Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 12:00 am
Delegation opposes Air Force plan
WASHINGTON - Montana's congressional delegation wants the U.S. Air Force to rethink a proposal to expand training air space for B-52 and B-1 bombers stationed in the Dakotas.
The Air Force wants to triple the size of the Powder River Training Complex, which skirts parts of Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming. The changes would expand the complex into much of southwestern North Dakota and southeastern Montana.
Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester wrote the secretary of the Air Force on Monday, saying the proposal could affect the flight patterns of medical and other small aircraft.
Montana Rep. Denny Rehberg said he also thinks the concerns of agricultural producers and rural hospitals should be addressed.
Feds investigate chopper crash
ROCK SPRINGS - The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a helicopter crash that occurred at a drilling site in southwestern Wyoming.
NTSB investigator Tealeye Cornejo said Monday the crash occurred July 15 when the helicopter was relocating drilling equipment about 35 miles southwest of Rock Springs.
She said the pilot was the only person aboard the craft, and the pilot was not seriously injured.
Cornejo said the helicopter, a Bell UH-1 Huey, sustained substantial damage, but there was no damage to any equipment on the ground.
Mike Fergus of the Federal Aviation Administration said the helicopter was registered to Leading Edge Aviation and contracted by CGGVeritas, a French company that provides seismic services for the oil and gas industry.
Environmentalist plans to retire
JACKSON - An outspoken environmentalist in northwest Wyoming says he's planning to retire a year from now.
Franz Camenzind is a cinematographer and wildlife biologist who's been executive director of the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance since 1996. He told the alliance board recently that he plans to step down in a year.
Camenzind is 64 and has lived in Jackson Hole since 1970.
He said that although he is retiring from the group's staff, he has no desire to retire completely. He said he plans to pursue more photography and writing while spending more time in the outdoors.
Agency seeks bridge comments
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - The National Park Service is seeking public comment on its plan to repair or replace the Lamar River Bridge, on the Northeast Entrance road to Yellowstone National Park.
The bridge, located about five miles east of Tower Junction, was built in 1939.
A recent Federal Highway Administration report lists the bridge as being in fair to poor structural condition, but listed no issues that should be of concern to travelers. Oversized and overweight vehicles are prohibited on the bridge
The Park Service plans to prepare an environmental assessment document looking at options for the bridge. The deadline for submitting comments on the project is Aug. 28.