Navy Bombing Practice

The U.S. Navy proposed to utilize a military range at Fort Hunter Liggett, in Monterey County, California, as a location for Navy pilots to carry out aerial bombing practice.

Quick Facts

  • The project would allow Navy pilots to practice aerial bombings at Fort Hunter Liggett.
  • U.S. Navy is the lead agency.

Project Status

  • Plans to increase the use of Ft. Liggett were dropped.

Resources at Risk

  • Loss of Wilderness
    The lands adjacent to the planned range, including parts of Fort Hunter Liggett itself, the Ventana Wilderness and the Silver Peak Wilderness areas, contain sensitive habitat and sensitive archaeological sites.
  • Lack of Appropriate Environmental Review
    The project needs to be fully and accurately described. A full and forthright description of the number, timing, and character of each and every air flight proposed must be the basis upon which the environmental analysis is carried out, and all operations at the site, and between the site and the origination point for the flights, needs to be documented.
  • Impacts to the Reestablished Bald Eagle
    Two notable efforts made by the Ventana Wilderness Society and Monterey Peninsula Audubon have been the reestablishment of the Bald Eagle and the reintroduction of the California Condor into the Ventana Wilderness. The Navy’s bombing range proposal might eliminate quiet and secure nesting sites; and could also lead to collisions between Navy airplanes and birds, which rise on thermals and soar for many miles in search of food.

LandWatch Involvement

LandWatch engages in the public process in a variety of ways. For this project, here is a list of our engagement strategies.

  • Letter: Comments on the Aerial Bombing Range (27K PDF)
    LandWatch submitted its concerns in writing about the proposed use of Fort Hunter Liggett for aerial bombing. We believe this proposal should be abandoned immediately. (02.21.01)