CHECK LIST OF BIRDS
for the
NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER
DAHLGREN DIVISION
Dahlgren, Virginia
NAVY NATURAL RESOURCES AND LAND
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Navy and Marine Corps manage more than four million acres worldwide. Much of this land is located in sensitive wetlands along valuable coastlines, some of the most ecologically significant areas in the world. The location of our real estate holdings makes it imperative that we plan and execute our various military missions in harmony with our environment. It is a Department of the Navy goal to promote an environmental protection ethic within the Navy workforce.
The Department of the Navy supports numerous partnerships with other Federal, State, local and private resource groups to promote such programs as the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation, Wetlands Protection and Enhancement, and Watchable Wildlife.
Jacqueline E. Schafer, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and the Environment, has noted, “It will be difficult for the Navy to succeed in its mission unless it has earned the confidence of its neighbors. To keep this confidence, the Navy must emphasize natural resources stewardship in every aspect of its land use.” It does. Come see for yourself and discover our resources.
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division
The Naval Surface Warfare Center is the Navy’s principal research, development, test and evaluation center for surface ship weapon systems, ordnance, mines and strategic support systems.
The Center comprises two separate land masses totaling 4320 acres. The Mainside portion encompasses 2677 acres and is bisected by Gambo Creek, a 150 acre tidal marsh. The Center supports a diverse landscape including grasslands, old fields, pine-hardwood, and hardwood habitat types. Over 650 acres of wetlands have been identified, which does not include the adjacent Potomac River and Machodoc Creek. Successful integration of the natural resources management program with the military mission has fostered an excellent birding area.
Military mission requirements preclude access by the general public except with special permission. Please contact the Center’s Natural Resources Manager, Dr. Thomas Wray II, at 540-653-4186 for more information.
The U.S. Navy and Partners in Flight are cooperating on an international program to promote the conservation of migratory birds. For information, contact DoD Partners in Flight by email or call 540-349-9662.