Cannon announces community forums

Cannon Air Force Base officials will present information, answer questions and hear public concerns regarding the Draft Environmental Assessment, released Sept. 7, which proposes to establish a low altitude training area in portions of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico for the 27th Special Operations Wing. Evening community forums will be held in seventeen locations, seven in Colorado and 10 in New Mexico.

The draft Environmental Assessment is available for download at http://www.cannon.af.mil/library/environment.asp. As always, the 27 SOW welcomes public feedback. The draft will be available for review throughout the 60-day public comment period, Sept. 7 through Nov. 5 All comments received at the community forums sent directly to the 27 SOW will be considered in the final document.

The EA analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the 27 SOW’s proposal to conduct low-level flights in the MC-130 and CV-22 special operations aircraft. The mountainous terrain in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico would provide invaluable realistic training to special operations aircrews preparing for worldwide deployment.

Under the proposed action, a 60,700 square mile low altitude training area would be established for no more than three flights per day, for a total of approximately 688 annually. Most flights would be after dusk Monday through Friday. Special operations missions require aircrews to avoid detection, so populated areas would be deliberately avoided for the most realistic training.

The community forums will include a brief overview of the proposal from the 27 SOW, ample time for informal Q&A, and a formal public comment session.

Comments may also be mailed, or faxed to:

27 SOW Public Affairs

110 E. Sextant Ave., Suite 1150

Cannon AFB N.M., 88103

Phone: 575-784-4131

Fax: 575-784-7412