Dear Secretary Haaland,

We are writing to ask for your intervention to prevent the Air Force from conducting low elevation training exercises in the area around the Chiricahua National Monument* and the Rustler Park area of the Coronado National Forest. Their proposal involves flares, low-flying planes, and a huge noise impact, that would greatly increase the risk of wildfire and have devastating effects on wildlife and the vegetation that supports it. For example, the planes would create noise at a level known to cause brain hemorrhages in small mammals.

This area is one of the Sky Islands so crucial to preserving the wildlife of the southwest. The risk of wildfire is already extremely high and this area has not yet recovered from many devastating wildfires over the past 20 years.

This area is also a center of ecological research, and the site of some of the most extended long-term studies of animals anywhere in the world. The proposed plan would endanger the habitat being studied and make research itself more dangerous. The most important effects are ecological, but we would like to point out that the National Science Foundation has invested many millions of taxpayer dollars in research in this area, which the Air Force plan would destroy.

Finally, the Chiricahua Mountains play an important role in our nation's heritage, including the Chiricahua Wilderness area, part of the original Wilderness bill in 1964. This area was the sacred place of the Apaches, who valued not only the amazing rock formations but also the natural habitat for plants and wildlife in the whole canyon. Two Apache groups, led by Geronimo and Cochise, retreated here when the railroad and then the army came to the area in the late 1800's. It would be shameful for the army to destroy this heritage a second time.

We hope that you can step in to help prevent the proposed ecological disaster. Surely the Air Force can find an area to practice within its existing military reservations in AZ and NM, without endangering this precious remaining wilderness.

Sincerely,

++ Add your name to this petition ++

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More information and things you can do to take action at www.peacefulchiricahuaskies.com
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* In addition to the Chiricahua National Monument, other protected public lands administered by the Department of Interior in the proposed Tombstone MOA include:

Leslie Canyon and San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuges (2,770 and 2,309 acres) – established to protect the headwaters of the Yaqui River drainage and habitat for endangered native fishes.

Several Bureau of Land Management Special Management Areas (SMAs)–Antelope Pass RNA (Peloncillo Mtns.) – 8,710 acres protects several State- and Federally-listed plant and animal species, and the habitat for a great diversity of lizard species (19 known, two of which are State- and Federally listed).  It is also home to the Desert Bighorn Sheep.

Baker Canyon WSA (Peloncillo Mtns.) – 4,812 acres – This area is rich in wildlife. It is part of a wildlife corridor connecting ecosystems in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Bird life is extraordinary with unusual species of hummingbirds, trogons, and turkey. 

Grey Peak WSA and Central Peloncillo Mountains ACEC – 19,630 acres – Like other areas of the Peloncillo Mountains, these lands were designated for its rich plant and animal diversity and importance as a wildlife corridor connecting Arizona and New Mexico with Mexico.  It also protects Bighorn Sheep Habitat.

Guadalupe Canyon WSA and ACEC (Peloncillo Mtns.) – 4,170 acres – established for its unique riparian ecosystem, it has several State-listed plants and animals and a significant bird diversity.

Cowboy Springs WSA and ACEC (Animas Mtns.) – 6,740 acres – protects the unique and diverse flora and fauna of the Sky Islands, including a riparian zone with frogs, Sonoran Mud Turtles, and a significant bird diversity.

Alamo Huecos Mountains WSA and ACEC – 25,278 acres – protects Bighorn Sheep habitat and numerous archaeological and paleontological sites.

Big Hatchet Mountains WSA and ACEC – 65,872 acres - protects the unique and diverse flora and fauna of the Sky Islands, including Desert Bighorn Sheep habitat.

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail – over 40 miles of the trail is in the MOA, including the southern terminus.

Several Adjacent Bureau of Land Management SMAs will also be affected:

San Pedro Riparian NCA – The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (NCA) contains almost 57,000 acres of public land in Cochise County, Arizona, between the international border and St. David, Arizona. Some 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River meanders through the area. 

Las Cienegas NCA – More than 45,000 acres of rolling grasslands and woodlands in southeastern Arizona are protected under the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area (NCA). The region’s oak-studded hills connect several "sky island" mountain ranges and lush riparian corridors. With its perennial flow, Cienega Creek forms the lifeblood of the NCA and supports a diverse plant and animal community. It is also rich in historic and cultural resources. 

Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness - 11,700 acres.