A few weeks ago, we learned of a proposal by the U.S. Air Force to increase military training in our area.

We already experience quite a few low, fast military flyovers, including what seem to be hot shot pilots flying low in the canyons here. I’ve always thought it was just a matter of time before there was a horrific crash. (There have been a few but not in our immediate area.)

The new proposal would include increased F-16 and F-35 fly-overs as low as 100 feet above ground level and sonic booms at altitudes as low as 5,000 feet. In addition, dropping of flares and chaff would be allowed causing a significant fire risk, not to mention damage to the environment and wildlife here. 

Faced with the numerous other risks this proposal presents, the community quickly mobilized and put together this web site and this online petition, which now has over 1000 signatures, to fight this. The worldwide community of wildlife biologists who have done work in this area are particularly upset about this.

The process for this is long and complicated. The first steps are a public announcement and a request for public scoping comments, which are now done. Now there will be a lull in the activity while the Air Force prepares the Draft Environmental Impact Study, which is planned to be released in the fall of 2023. After that there will be a public review and comment period, the Final EIS (summer 2024), and the Record of Decision (fall 2024).

We believe that we can successfully oppose this, but it will take time, money, and concerted efforts. If you can sign the petition, follow this on social media, or otherwise take action, we’d appreciate it.

It’s been sad to learn also that this kind of thing is happening in rural areas nationwide, especially in the west. People just don’t seem to be able to act in their own interests sometimes.