When the federal law was passed in 1997, about 20 states were developing plans and six states had already implemented theirs, he said. The Idaho Army National Guard, for example, jumped at the opportunity to develop a plan for its 138,000-acre Orchard Training Area. The site is situated entirely within the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. Because of our location, our actions require additional coordination with agencies. Incorporated into the documents are plans to benefit training and nature by keeping the lands prairie-like.
Some species thrive if fire singes the landscape.
Training activities that may cause frequent, low-intensity fires mimic nature, Halberg said. Mass. One federal-listed endangered plant, Michaux's sumac, has been doing so well at Fort Pickett, Va., that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is able to transplant the short, stout plant to other locations. The international nonprofit organization is dedicated to the preservation of plants and wildlife. Alien species that invade sensitive habitats are a huge problem, said Melissa Dumaran, natural resources conservation manager for the Hawaii Army National Guard. One example, according to Dumaran, is the Diamond Head Schiedea, or Schiedea adamantis.