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The Nature Conservancy Partners with Department of Defense on Land Conservation

Did you know that more threatened and endangered species live on military bases across the United States than on land managed by the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service or the Park Service? The land around Fort Carson in Colorado, for example, provides habitat for several species of birds, four types of flowering prairie plants, and wildlife such as wild turkey, elk, deer and bear. Unfortunately, the development that is creeping up on Fort Carson and other military installations around the country threatens both military training activities and species.

That's why The Nature Conservancy is creating partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense under the Army Compatible User Buffer (ACUB) program to conserve hundreds of thousands of acres of these important habitats while also ensuring military preparedness.

Under the Readiness and Environmental Preservation Initiative created in 2003, Congress gave the Department of Defense the authority to form partnerships with "eligible entities"—such as The Nature Conservancy—to buy land or conservation easements that surround military installations, creating natural buffer zones around military bases. The Conservancy is working with the DOD at more than two dozen bases across the country to create protected buffer zones.

In Colorado, the buffer zone project means protecting 17 miles of fence line on Fort Carson's south and southeast sides—an area identified as having high conservation value—possessing four globally rare plant species and a host of native animal species that depend on the intact shortgrass prairie habitat.

The Army has identified the Fort Carson buffer project as one of its top priorities in an assessment of ACUB proposals from around the country. The Consevancy has been working with the Walker family, long-time ranchers, on conservation easements to conserve the entire southern boundary and the southeastern corner of the base.

"This project is an important step toward ensuring conservation of a once vast grassland wilderness that shaped the way of life for generations of Americans," said Brian McPeek, southeastern Colorado program manager coordinating the Conservancy's work with Fort Carson.

Putting the pieces in place now for future appropriations is key to this effort. This year Congress appropriated $12.5 million for this important new initiative. The Defense Department is now developing its budget for FY 06, which Congress will act on next year. Drawing attention to nation-wide encroachment-related issues is an integral part to protecting critical wildlife habitat and increasing upcoming appropriations.

For more information

• The Nature Conservancy in Colorado
  The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 594,000 acres of critical natural lands in Colorado.
• Conservation Easements
  Conservation easements are one of the most powerful, effective tools available for the permanent conservation of private lands.
• Archive of our past Saves of the Week and Success Stories
  Read more about our work to save the last great places on Earth.