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. Camp Ripley abounds with plant and animal life unique to central Minnesota. The high diversity of life forms (over 600 plant specimens, 201 bird species, 107 types of aquatic invertebrates, 71 species of butterflies, 50 mammal species, 41 species of fish, 24 species of reptiles and amphibians, and eight mussel species) are a result of Camp Ripley's location along the forest transition zone in central Minnesota. Wildlife species of particular interest include the  white-tailed deer, black bear, and timber wolf. 

The White-Tailed Deer:

The Department of Natural Resources began monitoring the deer population at Camp Ripley in 1954, the first year of the annual white-tailed deer bow hunt.  Recently a study has been underway to examine the relative influences of winter severity and nutrition on the use of jack pine-hardwood habitat type as winter thermal cover in Camp Ripley.  This project is accomplished by radio collaring 20 female white-tailed deer in two different locations (40 total) and monitoring their distribution and home ranges on their winter range.  Other objectives of the study are to determine seasonal migration patterns, habitat composition of winter home ranges and nutritional requirement.  The study will continue through the 2002 winter field season.  Another white-tailed deer 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.

Black Bears:

In 1991, increased nuisance activity from black bears prompted a study to estimate the size of the bear population on the Post and develop management recommendations for nuisance bears. The population was estimated at 20-25 bears, and through detailed radio tracking efforts it was found that just two bears were causing over 80% of the nuisance activity.  Radio tracking of black bear has continued through 2002 and is now being supplemented with Global Positioning System (GPS) and satellite collars.  The combined data sets demonstrate the value of practical, applied wildlife research management of military training lands.  As part of Camp Ripley's community mission, various school groups and civic organizations participate in black bear den visits.  Even the Norwegian Home Guard enjoys the opportunity to participate in the den visits.

Timber Wolf:

In 1994 a project was initiated to study the newly formed pack of gray wolves at Camp Ripley.  The initial objectives of the wolf project included providing estimates of the number wolves at Camp Ripley, identifying territory sizes and locations, monitoring population trends and locating dens and rendezvous sites.  During this project, 26 radio collars were deployed on 15 wolves.  Thirteen of the collars were conventional "radio tracking collars", 11 global positioning systems (GPS) and two satellite collars.  In total, 7300 GPS and satellite locations were collected from wolves from various ages.  Conventional telemetry provided 265 locations.  Refer to map, which shows the dispersal route of one of the wolves that was collared on Camp Ripley.

Geographic Information System (GIS):

To help manage all of Camp Ripley's resources, a GIS (Geographic Information system) has been implemented on site.  GIS assists Camp Ripley personnel in decision-making by providing maps, reports and spatial related information for geographic reference.  For example, GIS is used to plot the movements of radio collared animals that are under study at Camp Ripley.  The female wolf that journeyed to Wisconsin and back is a perfect example of GIS application.  GIS improves decision-making by providing timely answers to complex questions.  Most decisions made relating to one issue have an impact on other issues and GIS provides integrated solutions by processing multiple data sets simultaneously  to come up with the appropriate course of action.  GIS helps answer questions for the people in Camp Ripley on matters such as finding the appropriate location for training sites, delineating areas that are protected because of historic value, or identifying locations of protected bird's nest such as Bald Eagles.  what areas on camp are protected because of historic value, where a certain endangered bird's nest is located, etc.  At certain times of the year, military traffic is restricted to 400 meters of known Bald Eagle nests.  GIS is used to locate the nests, buffer them 400 meters, and produce maps to communicate the restriction to troops training at Camp Ripley. GIS is also used in a wide variety of applications, such as suitable bivouac assessment, range safety, habitat management, cultural resource management, water resource management, and transportation management.  See Attached Map  

GIS is also used in a wide variety of applications such as suitable bivouac assessment, range safety, habitat management, cultural resource management, water resource management, and transportation management.

Camp Ripley substitutes as an environmental classroom for local schools and students. Beginning in 1990, students from local schools have trek 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". It replaces 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 that 40 "Shadow" site for the students to choose from ranging from wastewater treatment plant operations 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?  This partnership with local schools has resulted in a statewide "Shadow Program" where students participate in a three day shadow experience involving a myriad of vocational opportunities at Camp Ripley.  This includes, but is not limited to environmental career fields.

The success of the Camp Ripley Environmental program reflects a strong commitment to preservation of current resources and a proactive vision of the future.

The Camp Ripley Environmental Office’s professionalism, efficiency, and vision will guarantee not only enhanced preservation of the vast natural resources at Camp Ripley, but also expanded support for the military training mission in the future. For further information, contact the Camp Ripley Environmental Office at (320) 632-7201 or check our web site at www.dma.state.mn.us/cpripley/Envir/envir.htm.