It has long been DoD policy to encourage cooperation on natural resources management issues with federal organizations, states, local governments, nongovernmental organizations, and individuals to maintain and improve natural resources, as outlined in DoD Directive 4715.3. Prior to the enactment of 10 USC 2684a, discussed above in the Encroachment Section, the Sikes Act was used as the primary authority for the Secretary of Defense to enter into cooperative agreements. However, this authority was almost entirely directed to the protection of resources within the boundaries of DoD installations. The authority of 10 USC 2684a allows for cooperative conservation efforts through the acquisition of land or easements in the vicinity of military installations and ranges, thus adding a valuable flexibility to wildlife protection efforts. Finally, Executive Order 13352, Cooperative Conservation, specifically directs federal agencies to develop cooperative conservation programs (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2005-title3- vol1/pdf/CFR-2005-title3-vol1-eo13352.pdf).
Over the years, cooperative conservation efforts with federal and state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, universities, and museums have provided many opportunities for the DoD to obtain invaluable, cost-effective research and other services in support of its natural resources conservation programs. With the authority of 10 USC2684a, many new cooperative agreements are being established that help to enhance off-base habitat and to ease encroachment problems in the vicinity of military installations. Additional programs and policies related to cooperative conservation efforts are presented in detail in Chapter 6 (Partnerships).
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Author
J. Douglas Ripley, Environmental Consultant U.S. Air Force (Retired)
With updates and Additional contributions by: James van Ness, Senior Level Attorney Advisor Office of the Secretary of Defense
Other issues of conservation significance and the policies which govern them
Other issues of conservation significance and the policies which govern them
Cooperation conservation efforts