MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay -- Upholding the bar for continued success, the Secretary of the Navy awarded Marine Corps Base Hawaii the Natural Resources Conservation Award for small installations, as well as the Environmental Quality Award for nonindustrial installations, May 4, at the Secretary of the Navy Environmental Awards in Washington, D.C.
Since 1982, the base has continuously won environmental awards, recognizing the efforts and accomplishments in protecting natural resources and wildlife, and in preserving historic areas.
"This base has engrained the environmental stewardship ethic into its very core," said Dr. Diane Drigot, senior natural resources management specialist here. "We represent the Marine Corps' conservation ethic by making environmental issues a priority, and taking the time to make a difference.
"We consistently participate in environmental projects and show a strong community relationship, and that is why we continue to be recognized."
One of the most impressive success stories here has been the completion of a major effort that has spanned more than 22 years. The base has removed 25-plus acres of mangrove from Mokapu Peninsula. The invasive plant species had completely overtaken the peninsula, especially the Nuupia Ponds Wildlife Management Area, and it was destroying many of the native species, plants and animals.
"Hawaii has lost over 25 percent of its wetlands to construction and deterioration; the plants, fish and birds depend on these areas to survive," said Drigot. "Through the efforts of the Marines, and help from the community, we have been able to make a difference in that statistic and give some of that lost paradise back to the islands."
In 2002, MCB Hawaii implemented an Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan that addressed the base's plans for conserving its natural resources during the next five years. The planned goals, objectives and management actions were designed to help the installation equally meet the challenge of balancing combat readiness, quality of life and conservation activities, all within an $8 million budget.
Now two years into the plan, MCB Hawaii has completed 131 actions, 26 of them ahead of schedule. Projects newly or nearly completed include reduced brushfire and erosion risks, state recognition of invasive species removal projects, a doubling of endangered Hawaiian stilts in the MCB Hawaii wetlands within 20 years, as well as collaborative community partnerships, with public schools, environmental staff, Native Hawaiian and civic groups. The list goes on and on, according to Drigot.
"It is a singular achievement to include the community to such an extent in the environmental program," she explained. " But for us, it is Earth Day in the Marine Corps every day, and we want to share that stewardship viewpoint with the entire community."
MCB Hawaii moved on to compete in the Department of Defense Environmental Awards Ceremony on May 5. The base won a citation for meritorious achievement in natural resources conservation, and environmental officials say they will continue to put their best foot forward and make a difference no matter what.