Watch Cattlemen to Cattlemen Week 18: Original Air Date June 5, 2007

In this special episode of NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen, we take an in-depth look at the controversial plan by the U.S. Department of Defense to expand its Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in southeastern Colorado. This expansion plan would require the acquisition of over 400,000 additional acres – much of it being productive, private ranch land. See a map of the affected area here.

NCBA has always made protecting private property rights a top priority issue. Our members support strict limitations on the use of eminent domain, and feel it should be used only as a last resort for acquiring property for necessary and very well-defined public purposes. We bring you this documentary as a special episode of Cattlemen to Cattlemen to highlight this issue, and to illustrate the land-use pressures faced by farmers and ranchers across the nation.

In this program, you’ll hear from ranchers and other residents of the affected area – including many whose land has been in their families for several generations. They fear not only the loss of productive ranches, but also of the communities and small businesses that depend on Colorado’s ranching industry for their livelihoods.

You will also learn about the historic significance of the affected area. From dinosaur tracks, to the Sante Fe Trail, to former stagecoach stations, this magnificent land tells stories that span thousands of years.

The Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition has formed to formally oppose the expansion of the maneuver site. To learn more about the group’s efforts, please visit www.pinoncanyon.com.

To learn more about NCBA’s efforts to protect the rights of private land owners, please visit www.beefusa.org.

WE NEED YOUR PHOTOS!

Submit your farm and ranch photos now for our weekly Legacy Photos segment. Send your digital photos to C2C@beef.org. Don’t forget to include your name, location, and any other information you want to share.