Interior and Defense Departments Invest $15 Million to Preserve Green Spaces, Enhance Recreation Opportunities Around Military Installations

Land and Water Conservation Fund and matching Department of Defense funds will support recreation and conservation

12/20/2024
Last edited 12/20/2024

Date: Friday, December 20, 2024
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON — The Departments of the Interior and Defense today announced a $15 million investment to support conservation and recreation access around military bases through the Readiness and Recreation Initiative. Funding comes from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Department of Defense (DOD)’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program and will support community conservation projects in Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina and Virginia.  

The DOD REPI Program preserves military missions by supporting cost-sharing agreements between the Military Services, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and private conservation organizations to avoid land use conflicts near military installations, address environmental restrictions that limit military activities, and increase military installation resilience. 

“The Interior Department is committed to preserving our outdoor spaces and enhancing equitable access wherever we can,” said Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz. “In partnership with the Department of Defense, this investment will increase recreational opportunities around military bases, help sustain native wildlife habitats and build climate resilience, helping to support the health and well-being of local communities across the country.” 

“The Department is committed to the health and well-being of our Service Members and the defense communities they live in," said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installation and Environment Brenden Owens.  "By partnering with the National Park Service through the Readiness & Recreation Initiative, we honor this commitment by funding the protection of new parks and the development of public outdoor recreation infrastructure that our military families can enjoy for generations to come." 

This investment improves access to outdoor recreation for millions of Americans living by military bases. 

2024 Readiness and Recreation Initiative Project Locations: 

State  Park Name  Project Sponsor  Installation Proposed Funding  
FL  Sherman Creek Park   City of Jacksonville  Naval Station Mayport  $660,000   
IN  Westgate Park  WestGate Authority  Naval Support Activity Crane  $2,324,000   
MN  Mississippi River Overlook Park  City of Baxter  Camp Ripley Military Training Center  $2,500,000  
NC  Weymouth Woods State Natural Area  NC Division of Parks & Recreation  Fort Liberty  $1,700,000   
VA  Robinson-Baker's Creek   Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission  Naval Weapons Station Yorktown  $276,000  

To learn more about the Readiness and Recreation Initiative, visit the REPI webpage.

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