Karl Hoffman  over in Arivaca  posted a document issued by the US Fish & Wildlife Service regarding on what conditions the feds will allow humanitarian groups to put water stations on the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (hint….it is virtually impossible).

Buried deep within the federal “ Compatibility Determination ” is a discussion about how illegal immigration has impacted the wildlife refuge…..

Compatibility Determination Use: Issue Permits for Water Stations to Reduce Risk of Dehydration

Refuge Name: Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Sasabe, Pima County, Arizona

…

The recent construction of the seven mile pedestrian barrier on the southern boundary of the Refuge has helped reduce the level of illegal traffic in some parts of the Refuge; however, impacts are still occurring to Refuge natural resources due to illegal traffic and border enforcement activities. These impacts include:

Trash — During 2009, an estimated 51-82 tons of litter were left on the Refuge by approximately 20,700 illegal immigrants. Based on Refuge monitoring efforts, each border crosser deposits an average of about 5 to 8 pounds of trash on the Refuge. Trash has significant impacts to wildlife, habitat and public safety, not to mention the loss of aesthetic values. The amount of trash varies significantly depending on seasonal and annual fluctuations in levels of illegal immigrant traffic.

Trails — More than 1,300 miles of illegal trails have been created on the Refuge by illegal immigrants, resulting in more than 300 acres of denuded vegetation, erosion and wildlife disturbance. The continuous foot traffic prevents trails from healing, increases the erosion along trails and directly conflicts with Refuge goals and objectives for habitat management.

Illegal Roads — While attempting to evade law enforcement officers, illegal immigrants have created several miles of unauthorized roads on the Refuge, which in turn get used by CBP, hunters and birdwatchers. Driving on desert soils quickly results in creating a permanent road. Although the majority of these roads were created during the height of illegal immigrant traffic several years ago, their use continues, making restoring them to natural conditions extremely difficult.

Wildfire — Several fires are started each year by illegal immigrants resulting in significant environmental damage and cost to the government. Two fires in the vicinity of the Refuge in 2009 burned over 23,000 acres and cost federal and state governments $1.2 million to suppress. Wildfires put both other illegal immigrants and the visiting public at risk as well as potentially impacting critical habitat and listed species.

Livestock Trespass — Illegal immigrants often damage or cut fences or leave gates open, allowing cattle to enter the Refuge. This directly impacts Refuge wildlife habitats and exposes neighboring ranches to disease transmission from untreated Mexican livestock.

Increased Crime and Compromised Security — Illegal immigrants have stolen Refuge vehicles, burglarized government quarters and offices, and committed vandalism. This has required installation of security infrastructure and hiring additional law enforcement officers. In addition, officers spend a high percentage of their time assisting CBP with apprehensions and drug seizures rather than patrolling for resource violations or assisting with staff and visitor safety. Illegal immigrant traffic and its associated impacts have also contributed a decline in visitation at the Refuge and to closure of a 3,500-acre portion of the Refuge adjacent to the border.

More articles and commentaries about border issues

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This entry was posted on Saturday, September 4th, 2010 at 1:54 pm and is filed under border issues, politics. Tags for this post: buenos aires national wildlife refuge, buenos aires wildlife preserve, illegal immigrants, illegal immigration, impacts of illegal immigration. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.