Conservation and Rehabilitation of Natural Resources on Military Installations

FY2025 In Fiscal Year 2025, the Department of Defense continued its commitment to the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources on military installations across the United States. Through a variety of programs and partnerships, significant strides were made in habitat restoration, species protection, and sustainable land management, ensuring that military readiness is achieved in harmony with environmental stewardship.

A key focus in FY25 was the implementation of Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs), which guide the ecosystem management of military lands. These plans facilitated numerous projects, including the restoration of habitats for endangered and at-risk species. For example, the Mississippi Army National Guard's natural resources program focused on restoring longleaf pine woodlands, a critical habitat for many species.
Similarly, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partnered with military installations on projects like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which funded activities to improve water quality and restore native aquatic species.

The Plant Conservation and Restoration Program, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, also played a crucial role in FY25, developing genetically appropriate native plant materials for use in habitat restoration on military lands and collaborating with farmers and conservationists to increase the availability of locally sourced seeds.
These efforts were complemented by the work of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), which, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, funded a wide array of on-the-ground conservation projects, including habitat restoration, invasive species eradication, and youth internships.

Furthermore, the Department of Defense's conservation law enforcement programs ensured compliance with environmental regulations, protecting natural and cultural resources on installations.
The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council also contributed to these efforts by funding projects to reduce nonpoint source pollution on agricultural lands near military installations, such as the Upper Pascagoula Water Quality Enhancement project in Mississippi.

FY2026 Looking ahead to Fiscal Year 2026, the Department of Defense is poised to continue its robust efforts in the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources on military installations. Building on the successes of previous years, the focus will remain on the implementation of Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs), with a strong emphasis on proactive and sustainable management practices that support both military training requirements and environmental goals.

A significant aspect of the FY26 outlook is the continued emphasis on partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-profit organizations. Programs like the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act will continue to provide funding for research and restoration projects in the Great Lakes Basin, encouraging cooperative conservation efforts.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) will also remain a key partner, leveraging federal funds to support a wide range of on-the-ground conservation projects through its various competitive grant programs.

In FY26, there will be a continued push to utilize innovative approaches to conservation. The Plant Conservation and Restoration Program will work to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its efforts by implementing the National Seed Strategy and collaborating with Tribal governments to develop strategies for native materials.
Additionally, the Department of Defense will continue to invest in the resilience of military installations, with a focus on protecting critical resources from threats such as extreme weather events and climate change. This includes strategic land acquisition and the development of compatible land use policies in coordination with local communities.

Specific budget requests for FY26 reflect this commitment to conservation. For example, the Mississippi Military Department's five-year strategic plan for 2026-2030 includes a goal to manage all timber units to meet the metrics for "good" to "excellent" longleaf pine woodlands.
Similarly, budget proposals in other states will likely include funding for habitat restoration, invasive species control, and the protection of endangered species on military lands.
These ongoing and planned initiatives demonstrate a clear and sustained commitment to the conservation and rehabilitation of natural resources on military installations for the coming fiscal year.