Parading for their history, futures

On June 5, community members from Gates County, North Carolina, sailed the beautiful Chowan River to oppose the Navy’s proposal to build an Outlying Landing Field in the surrounding area. Dozens of boats, decorated with US flags and signs that read “Save Chowan River, No OLF” and “Protect Our Future,” circled the waters of the Chowan River near the Highway 13 Bridge. The Citizen’s Against OLF, which hosted the boat parade, used the event to proudly oppose the Navy’s targeting of their community for the OLF, while also allowing community members and families to enjoy their Saturday on the Chowan waters.
What is an OLF?
An Outlying Landing Field is a paved landing strip used by the Navy to test military aircrafts and pilots. Low-flying aircrafts, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet, repeatedly practice “touch and go” drills and fly in low-level patterns around the area. Outlying Landing Fields have a devastating effect on the communities, environments and wildlife within miles of their runways.
History
Unfortunately for many citizens, farmers and families, the Navy’s proposed Outlying Landing Field in the Sandbanks area of Gates County includes 435 acres of the Chowan River. The proposed site covers a 5,000 acre core area, with another 30,000 acres of contour. The site also invades 1,269 acres of wetlands. In 2003, the Navy opted against building an OLF in Gates County because of the presence of a major bird habitat for the federally-protected Red Cockaded-Woodpecker. Although this habitat still exists today, the Navy is moving forward with their proposal. Hundreds of other species of birds and wildlife will also be threatened by the development of an Outlying Landing Field.
While celebrating the tradition of the Chowan River as an important transport channel and wildlife habitat, the Citizens Against OLF also acknowledge the huge negative impacts of an OLF for their businesses, families, churches and communities. Directly affected by the development is the historically African-American Stoney Branch Missionary Baptist Church, as well as dozens of North Carolina Century Farms.
Supporters
Recently, Citizens Against OLF, as well as those opposing the potential building of an OLF in Camden and Currituck Counties, have garnered the support of big name NC politicians such as Senators Kay Hagan and Richard Burr, current Governor Beverly Perdue and former Governor Mike Easley, as well as many Congresspeople and County Governments. In April, both the NC House and Senate passed bills opposing the development of any OLF in northeastern North Carolina with a unanimous vote! Local businesses, farms, community organizations and churches have all supported the Citizens Against OLF, showing how united the community is against the Navy’s proposed Outlying Landing Field.
Later this summer, the Navy will release an Environmental Impact Statement. According to many of the local residents inside the contour of the Navy’s proposed site, any Environmental Impact Statement studied and compiled by the Navy is likely riddled with inaccuracies and research shortcomings.
North Carolina’s Fourth District Representative, David Price (D), remains the most influential politician yet to publicly support the Citizens Against OLF. As the Chair of the Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, Price has the ability to curb funding for an OLF in any community which opposes its placement.
If you would like to support the citizens of Gates County, sign the petition. Let’s continue supporting the northeastern North Carolinians who have dared to stand up for their community, history and families.

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