National Defense Authorization Act Could Convey Castner Range to Conservationists

Mike Gaglio, Biologist and Managing Member of High Desert Native Plants LLC, sent word about language in the National Defense Authorization Act that seeks to convey Castner Range to eligible conservation groups. The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coaltion has been working hard to preserve Castner Range:

Congressman Sylvester Reyes is working to preserve Castner Range. He included the following critical policy language in the current National Defense Authorization Act.

The committee understands that the Department of Defense ceased operations at the Castner Range Complex at Fort Bliss, Texas, in 1971. In testimony, the Army indicated that Castner Range is “wholly impractical to use for any range activity.” The committee is interested in maintaining this land for a conservation purpose.

The committee encourages the Department to enter into an agreement in furtherance of conveyance with eligible conservation entities.

Send Congressman Reyes your thanks: 310 North Mesa, Suite 400, El Paso, TX 79901, 915-534-4400, or e-mail: http://reyes.house.gov/Contact/vyo.htm

Senate Armed Services Committee has their markup of the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act the last week in June. Let your Senators know how you feel about including in the Senate version of the NDAA, language similar to the House version that voices support for preserving Castner Range.

Contacts:

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

284 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-4304
202-224-5922

Legislative Aid, Steve Rubright Stephen_Rubright@hutchison.senate.gov

Regional Director, Jesse Hereford, jesse_hereford@hutchison.senate.gov

Senator John Cornyn
517 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510
202-224-2934

Legislative Aid, Dave Hanke Dave_Hanke@cornyn.senate.gov
Deputy Regional Director, Jonathan Huhn, jonathan_huhn@cornyn.senate.gov

By the way, Mike is also the President of the Frontera Land Alliance.