U.S. Marines confronted with opposition from off-road vehicle enthusiasts and civilian aviators in California, as per military's Pentagon plan.
The U.S. Marines have proposed limiting civilian air traffic above the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area to expand and support training exercises. This proposal has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about its potential impact on local residents, recreational users, and events such as King of the Hammers.
The proposed restrictions would stretch above much of the recreational area, including the entire shared-use area, and could be in place for up to 60 days per year. This overlaps with a line of approach for pilots using instrument flight rules, potentially affecting pilots' ability to land at certain airports, such as Big Bear.
King of the Hammers, one of the largest events on public land outside of Burning Man, had an estimated economic impact of $34 million in 2023. The event relies on helicopters and drones for emergency responses and livestreaming the event worldwide. The airspace restrictions could prevent rescue helicopters from evacuating injured motorists and threaten the King of the Hammers off-road race.
Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Big Bear Lake) is seeking to have a provision added to this year's defense bill that would condition any expansion on the Marines complying with a previous law requiring them to work with the FAA to better alert pilots to the status of restricted airspace.
Marine Corps officials are committed to honoring the shared-use agreement but need additional restricted airspace for training involving both piloted aircraft and drones. They are working with the FAA on a letter that will enable the public to use the airspace above the shared-use area for low-level flights, including rescue helicopters, even when the restrictions are active, provided the ground is open.
Johnson Valley devotee Dave Cole lives on 15 acres that back up onto the OHV area and co-founded King of the Hammers in 2007. He is among those who fear the restrictions could severely limit recreational access and reduce safety.
The proposal for airspace restrictions above the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area was not made known to multiple recreation advocates and local officials until the Marines released a draft environmental assessment last month. This has led to frustration and calls for more transparency.
Jim Bagley, a recreational pilot and former mayor of Twentynine Palms, believes that had the Marines held public meetings on the proposal and publicized the 60-day cap, some of the backlash against it could have been avoided.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe questions whether federal officials have a full understanding of how the restrictions would affect local residents, as at least 36 medical helicopters responded to the Johnson Valley area last year. Both the Yucca Valley Airport District and the San Bernardino County Airport Commission have voted to submit letters opposing the proposal, citing concerns about public safety, noise, and the impact on commercial air travel.
The Marines are working on mitigation measures that would enable them to share the skies even when the restrictions are active. Karen Budell, the vice president of the off-road group Blue Ribbon Coalition and an advocate against air travel restrictions in Johnson Valley, is among those monitoring the situation closely.
The final decision on the airspace restrictions is expected in the fall of 2026.
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