birds are regulated by the South monitoring of the SRS environment. Cultural Carolina Department of Natural Resources and resource research investigates and protects professional society standards to minimize the historical and archeological sites. impact on individuals and populations. The Federal Bird Banding Laboratory located in

28 Maryland, regulates the capturing and banding of 4.7.2 Expected Future Conditions migratory birds. Sampling requires a permit from Nationally important research is expected to the USFWS Permits Division if any research will increase at SRS as a consequence of the unique be conducted on birds after capture, or if any capabilities of SRS. feathers, egg shells, etc., will be collected for research. Specific research study areas are 4.7.3 Proposed Changes to Management designated and approved using the Site-Use Program Goals Coordination System. The boundaries are mapped and signed appropriately. Site-specific None. requirements, arising from federal regulations and guidelines, control the sampling and transport of contaminated soil, vegetation, or animal tissues.

29 5REFERENCES Caudell, M.B., 2000. Crackerneck Wildlife Edwards, J., Smathers Jr., W., LeMaster, E.T. Management Area and Ecological Reserve: and Jarvis, W., 2000. Savannah River Site Red- Comprehensive Natural Resource cockaded Woodpecker Management Plan, Management Plan, South Carolina Department USDA Forest Service and U.S. Department of of Natural Resources, New Ellenton, SC Energy, New Ellenton, SC

Davis, C.E. and Janecek, L.L., 1997. DOE EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), Research Set-Aside Areas of the Savannah 2000. Unified Federal Policy for a Watershed River Site, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Approach to Federal Land and Resource Aiken, SC Management, Federal Register, Vol. 65, No. 35, pp 8834-8839, February 22, 2000 DOE (U.S. Department of Energy), 1994. Natural Environmental Research Parks, Grewal, H.S. and Noah, J.C., 2004. The Economic Impact of the Savannah River Site Office of Energy Research, DOE/ER-0615P, on South Carolina and Georgia, WSRC- Washington, DC RP2004-4500, Westinghouse Savannah River Company, Aiken, SC DOE (U.S. Department of Energy), 2005. Natural Resources Management Plan for the Imm, D.W. and LeMaster, E.T., 2000. Smooth Savannah River Site, Savannah River Purple Coneflower Management Strategy for Operations Office, Aiken, SC the Savannah River Site, USDA Forest Service- Savannah River, New Ellenton, SC DOI (U.S. Department of the Interior), 2019. Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Kilgo, J.C. and Blake, J.I. (eds.), 2005. Ecology Aviation Operations, Review and Update of the and Management of a Forested Landscape: 1995 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy Fifty Years on the Savannah River Site, Island – January 2001, Bureau of Land Management, Press, Washington, DC National Interagency Fire Center, Boise, ID Murdock, N., 1995. Recovery Plan for Smooth DOT (U.S. Department of Transportation), 2001. Coneflower, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Southeast Region, Asheville, NC Millennium Edition, Federal Highway Service, Southeast Region, Atlanta, GA Administration, Washington, DC SCFC (South Carolina Forestry Commission), 1994. South Carolina’s Best Management Practices, South Carolina Forestry Commission, Columbia, SC

30 REFERENCES (CONTINUED)

USDA(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Forest Service-Savannah River, 2009. Amendment to SRS RCW Management Plan, USDA Forest Service, New Ellenton, SC.

USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), 1995. Recovery Plan for Pondberry (Lindera melissifolia), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA

USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), 1997. Revised Recovery Plan of the U.S. Breeding Population of the Wood Stork, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA

31 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Age class – A distinct aggregation of trees Land Use Control (LUC) – as defined in the originating from a single natural event or EPA Region IV Policy and in regard to real regeneration activity and having ages within e.g., property on federal facilities, means any ten-year age class. restriction or control that limits the use of and/or exposure to any portion of that property, Biodiversity – The variety of life in an area, including , arising from the need including genes, species, plant and animal to protect human health and the environment. communities, ecosystems, and the interactions of The term encompasses “institutional controls”, these elements. such as those involved in real estate interests, Calcium chloride – A dust abatement material, governmental permitting, zoning, public applied as a solution, which binds with soil fines advisories, deed notices, and other “legal” on secondary roads. restrictions. The term may also include restrictions on access, whether achieved by Ecosystem – A community of interacting means of engineered barriers (e.g., fence or organisms (including people) and their concrete pad) or by human means (e.g., the environment that functions together to sustain presence of security guards). Additionally, the life. term may involve both affirmative measures to Environmental closure projects – Removal of a achieve the desired restrictions (e.g., night variety of surface and groundwater contaminants. lighting of an area) and prohibitive directives (e.g., no drilling of wells). Even-aged stand management – A stand of Considered altogether, the LUCs for a facility trees managed as one uniform age class. will provide a tool for how its property should be used in order to maintain the level of Fuel loading – The amount of fuel present protectiveness that one or more remedial/ expressed quantitatively in terms of weight of corrective actions were designed to achieve. fuel per unit area. Land Use Control Assurance Plan (LUCAP) – Fiscal Year – The Federal budgetary year as defined in the EPA Region IV Policy, is a starting October 1st and running through written facility-wide plan that sets out the September 30th of the following year. procedure to assurance LUCs remain effective Forested savanna – An area containing over the long-term for all areas at the particular predominantly grass or other herbaceous plants facility where they are required. interspersed with longleaf pine. Goal – A broad statement leading to a desired outcome. Inventory – The process of conducting a periodic survey to make a list of natural resource variables. Intrusive – any activity that disturbs the environment within the boundary of a waste site Landscape – An area composed of interacting ecosystems with similar geology, soil, landform, climate, biota, and human influences.

32 GLOSSARY OF TERMS (CONTINUED)

Land Use Control Implementation Plan feces deposited into lakes, wetlands, and coastal (LUCIP) - as defined in the EPA Region IV waters by runoff. Policy, is a written plan, normally developed after a decision document has required one or Prescribed fire – Any fire ignited by more LUCs for some particular area (e.g., management actions to meet specific objectives. operable unit, contaminated unit, and/or solid Prescription – A specific land-use plan for a waste management unit), that predetermined physical area. (1) Identifies each LUC objective for that Silviculture – The art and science of controlling area (e.g., to restrict public access to the area for the establishment, growth, composition, health, recreational use) and and quality of forests and woodlands. (2) Specifies those actions required to Site preparation – A harvested site prepared for achieve each identified objective (e.g., through fire, herbicides, or install/maintain a fence, post warning signs, mechanical means. record notice in deed records). Survey – A detailed or comprehensive inspection LUCIPs specify what must be done to impose of natural resource or environmental variables. and maintain the required LUCs, and are therefore analogous to design and/or operation Sustainable management – An output and maintenance plans developed for active maintained in perpetuity without impairment of remedies. the productivity of the resources. Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) – Laser Stand – A contiguous group of trees sufficiently scanning methods often used for three uniform in age class distribution, composition, dimensional measurements, such as surveying. and structure, and growing on a site of sufficiently uniform quality, so as to be a Management area – A specific geographic area distinguishable unit. where common stewardship objectives will be applied. Thinning – A cutting made to reduce stand density of trees primarily to improve growth, Monitoring – A systematic check for the purpose enhance forest health, or recover potential of collecting specific categories of natural mortality. resource or environmental data. Timber compartment – Describes a physical Natural regeneration - An age class created area, usually 1,000 to 3,000 acres. from natural seeding, sprouting, suckering, or layering. Uneven aged management – A stand of trees managed as three or more distinct age classes, Nonconsumptive recreation – Activities such as either intimately mixed or in small groups. walking, bird watching, horseback riding, and bike riding. Nonindigenous – Vegetation that is geographically outside of its natural growing range or soil/ topographic setting. Nonpoint source – Pollutants, such as excess pesticides, fertilizers, soil sediments and animal

33 APPENDIX

LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS Photograph 1 Pine Savanna in the RCW Management Area Cover ...... i Photograph 2. Protection of the red-cockaded woodpecker is important in natural resource decisions...... 14 Photograph 3. Threatened, endangered, and sensitive species, such as this smooth purple coneflower, are surveyed periodically to determine their extent and status...... 16 Photograph 4. Golden eagle over wintering on SRS...... 17 Photograph 5. A sustainable harvest of forest products is maintained through natural and artificial regeneration...... 20 Photograph 6. The secondary road network is important to the success of the natural resources management program...... 21 Photograph 7. Stabilization projects minimize soil movement into surface waters...... 21 Photograph 8. Watershed management protects the water quality of streams...... 24 Photograph 9. Prescribed fire is one method of decreasing the likelihood of a severe wildland fire...... 24 Photograph 10. An eddy flux tower tracks conditions in a landscape scale experiment...... 26 Photograph 11. Research plot to investigate the restoration of rare pollinator habitat: savanna restoration...... 28 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Savannah River Site ...... 1 Figure 2. Management Areas ...... 5 Figure 3. Industrial Core Management Area ...... 8 Figure 4. Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Management Area ...... 9 Figure 5. Supplemental Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Management Area ...... 10 Figure 6. Crackerneck Wildlife Management Area and Ecological Reserve ...... 11 Figure 7. Savannah River Swamp Management Area ...... 12 Figure 8. Lower Three Runs Corridor Management Area...... 13 Figure 9. General Location of Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species ...... 15 Figure 10. SRS RCW population growth 1985 - 2018 ...... 17 Figure 11. Volume and Value Sold FY2005-2018 ...... 19 Figure 12. Watersheds at SRS ...... 23 Figure 13. DOE Research Set-Asides ...... 27 LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Reported Animal/Vehicle Collisions ...... 16 Table 2. Standing Volume of Pine and Hardwood by Management Area as of 2009 LiDAR Inventory ...... 18 Table 3. Current SRS Forest Types ...... 20 Table 4. Secondary Road Traffic Service Levels ...... 20 Table 5. SRS Watersheds ...... 22

34 Appendix (CONTINUED) LIST OF ABBREAVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

CWMAER ------Crackerneck Wildlife Management Area and Ecological Reserve CERCLA ------Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act DOE ------United States Department of Energy DOI ------United States Department of the Interior DOT ------United States Department of Transportation EPA ------United States Environmental Protection Agency FY ------Fiscal Year ft ------foot or feet ICMA ------Industrial Core Management Area LTRCMA ------Lower Three Runs Corridor Management Area LUC ------Land Use Controls LUCAP ------Land Use Controls Assurance Plan LUCIP ------Land Use Controls Implementation Plan MA ------Management Area Mft3 ------millions of cubic feet NEPA ------National Environmental Policy Act NERP ------National Environmental Research Park NRMP ------Natural Resources Management Plan RCRA ------Resource Conservation and Recovery Act RCW ------red-cockaded woodpecker RCWMA ------Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Management Area SRCWMA ------Supplemental Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Management Area SRS ------Savannah River Site SRSMA ------Savannah River Swamp Management Area TES ------threatened, endangered, and sensitive USDA ------United States Department of Agriculture USFS-SR ------United States Forest Service – Savannah River USFWS ------United States Fish and Wildlife Service

35