Seventy-five years ago, America was drawn into World War II and the Pacific Northwest answered the call with lumber, hydroelectricity, even a secret plutonium factory to arm atomic bombs. Soldiers trained here. Cities were transformed by shipyards and airplane assembly lines. Victory was the priority and little thought went toward the environmental toll these efforts would take. This special program explores the hidden history of the military, the Northwest and the environment. The series also looks at the military’s presence in the Northwest today, including its impact on wildlife that depend on the same habitats where soldiers, sailors and pilots train for war.

Battle Ready is an EarthFix and KCTS 9 Digital Studios production built in collaboration with partner stations Oregon Public Broadcasting, Idaho Public Television, KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio, Northwest Public Radio and Television and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.