Historically, military installations are magnets for economic growth. In the late 1990s, the Department of Defense (DOD) realized that land around many of its military installations, once isolated in remote and rural areas, was being engulfed by urban and suburban growth. This land—essential for military training and warfighter readiness—was often open spaces populated with protected endangered species and special habitats. The DOD needed an inventive solution that would preserve open space while respecting environmental concerns and the needs of surrounding communities.
The government, with Booz Allen’s help, established the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program in 2003. Through REPI, Booz Allen helped the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment take a collaborative approach to protecting undeveloped land around bases. The team built partnerships with local conservation, government, nonprofit, and business interests to find solutions that benefit all, including unique cost-sharing agreements and cooperative land planning.
