Environmental Study Released on MOA Proposals in Wisconsin
January 28, 2016 - This month, the National Guard Bureau released a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) on the proposed expansion of multiple military operations areas (MOAs) and the addition of a restricted area in central Wisconsin. The expanded MOAs and restricted area support training activities hosted by the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC). The EA only addresses the environmental impacts of the proposed changes and does not cover impacts to general aviation operations in the area.
Though the EA was just released this month, the proposal to expand the Volk MOAs was released over a year ago. Major changes include:
- An expansion of the Volk East MOA east and north.
- The Falls 1 & 2 MOAs will be combined into the Volk Falls MOA. The southwestern border of the new Volk Falls MOA will be straightened.
- The southwestern border of the South MOA will be extended further southwest to be in line with the Volk Falls MOA.
- The floor of the Volk West MOA will be raised from 100 feet AGL to 500 feet AGL. Other vertical boundaries of existing MOAs will remain unchanged.
Upon learning of the proposed changes, EAA immediately informed chapters in the area and encouraged members with concerns to comment on the proposal.
Also included in the EA is an additional restricted area, R-6904C, which extends west and southwest of existing restricted areas R-6904A and R-6904B. EAA is concerned about the potential impact to local general aviation traffic in and around the proposed restricted area and will be monitoring the Federal Register for the full proposal. EAA will also be leveraging its positive relationship with the Volk Field CRTC to relay member concerns about the proposed changes and ensure those concerns are addressed.
EAA stresses that comments to the environmental assessment not related to environmental impacts may not be considered by the Wisconsin Air National Guard. Members who have concerns about the proposed changes and their impact to flight operations in the area are encouraged to contact govt@eaa.org.
