The Conservation Branch includes a Natural Resources Section and a Cultural Resources Section. The Natural Resources Section also includes an Applied Biology & Pest Management team. The Conservation Branch provides program oversight and support for Natural Resource and Cultural Resource programs within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW) Area of Responsibility (AOR) for Commander Pacific Fleet and Commander Navy Installations Command. The branch provides oversight, guidance, and approval for all natural resources and cultural resources projects proposed by the ten installations in Navy Region Southwest (NRSW); prepares input to the Department of Defense Environmental Report to Congress; responds to U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) petitions to list species and Critical Habitat designations; provides oversight for the Avian Program; manages contracts and cooperative agreements for Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) programs; provides oversight and management of all installation natural resource issues; reviews and provides guidance for NEPA documents, Installation Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs), Fire Management Plans and Encroachment Partnering Plans; supports the Navy’s requirement to train natural resources personnel; and supports endangered species consultations with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The team also prepares Integrated Pest Management Plans for Navy and Marine Corps installations and provides technical assistance in developing mosquito control programs.
The Cultural Resources Section provides program management support to NRSW installations; reviews and approves Categorical Exclusion documents for projects; provides technical support to the Base Realignment and Closure Program, Commander Pacific Fleet, and Naval Operations Support Centers; and performs in-house archaeological and building surveys, including consultation support.