DOD Can Increase Revenues Through Better Use of Natural Resources It Holds in Trust
PLRD-82-9
Published: Nov 25, 1981. Publicly Released: Nov 25, 1981.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Almost 25 million acres of land throughout the United States and its possessions have been set aside for the use of the Department of Defense (DOD). These lands, of which about two-thirds are undeveloped, contain vast natural resources helpful to the nation's economy and quality of life. To ensure optimal use of its lands and their natural resources, DOD requires all military bases to manage lands encompassing vast natural resources under the multiple-use principle. This means that bases must exercise balanced, coordinated management of all resources, applying the best combination of developmental and protective land uses, consistent with the military mission. GAO reviewed the effectiveness and efficiency of military bases in managing these lands to determine how revenues can be increased and the multiple uses of the land can be improved.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to maintain updated forestry plans for bases with clearly stated objectives, priorities, and monitoring systems. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to prevent unnecessary restrictions on timber harvesting. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to accelerate timber harvesting wherever possible. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to aggressively pursue the market for forest by-products as a source of additional income. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to establish procedures to update and improve base soil and water conservation plans. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to establish procedures to develop and implement a system to identify periodically all land available for leasing. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to establish procedures to require the maximum leasing of agricultural land consistent with the military mission. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should determine the feasibility of operating the leasing program similar to the forestry program and seek legislative changes in the program if warranted. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to require military bases to develop and update effective cooperative agreements and management plans for fish and wildlife and outdoor recreation programs. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to assess more equitable user fees, where possible, for hunting and fishing to finance fish and wildlife programs. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to identify all opportunities for public outdoor recreation and implement feasible programs. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
Full Report
Public Inquiries
Topics
Federal property managementFeesForest managementLand leasesLand managementMilitary basesOutdoor recreationPlanningPublic landsWildlife management