The United States Air Force has released an alarming proposal to dramatically increase military combat training above the Gila. The proposal, which would also affect surrounding areas including New Mexico’s Bootheel, would increase the number of annual flights, dramatically lower the minimum altitude for supersonic flights, and increase the release of chaff and flares.

These changes would have profound impacts not only on wildlife, ecosystem health, recreation, and cultural sites, but also on rural communities, local economies, and tourism.

If this sounds familiar, that’s because many will undoubtedly remember a similar proposal from the Air Force back in 2017. We defended the peaceful skies above America’s First Wilderness once, and we’re prepared to do it again.

New Mexico Wild is proud to be a part of the Peaceful Gila Skies Coalition, working to protect the Gila from these incursions for the benefit of all who call the Gila region home and for the countless others who visit from across the country and the globe. Learn more and get involved.