Cannon Air Force Base part of conservation partnership

CLOVIS, N.M. — Cannon Air Force Base has partnered with The Conservation Fund for the protection of nearly 48 square miles (124 square kilometers) of land adjacent to the Melrose Air Force Range.

The conservation easement was announced Monday. It's funded through the U.S. Defense Department's Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program and New Mexico's economic development agency.

RELATED

New Mexico sues US Air Force over groundwater contamination

New Mexico on Tuesday sued the U.S. Air Force over groundwater contamination at two bases, saying the federal government has a responsibility to clean up plumes of toxic chemicals left behind by past military firefighting activities.

Officials say the agreement represents the largest single transaction in the history of the Defense Department's environmental protection program.

In recent years, Air Force officials have become concerned about the potential for encroaching development around the eastern New Mexico range.

RELATED

Why conservationists oppose the Air Force’s plans to expand the Nevada Test and Training Range

Conservationists are rallying around a pair of legislative resolutions opposing the U.S. Air Force's proposed expansion of a bombing training range they say would threaten big horn sheep and other wildlife at a national refuge in southern Nevada.

The conservation easement was three years in the making. It will limit development, encroachment and changes to the landscape that could negatively affect flight paths, training operations or habitat for the lesser prairie-chicken.

In Other News

January 6 convict asks for light sentence in order to remain in Navy

An active-duty service member convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack urged a judge for a light sentence in order to remain in the Navy.

Agreement helps military spouses keep federal jobs in overseas moves

Here's how an agreement between the Pentagon and State Department will help federally employed military spouses move their jobs overseas in a PCS.

Biden says uncle’s remains never found during WWII due to cannibals

While the claim contradicts the DPAA report about his uncle's fate, Biden's comments on cannibalism in the region during WWII are not far off.

Will the Supreme Court’s GI Bill ruling mean more money for vets?

A major veterans education benefits ruling by the Supreme Court this week could have far-reaching effects for millions of students.

Air Guard changes in Alaska could affect national security, rescue ops

Staffing changes in the Alaska Air National Guard may hurt the organization's ability to secure America's western airspace and carry out rescue operations.

Load More