Army wants large drone training in Colorado canyon

The Army wants to close airspace over Pinon Canyon so it can train with drones and other new equipment.

The Gazette reported that the Army on Tuesday filed a formal notice with the Federal Register seeking a new Environmental Impact Statement for the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site.

The Army has used small drones, which fly at low altitudes, in Pinon Canyon. Now, it wants to close airspace to use larger, high-flying drones and other aircraft.

Ranchers and environmentalists have watched Pinon Canyon developments closely, fearing the Army would try to expand the 235,000-acre site. But Army leaders who have insisted in recent years they no longer wanted to expand took steps last year to make that official.

The military plans public meetings on its latest proposal for the site.