Close Eagle Rock Training Center

Citizens Oversight (2011-07-24) Raymond Lutz

This Page: https://copswiki.org/Common/M1172
More Info: Blackwater, Eagle Rock Training Center

A new wildfire rages on the Los Coyotes Reservation and near Warner Springs, currently at more than 10,000 acres burned and costing tax-payers $2.5 million to fight it. At least one building on the Eagle Rock Training Center has burned to the ground.

Eagle Rock Training Center, now renamed to ERTC to conceal the fact that it is indeed a blackwater-style military training camp, was established by former Blackwater V.P. Brian Bonfiglio, the same person who was behind the ill-conceived 824-acre Potrero "Blackwater West" training camp. The camp was established under the radar by working directly with the relatively poor Los Coyotes tribe, a tribe which does not have the ability to start any casino. Bonfiglio avoided public scrutiny and sidestepped the Environmental Impact Report procedures -- allowing him to open the training center without establishing safety procedures or reasonable restrictions, especially on the use of incendiary ammunition. The center should have firefighting equipment on hand and easy access for emergency equipment.

Those of us who are aware of the fire-prone backcountry would never suggest placing such a training camp in the area. Indeed, in May, activities on the site using incendiary tracer bullets started a fire, but fortunately, it did not get out of control.

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