Partnership between the nature conservancy and white sands missile range

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global, non-profit organization with the mission of preserving plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life. TNC is well known for its efforts in land acquisition as a means to protect sensitive environments. DoD and TNC have a successful history of cooperation on a broad range of projects concerning environmental compliance, conservation, and other environmental stewardship issues. The partnership is put into practice at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) where TNC manages the ITAM (Integrated Testing and Training Area Management) program for the Range. ITAM has developed tools to help DoD decision-makers with regard to land management practices specific to WSMR. One particularly useful tool is the Site Database, a spatially related database that facilitates DoD test site selection by minimizing new disturbances in sensitive natural areas. Another tool is the Fire Management Plan that prescribes fire protection techniques for the DoD, such as prescribed burns, use of natural fires, and construction of firebreaks. The synergy between the TNC and DoD is a positive example of how the DoD has strengthened its commitment to natural resource management. At WSMR TNC is a valued resource for sustainability research as the DoD carries its mission into the future.