USMC Mud Operation

[thedrifter]

Posted on: Thursday, February 5, 2009

Muddy day for marines
Photo gallery: USMC Mud Operation
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=M1&Dato=20090204&Kategori=MARINES&Lopenr=902040807&Ref=PH&SectionCat=RSS02

Advertiser Staff

Kane'ohe Marines yesterday got a chance to churn up some mud at Nu'upia Ponds Wildlife Management Area adjacent to their base. In a program that began in the early 1980s, the Marines drive their amphibious assault vehicles through the mudflats every year, helping to break up weeds and open habitat areas for the endangered Hawaiian stilt. All that driving also helps control invasive pickleweed ground cover that could crowd the birds out of their nesting areas. Plus, Marines say, it's a lot of fun.

Ellie

[thedrifter]

February 4, 2009


Marine training helps nurture wildlife area

Advertiser Staff

Kaneohe Marines today got a chance to take their amphibious assault vehicles out for a spin in real-life conditions.

In a program that began in the early 1980s, the Marines drive their vehicles through the Nuupia Ponds Wildlife Management Area adjacent to the Marine base.
The exercises, held each spring, help to break up weeds on the mudflats and open habitat areas for the endangered Hawaiian Stilt. The exercises also help control invasive pickleweed ground cover that could crowd the birds out of their nesting areas and open better foraging grounds.
In addition, the checkerboard patterns that the vehicles drive in leave water-filled furrows that discourage predator access.

Ellie