DA Form 2785-R: Land Use & Construction Report (LRA) – DA Form 2785-R, titled Installation Natural Resources Report: Part I – Land Use and Construction (LRA), was a standardized Department of the Army form used primarily in the 1960s through the 1980s (with editions like the June 1966 version). It served as the first part of a multi-part annual reporting system for natural resources management on U.S. Army installations.
LRA in this context refers to Land Resource Area or similar land management categorization used in the form’s reporting structure. The form focused on documenting land use patterns, construction activities, soil and water conservation efforts, agricultural outleases, grazing, and related maintenance on military lands.
Purpose and Historical Context of the Form
This form was part of a broader Army effort under regulations like AR 420-74 (Natural Resources – Land, Forest, and Wildlife Management) to ensure responsible stewardship of installation lands while supporting military missions.
Key purposes included:
- Tracking land use, including developed areas, training ranges, agricultural leases, and conservation zones.
- Documenting construction impacts on natural resources.
- Reporting soil erosion control, water conservation, and land improvement projects.
- Supporting data for higher headquarters (HQDA) on environmental quality, outdoor recreation, and multiple-use management.
- Providing a basis for performance evaluation, policy development, and technical studies.
It was typically submitted annually alongside Part II (Forest Management, DA Form 2785-1-R) and Part III (Fish and Wildlife Management, DA Form 2785-2-R).
Key Sections and What the Form Captured
While the exact blank form is archival, historical references indicate it collected data on:
- Land Use Breakdown — Acres allocated to mission activities, recreation, agriculture, forestry, etc.
- Construction and Development — Impacts of new builds or infrastructure on land resources.
- Conservation Measures — Soil and water projects, erosion control, and maintenance costs.
- Leasing and Revenue — Agricultural/grazing leases, cash rentals, and estimated costs or revenues.
- Environmental Enhancements — Efforts to improve natural beauty, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation potential.
Data helped ensure Army actions complied with emerging environmental standards and supported sustainable multiple-use management of military lands.
Evolution: From DA Form 2785-R to Modern INRMPs
DA Form 2785-R is largely obsolete today. Modern Army natural resources management shifted toward more comprehensive, ecosystem-based planning.
Current requirements center on the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP), mandated by the Sikes Act (as amended) and detailed in AR 200-1 (Environmental Protection and Enhancement). INRMPs integrate land use, construction planning, conservation, forestry, wildlife, and mission needs into a single living document coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state agencies.
Key modern focuses include:
- Threatened and endangered species protection.
- Wildland fire management.
- Integrated pest management.
- Public access for hunting, fishing, and recreation where compatible with training.
- Sustainability and climate resilience.
Installations now use digital systems and annual reviews rather than the older paper-based DA 2785 series reports.
Why This Matters for U.S. Army Installations Today?
Proper land use and construction reporting (evolved from forms like DA 2785-R) remains critical for:
- Maintaining mission readiness while protecting natural resources.
- Complying with federal laws (NEPA, Sikes Act, Endangered Species Act).
- Supporting BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) processes and land transfers to Local Redevelopment Authorities (LRAs).
- Balancing development with conservation on over 10 million acres of Army-managed land.
For installation managers, environmental officers, and contractors working with Army facilities, understanding historical tools like DA Form 2785-R provides context for current practices and legacy land management decisions.
How to Access or Research DA Form 2785-R?
- Archival copies or references may appear in older Army technical libraries, DTIC (Defense Technical Information Center), or historical environmental compliance documents.
- Current guidance is found in AR 200-1, INRMP templates from the U.S. Army Environmental Command (AEC), and installation-specific plans.
Note: Always consult the latest Army regulations and your installation’s Environmental Division or Garrison Public Works for active requirements, as forms and processes continue to evolve.
This article provides an SEO-optimized overview for U.S.-based visitors seeking information on Army natural resources reporting, historical DA forms, land use management on military installations, and related environmental compliance topics. For official use, contact the U.S. Army Environmental Command or relevant garrison offices.