Say "No" to military overflights in Wildernesses in Vermont!

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is asking the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to approve its proposal to establish a permanent Chugs Military Operations Area (MOA) in southern VT, which has been operating under temporary approvals since 2016. Fighter jets out of Massachusetts would continue their Eagle Claw fights at Chugs MOA, some 340 combat-ready F-15 fighter jet sorties a year.

This could lead to permanent F-15 fighter jet flights in three of the eight Wildernesses in Vermont—the Lye Brook, Peru Peak, and Big Branch. A fourth Wilderness—the Glastenbury—is immediately adjacent to the MOA and may actually extend within the MOA (the map is not detailed enough to tell). Such activity would shatter the area’s natural sounds, ruin the wilderness experience for visitors, and stress native wildlife. The stated purpose of the permanent MOA is to save the USAF time and money.

Please urge the FAA to keep overflights out of Wildernesses in Vermont! Comments are due next Monday, 1/10.

The mature forests, wetlands, and wild ridgelines and peaks in these three Wildernesses in the Green Mountains are home to native wildlife such as moose, pine marten, bobcats, black bears, wild turkeys, beavers, whitetail deer, brook trout, rare birds, and more. The Peru Peak Wilderness consists of 7,825 acres, and its remote northern half is trail-less, offering undisturbed wildlife habitat and opportunities for solitude. Nearby Big Branch is 6,725 acres. The Lye Brook Wilderness is 18,122 acres and protects the forests around Stratton Pond, a popular backpacking destination. The quiet and remote mature forests of the nearby 22,330-acre Glastenbury Wilderness provide secure habitat for female black bears and many species of birds. The Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail cross all of these areas.

Research documents the serious health effects of aircraft noise on humans and wildlife—such as auditory damage and startling response. For example, studies show that the stress caused by extreme sound disturbances can impact animals’ ability to successfully feed, mate, nest, and raise their young. And for people who seek quiet and solitude in these Wildernesses, military training exercises are always at odds with experiencing such values of Wilderness and should be prohibited. 

The Air Force should stay out of Wilderness with fighter jet overflights, and instead use more appropriate areas. Please take action by 1/10. We apologize for the short notice, but an email box for public comments was only just set up. Thank you.