The West Traverse Mountain Compatibility Area Study (CAS) was a collaborative planning effort between the local project sponsor — Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) — and Camp Williams, surrounding communities, local and regional stakeholders, state and federal agencies, and the public. The project expanded on the 2012 Camp Williams Joint Land Use Study  by strengthening working relationships and encouraging enhanced collaboration between community stakeholders and Camp Williams. This project aimed to identify, reduce, and prevent encroachment issues between military missions and neighboring communities while enabling continued community growth and development.

Matrix assessed 25 compatibility factors, and through extensive analysis and regional stakeholder engagement, determined 30 significant compatibility findings related to encroachment, resource competition, and resiliency. This project recommended 93 structural, non-structural, and nature-based strategies for community and Camp Williams consideration that included many collaborative strategies to regionally partner on joint transportation planning, public health and safety, joint emergency response, shared capabilities and natural resources, conservation, environmental stewardship and preservation of open spaces, resiliency and federal funding opportunities to achieve mutually beneficial solutions.

The work was funded through a grant from the Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC), with additional in-kind funding provided by MAG. While the OLDCC was the primary funding source, study content was produced by and for the local stakeholders. MAG served as the managing agency for the project, with support from various regional stakeholders. The CAS is essential for preserving long-term compatibility and fostering mutually beneficial relationships between Camp Williams and surrounding jurisdictions.