It is an Army goal to systematically conserve biological diversity on Army lands within the context of its mission. To protect species, the Army also recognizes the importance of habitat management, the key to effective conservation of species.
The California Condor Recovery Team, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game, have indicated that there is potential risk of lead poisoning from ammunition left behind in hunter-killed carcasses that could be detrimental to the recovery of the once nearly-extinct California condor. Lead toxicity has been identified as one the causes of deaths in condors.
Recent scientific reports have concluded that lead ammunition is contributing to the high lead levels documented in some wild condors. These reports conclude that more studies are needed to identify and remove all sources of lead contamination in the birds. Camp Roberts realizes that switching to non-lead ammunition for hunting will not only benefit condors but all wildlife that feed on game in California, including eagles, foxes, mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes.
To that end, beginning July 1, 2007 new regulations will include a requirement to use non-lead bullets in its hunting program. Furthermore, beginning July 1, 2008 a requirement to use non lead shot for upland game hunting will be implemented.
The California National Guard (CANG) fully supports the efforts of the Condor Recovery Team and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to protect the California condor and its habitat.
For additional information regarding condors visit:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Other Suggested website links:
California Department of Fish and Game:
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/hcpb/cgi-bin/more_info.asp?idKey=ssc_tespp&specy=birds&query=Gymnogyps%20californianus
Arizona condor program: http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/california_condor.shtml
Pinnacles National Monument Condor: http://www.nps.gov/pinn/naturescience/condors.htm
(note: be aware that some of the “solid” non-lead ammunition legal in AZ is not legal for game in California)