Military bases were originally places in areas away from development. But over the years as bases increased training and hired more employees, the areas surrounding the bases are being developed. To keep their neighbors safer and training areas less encroached by development; landowners within three miles of Camp Ripley could receive $875 to almost $1,400 per acre if they decide to sell their development rights.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking to piggyback onto the ACUB program and increase the buffer to 10 miles around the base. Camp Ripley says funding for the ACUB comes from the Department of Defense and state grant money. And they’re purchasing development rights in partnership with the DNR and the Board of Water and Soil Resources.

By — Lakeland PBS

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