South Dakota Army National Guard Biological Surveys

Location
Rapid City, Elk Point, SD

To conserve and protect as much of the environment as possible, the South Dakota Army National Guard works with our Environmental team to conduct biological surveys of training areas. Through a combination of site visits, live traps, and trail cameras, the team collects accurate data on the presence of animal and plant life in the area. Modern data and historic data give insight to emerging trends, enabling scientifically-based decisions for environmental actions.

Project Details

Biological surveys are conducted through a field visit. Mammal, avian, reptile, and amphibian species are recorded and compared to historical sightings. Bird count point locations, scent stations, Sherman traps, pitfall traps, trail cameras, and coverboards are all utilized to gain information about the species utilizing the training area. Indicator species, a species of animal or plant that reflects the state of an environment or the impacts of environmental change within an area, are also noted. These indicator species can be used to monitor the effects that activities conducted by the SDARNG have on the training areas.

Services Provided

National Environmental Policy Act Documentation (Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements)
Environmental Compliance
Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans
Invasive Species Studies
General Habitat Assessments and Biological Assessment Documentation

Support Disciplines

Environmental