Jake McCumber is the Natural Resources & Training Lands Manager for the Massachusetts Army National Guard (MAARNG). He specializes in conservation planning, endangered species management, pine barrens ecology, and landscape scale restoration. Jake has been a civilian with the Massachusetts Army National Guard since 2013. Originally trained as a wildlife biologist he has always focused on mixed land-use planning and consensus building to meet mission needs and conservation targets together. He has particular interest in the ecology of obscure fauna in ecosystem remnants, including many of the rare moths and other insects at Camp Edwards.
The Natural Resources & Training Lands Program combines the elements of natural resources conservation (flora, fauna, wetlands, etc.), wildland fire, and sustainable management of Soldier training lands. Jake and his team restore and manage pine barrens and sandplain habitats at Camp Edwards with a focus on healthy natural communities and well-trained Soldiers. The program maintains active and effective partnerships with agencies and organizations under the Sikes Act, conducts environmental review and permitting for natural resources, conducts extensive research and monitoring of plants and animals, and use land management tools such as prescribed fire and forestry to improve and maintain ecosystem health. The program also coordinates and collaborates actively with Soldiers, training units, and others to develop and implement projects that enhance and maintain training opportunities including trails, woodland maneuver areas, landing zones, and more. The pine barrens of Camp Edwards are ideally suited for the compatible uses of Soldier training and thriving natural resources.