• The Fort Worth District's Cornerstone of Contracting Success

    As the fiscal year drew to a close, agencies reflected on past achievements while implementing the year’s lessons learned into the next fiscal year. This period can be likened to changing seasons; just as nature transitions from the vibrancy of summer to the introspection of winter, agencies assess their performance and strategize for the upcoming year.
  • ERDC celebrates Army’s first hydrogen-powered nanogrid

    In December 2024, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has unveiled a cutting-edge hydrogen-powered small microgrid (nanogrid) at the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico.
  • Assessing the Validity and Accuracy of Wetland Indicator Status Ratings for Eight Species in Alaska Subregions

    Abstract: Preexisting ecological information and plant species occurrence data were used to determine the accuracy and validity of the present regional and subregional wetland indicator status ratings for eight species: Andromeda polifolia, Arctous rubra, Carex canescens, Rhododendron tomentosum, Rubus arcticus, Salix arctica, Salix pulchra, and Viola palustris. Technical documentation was developed to either (1) support the current National Wetland Plant List (NWPL) subregion boundaries and wetland indicator status ratings for the NWPL Alaska Region or (2) support a proposed change to the subregions or wetland indicator status ratings for the NWPL Alaska Region, for inclusion into the next NWPL update. The project developed repeatable, quantitative methods for assignment of wetland indicator status rating. Analyses included multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), analysis of similarities (ANOSIM), nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), and principal component analysis (PCA). Prevalence index (PI) was used as a numeric approximation of wetland status for comparing observations across subregions. A pilot study on S. pulchra data evaluated regional assignments by machine learning and assessed the feasibility of correlation network analysis and Louvain clustering for wetland indicator status rating assignment as dictated by co-occurring species. The methods developed for this Alaska-specific study may be applied to any future regional or subregional updates to the NWPL.
  • Eagle Days 2025: Kansas and Missouri lakes play vital role in bald eagle resurgence and conservation

    As efforts to protect the majestic bald eagle continue to evolve, one unexpected ally has emerged in the fight for their survival: man-made lakes. These artificial bodies of water, often created for flood control, agricultural, and recreational purposes, have become vital habitats for bald eagles and other birds of prey, supporting their nesting, feeding and breeding needs. Historically, bald eagle populations in North America have faced serious threats due to habitat destruction, the detrimental effects of pesticides like DDT and other factors. While these stunning birds have made a significant recovery thanks to federal protections and conservation efforts, their future still depends on the availability of suitable habitats.
  • USACE lifts small craft advisory for Arkansas River

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is lifting the small craft advisory for the Arkansas River. Small craft advisories are issued when flows reach 70,000 cubic feet per second. While flows are receding, USACE officials urge boaters to always exercise caution when on the river.
  • Generosity Today Builds a Brighter Tomorrow

    As the 2024 holiday season ends, the spirit of giving is still ongoing. There’s no better way to wrap up your year of charitable donations than to contribute to the Jacksonville District’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) drive.
  • Beckman named director of the U.S. Army’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has named Dr. Ivan Beckman director of the Engineer and Research Development Center’s (ERDC) Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL).
  • Omaha District collaborates with 28th Bomb Wing, project teams on runway, critical infrastructure repair at Ellsworth AFB

    ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – Team members from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District joined representatives from the U.S. Air Force’s 28th Bomb Wing, Air Force Global Strike Command, and commercial construction project management teams, Dec. 3, 2024, at Ellsworth Air Force Base for a runway replacement project rehearsal of concept meeting.
  • USACE Chief of Engineers visits Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project

    Lt. Gen. William H. "Butch" Graham Jr., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commanding general and 56th chief of engineers, visited the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project Dec. 19 to meet with Nashville District leadership and staff, gain insight into the ongoing construction project, and observe operational processes firsthand.
  • USACE announces recreation fee increase at Nimrod and Blue Mountain Lakes

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nimrod-Blue Mountain Project Office is raising recreation fees at facilities on both lakes starting Jan. 1, 2025. The nightly rate for standard 30-amp electric campsites will increase to $22, the nightly rate for standard 50-amp electric campsites will increase to $24 and the fee for group shelters will increase to $60 per day.