Military Partnership

Significant for Protection of the Environment and the Maintenance of National Defense

Since 2005, the NC Coastal Land Trust has partnered several times with the US Marine Corps and the US Air Force to protect thousands of acres of land around bases Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune. This prevents the construction of industrial sites and subdivisions that may jeopardize operations and training, leaving bases vulnerable to closure.

Here at Coastal Land Trust, we understand the importance of preserving land that has both conservation and military significance, which is why we work closely with the Military to identify these lands. This Military Encroachment Partnership has preserved lands that host several endangered species such as the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, as well as historic longleaf pine forests and wetlands.

As a result of the collective efforts, the partnership project was recognized in the Navy’s Final Environmental Impact Statement as one of the key reasons why Cherry Point was selected to receive 8 operational squadrons of the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Examples of lands protected include almost 3,000 acres on Turnagain Bay, 658 acres at Luken’s Island and 1,154 acres at Jarrett’s Bay. We also protected 136 acres adjacent to the base to create the Magnolia Farm Preserve.  And the US Air Force partnership has reculted in more than 1,300 acres of protected land in Bertie County, at the Salmon Creek State Natural Area.

Military partnerships are significant for protection of the environment and the maintenance of national defense. We are proud of our partnership with the US Marine Corps and US Air Force.

Please take a moment to learn more about similar projects by visiting the following website: http://www.repi.mil/BufferProjects/ServicePrograms.aspx

For more information on the Coastal Land Trust’s role, please email Director of Land Protection Janice Allen.