Support Local Capacity with Counties to Enhance Military Readiness

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PURPOSE OF THE AGREEMENT: PURPOSE OF THE AGREEMENT: The U. S. Department of Defense (DoD), in cooperation with the National Association of Counties Research Foundation (NACoRF) seeks to more effectively engage counties to build local capacity around DoD installations and ranges, to carry out natural resource management and conservation programs that further the objectives of DoD’s partnership programs to preserve and enhance military readiness. Specifically, this agreement will help build a partnership between DoD and NACoRF that supports military readiness through increased coordination with county leaders. Through its broad networks of county officials, national communications vehicles and regular convenings of county leaders, NACoRF will increase county understanding of DoD resources and activities of the military bases located in county jurisdictions. Various DoD departments and officials will have the opportunity to engage with counties on specific issues and obtain feedback to inform new and existing DoD programs. The agreement will help DoD to target its county partnership efforts by building and educating local capacity to engage counties more effectively in land use and management practices; creating information on the importance of private (and non-foreign owned), working lands to the DoD; and emphasizing the strong historical role that DOD has played in helping sustain these lands. An actionable, strategic plan will be created that identifies opportunities and approaches to engage private landowners in a manner that meets both the private and public interest and that both public and private partners may support. Additionally, the agreement will help DoD engage counties in programs and practices that: sustain working forests, important agricultural lands, watersheds, and other habitats; identify funding opportunities that will enhance conservation and protection efforts for large blocks of private, working lands in proximity to DOD installations. The agreement will also help counties and DoD address increased concerns about foreign ownership of land in the vicinity of military installations. Specifically, this approach will directly support the new Executive Order “America First Investment” by keeping agriculture land in the hands of farmers. County officials and elected county leadership have the most insight into landownership changes. The non-profit’s demonstrated expertise and capabilities associated with promoting exemplary county policies and practices; advocating for county priorities in federal policymaking; nurturing leadership skills; and enriching the public’s understanding of county government functions, conservation communications and information sharing. This collaborative conservation planning will relieve or eliminate current or anticipated challenges that could restrict, impede, or otherwise interfere with current and future military activities and address issues related to foreign ownership.