Maryland National Guard Abandons Proposal To Do Very Low-Level Aircraft Combat Training Over The Pennsylvania Wilds

On May 3, U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced the Air Force and National Guard Bureau has rescinded their proposal to create a low-flying training zone Duke Military Operating Area (MOA), which would allow pilots to fly as low as 100 feet above ground level in Pennsylvania's PA Wilds. 

The area affected would have included Carmeron, Clinton, Elk, McKean, Potter and Tioga counties.

After hearing concerns from North Central Pennsylvania organizations and residents about the possible dangers this plan would pose to the Pennsylvania Wilds region’s economy, environment, and quality of life, Casey and Fetterman have repeatedly pushed the Air Force to abandon the plan.

“From the moment the Air Force’s proposal was announced, I’ve been deeply concerned about how low, loud, and frequent flights could disrupt livelihoods in a tranquil region that has built its identity on outdoor recreation,” said Senator Casey (D-PA). “After years of pushing the Air Force to abandon this plan, I’m glad that they are respecting the wishes of the people of North Central Pennsylvania. I will always fight to preserve the PA Wilds and the rest of the natural resources that make our Commonwealth so beautiful.”

“This decision is a huge win not just for the beloved natural resources in the Pennsylvania Wilds, but also for the many Pennsylvanians who call this region home,” said Senator Fetterman (D-PA). “I’m proud to have fought and delivered for these too often forgotten North Central Pennsylvania communities alongside Senator Casey. I’m also committed to working with our partners in the Air Force and National Guard to ensure our military remains strong and prepared—and I know we can do this while making sure Pennsylvanians’ voices are heard.”

Since its initial proposal, the Duke MOA low-flying training zone has faced strong opposition from Pennsylvania state officials, local leaders, conservation groups, and community members, who highlighted the potential negative impacts on local economies, public health and safety, and outdoor recreation.

After hearing constituent concerns, Senators Casey and Fetterman have advocated fiercely to stop the Air Force from adopting this plan. 

In December 2021, Casey sent a letter to the Maryland Air National Guard expressing concern about the proposal and its effects on economic growth and quality of life in the region. 

In May of last year, Senators Casey and Fetterman sent a letter to the Maryland Air National Guard and the Air National Guard Readiness Center once again expressing grave concerns with the plan and demanding the agencies examine the potential environmental impact of the proposal. 

The Senators also met with the Air Force on several occasions to request a reconsideration of the plan, and have worked with federal, state, and local officials to bring the proposal to a halt.

Click Here for the complete announcement.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR’s Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council, Pennsylvania Wilds, the Keep It Wild Campaign and many others expressed deep concerns about the significant impacts of the proposed training area flights on outdoor recreation in the PA Wilds since 2019.

Resource Links:

-- PA U.S. Senators Casey, Fetterman Request Full Environmental Impact Statement On Maryland Air National Guard Very Low Level Military Training Flights [100 Feet] Over PA Wilds  [PaEN] 

-- PA Wilds Center Seeks Full Environmental Impact Statement For Proposed Very Low-Level [100 Feet] Maryland Air National Guard Training Flights [PaEN]

-- DCNR Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council Requests Public Meetings On Proposed Very Low-Level Combat Training Flights By Maryland National Guard In PA Wilds [PaEN]

-- Maryland National Guard Seeking Permission To Fly Combat Training Missions Within 100 Feet Of Ground Level In Cameron, Clinton, Elk, McKean, Potter & Tioga Counties - The PA Wilds [PaEN]

-- DCNR Concerned About Proposed Maryland National Guard Plan To Fly Very Low-Level Training Flights Over Cameron, Clinton, Elk, McKean, Potter, Tioga Counties In PA Wilds [PaEN]

Related Articles This Week:

-- DCNR Blog: Investing In Pennsylvania’s State Parks And Forests Provides Foundation For PA’s $17 Billion Outdoor Economy  

-- Maryland National Guard Abandons Proposal To Do Very Low-Level Aircraft Combat Training Over The Pennsylvania Wilds  [PaEN] 

-- A Portion Of Clear Creek Forest McKeever Tract In Mercer County With 150 Year Old Trees Added To  Old-Growth Forest Network [PaEN] 

-- DCNR Launches 'Remake Learning Days' At State Parks To Support Global Learning Festival  [PaEN]

-- A Portion Of Clear Creek Forest McKeever Tract In Mercer County With 150 Year Old Trees Added To  Old-Growth Forest Network [PaEN]  

-- DCNR To Begin Accepting Applications For Wild Resource Conservation Grants May 6  [PaEN]

-- DCNR Grants Newsletter: Expanding Recreation Access In Small Communities; Public Survey On PA Recreation Now Open; Act 13 Greenways, Trails, Recreation Grants Open 

-- DCNR Names Ian Brown New Assistant Manager For Laurel Hill State Park Complex In Southwest PA

-- DCNR To Begin Spraying Forests In Spongy Moth Suppression Effort

-- WNEP: Some People Have Allergic Reactions To Spongy Moths; Here’s What You Need To Know

-- Williamsport Sun: Lycoming Commissioners, Health Experts Warn Public About Spongy Moths; Some People Experience Allergic Reactions

-- Penn State Extension, PA Sea Grant Host June 7 Webinar On Aquatic Invasive Species  [PaEN] 

-- Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Holds PA Native Plant Sale May 11-12 In Montgomery County  [PaEN] 

[Posted: May 4, 2024]  PA Environment Digest