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Private Military Training Complex in Groton NH?

Posted by Ken on 02/22/06

A private company called the North American Training Lodge wants to build a 150 acre private military training complex in Groton, New Hampshire, and local residents are up in arms. The citizens of Groton have formed the Concerned Citizens For Regional Impact. According to the CCFRI website.

"The Concerned Citizens For Regional Impact is an association that is concerned about a recent proposal presented on January 19th by the North American Training Lodge, a private organization. They proposed to construct a private military-like training facility, a large shooting range and defense training facility in the Town of Groton, NH. The proposed private training facility would include C4 and explosive training, tree level helicopter assists, four handgun firing ranges, 300-yard and 800-yard rifle ranges and would offer night time training."

There have already been two stories in the Valley News on this issue, including No Briefing On Camp in Groton and today's Camp Opponents Turn to Planners. A similar proposal was rejected in Farmington NH last year, but Groton doesn't have any zoning laws, so town officials are trying to figure out what options they have, if any, to stop the proposal.

According to CCFRI, the proposed camp could also impact life in Lebanon and Hanover, including noise from helicopters, explosives, and guns. Groton is about a 30 minute drive from Canaan NH... I also wonder about the environmental impact on ground water from the use of explosives, as well as the potential for unexploded ordinance... If you are interested in learning more about this issue, contact the Concerned Citizens For Regional Impact in Groton.