Do the maneuvers threaten the Desert Tortoise Population?
Operations at the NTC have not had significant impacts on the Desert Tortoise population. On average 3-5 Tortoises are accidentally killed per year (allowed 15 under the Biological Opinion). This low rate is due to the cautionary measures the Army takes to protect the Desert Tortoise. The relatively low-density of tortoises on NTC and their ability to move into areas not used for maneuvers (above 20 percent slope) also contributes to the low death rate. Due to the on-going stewardship efforts made by the Army, the Desert Tortoise is able to co-exist with NTC training. The NTC won the prestigious Hammer Award for outstanding stewardship of the environment in 1996. This award, given by Vice President Al Gore through the Secretary of Interior, cited the NTC’s ongoing efforts to manage its lands in a responsible and effective manner.
