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Non-profit seeks Army records on Pinon Canyon spending

Story By: Mark Hanrahan
Source: KOAA

Published Sun Feb 17, 2008, 08:05 PM MST
Updated Sun Feb 17, 2008, 09:52 PM MST

Ranchers opposed to the Army's plan to expand the Pinon Canon Maneuver Site are requesting documents on what money and how much time the Army is spending on expansion planning.  The non-profit organization, Not 1 More Acre! filed the freedom of information request.  

It claims Army funded contractors continue to hold community meetings despite a one-year moratorium on any spending related to the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, imposed by the U.S. Congress. 

Not 1 More Acre! specifically asks for information related to consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton and Kreativo Marketing & Advertising, plus "any subcontractors hired by either of them."

The request is the latest in a heated debate between a coalition of ranchers from southeastern Colorado and the Army.  The Army wants to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver site, 150 miles southeast of Colorado Springs, by 418-thousand acres.  The current sit stretches across 235-thousand acres in Las Animas County.

The Army says it needs the additional space to account for additional soldiers headed to Fort Carson.  

Opponents of the expansion claim it would hurt the ranching economy of southeastern Colorado.  They also oppose the federal government using eminent domain to acquire land.