THE ENVIRONMENT, CAMP BULLIS, AND YOU

Camp Bullis is located on the edge of the Edwards Plateau Land Resource Area in a hilly region known as the Texas Hill Country, and locally called the Balcones Canyonlands.

The area is rich in archaeological resources, history, unique geology, and wildlife - both above and below ground. These resources can be threatened by man's activities, but are just as easily preserved. Camp Bullis is in the forefront of local preservation efforts. Not only is it our moral obligation, it is the law!

Archaeological resources include prehistoric Native American campsites - some dating back 8000 years before present, food processing sites, and quarry sites where chert (flint) could be obtained to manufacture tools and weapons. These are a record of man's past. They contain valuable information about our origins.

Historical sites date back to the 1860's and can be unique because of their architecture, function, layout, or connection with an historic person or event. Historical events and customs shaped this country, Texas, and Camp Bullis. The preservation of these sites adds to the understanding of where we are and what we have today.

Unique geology in this are includes the Balcones Fault Zone, which resulted in development of the Edwards Aquifer. The Aquifer provides water for over one million people. The City of San Antonio is one of the largest cities in the United States that derives all its water form wells. Water is life. Protection of this valuable resource insures sufficient clean water to support our current and future needs.

Rare wildlife above ground includes the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo. Below ground can be found several invertebrate species currently petitioned for endangered species status. One species, a blind ground beetle, is found only in three caves at Camp Bullis - and no other place in the world! Endangered species are sometime referred to a s "indicator species". Their presence signals a healthy ecosystem. Their decline or disappearance signals a problem. It is our responsibility to recognize and correct any problems before they become disasters.

The mission of Camp Bullis is military training. This does not mean that we cannot also be good environmental stewards. Since no more "new land" is being made, we are realizing that we have to take good care of what we now have if it is to remian viable and supportive of the mission during the future. The Environmental and Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) office, which is a part of the team managing Camp Bullis training land, is constantly looking for ways to improve both training and the environmental quality of the installation. This is currently accomplished through ITAM.