David Cay Johnston: “I have identified $500,000 in one-time costs that need to be funded immediately to ensure that the natural resources and…”

“I have identified $500,000 in one-time costs that need to be funded immediately to ensure that the natural resources and archeological sites at Fort Polk are protected. The Army's environmental record has clearly demonstrated how seriously they take their stewardship of the land with which they are entrusted. I believe the money requested will be used in a cost effective manner and will ensure that the resources are protected to the same high standards currently maintained by Fort Polk. The red-cockaded woodpecker is an endangered species and is protected by Federal law. Woodpecker nesting trees are marked with a 1-meter thick white band. The nesting trees are protected by a 62-meter buffer zone that are marked by orange bands. Military training is restricted within this the buffer zone. Funding will allow for the red-cockaded woodpecker sites to be identified, cleared, marked, and 62-meter buffer zone established. There are Indian, archeological sites, cemeteries, and other historical sites located on this land and we must ensure that these sites are adequately protected. The balance of the funding will provide sufficient resources to survey the land, identify cultural and archeological sites, and mark them accordingly. I also encourage the Department of the Army to identify any incremental costs associated with managing this land and I would support any reprogramming requests they find necessary to submit.”