The controversial Cross-Base Hwy project has just completed its first phase. The project has come under attack from environmentalists as destructive to some unique examples of low-elevation natural habitat.
To be sure, there is incredibly beautiful country on the Fort Lewis Army base. The Camas Wildflower prairie is the best known, but there are also wetlands, and, curiously, the only Ponderosa grove in Western Washington.
These areas can be accessed now, but bureaucratically it is very difficult - rightly so. With the Cross Base Highway these areas will be accessible. Most importantly one would hope the involved environmentalists could obtain agreements for the peace time preservation of these areas and design concessions that actually **improve** the habitat on base - for wildlife **and** humans.
I'm not privy to the technical nor interpersonal details, so no final judgment on the project from me here - but certainly logistical supply access and the quality of life of our enlisted people are both very important goals.
