Q: Is hunting allowed on board NASP? If not, why not?
A: No- Hunting is not allowed on board NASP due to limited acreage and Security concerns with the airfield and mission areas. Unauthorized personnel are not allowed to cross the active runways.
Q: Where can I fish on NASP? Do I need a license?
A: Fishing is allowed in only certain areas of NAS Pensacola and is restricted to only Military personnel and Civilian Government Employees. All recreational fishing must comply with all applicable Florida fishing regulations. Click here to download the full set Fishing and Swimming instructions and regulations. Anyone failing to comply with the written fishing regulations may have their privileges revoked or possibly barred from NAS Pensacola.
Q: I need to remove some trees around a project area- what is the policy for replacing any trees that may have to be removed?
A: All tree removals must be approved by PWD Natural Resources personnel. Tree replacement is required if Natural Resources grants permission to remove a living tree.
Q: What does the Navy do with any income from Timber Sales? How does the base benefit from these sales?
A: Timber sale income is deposited into the Navy's general forestry account. A portion of this money is then returned back to NASP Natural Resources for labor costs and the purchase of forestry equipment and supplies.
Q: What are those large wooden poles that have birds nests on top that I see all over the base?
A: Those are the Osprey platforms! Osprey nesting platforms are strategically located throughout the base to keep osprey from nesting in the flight paths of the active runways. These osprey nesting platforms also help deter the birds form nesting on buildings and other structures. Osprey are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the nesting platforms are required to allow the removal of natural nests that may be necessary in flight areas.
Q: Why does the Navy need to perform prescribed burns on NASP? Isn't that dangerous to do around an active airfield?
A: Prescribed burning is conducted around the airfield to enhance and maintain natural habitats and to reduce the risk of wildfire. Natural Resources personnel coordinate very closely with other departments on base including the Air Operations, Fire Department, Base Security, and the Public Affairs Office when setting up and performing all prescribed burns on the NASP complex.
Q: Does NASP have any sea turtles? If not, why would we need to take any action for them?
A: Sea turtles generally do not nest at NASP due to their preference of the barrier islands to the south but the potential is there. Of the seven species of sea turtle that occur in the Gulf of Mexico, four actively nest on the Gulf Islands seashore (Loggerheads, Green Sea Turtle, Kemps Riley Sea Turtle, and Leatherback). The base has adopted a lighting policy to prevent disorienting these turtles. Lowering the light intensity of the base aids sea turtle hatchlings in finding their way out to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Q: Does NASP have any dangerous plants or animals?
A: Yes- There are some poisonous snakes on board NASP such as rattlesnakes and water moccasins. All wildlife should be respected and only be viewed from a distance. Remember, snakes are of significant importance in maintaining balance in any natural ecosystem, including NAS Pensacola. In addition, the base has numerous species of noxious plants including Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac. Please always stay on designated hiking trails and clear of all wildlife.
Q: What about Bees? Can I remove or destroy a nest that is outside my window?
A: No, for your and others’ safety all insect nests must be reported to pest control. The bees will be safely collected and relocated. Bees are valuable, not just for their honey, but many plants can't produce fruits, vegetables and seeds without bees transporting pollen. As of 2008 there have not been any reported Africanized bees in NW Florida.
Q: What should I do if I see a wild animal that is trapped, in distress, or dead?
A: Any animals that are caught or in distress should be reported to Pest Control. Most of these animals will go to the Northwest Florida Wildlife Sanctuary. Pest Control will coordinate with Natural Resources on animals that may be listed as threatened, endangered, or species of special concern. Natural Resources will then coordinate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission if needed.
Q: Why can't we clear out all those fallen trees from Hurricane Ivan?
A: Natural Resources salvaged all of the timber that was economically feasible after Hurricane Ivan, however many dead trees are still standing. Most of these areas are in wetlands where we do not want to disturb the soils. It is a natural process and the dead trees will be returned to the soil in a few more years.
Q: I thought Gopher Tortoises were not federally listed in Florida- why does Natural Resources focus so much on them?
A: Protection and habitat management for the Gopher Tortoise has become a major focus for Natural Resources due to the fact that the Navy has been a major player in keeping the Gopher Tortoise off of the endangered species list. The Navy has recently signed the Gopher Tortoise Candidate Conservation Agreement which will create more conservation opportunities for the Gopher Tortoise. The goal of the CCA is to improve the regional distribution of the Gopher Tortoise and to connect previously isolated colonies.
Q: Where can I learn about any environmental volunteer opportunities that may be available?
A: We have numerous opportunities throughout the year for volunteers, mainly helping out with our beach cleanup events. For more information on volunteering with NASP Natural Resources, click here.
Q: I’m interesting in camping on NASP- what facilities are available and who can I talk to?
A: Currently camping opportunities are only available to organized groups upon request to the Public Affairs Office or MWR. Individual camping opportunities are available to DOD ID holders at Blue Angel Recreation Park which is managed through MWR. For further details please contact MWR or PAO.
Q: Does NASP have any nature trails? Where can I get trail maps or other information?
A: Yes- NASP has many fantastic nature trails available and most are open to the public. Click here to download a full brochure detailing all the nature trails of the NASP complex! Remember to always make sure and check local trail rules and hours of operation.