CALL TO ACTION DEADLINE: September 15, 2025
www.blueribboncoalition.org/hammers
Host Big Rich Klein sits down with BlueRibbon Coalition’s Ben Burr and longtime Johnson Valley advocate Shannon Welch to unpack a fast-moving proposal that could reshape recreation at the Hammers. The U.S. Marine Corps has requested permanent Special Use Airspace (SUA) over Johnson Valley—from the ground up to 8,000 feet—split into four corridors (A–D). While framed as limited use, the Environmental Assessment (EA) seeks a permanent designation via the FAA, not a temporary, training-only restriction.
What’s at stake - Medevac and search-and-rescue flights for everyday users, not just races - Backcountry aviation, personal drones, and private landowners (20,000 acres impacted) - Commercial filming/testing (e.g., Ford), ranching operations, and year-round OHV access - The integrity of a Congressionally Designated OHV Area and its $71M local economic impact. A precedent of closure-by-airspace has been seen at White Sands and Yuma Proving Ground.
Community action - Comment deadline: September 15 - Submit via blueribboncoalition.org/hammers – Blue Ribbon guarantees your comments will be shared. Share widely with your OHV, aviation, ranching, and local business networks
Key points - EA claims “no significant impact,” but provides no enforceable safeguards - Marines told some stakeholders “60 days/year,” yet the EA seeks permanent SUA – Blue Ribbon’s reasonable alternative: a 1,500-foot buffer from ground/elevation to protect civilian use
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