Introduction

Camp Ripley is proud of its reputation of conserving and preserving its natural and cultural resources. Because Camp Ripley has excelled in its role as environmental stewards, these resources will be available for future generations to use. The training environment has been enhanced through forest management practices that maximize tree canopy cover for concealment while still providing excellent vehicle maneuverability through a range of habitat types.

Camp Ripley abounds with plant and animal life unique to central Minnesota. Surveys have identified 565 plant specimens, 126 resident bird species, 41 species of fish, 107 types of aquatic invertebrates, 65 species of butterflies, 51 mammal species, 23 reptiles and amphibians, and 8 mussel species. Wildlife species of particular interest include the bald eagle, white-tailed deer, black bear, and timber wolf. With a population of 30 deer per square mile and its potential for trophy deer, Camp Ripley has been nationally recognized as having an exceptionally healthy deer herd. The Department of Natural Resources began monitoring the deer population at Camp Ripley in 1954, the first year of the annual white-tail bow hunt. Another hunt offered each fall is the Disabled American Veterans' deer hunt (established in 1992). This opportunity to enjoy the experience of being outdoors and hunting has increased the confidence and self-esteem of many physically challenged veterans.

Camp Ripley's environmental office enjoys the credit of many success stories, among the most notable concerning nuisance bear activity. In 1991, increased nuisance activity from black bears prompted a study to estimate the size of the bear population on the base and develop management recommendations for nuisance bears. The population was estimated at 20-25 bears, and it was found that over 80% of the nuisance activity was being caused by just 2 bears. These bears were removed from the base and since the study, there have been very few nuisance bear reports. Other successes have included erosion-control in the training areas and minimizing damage to the timber resource caused by porcupines, pine bark beetles, and especially deer browsing.

The environmental office also conducts numerous, ongoing studies on wildlife and plants, to document the quality of wildlife habitat found at Camp Ripley and to investigate relationships between military activities and sensitive wildlife species. To date, these studies have demonstrated a high degree of compatibility between military activities and wildlife species. For example, while it has long been thought that timber wolves are sensitive wilderness dwellers unable to adapt to human activity, a radio telemetry study has found that the Ripley wolves breed and raise their young relatively close to centers of military activity and are in fact quite adaptable.

To help manage all of Camp Ripley's resources, a GIS (Geographic Information System) has been implemented on site. GIS helps answer questions for the people in Camp Ripley on matters such as finding the appropriate locations for the training sites, what areas on camp are protected because of historic value, where a certain endangered bird's nest is located, etc.  Another useful aspect of Camp Ripley's GIS is that it enables people to receive a specific, professional map customized to their immediate needs.

Camp Ripley substitutes as an environmental classroom for local schools and students. For the past three years, students from local schools have trekked to Camp Ripley to learn about protection and managing the environment. One program established by the local community high school is entitled "Community Environmental Involvement". Replacing the traditional one-hour classroom period as a multi-disciplinary teaching of Social Studies, English and Science through a three-hour time period. Periodically throughout the course, students are paired off with local professionals and are expected to function as an apprentice. The concept is popularly referred to as the "Shadow Program".

This program is designed to give students real life, on-the-job experience in a field that is interesting to them. It exposes the students to activities that cannot be simulated in a traditional classroom setting. There are more than 40 "Shadow" sites for the students to choose from, ranging from waste water treatment plant operation to the study of many types of wildlife. What could be a better place to learn about the environment than a 53,000 acre laboratory.

Camp Ripley is proud of becoming a leader in our environmentally conscious community. Making constant use of updated technology combined with a caring, well educated staff, has allowed Camp Ripley to maintain its excellence in environmental standards.

Click below to read about Camp Ripley's ' 2008 DOD Natural Resources Conservation Award forLarge Installation '

See a list of Camp Ripley's environmental awards.