ARMY chiefs this week began a process of negotiation with landowners, preservation societies and environmental organisations which could usher in important changes in the use of Dartmoor by the military. At a meeting at Okehampton Training Camp, the Ministry of Defence announced the formation of four working groups to assess the environmental impact of army operations on the moor and identify new ways of striking a balance between military and public use. The four panels will look at the issues of cultural heritage: l the military's impact on the moor's ancient monuments l nature conservation — their influence on wildlife l land use — the effects of military traffic and noise l public access. They will face many challenges in trying to assess the impact of a military presence which has been continuous since 1875. They are inviting input from organisations with expertise or opinions relating to the four areas of investigation, and will publish their findings this September, which will be available for public comment until December. This environmental audit will act as an important negotiating tool in the army's preparations for the expiry of its current lease on Dartmoor in 2012, and will be presented to ministers next year. Lt Col Paul Norrington-Davies of the Headquarters Army Training Estate, which manages military ranges, said that in order for the lease to be renewed, the MOD must demonstrate its presence on the moor is justifiable and sustainable. At the Okehampton meeting, they put their case for continuing military use of the moor to organisations which included the Dartmoor Society, the Dartmoor Preservation Association, the Open Spaces Society, the Ramblers' Association, and the Dartmoor Commoners. MOD spokesman Hamish Miln said providing sufficient training was one of the greatest challenges the army was facing and that half of its live firing exercises, and more than two thirds of its 'dry training' — firing with blanks — is done on Dartmoor. Commander of the Dartmoor training area Lt Col Tony Clarke said: 'I don't know of anywhere else in the UK where we could create new training areas. And the terrain and climate of Dartmoor are important challenges for the soldiers, sailors and airmen that we train here.' He outlined the work being done to minimise the intrusion of the military presence: 'We're removing the coniferous trees which were originally planted to shield Okehampton Camp, and replacing them with broadleaved trees. And all firing will now be published six weeks in advance.' The organisations represented at the meeting are now creating 'shopping lists' of improvements they would like to see in the army's use of Dartmoor. Kate Ashbook of the Open Spaces Society said that while they accept the need for adventure training on Dartmoor, they would ideally like to see live firing completely withdrawn. 'We'd also like the military roads to be closed and allowed to naturally degrade, so that civilians can't take cars far into the wilderness,' she said. John Skinner, of the Ramblers' Association, wants to see High Wilhays and Yes Tor free of live firing. Other organisations interested in taking part in the process should email [email protected]">[email protected], or write to Hamish Miln at Headquarters Dartmoor Training Area, Okehampton Training Camp, Okehampton, EX20 1QP.