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A proposed plan to let the military train in state forests is receiving harsh criticism. As Matt Horn reports – the military and state says if approved – the environment will come first.

Emotions ran high as people questioned why the military needs to use state forest lands for training..

“When I learned of the military wanting to use Blackriver State Forest I was very very upset as I seem to be now because my voice is breaking,” said John Veasley, Opponent to the training.

The Pentagon describes the proposed plans as low impact. But the people at the meeting didn’t buy it.

“I’m very concerned about the process and the way it has happened,” said Cheryl Sanders, Franklin County Commissioner.

The state and military say any maneuvers would be monitored by the state. Then promised the environment wouldn’t be hurt if the training takes place.

“Like I said it wouldn’t be like we’re rolling in there,” said Mike Penland, Pentagon. “It’s basically to kind of use when the other areas we have are bunched up with other operations.”

Opponents disagree.

“That could be a problem if you have heavy machinery, ammunition and other exercises going on those properties,” said Julie Wraithermell, Audobon Florida.

Although the state forests impacted are in the Florida Panhandle, opponents at the meeting Thursday morning say this could have a statewide impact.

“These are people’s livelihood at stake, so not just the economy but also the ecology of Florida,” said Wraithermell.

A likely vote on Friday will outline the future of military exercises in forests.

“Identify all of the impacts associated with those and determine what may or may not be compatible in the forest,” said John Browne, Florida Forest Service.

While there are promises of the environment not being hurt…An environmental impact study by the Pentagon isn’t expected until next summer.

Officials say this is in the early stages, and its unknown of the impact military exercises will have on the parks.