For the fourth time, the U.S. Air Force has released
its draft environmental impact statement for a new electronic
combat and bombing range in the Owyhee Canyonlands of southern
Idaho, eastern Oregon and northern Nevada. The Air Force currently
makes 7,500 sonic and subsonic annual flights over the Owyhee
Canyonlands. The Air Force says the new range would enhance the
capability of its bomber, fighter, tanker and reconnaissance
aircraft stationed at Idaho’s Mountain Home Air Force Base. The
plan calls for thousands of additional low-level flights over the
Owyhee Canyonlands, the expansion of the flight area, and the
withdrawal of 12,000 acres of public lands solely for military use.
The Owyhee Canyonlands Coalition, which has defeated the Air
Force’s reworked proposal three times, is concerned about the
flights’ effects on wild lands, solitude and wildlife, especially
bighorn sheep. A series of public hearings on the draft EIS will be
held the first two weeks in June. For a copy of the draft EIS,
contact the U.S. Air Force/BLM, P.O. Box 329, Boise, ID 83701-0329.
For the hearing schedule, contact The Wilderness Society, 413 W.
Idaho, Ste. 102, Boise, ID 83702
(208/343-8153).
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline It’s back.
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