DENVER—The southeastern Colorado buttes and valleys where the Army wants to expand a training site have been added to a preservation group’s list of endangered historic places.
Pinon Canyon was one of 11 areas named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list Thursday.
The group warned the proposed expansion, from 368 square miles to more than 1,000 square miles, could damage or destroy historic Santa Fe Trail landmarks, prehistoric archaeological sites and ranches.
The Army’s plan, which could take years to materialize, has been controversial. Ranchers have said they fear they will be forced to sell their property and that the region’s economy would suffer with the loss of so much land from agricultural production.
The Army has said it prefers not to force land sales through eminent domain and that it has been contacted by some willing sellers. Military officials have declined to say how many sellers have come forward or how much land they were offering.
The Army says it needs to expand the site because of expected growth at Fort Carson, 150 miles northwest, and changing training needs.
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