Rep. Salazar Opposes Pi

When I was first briefed by Fort Carson staff about the potential of Pinon Canyon expansion, I was assured that the only land the Army would acquire would be from willing sellers. The Army said that neither eminent domain nor condemnation would be used to expand Pinon Canyon. At a town hall meeting in Trinidad, Colorado on February 15, 2006, Fort Carson officials reiterated that claim. “Carson’s deputy commander temporarily put Eastern Las Animas County landowners at ease Wednesday by declaring the Army will not condemn anyone’s land if it expands Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site” (Pueblo Chieftain, 2/16/2006). I found this news too good to be true.

Apparently the Army made an about-face. After an inquiry to the Army, I received a letter on May 12, 2006. The response read, “Should the Army take on a project of such importance as the PCMS expansion, it is the Army’s view that the use of eminent domain, if required, is an appropriate exercise of authority and that condemnation is an important acquisition tool that should be available.” I continue to be disappointed that the Army switched its position on such an important matter, especially since it fed into pre-existing animosity and distrust about the Army that lingers from the original Pinon Canyon acquisition of 1982.

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At the same townhall meeting in Pueblo, Fort Carson staff explained the need for a 26-mile buffer zone. Is that really necessary? Could you imagine losing your home to a buffer zone? Furthermore, Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site has been underutilized since its inception. Many locals speculate that prior to 2006 it was never used in more than three trainings in one year. Simply put, the Army has neglected to make a compelling reason to acquire an additional 418,000 acres.