In the context of DoD operations, encroachment is often defined exclusively as the cumulative result of all outside influences that inhibit normal military training, testing and operations. While the militaryโs primary objective might be to safeguard operations and readiness, the types of encroachment that DoD natural resource managers must account for in their planning and management activities can take many forms and work in several directions.
From a biodiversity and environmental protection perspective, the loss of natural habitats through development on areas adjacent to military installations can negatively impact the biodiversity on military lands. Encroachment may contribute to the loss of migration corridors for wildlife, the reduction in size of critical natural populations of imperiled species and their critical habitats, increased air and water pollution that may negatively impact native species, and many other potential direct and indirect effects. Military testing and training can impact non-military lands and waters (wilderness areas, national parks, ocean basins) far from installations. Examples include Air Force overflights or low-level training in wilderness areas and national wildlife refuges and impacts to marine life by Navy SONAR operations and ship shock testing in the open oceans.
From the standpoint of civilian communities adjacent to military installations, the expansion of no-development zones, noise, and other disruptions driven by military operations are often seen as encroachment upon their property and interests. Military impacts such as overflights, artillery noise, interference with radio spectra, or the need for safety buffer zones around impact areas and unexploded ordnance (UXO) are some of the more important aspects of military operations that are incompatible with civilian development near military ranges.
Increasing human population and development and a finite land base will certainly ensure that encroachment will remain a major issue for the DoD and that natural resource managers will need an understanding of related science and policy issues to design and execute plans that prevent, minimize, and/or mitigate related impacts on natural and human communities. Much of the basis for understanding and managing encroachment is provided in Chapter 8 (Landscape and Ecosystem Management).