Dear,

I am extremely troubled over the sense of doom that I feel as a result of learning of the Army’s plans to take a large portion of the state of Colorado. I am speaking of the Army’s intentions to expand their maneuver site in southeast Colorado. If you take a little time to review this issue, as I have it is readily apparent it is a travesty in the making.
 
While the future of the cattle industry and agriculture in Colorado is in peril I am equally concerned of the potential effects of any expansion on the entire four state region and the ultimate effects nationwide.  I find that I cannot emphasize enough the extremely negative impact the Army’s idea will have on many more areas, to include the loss of grasslands and associated cattle production, the loss of livelihoods, heritage, history, archeology, the travel industry, the environment, ecology and the list goes on and on.

I am asking you to take a firm position against the loss of America’s true heart, the demise of rural areas which have been the backbone of this nation since the Declaration of Independence was signed. There will be no advantage in an expansion, if the truth could be told and only pain and agony will be felt for all areas mentioned above along with the entire country by allowing the Army to take more private property and destroy lives in the process.
 
I understand that Fort Carson is going to get 10,000 additional troops in the near future as a result of the base realignment and closure process (BRAC). Those areas around Fort Carson will enjoy an economic boost and those high population areas obviously carry a large number of votes. I also understand that regardless of any Pinon Canyon maneuver site expansion those troops will still be moved to Fort Carson.  Taking a position against the expansion is not taking a stand against our armed services or the votes that surround Fort Carson.

I support our troops and their training however enlarging a training base when the government already owns more than is necessary is an abuse of power in the strictest sense. The DOD has twenty five million acres now with the lions share going to the Army with fifteen million acres. Considering the modern mobility capabilities and the desire to train in realistic situations there are other presently owned Army properties that hold better options that will allow them to train yet not destroy southeast Colorado in the process.

It isn’t enough to just present legislation that allows acquisition of land for the purpose of expanding PCMS with some constraints requiring specific reports prior to acquiring the land.  We need your firm commitment and assurances you will take a position for us and with us standing firm to oppose ANY expansion of the Pinon Canyon maneuver site in Colorado. We also need your support and ask for your promises to promote this to other legislators to help them understand that any such expansion is ill conceived and would not be in the best interest of our country.  

I trust you are as concerned as we are about the impending destruction of livelihoods, families, businesses, towns, and cities such an expansion would cause.  As lawmakers you hold the keys to keep the military in check and hold them accountable.  Please don’t let them take over our country.

Sincerely,