Alpena Airspace expansion plan is to lower the ceiling to as low as 300 feet in certain areas of Michigan. The expansion proposal comes from the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center. The goal is to connect Alpena airspace with Selfredge Airforce Base and Camp Grayling. This action is separate from the Camp Grayling proposed expansion, but dovetails with bombing and strafing exercises.
If you check the Anglers Of the AuSable’s Facebook page, one of their members reports finding scrap metal shrapnel in 5 foot craters from aircraft bombing practice, along with piles of bullet casings when hiking to fish.
This impacts the area spanning from Grayling across a large portion of the thumb area and Lake Huron.
Take Action
According to The Avalanche, “The National Guard Bureau’s Environmental Analysis for the airspace proposal can be viewed in its entirety at the following link: https://www.alpenacrtc.ang.af.mil/. To offer public comment, please contact: National Guard Bureau; Attn: Ms. Kristi Kucharek; 3501 Fetchet Ave, Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762-5157, or emailed to NGB.A4.A4A.NEPA.COMMENTS.Org@us.af.mil with subject ATTN: ALPENA SUA EA. For more information or questions, please contact the Michigan National Guard public affairs office: ng.mi.miarng.list.pao@mail.mil,” according to the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.”
More Information
MLIVE: More Input Sought on Potential Military Airspace Expansion, in Northern Michigan, thumb.
MLIVE: Military Airspace Expansion Plan Irks Camp Grayling Growth Opponents. “Expansion of the Alpena Special Use Airspace Complex would add another 1,633 nautical square miles to the existing 11,042 square mile airspace where military pilots train. The expansion would encompass parts of northeast Michigan east of I-75 as well as the northern part of Michigan’s Thumb.”
For Sierra Club’s impact statement click here.
Grayling Avalanche: Concerns Raised Regarding Military Airspace Adjustments.
Draft of the Alpena Assessment Report.
9&10 News Grayling: Concerns Grow After New DNR Director Announcement, Airspace Proposal.
Bridge Michigan: Anger over National Guard Air Training Plan Over Grayling and Thumb.
Similar plans were approved around Whidbey Island, Washington. Research indicates noise levels effect aquatic life 100 feet below surface enough to change their behavior. Click here for the report. The solitude of fishing, and hiking has been demolished in that area according to a local news article.
