Natural resources: protecting animals, historic sites part of AF mission Published April 5, 2010 By Christopher Long 4th Civil Engineer Squadron SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Natural resource management plays a pivotal role in the daily operations at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. The Dare County Bombing Range, nearly a three-hour drive from Seymour Johnson AFB, is essential to the base's natural resource program. The range, located in Dare County, N.C., consists of more than 46,000 acres of property. The wetlands, pine and hardwood forest that make up the range offer a vast assortment of essential habitats for black bears, deer, bobcats, turkeys and dozens of songbirds and waterfowl species that inhabit the range. The range is also home to two federally listed endangered species, the red cockaded woodpecker and the red wolf. In addition to providing an important habitat for many species of wildlife, the range is also the site of an extensive commercial forestry program. Numerous species of pine are intensively managed for lumber and paper production, with timber sales providing a valuable source of income not only to the Air Force, but also the local community. Seymour Johnson AFB is also responsible for management of the Fort Fisher Recreation Area. The 100-acre property is located where the Cape Fear River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The base helps ensure the protection of this ecologically and historically important coastal land from future development. Airman and their families can visit, explore, fish, and camp at this former Civil War fort. The emphasis the Air Force places on these properties and their natural resource management illustrates the responsibilities we all share as stewards of our nation's resources for future generations.