# DLA Disposition Services supports USDA with solar power

/ Published Jan. 2, 2024
BATTLE CREEK, Mich, 
The Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services team at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, recently received solar power electric systems turned in as excess, but what was no longer required by the military became a much-needed power source for the U.S. Department of Agriculture unit in nearby Harrisburg.

                Feral swine are capture by a trail camera put in place by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Trail cameras are used to track the invasive species that do $1.5 billion in economic damages annually. The USDA acquired solar power units from DLA Disposition Services to keep the camera’s running enabling them to focus their efforts in controlling the feral swine.                            Wild hogs                            Feral swine are capture by a trail camera put in place by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Trail cameras are used to track the invasive species that do $1.5 billion in economic damages annually. The USDA acquired solar power units from DLA Disposition Services to keep the camera’s running enabling them to focus their efforts in controlling the feral swine.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: USDAVIRIN: 231206-O-D0441-0009The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, provides leadership and expertise to resolve wildlife conflicts, allowing people and wild animals to coexist. They conduct program delivery, research, and other activities through regional and state offices.

Nokota Harpster is the staff wildlife biologist at the Harrisburg office. She explained that some of their work takes place in remote locations with limited access to power. The solar unit transferred from DLA Disposition Services will help bridge the gap on field missions like feral swine management.

 “We have one technician for that,” Harpster said. “He travels all over Pennsylvania.”

Feral swine are the same species of pigs that are found on farms. They are descendants of escaped or released pigs. They are called many names including wild boar, wild hog, and razorback.

According to the USDA’s website, feral swine have rooted and chomped their way into the ranks of America's invasive species, causing an estimated $1.5 billion in economic damages annually across the country.

One tool that they use in the feral swine program are trail cameras. These cameras can be left outdoors unattended, in all types of weather. When the camera detects motion it takes a photo, creating a visual record of what triggered the camera.

The trail cameras do a great job, Harpster said, but the cold weather can drain their AA batteries quickly, so the technician will use solar panels to power the trail cameras.

Harpster said this was not the first time they have turned to DLA Disposition Services as a source of supply. She said the office previously requisitioned trailers and pressure washers to clean equipment. 

“We probably saved around $4,200 by getting solar panels through DLA Disposition Services versus buying new,” Harpster said.