INTRODUCTION | Training Mission | BACKGROUND | Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan | Cooperative Agreements | Organization/Staffing | PROGRAM SUMMARY | SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS | Overall Conservation Mgmt | Ecosystem Mgmt | Forest Mgmt | Land Use Mgmt | Wildlife Mgmt | Pest Mgmt | Conservation Education | Community Relations | Mission Enhancement | Environmental Enhancement |
Natural Resource Compliance Program | CONCLUSION | Home

	Figure 2. Camp Ripley Environmental Office.

A recent cost comparison demonstrated 50% savings in the last 2 years through use of in-house services. In addition, the Minnesota National Guard relies on expertise of personnel from other state agencies who willingly contribute countless hours of assistance in support of Camp Ripley's Natural Resource program. Agencies that have made significant contributions include the Minnesota Departments of Natural Resources, Corrections, Transportation, Agriculture, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. It is estimated that these contributions exceed $50,000 annually. Using cost-effective alternatives and assistance from other agencies has proven very successful and economical. In addition to the cost-benefit realized through interagency cooperation and collaboration, cost-effective alternatives are employed at Camp Ripley. Following are some specific examples of these alternatives:

• Clemson Levelers are used to control drainage problems associated with beavers. The levelers consist of 8" diameter plastic pipe that is placed in the bottom of a culvert to provide continuous water flow. This actually tricks the beaver into thinking that the culvert is dammed from above yet water continues to flow. Levelers cost approximately $2000 to install. However, one leveler can avert significant property damage by preventing washouts from beaver dam failure. Levelers also reduce routine maintenance required on culverts. Based on past property damage and subsequent repair cost, Camp Ripley has realized savings five times greater than the cost of installing the levelers. Furthermore, the levelers have proven 100% effective.
• A Predictive Settlement Model has delineated areas of high, medium, and low sensitivity from an archaeological perspective (see Figure 4). Although the model cost approximately $50,000 to develop, the benefit is enormous. Over 70% of Camp Ripley (37,000 acres) has been deemed low sensitivity according to the model. In a programmatic agreement underway with the State Historic Preservation Office, areas of low sensitivity will not require a phase 1 field survey prior to ground disturbance. Phase 1 surveys generally cost about $150 per acre. Although it is unlikely that phase 1 surveys would be conducted over the 37,000 acres in question, the cost of these surveys would exceed $5 million.
• Employing environmental interns from local universities has been economical for Camp Ripley and professionally beneficial for the students. Students receive hands on experience under guidance of natural resource professionals and university professors. This has proven invaluable for future career opportunities and Camp Ripley has realized a cost-benefit of over 50% in labor.

Table 3. Sample Transferable Accomplishments.