Fort Indiantown Gap helps to preserve land using the Army Compatible Use Buffer Program

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith | Christopher McDevitt, Bureau of Reservation Maintenance director at Fort Indiantown Gap, thanks Ward Burton, NASCAR driver and founder of the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation with a symbolic plaque recognizing his organization’s partnership with the Pennsylvania National Guard as Tom Inch of the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation (left) looks at Keystone Conference Center, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, September 18. As part of the Army Compatible Use Buffer program at Fort Indiantown Gap, more than 4,000 acres of undeveloped land was preserved near the De Hart reservoir. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Shane Smith)  

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES

09.27.2017

Courtesy Story

Fort Indiantown Gap

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. –More than 4,000 acres of pristine land near the De Hart reservoir was preserved in perpetuity during a ceremony at the Keystone Conference Center here September 18.

More than $4 million from the Army Compatible Use Buffer Program helped protect the land in its natural state
through a conservation easement.

Other agencies were integral to the process including the Capital Region Water authority who agreed to the sale and the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation, Fort Indiantown Gap’s partner conservation agency.

The Army Compatible Use Buffer Program is a win-win-win according to Christopher McDevitt, Bureau of Reservation Maintenance director. “Through partnerships like these we are able to preserve the ability to train by preventing encroachment, preserve land and help the community.”

The area surrounding DeHart Reservoir plays a significant role in low-level rotary winged aircraft training for Fort Indiantown Gap.

“It’s such an honor to be involved with Fort Indiantown Gap to protect the fine training you all do here,” said Ward Burton, NASCAR driver and founder of the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation.

The Army Compatible Use Buffer Program allows installations to work with partners to encumber off-post land to protect habitat and buffer training without acquiring any new land for Army ownership. Through Army Compatible Use Buffer Program, the Army reaches out to partners to identify mutual objectives of land conservation and to prevent development of critical open areas.

• Date Taken: 09.27.2017
• Date Posted: 09.27.2017 11:27
• Story ID: 249792
• Location: FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA, US