With our changing world and the constant pressure of climate change, many communities, especially Hispanic, Black, Indigenous and low-income communities, have been greatly affected by deteriorating ecosystems and difficultly accessing nature. Arizona, being one of the most biodiverse states, is especially susceptible to climate change as is evidenced by the increased frequency of devastating wildfires and decreasing water levels in our rivers and lakes each year. Now more than ever, it is important for us all to realize we are important stakeholders and for us to come together to restore degraded lands and waters as a form of resistance to the adversities Arizona communities continually face. The following examples of restoration projects in Arizona showcase some of the efforts to protect and restore our nature so communities—and generations to come—can continue to enjoy and have access to the outdoors.
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In November 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law. The IIJA included transformative financial investments in drinking water infrastructure that will eliminate lead pipes and service lines across the county, and make necessary improvements for Arizonans.
In addition to funding for the removal of lead pipes, several other key IIJA provisions support clean water infrastructure through grants to municipalities including $1.4 billion for sewer overflow and stormwater reuse and $125 million for alternative water source projects. The impact of this funding will be resiliency against drought through projects that increase groundwater recharge, stormwater capture and reuse, and water recycling and ensures that municipalities have the needed infrastructure to properly manage polluted stormwater.
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Contact: Amy Dominguez, Communications Coordinator, Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO); 801-928-9157, amy@hechoonline.org
Flagstaff — In Arizona, where unprecedented weather events, such as devastating wildfires, drought, record heatwaves and flashfloods dominated headlines in 2021, nature-based infrastructure solutions in President Biden’s Build Back Better Act present an opportunity to keep communities and natural landscapes safe from the climate-driven impacts that are sweeping the nation today.
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Santa Fe, NM – Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO), in partnership with the Office of Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján, hosted a virtual event focusing on the ways in which agricultural and community stewardship can help mitigate and adapt to climate change, while highlighting traditional land-use practices though New Mexico’s traditional acequia and land grant communities.
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If included in the final, updated Land Management Plans, the Upper Rio Grande Wildlife Corridors would be implemented under the proposed Spruce Hole/Osier/Toltec Connectivity Special Interest area, Caja del Rio Management Area, Chama Basin Watershed Protection Area, San Antonio Management Area, and Valle Vidal Special Management Area. These areas would be critical in the further preservation of our natural spaces and wildlife that are near growing population centers facing serious threats from climate change. Santa Fe and Albuquerque have been experiencing increased heat, lower snow pack and consequently, less available water all while seeing an influx of people moving there. Wildlife corridors serve many purposes and should be considered as one of the many essential solutions to climate change.
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Community-based efforts, such as the Heat Action Planning project, will be key to the sustainability of a city like Phoenix, but it is crucial to look to the effect that sustainably managed natural spaces have on mitigating heat and climate change, such as the new forest plan for the Tonto National Forest and the Arizona Sonoran Desert Heritage Act.
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SANTA FE – On Oct. 30, the City of Santa Fe unanimously voted to pass a resolution supporting the protection of wildlife corridors in the upper Rio Grande Basin, as well as supporting pending legislation to protect wildlife corridors nationwide. The City becomes the 10th jurisdiction in New Mexico to support such a resolution, joining Mora, Colfax, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe County, Taos County, as well as the Town of Taos, the Village of Pecos, and the City of Española.
Read MoreNEW MEXICO (September 9, 2019) – Colfax County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution supporting protections for wildlife corridors in the Upper Rio Grande Basin this week, joining several counties and municipalities across New Mexico that have passed similar resolutions. The resolutions also urge Congress to pass the Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act of 2019, serving to protect wildlife corridors nationally.
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The Village of Pecos, City of Española, and Town of Taos council members unanimously approved resolutions this week supporting the protection of wildlife corridors in the Upper Rio Grande region. The resolutions also urge Congress to support the Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act of 2019 that would serve to protect wildlife corridors nationally. Pecos, Española, and Taos join Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Santa Fe Counties in passing wildlife corridor resolutions this summer.
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RIO ARRIBA COUNTY, NM – Today members of the Rio Arriba County Commission unanimously approved a resolution in support of the protection of wildlife corridors in the Upper Rio Grande Region. The resolution also urges Congress to support the Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act that would protect wildlife corridors nationally.
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The Santa Fe and San Miguel County Commissions on Tuesday both unanimously endorsed resolutions in support of protecting wildlife corridors in the upper Rio Grande Basin. The resolutions also urge Congress to support pending legislation to protect wildlife corridors nationwide.
"Passing the Wildlife Migration Corridor Resolutions at this level sets a precedent, showing communities that our traditions, culture, and uses of these lands are valuable," Ulibarri said. "With so many barriers to migration patterns like highways and other urbanizing development, these corridors ensure the protection of genetic diversity, and the continuation of species.”
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There’s a lot less environmental education now because of the modernization and the comforts we bring into our cities. Historically Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado have been land-based cultures. We lived more sustainably and had more appreciation for what the land had to offer. Now we don’t need to worry about how much water is in the mountains because we buy our vegetables from the store. Read more about what Dr. Eric Romero is doing to help educate young people about the importance of having a sense of place.
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Congress’s effort to rollback the Natural Gas Waste rule would allow the waste of America’s energy resources and more pollution such as ozone that can trigger asthma attacks and worsen emphysema. The BLM’s Natural Gas Waste Rule is widely supported by local officials, businesses, landowners, Latino organizations, taxpayer groups, and others across the U.S. Call your Senator now!
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A statement from Camilla Simon, Executive Director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO), on the approval by the Bureau of Land Management of the Moab Region Master Leasing Plan.
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This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month comes during an historic time for the Latino community and for the future of public lands in our country. The voices, perspectives, and input of the Hispanic community needs to play an integral role in these decisions.
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The following is a statement from Camilla Simon, Director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO), on the 1st anniversary of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s announcement that the greater sage-grouse no longer needed to be considered as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
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HECHO Board Member Juan Palma speaks to the Salt Lake Tribune about the today’s challenges on public lands and incorporating more diverse stakeholders in management decisions. As we celebrate the National Park Service’s 100-year anniversary, we have a chance to reflect on the 84 million acres of cultural and historic landscapes that have been protected, as well as the future of the Park Service. Today’s and future generations look much different than those of 100 years ago, and all federal land management agencies need to make significant changes to reflect the changing American cultural landscape.
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Making our voices heard in regards to the Moab MLP isn’t just about protecting public lands. It’s about protecting Hispanic heritage. Within the planning area is 43.2 miles of our history – the Old Spanish Trail.
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