DA Form 2785-2-R: Fish & Wildlife Management Guide – DA Form 2785-2-R is a Department of the Army form titled Installation Natural Resources Report: Part II – Fish and Wildlife Management (LRA). It serves as a standardized reporting tool for U.S. Army installations to document and track fish and wildlife management activities, habitats, and related conservation efforts.
This form is Part II of a broader reporting series (alongside Part I for land use/construction and Part I for forest management). It supports compliance with Army natural resources policies and federal requirements for managing renewable resources on military lands. The “(LRA)” likely refers to Land Resource Area or similar categorization for land management reporting.
Purpose and Importance in Army Natural Resources Management
Military installations manage millions of acres of land that often contain significant fish, wildlife, and habitat resources. DA Form 2785-2-R helps installations:
- Document fish and wildlife populations, habitats, and management actions.
- Support Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs) required under the Sikes Act.
- Demonstrate stewardship while ensuring lands remain available for military training and operations.
- Track progress on habitat improvement, species protection, and public access (e.g., hunting and fishing programs).
The form aligns with historical Army Regulation AR 420-74 (Natural Resources – Land, Forest, and Wildlife Management), which emphasized habitat improvement as a primary wildlife management strategy.
Connection to the Sikes Act and Federal Requirements
The Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. § 670a et seq.) is the cornerstone legislation. Enacted in 1960 and amended over time (notably in 1997 for INRMPs), it requires the Department of Defense to conserve and rehabilitate natural resources on military installations in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and state fish and wildlife agencies.
Key elements include:
- Preparation and implementation of INRMPs.
- Sustainable multipurpose use (hunting, fishing, trapping, non-consumptive recreation).
- Public access where consistent with safety and security.
- No net loss in the capability of lands to support the military mission.
DA Form 2785-2-R provides data that feeds into these broader planning and reporting obligations.
How DA Form 2785-2-R Fits Into INRMPs?
INRMPs are comprehensive, ecosystem-based plans that integrate natural resource management with military readiness. DA Form 2785-2-R supplies specific fish and wildlife data for INRMP development, annual reviews, and five-year formal reviews by USFWS and state agencies.
Typical topics covered in fish and wildlife sections of INRMPs (and supported by the form) include:
- Species inventories (including threatened/endangered species).
- Habitat management and enhancement.
- Invasive species control.
- Hunting, fishing, and recreational programs.
- Coordination with partners for conservation.
Who Uses the Form and When?
- Primary users: Army installation natural resources managers, environmental staff, and facilities engineers.
- Frequency: Typically tied to annual reporting cycles or as required for INRMP updates and higher headquarters submissions.
- Related forms: DA Form 2785-R (Part I – Land Use), DA Form 2785-1-R (Forest Management).
Installations use the data for budgeting, project planning, compliance reporting, and demonstrating mission-compatible conservation.
Key Benefits of Effective Fish and Wildlife Management on Army Lands
Proper use of tools like DA Form 2785-2-R delivers multiple benefits:
- Mission Support: Healthy ecosystems reduce training restrictions (e.g., from endangered species issues).
- Biodiversity Conservation: Military lands often serve as refuges for rare species due to limited public access.
- Recreational Opportunities: Structured hunting and fishing programs for service members, families, and sometimes the public.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meets Sikes Act, Endangered Species Act, and other federal/state requirements.
- Community Relations: Enhances partnerships with USFWS, state agencies, and local stakeholders.
Best Practices for Completing and Using the Form
- Coordinate with Partners — Involve USFWS and state agencies early.
- Use Current Data — Incorporate recent surveys, monitoring, and GIS mapping.
- Integrate with INRMP — Ensure form data aligns with the installation’s approved plan.
- Focus on Adaptive Management — Track outcomes and adjust strategies annually.
- Document Habitat Projects — Highlight improvements like wetland restoration or native vegetation planting.
Accessing the Form and Resources
DA forms are generally available through official Army publishing channels, installation environmental offices, or the Army Publishing Directorate. For current guidance, consult:
- Army Environmental Command (AEC).
- Latest INRMP templates and Sikes Act resources from USFWS.
- Updated DoD and Army policy on natural resources (successor guidance to AR 420-74).
Note: Forms and regulations may be updated; always verify the latest versions through official military channels.
Conclusion: Supporting Readiness Through Stewardship
DA Form 2785-2-R is a practical tool that helps U.S. Army installations fulfill their dual mandate: maintaining military readiness while conserving America’s natural heritage. By systematically reporting on fish and wildlife management, installations contribute to broader conservation goals under the Sikes Act and ensure sustainable use of valuable lands for generations of soldiers and civilians.
Effective natural resources management strengthens both national defense and environmental sustainability across U.S. military installations. For installation-specific assistance, contact your garrison environmental office or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sikes Act Coordinator.