The Department of the Interior and Defense announced that they will be partnering to put $80 million into land preservation around military installation to improve access to outdoor recreation.

 
The announcement was after the Biden administration convened with Tribal leader for the White House Conservation in Action Summit that highlights the investments to advance restoration and conservation for access to nature nationwide.

The new Readiness and Recreation Initiative, through the Interior Department's National Park Service, will provide $40 million in funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LCWF) and match $40 million from the Defense Department's Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI). REPI secures land adjacent to military bases to serve as buffers to development, enhance recreational access, protect at-risk species, and improve resistance to impacts from climate change and severe weather events.

"America treasures its public lands - and the Interior Department is committed to preserving our outdoor spaces and enhancing equitable access wherever we can," said Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz. "This collaboration with the Defense Department is a natural partnership - one that will encourage planning and coordination across local, state and federal agencies to preserve natural areas that increase outdoor recreational opportunities, sustain native wildlife and habitats, and guard against climate impacts and severe weather events such as wildfire and flooding."???,??????,??????,???

The Departments will work with states to identify eligible REPI projects that will provide appropriate opportunities without compromising military operation. States will apply for funding which will be a competitive process.