Mission

Integrating environmental requirements into Minnesota National Guard operations and training as a way of life by:

• Ensuring compliance
• Minimizing environmental impact
• Increasing public value
• Serving as a role model

Wildlife

Many wildlife species coexist with the Army National Guard’s continuous military training at Camp Ripley. The environmental staff works closely with federal and state environmental agencies to ensure these species are protected. Unique opportunities are provided for community groups to experience the impressive natural resources found at Camp Ripley.

The Minnesota Army National Guard shares its training land with the federally protected gray wolf. The Gray Wolf Project uses satellite and radio collars to study wolves and track their movements, which enables wolf dens and rendezvous sites to be located and protected. The National Guard also hosts local schools as part of the Eyes On Wildlife and Job Shadow programs, which allow students to conduct gray wolf research through Geographic Information Systems technology, telemetry and hands-on evaluations.  Camp Ripley’s environmental staff and the state’s Dept. of Natural Resources sponsor deer hunts for disabled veterans and youth. Both events provide opportunities for community members to experience the great outdoors and assist in the control of the deer population.

The Minnesota Army National Guard at Camp Ripley hosts training units from around the world. Due to recycling, Camp Ripley disposes of only 1.53 pounds of waste per person per training day, much lower than the national consumer average of four pounds per day. More than 61 percent of the waste generated onsite is recycled. Recycling fuel, oil, antifreeze, solvents and metal contribute to the waste reduction.

Native American Tribes

The Minnesota Army National Guard consults with 13 Native American tribes, including the local Mille Lacs Band of the Ojibwe, to identify and protect cultural resources at Camp Ripley.  A predictive settlement model, built with Geographic Information Systems technology, defines probable past cultural sites and aids in the management of reservation lands today.

Regulations

Minnesota Environmental Program Manager: 
John Ebert
John.Ebert@us.army.mil
(320) 616-2618
DSN:  871-2618
15000 Highway 115, Camp Ripley
Little Falls, MN 56345-4173

MNGR 200-1 Environmental Protection and Enhancement
MNGR 200-3 Hazardous and Special Waste Management
MNGR 200-21 Integrated Spill Management

If you have questions regarding the Minnesota National Guard Environmental Projects, please contact:

Telephone
(320) 616-2722/2720
FAX
(320)632-7702
Postal address
15000 Highway 115, Camp Ripley
Little Falls, MN 56345-4173
Environmental Hotline
1-800-657-3668

Customer Support:
Camp Ripley Environmental Supervisor: Marty Skogland
Marty.Skoglund@us.army.mil
(320) 616-2722

Environmental Specialist: Jay.Brezinka@us.army.mil
Geographic Information Specialist: Craig.Erickson@mn.ngb.army.mil