Environmental Assessment for the Construction of New Strafe Targets at the Blair Lakes Bombing Range
Abstract
The Air Force started development of the Blair Lakes Range 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 the construction of two new strafe target facilities at the Blair Lakes Range. These two targets would add critical training opportunities that currently do not exist at the range. The project would require the construction of two new target pads and access roads. In addition, utility lines must be extended to support operations of the facility. Construction activities would result in impacts to 15.7 acres of black spruce scrub/shrub wetlands.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA611510
Entities
People
- Brent Koenen
- James Nolke
- Sarah Conn
- Shelia Newman