Peason Ridge

Peason Ridge. It is a major military training area located within the Kisatchie National Forest in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. Operated by the United States Army as part of Fort Johnson, the installation encompasses over 46,000 acres of rugged, forested terrain used for large-scale maneuver and live-fire exercises. Its establishment during World War II and continued use reflects its strategic importance for preparing American and allied forces for combat operations across multiple global conflicts.

Geography and location

Peason Ridge is situated in west-central Louisiana, approximately 15 miles north of the main cantonment area of Fort Johnson. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, dense pine forests, and intermittent streams, part of the larger West Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic region. It lies within the boundaries of the Kisatchie National Forest, specifically the Calcasieu Ranger District, creating a unique shared-use landscape managed by both the United States Forest Service and the Department of Defense. The area's topography and remote location provide an isolated environment suitable for extensive military training activities away from populated centers.

History

The land was acquired by the War Department in 1942 to support the massive expansion of the Louisiana Maneuvers, a series of large-scale training exercises designed to prepare American forces for entry into World War II. Following the war, the site remained under military control as a permanent training annex for Fort Polk, which was established as an infantry training center during the Korean War. Throughout the Cold War, Peason Ridge was vital for training Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve units, as well as active-duty forces deploying to conflicts like the Vietnam War. Its role expanded significantly during the 1980s with the establishment of the Joint Readiness Training Center, which utilizes the area for realistic, force-on-force rotational training.

Military use

As a premier training facility, Peason Ridge supports a wide range of military operations for units from Fort Johnson and visiting forces. It is a key component of the Joint Readiness Training Center mission, providing a battlespace for brigade-level exercises that simulate complex combat scenarios. The area contains numerous mock villages, such as Shughart-Gordon and Razor, urban training sites, and extensive live-fire ranges for infantry, armor, and artillery. It is routinely used by elements of the 101st Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division, and allied nations like the United Kingdom's British Army and the Canadian Army for pre-deployment certification. The installation's size and varied terrain allow for the integrated training of aviation assets from the United States Air Force and United States Army Aviation Branch.

Ecology and environment

The ecosystem at Peason Ridge is managed as a working forest, with a focus on maintaining the longleaf pine ecosystem native to the region. The area supports significant populations of the federally threatened red-cockaded woodpecker, with active management conducted under agreements with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Other wildlife includes white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and the Louisiana pine snake. Training activities are conducted under an integrated natural resources management plan to balance military readiness with conservation mandates, including prescribed burns to control undergrowth and maintain forest health. This cooperation between the Army Environmental Command and the Forest Service is considered a model for sustainable multi-use land management.

Access and management

Access to Peason Ridge is strictly controlled by the United States Army Garrison at Fort Johnson due to active military operations and safety concerns. Civilian entry is generally prohibited except for authorized personnel, contractors, or during scheduled events like hunting seasons managed through the fort's Natural Resources Branch. The training area is patrolled by military police and range control officers. Land management is a joint responsibility, with the Forest Service retaining oversight of timber and non-military recreational resources, while the army controls the tactical landscape and range infrastructure. This partnership is formalized through a special use permit issued by the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Defense. Category:Military training areas in the United States Category:Vernon Parish, Louisiana Category:Fort Johnson Category:Kisatchie National Forest