Air Force ends plans for low flyovers in Pennsylvania Wilds

(WHTM) – The U.S. Air Force and National Guard Bureau have rescinded a plan to establish a low flyover area in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn applauded the decision, saying the land is instrumental for rural tourism and wildlife.

The state said DCNR and a coalition of partners fought the Duke Low Military Operations Area plan for five years. The plan was intended to accommodate myriad military aircraft at close to ground level, according to DCNR.

Areas that would’ve been impacted by the plan included Cameron, Clinton, McKean, Potter, and Tioga counties. The area is also home to 10 state parks with five others nearby that include the homes of elk and other wildlife.

“The Pennsylvania Wilds, which is nearly as large as Yellowstone National Park, is home to dozens of state parks, game lands, forests, and an impressive array of wildlife. These remarkable natural landmarks help sustain a $1.7 billion outdoor recreation and tourism industry that is vital to Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Governor Shapiro. “My Administration fought to protect the Wilds — and I am glad that this final decision protects our people, our environment, our natural resources, and this entire region that is so critical to our Commonwealth.”

The flyover plan was due to include the A-10 Warthogs, however, in 2022 the U.S. Air Force announced decommissioning plans for the aircraft. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources had argued against the establishment of an air space for soon to be obsolete aircraft.

abc27 has reached out to the U.S. Air Force for comment on the plans.

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