With the Navy faced with heavier training demands, there are plans to step up activities at the Silver Strand Training Complex, according to an article on Sign On San Diego. What this means is that there will be “more helicopter flights, firearm discharges and use of sensitive land.”

This has caused some concern, though, among environmentalists and residents in the area. They are reportedly worried about what these increase in activity “will mean to neighborhoods, delicate bird habitat and vernal pools.”

According to the feature, the Navy at this time is trying to study the effects of their proposed increase in activity to the environment. The site, which has served as the location for the conduct of land, beach and offshore wartime training for more than 60 years, spans a land area of 540 acres.

The Navy’s proposal involves increasing the frequency of training activities from 3,926 to 5,343 every year. Helicopter flights will increase to 2,200 from 778 annually, and firearm discharges will increase to 1,400 from 150. To accommodate all this activity, the plan also includes the use of nesting areas of endangered birds (with some limitations) as well as the allowing of training on foot over vernal pools when these are dry.

Imperial Beach resident Jeff Foster made the following comment: “The amount of extra training they’re proposing would be quite noticeable and really change our quiet neighborhood. If it makes a big impact on the peace of the neighborhood, it won’t be a desirable place to live.”

The Navy is reportedly “looking for public opinion on its plan,” according to the article.