Concerns Over Missile Defence Site Encroaching on Endangered Bat Habitat Addressed

Friday 29^th August, 2014

By Victoria Gaskell

A meeting Thursday at the Wilna Town Hall began discussions between Fort Drum officials and surrounding community members on a possible missile defence site proposed to be in likely endangered bat habitat.

While the placement of the missile defence site is still in its developmental stages, community members have expressed concerns over its placement in the Fort Drum area.

Though there are concerns regarding hazardous material and noise pollution the greatest concern is for the endangered Indiana Bat.

The bat species is thought to have become endangered due to White Nose Syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease named for the distinct white growth around the bat’s mussel appearing during hibernation.

Ms Lynn Davis, an Endangered Bat Researcher at Virginia Tech, has been studying bats in the Fort Drum area for the past seven years and fears that any change in the bat’s habitat could result in an extinction of the local population.

“Since the beginning my research in 2007, the Indiana Bat has reached it’s lowest population levels to-date” said Ms Davis “and the idea of disturbing more wildlife habitat just seems ludicrous”.

While Ms Davis’ concerns and research are valid and were discussed during the Town Hall meeting, it is important to note the efforts undergone by Fort Drum officials in accommodating the Indiana Bat and all wildlife native to the region.

Fort Drum’s Fish and Wildlife Manager, Ms Robyn Niver, has made it clear that Fort Drum has and will continue to uphold the Endangered Species Act.

Ms Niver said “Fort Drum and The Department of Defence have always made it a priority to co-habit in harmony with the regions which our installation are based out of.”

“It is our duty to ensure any adaptation to the current running of the base will not disturb the wildlife to include military training, flight paths and new construction.”

“Should a missile site be approved in the Fort Drum area we will maintain all do diligence in assure that nor the community or the wildlife be affected by its activities.”

Fort Drum plans to assure this through regular surveying of land use, water resources, air quality and socio-economic effects.

At present The Department of Defence is considering three different sites within the North Country region, as well as a number of others in the North-east of the country, two of which are in the town of Wilna.

A missile defence site in the area will attract an increased speciality of military personnel, shrinking the gap that is being created by the national armed forces downsize.

While it is important that discussions take place and Fort Drum as well as surrounding areas be prepared, a decision on the placement of the missile defence site is not expected to be made until 2016.

“No significant impact” result on Fort Drum downsize raises concerns for Watertown

Friday 25^th July, 2014

 

by Victoria Gaskell

 

 

The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerces calls for action today as a result of Fort Drum’s Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment finding “no significant impact” on the local area, should the installation downsize.

The city’s Chambers of Commerce also urging the public, “this is one case were inactivity on the matter will result in a worse case scenario” said Ms Lynn Pietroski, Chambers President.

The worst case scenario, as predicted by Fort Drum Public Affairs, would see the loss of 8,000 troops from the area, approximately one-third of the current occupancy.

While the assessment was released in June of this year, Fort Drum officials have only now been open to public comment.

As a result local councils, business owner and community members have been given to opportunity to air their opinions and concerns about the further downsize.

A downsize has been a concern of the North Country community since the story first came to light in 2011.

However, this is the first time the community has been asked for their input, in an assessment of environment and socio-economic impacts on the area.

Mr Terry Smith, owner of a local eatery, is one business owner eager to share his concerns.

“The military is very important to us here” said Mr Smith, “our restaurant notices a large difference even when there is a deployment so I don’t know what we will do when they’re gone for good.”

Written feedback will be accepted until 25 August at: U.S. Army Environmental Command, ATTN: SPEA Public Comments, 2450 Connell Road (Building 2264), Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-7664 as well as by email tousarmy.jbsa.aec.nepa@mail.mil.

A Hero’s Welcome for Fort Drum’s Returning Soldiers

Monday 21^st July, 2014

 

By Victoria Gaskell

 

Families and friends welcome home Fort Drum’s returning heroes.

 

Today, the long wait is finally over for a number of Fort Drum families as the fifth flight of returning soldiers arrives for a homecoming ceremony at MaGrath Gym.

The 324 home-bound troops join the over 1200 heroes from Fort Drum which have made it back on American soil after a 9 month SFAAT (Security Forces Advise and Assistance Team) deployment.

Main body 6, while primarily comprised of 2-87 infantry battalion and 710^th brigade support battalion, carried a small contingency of 3 brigade special troop battalion and 1-32 infantry battalion, according to Brigadier General Michael Howard

One woman grateful for the contingency is Sarah Fye, wife of First Lieutenant Richard Fye of 3 BSTB.

In a unique event Mrs. Fye, herself, a sergeant in the U.S. Army missed her husband’s deployment by mere days.

“Unfortunately, due to my training exercise, I was unable to see my husband off on this last deployment.

We knew this kind of thing could happen, being a dual military family, but it just makes me all the more anxious and excited to be here for his return”, said SGT Fye.

Homecoming ceremonies will continue for the remainder of the week.

For more information please see, http://www.drum.army.mil/ptm/Pages/WelcomeHomeCeremonies.

School’s out in Watertown, Now What?

Thursday 26^th June, 2014

 

By Victoria Gaskell

 

Watertown High School relieved for the summer.

 

Today begins the last day of school before summer break for many of the north country’s schools. To ensure the sanity of parents and subdue the boredom of Fort Drum’s children, here are some programs available to local guardians.

Activities available to school goers in the area include:

1. Fort Drum Child, Youth and School Services, summer program.

   This program is available to all Fort Drum families and is focused on education, knowledge and physical activity.

   For more information see, www.drummwr.com.

2. Watertown, NY YMCA summer camp.

   Christine Cupernall, Child Care Supervisor, states that the program will include “not only a number of fun activities available at the Watertown YMCA facilities, but will also take the opportunity to introduce students to community services.”

   The program is available to students of all school districts in the area at a fee of $100-150 based on a 2-3 day or 5 day week.

   For more information see, www.watertownymca.org.

3. The New York State Zoo at Thompson Park, Zoofari Day Camp.

   Thompson Park gives students the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favourite animals with full or half day camp program running weekly through-out the summer.

   The week-long camps are charged at $100 for half day and $170 for full day programs.

   For more information see, www.nyszoo.org.

With the careful selection of child care providers, the summer months can be a joyous time for both children and parents alike.

Remembrance and Celebration Hand in Hand for Fort Drum’s ‘Gold Star Family Week’

Tuesday 24^th, 2014

 

By Victoria Gaskell

 

Soldiers saluting during remembrance ceremony.

 

Today marks the beginning of ‘Gold Star Family Week’ on Fort Drum. The week started at 10 am this morning in a solemn remembrance ceremony, saluting soldiers killed in action between 2003 and present.

The week is set aside each year to commemorate the sacrifice made by Fort Drum’s fallen soldiers and their loved ones.

Though a hard reminder of the significant loss incurred by families of the fallen, widower Allison Hilbrandt-Farrell expressed gratitude to the community for the display of support.

“Since the loss of my husband, I have struggled to understand the purpose or meaning of his death. But memorials like Gold Star Family Week really help me to remember his passion for the Army and his pride and love of country.”

“For a moment, I can actually comprehend the sacrifice he made” said Ms. Hilbrandt-Farrell.

Ms. Hilbrandt-Farrell’s husband, was killed in action on April 28 of this year during an enemy attack in Afghanistan’s Kapisa Province.

While today’s event was solemn and reflective, Fort Drum will also be hosting its annual Mountainfest tomorrow, Wednesday 25^th, June.

The event starts at 1 pm with a ceremonial Salute the Nation and continues with a free concert for the surrounding community beginning at 7 pm, concluding with fireworks.

More information on the weeks events can be found at Fort Drum’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation centre.