Otero County Raises Agriculture, Wildfire and Cultural Concerns Over Proposed Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site Enhanced Training

Description: The Otero County Board of Commissioners submits formal comments on the proposed Enhanced Training at Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS), citing concerns over agriculture impacts, wildfire risk, water resources, economic stability, and protection of cultural sites under NEPA and NHPA. Read the Full Letter from the Otero County Commissioners...

Otero County Comments on Preliminary Scoping for Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) Enhanced Training

PCMS NEPA c/o Tetra Tech

7222 Commerce Center Drive, Suite 150

Colorado Springs, CO 80919

To Whom It May Concern,

The Otero County Board of County Commissioners is submitting this correspondence in connection with the Preliminary Scoping process for the proposed PCMS Enhanced Mission Training project. This process is critical for evaluating potential environmental, cultural, and economic impacts before decisions are made.

The Board of County Commissioners respects the military's need to train and maintain readiness, and Otero County is a proud supporter of our military and its mission. At the same time, we believe that collaboration with landowners, local governments, and other stakeholders is essential to achieving balanced outcomes. Transparency in decisions that affect our constituents remains a top priority.

Agriculture is the backbone of our local economy, and protecting the land and natural resources in our county is vital to sustaining that way of life. Any proposed actions must carefully consider the long-term impacts on soil, water, wildlife, and the cultural landscape that supports both our heritage and economic stability.

Some of the concerns expressed by our constituents include:

 • Impacts on Agriculture and Ranching: Increased training and live-fire exercises could damage fragile short-grass prairie soils, leading to erosion, blowing dust, and reduced forage for livestock. Water resources may also be affected by sedimentation and potential contamination, threatening irrigation and livestock watering.

 • Wildfire Risk: The introduction of larger caliber munitions and extended training periods significantly increases the risk of wildfires, which could devastate grazing lands, livestock, and ranch infrastructure.

 • Economic Stability: These environmental challenges could reduce grazing capacity, increase insurance costs, and lower property values, undermining the long-term viability of ranching and agriculture in Otero and Las Animas Counties.

 • Cultural and Historic Resources: The proposed expansion threatens hundreds of nationally significant cultural sites, which are part of our shared heritage and identity.

 • Please review the attached letter from Rebecca Goodwin, which outlines critical concerns and recommendations regarding the proposed PCMS Enhanced Training project. We encourage careful consideration of the issues raised in her comments and the concerns expressed above.

We also urge full compliance with all applicable federal requirements, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and meaningful engagement with local stakeholders throughout this process to ensure transparency and balanced outcomes.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Board of County Commissioners,

Otero County, Colorado

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