Conviction Deepens to Oppose Expansion
 
Supporters can 'buy' one square inch of southeast Colorado to fund opposition efforts
 
For immediate release
Contact: Lon Robertson 719-980-5114
             Doug Holdread 719-846-9959

KIM, Colorado (September 07) -
 
Doug Holdread, an artist and consultant to PCEOC took a childhood memory and transformed it into an inspirational form of fund raising for continuing the battle to save southeastern Colorado from any Army expansion.  The idea to 'sell' one square inch of the area, up to one acre is the result of Mr. Holdread's following up on something he had remembered from his youth.  "It was in my head from when I was a kid," he said. "I sent in a thing to Quaker Oats and got a square inch of land in the Klondike, and they sent me a deed. I thought it'd be neat if there was a way for a lot of people to have a sense of involvement and participation in the land and the issue of Piņon Canyon." He added.

The Army's plans are obviously unchanged from its initial plans to take upwards of five million acres of Southeastern Colorado, stretching from the Arkansas River to the New Mexico border and from I-25 to Kansas. The desire is still undoubtedly that the land will be taken in pieces, beginning with the one hundred thousand acre parcel just south of the current maneuver site.  
 
So, the battle continues with efforts being made by the Army to try to establish a better foothold in the area in the form of another one hundred thousand acres, in addition to the current 238,000 acre site.  And that 100,000 acres is still an 'amount that does not meet requirements' per Army statements, that almost certainly guarantee further attempts to continue expanding beyond that. 
 
This additional opportunity to gain more funds and recognition for the ongoing battle is a welcomed gesture to keep the opposing efforts moving forward as well. 
 
Lon Robertson, generational rancher, businessman and President of the Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition stated the opposition group is very excited about the outside offer of funding and support efforts.  Mr. Robertson said "In three years we have developed a tremendous amount of recognition, understanding and support for our cause.  People like Doug Holdread and the contributing landowner Cathy Mullins are examples of the multitudes of fine people and the opportunities they have created to allow us to further our cause," he added.
 
The acre being sold inch-by-inch is located at the historic Circle Diamond Ranch once occupied by 19th century cattle baron Frank Bloom. Purchasers of an inch of Pinon Canyon land receive a legal deed to the property. "It's frameable and a great idea for a Christmas gift!" Holdread said.
 
Forms and further information for the purchase of a square inch of Piņon Canyon can be found online at www.pinoncanyon.com/onesquareinch.html .
 
The Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition is a broad-based coalition representing communities across Southern Colorado in their opposition to the proposed military expansion. PCEOC members include business owners, teachers, students, elected officials, ranchers, environmentalists and many others.

The coalition is united in its opposition to any expansion of PCMS.  No funding, no expansion.

For more information, please see www.pinoncanyon.com.

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