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Five does use a spring-fed trough to drink from instead of going to the closest stream which is down the hill. These troughes were the originale concept used on Camp Pendleton to help provide water for animals

Photo by Photo courtesy of Game Wardens Office

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Water initiative expected to make impact for Camp Pendleton wildlife

12 May 2009 | Cpl. Daniel Lutz Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- In 1936, Rancho Margarita and Las Flores owners installed natural spring fed troughs for animal life on what is now Camp Pendleton. The tradition continues today with artificial watering holes being placed strategically throughout the base.

The project has been a constant effort since the base was established in 1942, explained Mike Tucker, wildlife technician, Game Warden’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

There are currently 35 water guzzlers on Camp Pendleton, but due to wildlife living patterns, water needs and the water reservoir’s placement, only 25 percent of them are being used.

“By the end of this year we want 100 percent usage of the water sources,” said Tucker.

The Game Warden’s Office conducted a two-year study of the artificial watering holes and identified more than 50 species visiting the water locations every year.

During the course of the research officials at the Game Warden’s Office learned more about how predator and prey species co-exist, the use of communal watering spots and ways they naturally adapt to lack of water, said Tucker.

“It’s understood that humane involvement has an effect on the environment, whether drilling for a well or building a building,” said Jim Asmus, wildlife biologist and deputy chief game warden, assistant chief of staff environmental security. “That’s why we have to be proactive and that’s what these water guzzlers are - a proactive measure to stop a problem before it starts”

With the help of volunteers, the Game Warden’s Office began renovating and installing artificial concrete and fiberglass water holes which varied in size from 400 to 1,500 gallons.

A total of 60 volunteers contributed more than 500 hours to complete the transfer and installation of the watering holes.

The Game Warden’s Office has taken the lead in new methods of conservation and peaceful co-habitation with wildlife, with Pendleton making up the largest amount of open space in Southern California, said Tucker.

According to the Camp Pendleton Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan the base is home to eight federally threatened and 13 federally endangered species including the California gnat catcher, least tern and the arroyo toad.

Endangered species will benefit from the newly adjusted water guzzlers, said Tucker.

In the future the Game Wardens office plans to work with the environmental security office to properly maintain and monitor the artificial watering holes to better aid base wildlife.