Fort Walker announced Friday that it entered an Intergovernmental Support Agreement with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Natural Heritage Division to preserve and protect animal, plant and aquatic habitats at the installation.
Fort Walker Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Matthew Bauer and DCR Director Matthew Wells signed the 10-year agreement, which aims to streamline Fort Walker’s efficiency in preservation efforts.
Fort Walker officials, staff and representatives from the Department of Army G9 Partnerships participated in the signing ceremony.
DCR will provide field biologists to support the installation’s limited workforce, which is responsible for monitoring 76,000 acres.
The personnel provided by DCR will help ensure Fort Walker’s military mission coexists with management of natural resources and conservation efforts.
“This agreement, which improves efficiencies between different levels of government, formalizes a partnership that goes back three decades,” Wells said. “The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is excited that the U.S. Army will be able to continue to rely on our agency experts to assist in stewarding the important natural resources found on the base.”
Fort Walker, located in Caroline County, consists of rare species of plants. It is a haven for swamp pink (Helonias bullata), a wetland-dependent lily that is currently listed as threatened. Other rare plants at the installation include small-whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides), sandhills bog lily (Lilium pyrophilum) and New Jersey rush (Juncus caesariensis).
Jason Bullock, director of the Virginia Natural Heritage Program, said Fort Walker holds several of the Commonwealth’s natural heritage resources because of its commitment to balancing military training with habitat management.
“This fact is especially fun and rewarding to share, as it always educates and amazes whomever is listening,” Bullock said. “Our partnership, nearly 35 years strong, will now benefit from greater streamlining and efficiency, as we pursue our unique missions and common conservation goals.”
Bullock said he is ecstatic about the partnership because it builds on a pre-existing relationship and is mutually beneficial.
“For the garrison, this agreement provides significant cost savings and allows us to leverage the most knowledgeable subject matter experts in the state to protect our natural resources.” Bauer said.
