28th Annual Meeting and Symposium of the
Desert Tortoise Council, February 21-23, 2003
Abstracts

Desert Tortoise Conservation and Management at Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, California

Manuel Joia, Jr.
MCLB Barstow, Box 110570, Barstow CA. 92311-5050

Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB), Barstow is one of two logistics bases operated by the U.S. Marine Corps, located in the western San Bernardino County, California less than six miles east of the City of Barstow. MCLB is located adjacent to the Mojave River. The MCLB is comprised of three operational units occupying approximately 6,165 acres. Nebo Main Base, Yermo Annex and the Rifle Range (RR). The RR is home to the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), with about 540 acres designated as critical habitat. Subsequent to our 1993 and 1997 Biological Opinions issued by USFWS, we have instituted an education program of briefing all RR users, newly assigned base personnel, contractors and visitors to the area. Tortoise fencing has been installed along the perimeter fencing adjoining NEBO and the RR to protect them from equipment operations at the test pond and during construction of the landfill cap activities; tortoise fencing is also attached to the perimeter fencing surrounding the capped landfills, protecting them from contamination. We are currently processing an Environmental Assessment and Biological Assessment for the proposed installation of perimeter fencing of the RR. Approximately 36,000 ft of four strand barbed wire (not lower than 12") on three sides of the range and the north side with chain link. The needed fencing will help deter off road vehicle activities on the RR and also help eliminate illegal dumping. Recently, a 42" gas pipeline was installed through the RR, with very stringent rules on plant protection, revegetation and tortoise control, which was strictly enforced and adhered to.

The MCLB's vision for environmental stewardship, the Strategic Plan, states, "attain full and sustained environmental compliance and protection of our natural, cultural and historical resources and achieve the mission of the United States Marine Corps, train, fight and win." As the West Mojave Desert is increasingly used for commercial, industrial and urban development, preservation of the extensive existing natural resources will continue to be a high priority.