JBLM Pulls Back On Controversial Helicopter Training Proposal In Washington's Wilderness

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is no longer considering a controversial proposal to land helicopters at seven wilderness sites around the state.

Officials at JBLM made the decision after receiving feedback from stakeholders and reading 2,350 comments from the public which were mostly negative.

Of the seven original sites, one was near the Pacific Crest Trail in the North Cascades and one was outside of Leavenworth on the edge of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The rest were in other parts of the national forest.

The move would’ve saved some money. Right now troops need to leave the state to do high altitude training.

The Army says it will continue to look for potential helicopter training areas elsewhere in the state to support troops training requirements.