AZ-MX border views: Cabeza Prieta & Organ Pipe

View from helicopter pad at US Dept. of Homeland Security's Camp Grip, Cabeza Prieta NWR.

AJO AZ -- I just returned to Tucson from a trip to the border in western Pima County, on the damaged and threatened Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, both in Rep. Grijalva's district.

Over a million acres of these public reserves are closed to the public primarily due to border stress related to failed US border policy.

Some photos for now and more news on this later. All photos by me, Daniel R. Patterson.

Sonoyta, Sonora-based workers build vehicle barrier on CPNWR. Vehicle barriers work and are a much better option than triple walls.









Border Patrol trash at Camp Grip in wilderness along El Camino del Diablo, CPNWR











Large Border Patrol HQ building at Camp Grip, border & drug war outpost, CPNWR wilderness, western Pima County AZ.












Technology at Camp Grip. Will more technology really relieve environmental damage?








US Fish & Wildlife Service talks with Border Patrol about concerns near huge loud petro-fueled generators and fueling station at Camp Grip.

DHS wants to build a similar 'camp' further west in the sensitive Tule Well area.










Off-road driving damage by Border Patrol and some smugglers, near Growler Rd., Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument wilderness.

Comments

Anonymous said…
the environmental damage is too much.....

1) fine any company hiring illegals. if that does not work, jail them.
2) stop luring people into the desert with the water stations.
3) hold the mexican government accountable for their failed policies.
4) close the border.
Anonymous said…
You seem like an environmentalist, I wouldn't suppose you'd advocate for reopening the desalination plant in Yuma that endagers the wetlands region in Mexico but alternatively gives Arizona more water and frees up the Colorado River now would you? How about expanding the Palo Verde nuclear facility to include its original plan of 5 plants instead of 3 that would alternatively let Arizona eliminate the 45 percent energy usage coming from coal? I like green too but I'm one for these ideas, I'll stress them to my representatives.
As an ecologist who uses science, I do not support the desal. plant re-start as proposed, or expansion of the expensive, dangerous and poorly maintained APS Palo Verde nuke plant.

There are smarter, better, cleaner and more affordable ways -- including conservation -- to help address our water and energy needs.
Anonymous said…
To 'anonymous': We need to hold our own government accountable for the failed trade policies of NAFTA which flood the Mexican market with our surplus crops and put their farmers out work and force them here to find jobs to survive.

To shadow lights: It is imperative for us in the desert sw to use solar energy, conserve water, and encourage others to do so as well. Desal uses more energy than it produces--not a good idea at all. There is no need for nuclear when we have all the solar power we need. And where will we store the radioactive waste? Not in your backyard, I assume.
Anonymous said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
felix -- please contact me by email, roundriver@gmail.com

Thanks.

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