|
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION OF COLORADO RIVER
THE FOCUS OF BI-NATIONAL
“COMMON GOUND” CONFERENCE IN YUMA, ARIZONA
By Charles W. Flynn
Executive Director
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area
On April 10-11, the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area and ProNatura Noroeste (a Mexican environmental NGO), along with the Arizona-Mexico Commission, sponsored a two-day conference in Yuma, Arizona to discuss restoration of the 23-mile stretch of the Colorado River that serves as the border between the two countries. The two day conference featured tours, briefings and technical workshops on Thursday, April 10 and concluded at Yuma City Council Chambers with a Friday, April 11 morning Roundtable session featuring speakers from governmental and non-profit organizations a well as farmers from the United States and Mexico.
The purpose of the conference was to showcase the innovative restoration efforts undertaken by the Yuma community in the Yuma East Wetlands and to determine how those methods could be transferable to the Limitrophe section of the Colorado River. This 23-mile stretch of the river has suffered both environmental degradation and intensified crime along the border.
On Friday, April 11, the Roundtable discussion concentrated on three topics: public safety, job creation, and technical aspects of river restoration and its applicability to this section of the river on both sides of the border.
- Law enforcement, including Yuma County Sheriff Ralph Ogden and Border Patrol officials, applauded the Yuma East Wetlands efforts. They noted that clearing 500 acres of dense non-native vegetation from this area—and its subsequent restoration-- had helped prevent trash dumping, hoboes’ camps, and wild fires. They agreed that a similar effort along with border would be one component of a more secure border. It was also noted that gaining control of this area and reducing rampant border crossings would help control criminal gang activity in Mexico.
- A massive restoration effort in this section of the border could bring much –needed jobs on both sides of the border for clearing, irrigation, and planting of native trees and weed maintenance. Speakers also commented that the Yuma area could “get ahead of the curve” on restoration techniques and technologies in the burgeoning restoration industry.
- The highlight of the conference was the unveiling of a joint 1,000-acre restoration plan crafted together by the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area and ProNatura. The proposed project areas is located between River Miles 2 and 4 and known as “Hunter’s Hole” in the United States and Colonia Miguel Aleman in Mexico. The plan integrates restoration across the border and includes a “security” zone which should assist in public safety efforts.
The conference concluded with a Joint Declaration which committed both organizations to begin implementation of pilot projects on both sides of the border in 2009. The groups also discussed the idea of continuing an annual “Common Ground” conference and alternating its location between the States of Arizona and Baja California.
Perhaps the most significant outcome of the conference was a pledge in the Joint Declaration: “To carry forth the Spirit of ‘Common Ground’, which believes that our riverfront borderlands should be a common asset, not a ‘no-man’s land’. Reclaiming our joint river heritage can help serve as a model for a new era of border relations”.
For more information please contact:
Javier Morales – Management Analyst
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA)
Yuma, Arizona
Javier.Morales@yumaaz.gov
Ph: 928-373-5198
www.yumaheritage.com
Osvel Hinojosa – Director of the Water and Wetlands Conservation Program
Pronatura Noroeste
San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora
ohinojosa@pronatura-noroeste.org
Ph: +52 (653) 535 67 38
www.pronatura-noroeste.org
|
