NAVY NATURAL RESOURCES AND LAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The Navy and Marine Corps manage more than four million acres worldwide. Much of this land is located in sensitive wetlands along valuable coastlines, some of the most ecologically significant areas in the world. The location of our real estate holdings makes it imperative that we plan and execute our various military missions in harmony with our environment. It is a Department of the Navy goal to promote an environmental protection ethic within the Navy workforce.

The Department of the Navy supports numerous partnerships with other Federal, State, local and private resource groups to promote such programs as the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation, Wetlands Protection and Enhancement, and Watchable Wildlife.

Jacqueline E. Schafer, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and the Environment, has noted, "It will be difficult for the Navy to succeed in its mission unless it has earned the confidence of its neighbors. To keep this confidence, the Navy must emphasize natural resources stewardship in every aspect of its land use." It does. Come see for yourself and discover our resources.

NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER INDIAN HEAD DIVISION

The mission of NSWC-IHD is to provide technical support for ordnance devices and special weapons to the Fleet and to other operating forces. A 3,000 acre land base has been established in support of the NSWC mission. Both the NSWC and Stump Neck Annex are located on peninsulas adjacent to the Potomac River. The terrain is rolling and is marked by secondary and tertiary streams. The Chicamuxen and Mattawoman Creeks, which border the area on the Southeast, form extensive tidal wetlands. Vegetation is characterized by a mixed deciduous forest cover type, with areas of open grassland and freshwater marsh. This provides excellent wildlife habitat.

The Natural Resources Office sponsors a bluebird nestbox program, a nature trail, and is developing a Nature Center. NSWC also hosts an active bald eagle's nest.

Access to NSWC is restricted and must be scheduled prior to arrival. Photography is strictly limited. Contact the Natural Resources Office, 301/743-4705 or the Public Affairs Office, 301/743-4304 for information.