The Georgia Land Trust has acquired 5,400 acres of land, which will be added to a permanent natural buffer between Fort Stewart and the rapidly growing areas around the military base.

The land is on the eastern edge of Fort Stewart between Richmond Hill and Hinesville.

Officials say the land trust used a U.S. Department of Defense grant awarded under a special program — the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative — designed to respond to growth and development around military installations.

Rayonier Forest Resources owned the property and will continue to use it under a lease agreement for timber production, which is considered a compatible use.