"The Pentagon has proposed restricting civilian air traffic above much of the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area to expand and support training exercises. But those who frequent the area just west of the Twentynine Palms Marine base say the proposal would severely limit recreational access and reduce safety. They say the airspace restrictions could prevent rescue helicopters from evacuating injured motorists, and threaten the famed King of the Hammers off-road race that's held there each year."
"The military says such fears are overblown. Recently, base officials said that the proposal would restrict the airspace for only up to 60 days per year. Project documents say the Marines are hoping the FAA will consider adding more days after the first year, but the base officials told The Times they would not seek additional days of activation over the portion of Johnson Valley that's shared with the public."
""It feels like it's literally just another way for them to take the land, but from above," said Shannon Welch, vice president of the off-road group Blue Ribbon Coalition. The proposal has also drawn criticism from aviation officials, who say the restrictions could affect the operations of small local airports and add time and cost to commercial flights."
The Pentagon proposes restricting civilian air traffic above much of the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area to support Marine Corps training. Frequent visitors and off-road groups warn the restrictions would limit recreational access, reduce safety, hinder rescue helicopter evacuations, and threaten the annual King of the Hammers race. Local users fear the move could be a first step toward ending public access to land set aside by Congress for public use. Aviation officials warn the restrictions could affect small airports and increase time and cost for commercial flights. Marines say activations would be limited and mitigation measures are planned.
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