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Nisqually Tribe objects to tests of rocket system at military base






An example of a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System used by the U.S. military. This test occurred at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Photo by U.S. Army via Wikimedia Commons

The Nisqually Tribe is objecting to the testing of a rocket system at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.

The reservation borders the military base and the tribe is worried about the impact of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System on its lands and its cultural and natural resources, The Seattle Times reported.

“The Nisqually community is bordered on all sides by JBLM and is constantly subjected to explosions, machine-gun fire, and air-traffic training which includes helicopters and low-flying aircraft noise at all hours," the tribe said in a comment to the U.S. Army, the paper reported.

The tests were due to start this week but they have been delayed due to concerns that the rockets might not be able to clear trees in the area, according to a press release. The Army plans to fire 27 test rockets over a three-day period.

Get the Story:
Tree clearance delays JBLM rocket tests this week (The Seattle Times 3/15)

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