German bases become nature reserves

[bemildred]

Germany is to turn 62 former military bases and training areas into nature reserves, providing some 77,000 acres of protected land for wildlife.

The German environment ministry said the land will be considered protected immediately, even though details are still being worked out on who will look after the wildlife areas and also how to ensure munitions and other military materials have all been cleared away.

The tracts vary in size and are scattered across the country.

They became available as Germany moves ahead with downsizing its military from a Cold War footing of some 250,000 to a smaller fighting force.

http://www.independent.ie/world-news/german-bases-become-nature-reserves-31314830.html

[procon]

1. We should do the same.

We aren't very smart though.

[swilton]

2. Take that one step further and demobilize the military personnel

and retrain them as forest rangers.