Environmental Assessment for the Blair Lakes Bombing Range Facility Improvements
Abstract
The Air Force started development of the Blair Lakes Range (Blair Lakes) in the early 1970s and has since that time used the range as an important training facility for strafing and bombing practice. In early 1993, the Air Force implemented a 25-year plan to improve the infrastructure at the range. The improvements have resulted in improved range operations and have also lessened the impact of range maintenance activities to wetlands. Most range activities can now be confined to the existing all-season roads and target pads. However, as new training requirements are identified, additions to the facilities at Blair Lakes are needed to ensure that Eielson's pilots are receiving the best training possible. The proposed action would result in modifications to existing facilities and construction of new ones at Blair Lakes. The existing ricochet pit wall would be expanded, a new electrical transformer pad would be built, an existing aircraft turnaround enlarged, a new helicopter pad constructed, additional utility lines installed, and 22.6 acres of low value black spruce wetlands mechanically cleared (hydro-axed).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA611507
Entities
People
- Brent Koenen
- Forrest Mcdaniel
- James Nolke
- Sarah Conn