About the Study
The Fort Campbell Land Use Compatibility Study (LUCS) is a collaborative planning effort between Fort Campbell and surrounding communities to prepare for future growth while supporting the installation's long-term mission. As the region continues to grow, thoughtful planning is needed to ensure new development, infrastructure investments, and community growth remain compatible with military training and operations. The study builds upon previous planning efforts and will develop practical, non-regulatory recommendations that strengthen coordination, protect military readiness, and support safe, resilient, and economically competitive communities.
The study will evaluate how future land use, transportation, infrastructure, and development patterns may affect both military operations and surrounding communities. It will identify practical, non-regulatory strategies that reduce compatibility issues, protect base activities, and help communities accommodate future growth while preserving quality of life.
What is a Land Use Compatibility Study?
A Land Use Compatibility Study is a planning process that identifies ways for a military installation and surrounding communities to grow and operate successfully together while minimizing conflicts between military activities and nearby land uses.
Study Area
The study area encompasses approximately 255,000 acres surrounding Fort Campbell in Montgomery and Stewart counties, Tennessee, and Christian and Trigg counties, Kentucky. It includes growing cities, established neighborhoods, rural landscapes, transportation corridors, and natural resources that all play a role in supporting both community development and military operations.
This map illustrates the study area and the surrounding counties included in the Fort Campbell Land Use Compatibility Study.
Why it Matters
Fort Campbell is a power projection platform and a major maneuver installation for the U.S. Army, training and deploying forces to support operations around the world. Home to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and numerous supporting units, the installation plays a vital role in national defense. Approximately two-thirds of soldiers and their families live in surrounding communities, making Fort Campbell an important economic engine and community partner throughout the region.
Since 2010, the study area has grown by nearly 72,000 residents. New neighborhoods, commercial centers, industrial development, and infrastructure investments have reshaped the region, particularly around Clarksville, one of Tennessee's fastest-growing cities. During the same period, Fort Campbell's mission, training activities, and aviation operations have continued to evolve, creating new opportunities and considerations for coordinating future growth.
Who is Involved?
The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is leading the study on behalf of participating local communities. GNRC represents city and county governments across Middle Tennessee and its mission is to assist local communities and state agencies in the development of plans and programs that guide growth and development in the most desirable, efficient, and cost-effective manner, while ensuring the continued long-term livability of the region. Learn more at GNRC.org.
Throughout the study, GNRC will coordinate with Fort Campbell, local city and county governments, planning agencies, utilities, and community partners to gather input, share information, and guide the planning process. This collaborative approach will help ensure the study reflects local priorities while supporting Fort Campbell’s mission and future regional growth. The effort is funded through a grant from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, Department of Defense.
Process and Timeline
The Fort Campbell Land Use Compatibility Study follows a three-phase planning process. Phase 1 is primarily data collection and analysis to understand existing conditions, development trends and compatibility issues. Phase 2 will explore growth scenarios and the associated opportunities and challenges. Phase 3, the final phase, develops recommendations and implementation strategies to help address compatibility issues in the communities.
PHASE 1
Data Collection and Analysis
PHASE 2
Explore What-If Growth Scenarios
PHASE 3
Implement Strategies and Planning Development
Throughout the study, Fort Campbell, local governments, regional agencies, community partners, and residents will have opportunities to review findings, provide input, and help shape recommendations. Public meetings and stakeholder engagement activities will be held at key milestones to share project progress and gather feedback. The study will conclude with the release of the final Land Use Compatibility Study and implementation framework.
