To: Natural Resources Defense Council, CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL, Defenders of Wildlife, and Earthjustice

NAVY JETS TARGET WORLD HERITAGE SITE: OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST & PARK, ENDANGERED SPECIES, RESIDEN...

http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/28009-documents-show-navy-s-electromagnetic-warfare-training-would-harm-humans-and-wildlife

36 supersonic Growler jets will fly 2,900 training exercises for 8-16 hours/day, 260 days/year, conducting 11 “training events” and siting 3 mobile radiation emitters in 15 different locations—all critical habitats for endangered species in the Olympic National Forest—and the airspace over the Olympic National Park, a pristine rain forest.

Exempt from prohibitions against live firing of guns, missiles, torpedoes and chaff at the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, the Navy stated it will avoid conducting bombing exercises in the Sanctuary only “to the maximum extent practicable.” The Navy estimates thousands of marine mammals would be killed or harmed.

Weapons include "lasers, high powered microwaves (HPMs), electromagnetic pulse (EMP), anti-radiation energy designed to attack personnel, facilities or equipment with intent of degrading, neutralizing, or destroying enemy capabilities." Growler jets have the capacity to jam all electronic signals, including cellphones, navigational equipment, radio stations and 911 and fire-rescue communications. Navy officials have asserted "friendly electronic attack (FEAs) could potentially deny essential services to a local population that, in turn, could result in loss of life, and/or potential ramifications.

A coalition of local Native Tribes demonstrated against this plan as destructive for the land, water and traditional Native uses. Hundreds of residents have traveled to attend meetings regarding this issue, but the Forestry Department official. Greg Wahl, environmental coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service, has refused to allow an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which is the usual and legal process before allowing any such usage. This petition asks for environmental agencies to request an EIS and for environmental groups to defend this Word Heritage Site.

Why is this important?

ENDANGERED SPECIES
- No studies have been done on the effects of loud noise or chronic radiation on endangered species whose “critical habitat” is in the Olympic National Forest, including: the Marbled Murrelet, the Western Snowy Plover, and the Northern Spotted Owl.

- Navy official Jerry Sodano admitted 15 minutes exposure causes “the liquid tissue” of the eye to be damaged by proximity to the activated 3 mobile radiation emitters.

- No analysis has been done of the effects of electromagnetic radiation and loud sounds on the 1 billion birds flying in this area annually, migrating shorebirds, geese, ducks, and other non-listed birds.