Ban helicopters

Dear Editor,

We attended the open house for the proposed (Nebraska Aviation Training Area) and what the National Guard was saying, and what is in the environmental assessment are two different things. This environmental assessment was prepared by the military. It is at your library. Please go read it before you sign your land away. The flight schedules mentioned will be from July 15 to Feb. 15 to exclude two weeks in November for deer hunting, not the October to January flight time they said in the open house.

Training will take place from sunrise to midnight. It also says the use of live ammunition will not be used, but they will use blanks and "various weapon systems are simulated." This will affect your livestock cattle and horses. The lease of your ground will adversely affect the value of your ground. You will be giving up basic fundamental rights to your ground such as air space and quiet enjoyment.

This NATA will pit neighbor against neighbor. Who will pay for the fences, vet bills for you injured animals, and the cost of rounding them up and sorting for ownership. This is not open range.

You paid for the land, pay taxes (and) this is your livelihood. You are the caretakers.

In the report, it mentions 20 threatened and endangered species. The only endangered species not mentioned is the farmer and rancher.

The Guard has other training areas in Nebraska, such a mean, 1,196 acres, and Hastings, at 3,211 acres. They also have Camp Guernsey, Wyo., Lincoln, Neb., Ft. Riley, Kan., Smokey Hills, Kan., Ft. Carson, Colo., and Camp Ripley, Minn., to name a few.

It's not too late. You can still call (402) 309-7300 to change your mind.

Or, for those of you who could not make it to the open house, call and at least vote one way or the other. Don't let the government make up your mind for you.

This fall, when you saddle your favorite horse to gather your cattle, take a moment and think about what you will be giving up as you ride your pastures. It could be the last time you will be able to do so.

Doug and

Regis Swanson

Veteran, rancher

Gothenburg