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N.Y. (WCAX) – Environmental groups are calling on the Adirondack Park Agency to intervene after a local private military contractor conducted training <a href="https://healthylife7.com/the-reason-for-exercise-by-charlyn-fargo/” title=”The Reason for Exercise, by Charlyn Fargo”>exercises they say violated his permit — and another exercise is planned for Friday
“Unconventional Concepts has turned this area into a war zone and the APA is sitting on its hands and not doing anything about it,” said Chris Amato with Protect the Adirondacks, which along with two other organizations, filed a complaint with the APA last week
It is the second letter the groups have sent in the past five months, calling on the APA to intervene with Michael Hopmeier’s Unconventional Concepts, located within the Adirondack Park
The issue stems from Operation Jaded Thunder — military exercises performed on Hopmeier’s property in fall 2025. Hopmeier says his tests support national security. But residents complained of low-flying helicopters, loud noise and bright lights that they say impact nearby habitats and wildlife
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Amato says Hopmeier’s permit does not cover the totality of his activity. “It is really astonishing to us that the APA can allow helicopters to be landing and taking off on private property without requiring any kind of permit,” he said
The group is now asking the APA to suspend a separate review of Hopmeier’s request to test-fire a howitzer cannon until it addresses the other alleged permit violations on his property. Residents spoke out against the howitzer proposal earlier this year
Hopmeier has another military exercise planned for Friday, this time with the New York Air National Guard
“How is this going to affect us? What is the noise going to be like?” said April Guilder, a Lewis resident, who says she hopes the APA takes action if Hopmeier exceeds what is allowed on his permit. “It’s not a personal thing about Mike Hopmeier. It is about following rules. It doesn’t matter who you are.”
In a statement, an APA spokesperson said the agency is aware of the upcoming military exercise and is reviewing the situation
A spokesperson with the state Air National Guard’s 107th Attack Wing said they also received approval for Friday’s training from town officials in Lewis. But because the town has no zoning, when asked if they contacted the APA — which handles zoning for the town and Adirondack Park — they said they were not sure if anyone spoke with state officials
Hopmeier told WCAX it was his understanding the APA had already denied the environmental groups’ requests
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