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AMY ERSHLER
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The PA wilds encompasses more than two million acres including state parks, forests, game lands, and national wild and scenic rivers.
The PA Wilds (https://pawilds.com/) counties include: Warren, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Lycoming, Clinton, Elk, Cameron, Forest, Clearfield, Clarion, Jefferson and northern Centre.
The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, the Pine Creek Rail Trail, the Mid-State Trail, Pine Creek, places to view elk and fall foliage are all here. It's wonderful for hunting and fishing, cross country skiing, mountain biking, trail running, hiking, road biking, and viewing stars from Cherry Spring State Park.
"Nowhere else in this country, from sea to sea, does nature comfort us with such assurance of plenty, such rich and tranquil beauty as in those unsung, unpainted hills of Pennsylvania."
- Rebecca Harding David (1831-1910) American Author and Pennsylvania native.
The Maryland Air National Guard is proposing to use the PA Wilds as a new training site for its A10 bombers, meaning that the planes could fly as low as 100 feet above ground -- for four hours a day, up to 170 days a year.
The proposal would also authorize New Jersey and D.C. wings to fly F16s. In addition, other wings across the country could request airspace.
This could increase not only in days but also in types of aircraft.
Tourism is a core component of this region's economy and many small businesses rely on visitors to stay afloat. Many people live in this region because it offers a natural sanctuary.
People visit the region to fish, hunt, hike, and escape from the rat-race of urban areas.
What impact might these low-level flights have on the region?
Will people go elsewhere due to the noise of these aircraft? In addition, agriculture is abundant in the area.
The area is also home to many Amish.
Will low-level flying negatively affect farm animals and horses?
If you enjoy the PA Wilds and want to ensure that its natural, rural character remain intact, please, submit your comments opposing this project to www.175wg.ang.af.mil/Duke-MOA-Low/.
The comment period ends very soon: Dec. 31, 2021.