Conservation lands as compatible use buffers

When the United States established military installations many years ago, they often were built away from population centers. As the Nation’s population has grown during the past few decades, residential areas and strip malls now abut many military installations. Noise, dust, or smoke levels from guns, vehicles, or aircraft prompt citizens to call local authorities to have military activities stopped and military commanders frequently must choose between being good neighbors and meeting training and testing requirements. Noise concerns, the presence of cultural and historic resources, and the distribution of invasive or endangered species can result in training restrictions affecting military readiness. The adverse effects of these incompatible land uses has prompted the Department of Defense (DoD) to find solutions.