Area residents are encouraged to participate in a public forum for the Indian Head Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), a cooperative land use planning effort, on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Village Green Pavilion at 100 Walter Thomas Road, Indian Head.

The Indian Head JLUS, in collaboration with Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head, the Town of Indian Head, and Charles County, is investigating how changes in land use around the installation could affect the Navy’s mission, as well as how current and future operations at the base may impact the surrounding areas.

“The community’s help is needed to identify impacts and find solutions,” says Project Manager Amy Blessinger, Charles County Department of Planning & Growth Management.  “The public is a vital participant in the JLUS, and your concerns and recommendations will help shape the JLUS, ensuring it is responsive to your needs.”

The public forum will present information on the JLUS process and give area residents an opportunity to share their thoughts on Navy operations and surrounding land use.

Through the JLUS, the community and NSF Indian Head are working to identify potential conflicts and strategies to maintain compatibility between community development and Navy missions. The study’s goal is to sustain the Navy mission while supporting continued economic and community growth, as well as protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.  Compatibility issues may include:

·         Community Growth
·         Land Restrictions
·         Energy Compatibility and Availability
·         Frequency Spectrum Interference
·         Height Restrictions
·         Noise and Vibration
·         Impacts from Blasts
·         Current and Planned Range Operations
·         Unexploded Ordnance and Munitions
·         Transport of Hazardous Materials
·         Security (Anti-terrorism and Force Protection)
·         Endangered Species and Critical Habitat
·         Water Quantity and Quality
·         Wetlands Protection
·         Marine Resources
·         Historic, Scenic, and Cultural Resources
·         Viewshed Protection

To learn more about the Indian Head Joint Land Use Study or to provide input, visit www.indianheadjlus.com or contact Project Manager Amy Blessinger, Department of Planning & Growth Management, at 301-645-0650 or BlessingA@CharlesCountyMD.gov.

The Indian Head Joint Land Use Study is sponsored by Charles County and funded by a Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) grant.