Flyovers, sonic booms and toxic flares

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 12 November 2017 12 November 2017

If you are concerned about Holloman Air Force Base's plan to fly 10,000 sorties annually over The Gila Wilderness, the Grant County Democratic Party urges you to attend a public rally at 5:00pm, Tuesday, November 14 outside the Grant County Administration Building. At 6:00 representatives from the Air Force will be presenting details of their plan to the County Commission inside, but they have indicated they will not be receiving comments from the public in that session.

Grant County Democratic Party Chairman Frances Vasquez is alarmed that, "This plan has been formulated without any input from the residents of Grant County. I am particularly concerned that anyone would consider dropping 30,000 magnesium flares and toxic "defensive chaff" all around us without even consulting us."

Mark Allison, Executive Director of New Mexico Wild, says "Their proposal would essentially mean that all of the wilderness areas, wilderness study areas and the entire Gila National Forest would look and sound like a war zone."

Conservationists, business groups, outfitters, sportsmen, veterans, and others will be gathering to make clear to the Air Force their concerns about the noise levels of low flying sorties; the impact these exercises could have on wildlife, cattle ranching, hunting, fishing, birding, horseback riding, and tourism; the level of toxins that will be released; the risk of wildfires; and the overall impact this plan will have on the quality of life for everyone in Grant County.

Speakers at the rally will include County Commissioners, business owners, private landowners, and veterans concerned about keeping our wilderness a place of safety and solace. "Grant County citizens should come out for this important rally on Tuesday evening to demonstrate our area's broad opposition to the Air Force proposal, stated Ms. Vasquez. "Grant County and the Gila National Forest are special places, and they should be protected, not turned into a daily war zone."

WHAT: A rally to urge Holloman Air force Base to hear our concerns.

WHEN: Tuesday November 14 from 5-6.
WHERE: Grant County Administration Building
WHY: Because the 10,000 annual flyovers could greatly impact our lives.

For more information, contact the Grant County Democratic Party at 654-6060 or email grantcountydemocrats@gmail.com, and on the web at NMcd2democraticvoices.org.

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