I oppose the proposal to expand military training out of Holloman Air Force Base to areas over the Gila National Forest. The economy of Silver City and the surrounding areas is heavily dependent on people visiting the Gila from all over the world. The nation’s first wilderness area, and the largest in the state, attracts visitors who want to experience its quiet places, see its archeological sites, float its rivers, see its wolves, and hunt its elk. All of these activities require a quiet forest and would be disastrously impacted by up to 10,000 annual military flights and 15,000 dropped flares, which can devastatingly disrupt wildlife in addition to the activities of humans. This is especially troubling given the pervasive risk of forest fires.
Please fill out the form to the right to sign the petition.