Massachusetts Guard Recognized for Environmental Stewardship

JOINT BASE CAPE COD, Mass. - Camp Edwards, the Massachusetts National Guard's premier training site, has been recognized as the 2024 Northeast Region Military Conservation Partner by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Col. John. S. Bagaglio, Camp Edwards Training Site Garrison commander, accepted the honor during a ceremony at Regional Training Institute Nov. 22 that recognized the installation's dedication to conserving natural resources while ensuring vital military training operations.

"I could not be prouder of Jake McCumber and the entire natural resources team," said Bagaglio. "They excel at managing and expanding the habitat of several listed species while enhancing compatible military training. The entire Natural Resources Team continues to be innovative and discover solutions that can only be described as a win-win for the National Guard, the environment and the Camp Edwards Training Site neighbors and stakeholders."

"This is the largest military base in New England and a very crucial training site for the National Guard Soldiers throughout the Northeast," said McCumber, program manager, Massachusetts Army National Guard Natural Resources & Training Lands Program. "We specialize in mounted and dismounted maneuver, small arms ranges, aviation, and much more. Soldier training is the mission and driver for our landscape management and the conservation work we do here at Camp Edwards."

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service award recognizes military installations demonstrating outstanding conservation. This award underscores the Massachusetts National Guard's efforts to balance military needs with environmental protection.

"Camp Edwards is a conservation leader. You're a trusted partner and an inspiring example of how military lands play an important role in protecting both our national security and our national heritage," said Wendi Weber, Northeast regional director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "The natural resources team here at Camp Edwards is a prime example of being innovative and collaborative, which are two of Fish and Wildlife's core values. You have advanced the conservation of rare habitats and species. It is a testament to your efforts that the largest National Guard training area in the Northeast is also home to numerous species that are facing steep declines elsewhere."

Located in the upper Cape Cod region, the 15,000-acre installation is home to 50 species protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. The wildlife habitat and training areas are managed to be shared with thousands of Soldiers who come from all over the region to train.

Camp Edwards Natural Resources Office has set a high standard for conservation, especially in managing habitats for at-risk species like the New England Cottontail and the Eastern Whip-Poor-Will. Its proactive conservation actions, such as the management of a retired artillery range to serve as a sanctuary for the frosted elfin butterfly, highlight the installation's commitment to preserving the environment and facilitating critical training.

"The presence of 50 state-listed species at Camp Edwards is just a hint of the biodiversity importance of these pine barrens and the training management here," said McCumber.

"Too often, the public perceives military bases and facilities to be blind to environmental issues," said Bagaglio. "This just isn't the case, especially with Camp Edwards and the Massachusetts National Guard. We're honored to be recognized for the outstanding work our environmental team does every day to ensure our precious natural resources are safeguarded."

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