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This Speakout has not been edited.

By Debie Foster

In the past the US Army chose to expand their Fort Carson base for maneuvers to the Pinon Canyon site in Las Animas County, located 150 miles south of Colorado Springs, CO. Many of our area ranchers lost most if not all of their land to this expansion. We had hoped that, true to their word, there would never be further expansion in our area, but here it is 25 years later and the worst of our fears has risen again.

At the beginning, when rumors found their way to the locals the proposed expansion site was met with fierce opposition in the southeastern corner of Colorado. Recently, though, that opposition has spread further north and even citizens on the western slopes, and other states, have taken a stand against the expansion.

It is wrong for Las Animas County, the State of Colorado and the United States of America. Taking that much agricultural land out of production will be detrimental to everyone. In my mind, the main reason for the fierce opposition to this expansion is that the area’s farming and ranching, along with all of the related wholesale and retail businesses, would be adversely affected by the proposal. The last expansion never garnered us any benefits, why should we expect any this time?

Local agriculture and ranching would be the most adversely affected. These people who have lived and labored on their land, many for generations, would be told to pull up their roots and leave a lifestyle they love and have chosen to live for a good many years. In my mind MONEY isn’t a question. For me there isn’t enough money in the world that could compensate me for putting an end to a way of life that I love.

People must realize that there are many hardships associated with living in the country and knowing that we still choose to do it. We love what we do, we are happy where we are and we DO NOT WANT TO SELL. Quite frankly, one would have to be CRAZY to sell. At today’s prices you could NEVER begin to replace what you have built up for generations. Who, may I ask, at an older age would want to get in debt, relocate and start over again? Not I.

Area schools would also lose tremendously if this expansion should become a reality. Even if there were students left to attend the schools, after taking all the expansion land off the tax rolls, there would be no tax revenues going to the school districts, causing them to close their doors to students. I fear that not only Hoehne would be affected by this but possibly Aguilar and Walsenburg schools and, following them, Kim and Branson. WHERE will these children be taught? Will the Trinidad school district, and the local Catholic school be able to handle the influx of students caused by the closure of so many schools? As it is, these children are bused many miles to their local schools. Is it fair to ask that they travel hours on a bus to be educated?

I feel we need to look at the whole picture. So many questions need answered and the answers aren’t forthcoming.

Although HB 1069 as well as the Musgrave/Salazar Amendment passed overwhelmingly, I feel the need to ask our State Legislators to withhold their consent for the funding of the expansion or upgrade of the PCMS. I ask you, our friends, neighbors and constituents, please take a stand, and write to your State Senators.

We need to work together to accomplish our goal, which is: No Funding for the Expansion or upgrade to the PCMS.

Debie Foster is a resident of Trinidad.

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