News

When the Journal first reported on the U.S. Navy's plans to increase training in the Northwest Training Range Complex in January, 2009, reaction was slight. Since then, environmental groups and city councils have joined what the SF Chron calls "a growing chorus" of governmental bodies and citizens resistant to what they see as a lack of concern for marine life.

Now, at the request of Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Napa Valley), representatives from the United States Navy will hold public meetings regarding the Northwest Training Range Complex (NWTRC) on Wednesday, Dec. 15 from 5 to 7 pm at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka.

From the press release:

“I requested that the Navy come to the North Coast to provide information for the community and answer their questions regarding the NWTRC,” said Congressman Thompson. “A highly trained Navy, transparency regarding planned activities off our coast, and protection of marine life are not mutually exclusive.”

The NWTRC is one of many Navy Range Complexes used for training of operational forces, equipment and other military activities. Based at Whidbey Island, near Puget Sound in Washington, the Navy has been training in the NWTRC since World War II. The bulk of the air, surface and subsurface activity takes place in waters off the state of Washington, but the scope of influence covers approximately 122,400 nautical miles and extends from Washington to the southern tip of Humboldt. Training exercises vary in scope and effect, and in California, are carried out between 12 and 250 miles offshore.

For more information contact Congressman Thompson’s office at 707-962-0933 in Fort Bragg or 707-269-9595 in Eureka.