Reference

Legacy Resource Management Program

In November 1990, Congress enacted legislation creating the Legacy Resource Management Program (Legacy). The purpose of the Legacy program is to "promote, manage, research, conserve, and restore the priceless biological, geophysical, and historical resources which exist on public lands, facilities, or property held by the Department of Defense."

Congress established the Legacy Resource Management Program in 1991 to make stewardship of natural and cultural resources a DOD priority. A collaborative, inter-service program, Legacy seeks to balance the intensive use of military installations for training and testing with conservation. Funding for the program increased from $10 million in FY 1991 to $50 million in FY 1993. By institutionalizing Legacy concepts within DOD, the conservation of natural and cultural resources is becoming an integral part of the military mission.

In 1993 over 200 military installations in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories sponsored Legacy projects. Among them were 500 projects that enhanced resource management and awareness of biological species, earth resources, ecosystems, and cultural and historic places and materials. Legacy partners include 30 organizations and agencies, among them the federal land agencies and private environmental and archaeological groups.