Don't let a lack of tortoise training slow you down Published Dec. 9, 2014 By Rebecca Amber Staff writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Edwards has three large desert areas designated for recreational use on base, two of them for off-road motorized vehicles. People who use those areas are required to carry proof of desert tortoise training to avoid a citation. Environmental Management offered a training course Dec. 4, in Bldg. 3000, which covered how to recognize a desert tortoise and what to do if you see one. The first off-road area is owned and operated by the Desert Wheels Motorcycle Club. The area features a track with jumps and riders must be members of the motorcycle club. The second area, under the supervision of Environmental management, is open to motorized vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrian use. Area three is only open to pedestrians and bicyclists. Both areas are open only during daylight hours and users are required to stay on the designated trails to avoid destroying the desert tortoise's natural habitat. They are the only federally protected full-time wildlife on Edwards AFB. According to wildlife biologist Misty Hailstone, 412th Test Wing Environmental Management, the Mojave tortoise population has declined at a rapid rate for several reasons. For instance, tortoises are very vulnerable to diseases that make it difficult for them to replace their fluids and they die of dehydration. The baby tortoises are also very vulnerable to predators. "The babies are very vulnerable because the shells don't harden until they're about 4-5 years old in the best of circumstances. Until that time they're like soft-shell crabs and everything likes to eat them from squirrels, mice, ants to coyotes," said Hailstone. She added that ravens are particularly threatening because they can wipe out an entire generation in an area. Land development also ruins the tortoise's home. Their habitats are fragile in nature and do not recover quickly. "People who go off-roading and go off the trails, even a couple of passes can ruin the top soil, nothing grows there, you're wiping out their food source. On top of that you can crush their burrow." According to Hailstone, tortoises are unable to control their body temperatures, so they spend 90 percent of their lives in burrows. The females lay their eggs in front of the burrow, close to the surface where the sun can incubate them. Since desert animals like the tortoise are attracted to shady areas, off-road motorists should look under their vehicles after each rest stop. The tortoises at Edwards only grow to about a foot in diameter and it can take up to 50 years for them to be fully grown. So, what should you do if you find a desert tortoise? If the tortoise is not in immediate danger - leave it alone. However, if the tortoise is found crossing the road, stop and move the tortoise to safety. When moving a tortoise, use the following guidelines: - Be mindful of your own safety - Approach the tortoise from the front so they know you're coming - Note the direction the tortoise is traveling and ensure that they continues in the same direction - Pick the tortoise up with both hands, keeping them stable - Move the tortoise at least 100 feet from the road near shade, to avoid overheating - Contact Environmental Management to report the incident (661-277-1401) "Tortoises have an amazing ability to navigate so they know where they're going. If you put them in the opposite direction they want to go, they're just going to turn around and go right back on the road," said Hailstone. She added that they also have an ability to store water for over a year. One of their defense mechanisms is to empty their bladder when they are afraid, making it vital that they are handled with care. If a tortoise loses its water reserves, it may die of dehydration. Picking up artifacts and littering are also strictly prohibited. "You are never allowed to litter, even if you think its biodegradable because things don't biodegrade in the desert - it's too dry." Violating the rules may result in steep fines up to $50,000 or up to three years in jail. If the rules are continually broken, the area may be closed to the public. Off road motorists must wear proper safety gear at all times and are encouraged not to ride alone. They are also encouraged not to over extend their riding capabilities because many of the areas are very steep and rocky. "At the minimum, tell someone when you're going and when you expect to be back so they can look for you if you break down." Maps of the area can be found at Outdoor Recreation, the Edwards Housing Office and Environmental Management Office. People who missed the training can receive training by Environmental Management Monday through Friday, or at Outdoor Recreation on the weekends. You can also click through the photo box to the right to see Edwards AFB's off road areas. For more information or to set up a training session, call Misty Hailstone at 661-275-2435.