Blog: Oasis in the Desert - Restoration and Resilience in Arizona

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.

adminJanuary 7, 2022Blog, Arizona, Climate Change, Land & Water Management, Water, AccessComment

Joint Press Release: Coalition of Organizations Launch the Latino Climate Justice Framework Project

Press Contact: Kristian Ramos, Comms@GreenLatinos.org

Oct 15, 2021

Washington, DC - Following on the momentum of the Latino climate priorities sign-on letter delivered to Congress and the Administration this summer, nearly two dozen leading Latino/a/x organizations are joining together today, the final day of Hispanic Heritage Month, to announce the launch of a project to develop and expand this letter into a comprehensive and inclusive Latino Climate Justice Framework (LCJF).

The Latino climate priorities letter advocates for improving and advancing the robust climate portions of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda and emphasizes that this agenda must prioritize frontline and communities of color. Latinos across the nation disproportionately bear the brunt of climate change – from air, water, and soil pollution to living in communities more vulnerable to climate-driven events – and disproportionately face economic and health disparities.

Guest Blog: The Legacy of my Family's Love for the Outdoors Lives On

I grew up in Trinidad, Colorado – an old western town settled as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail. As a result, it has been a mining community and a cattle town. I’ve always appreciated its history, the grit it must have taken to survive and thrive. Because of the way Trinidad was settled, and the industries that began here, it was a microcosm of different cultures.

In the late sixties, my father arrived from northern New Mexico after receiving a full-ride scholarship to the University of Denver School of Law. He was the first in his family to pursue and graduate with a law degree. Soon after graduating, my parents moved to Trinidad. My father was deeply respected and was even elected to two terms as District Attorney. He also served as County Attorney for Las Animas County before he and my mother opened several businesses in Trinidad. They embraced life here and were beloved by their community. Their appreciation of Trinidad was something they made sure to pass on to my siblings and me.

Guest BlogGuest BloggerJuly 26, 2021Blog, Colorado, Public Lands, Environmental Justice (EJ), Outdoor Recreation, Carlos Lopez, AccessComment

Guest Blog: Exploring Love for the Land and the Impact of the Outdoors on Identity

I had never heard of the Delaware Water Gap until my freshman year of college. Months before classes were scheduled to start, I had signed up on a whim to my school’s outdoor orientation program, thinking that it would be of great benefit to make friends before school officially started. Although I grew up in Salt Lake City, I was never- in any sense of the word- “outdoorsy.” I was, as a matter of fact, quite indifferent to the whole notion of outdoor recreation, with a strong desire to live in a large metropolitan area like New York City or Los Angeles. I didn’t own any outdoor gear, and mostly shut down ideas of hikes with my siblings, who have both been outdoor enthusiasts. I didn’t expect much from the trip beyond making a few friends and coming home with a lot of mosquito bites. What I came away with, though, was invaluable

Statement: Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful Plan Opportunity to Unite Stakeholders in Protecting Public Lands and Waters

Today the Biden-Harris administration introduced the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful Plan, outlining a 10-year goal to restore and conserve America’s lands, waters, and wildlife in a collaborative approach that includes locally led, nationwide efforts with various stakeholders such as Tribal communities, ranchers, anglers, and farmers.

Joint Press Release: Conservation, civic organizations file amicus brief of stream access rule to state Supreme Court

The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance (New Mexico Wild, alternatively), the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Hispano Roundtable of New Mexico, Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors, and the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project have filed an amicus brief with the New Mexico Supreme Court in support of a petition asking the Court to invalidate a rule passed in the final days of the Susana Martinez administration that limits public access to New Mexico’s rivers, streams and lakes and risks privatizing many of the waterways enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts and traditional users.

Press Releases/StatementsadminApril 29, 2020New Mexico, Access, Water, Joint Press ReleaseComment

Guest Blog: Why We Should Promote Greater Access to the Outdoors Within Urban Areas

As a native Arizonan raised in Douglas, I have always admired the desert. While many might think of a desert landscape as arid, and perhaps even uninhabitable, I find the desert to be one of the most life-sustaining biomes, teeming with species who have adapted and thrive in our dry climate.

Guest Blog: The Outdoors Taught Me Everything I Need to Know About Public Service

The favorite activity that my father and I shared was fishing. Fishing taught us patience and respect, not easy lessons for my rambunctious siblings and myself. When we would catch something too small to eat we would always throw it back. I’ll never forget the first fish my baby brother finally caught. It was a tiny Bluegill no bigger than the length of my index finger and certainly nothing that was going to feed anyone. Beaming with pride from this seminal experience he threw it in the freezer instead of throwing it back into the lake. My dad lit into my wide-eyed little brother. With the frankness signature of a Marine-Corps drill sergeant he informed us that we don’t waste. If we kill we eat and when we eat, we use as much of the animal as possible.

That lesson struck a nerve with me much deeper than just my love of fishing or nature. Spending time with my father in the outdoors was a masterclass in respect. I’ve carried that respect with me from the lush forests of Northern Michigan to my arid home in Southern Colorado. I’ve tried to embody it everyday as an adult, as a mom, as a teacher and now as a State Legislator.

Guest Blog, HCLCGuest BloggerMarch 21, 2019Bri Buentello, Colorado, Outdoor Recreation, Fishing, Hunting, Access Comment

Op-ed: My daughter and I love to explore Arizona, but it may soon get harder (for all of us)

When my daughter, Vida, was 3, she wanted to go on an adventure.

We packed up our backpacks with snacks, notebooks, crayons and water, and set out to explore the outdoors. We headed to Phoenix’s Piestewa Peak to climb rocks and investigate various plants and animals, and had an inspiring day that sparked our curiosity for the natural world right in our own backyard.

Vida is 8 now and a proud member of the Girl Scouts, where I also work. I watch as she and her troop members learn new skills, push the boundaries of their imaginations and nurture their connections to the earth.

I am also struck when I see Latino families in Phoenix grow closer each year when we gather at South Mountain Park to go camping, practice archery and cook dinner on the open fire. All of the generations bond for this special experience in the outdoors that is becoming increasingly rare in our urban culture.

Guest Blog: Protecting Public Lands for Future Generations

As a 26 year-old living in Phoenix, I hear all the time from the Latino community that camping and hiking is not part of our culture. That’s not true. This is part of who we are. It is part of our identity to enjoy the earth and what it provides for us, and also to have our role in protecting it. People are disengaged from their history and their roots. But if you can’t directly experience public lands, it’s harder to advocate on their behalf, or speak to elected officials about why they should care.

Featured Story, Guest BlogGuest BloggerOctober 29, 2018Access, Arizona, Outdoor Recreation, Environmental Justice (EJ), PollutionComment

Guest Blog: Keeping Our Cultural Connection - Getting Urban Latino Youth into the Great Outdoors

Imagine if you never left your neighborhood. Imagine if you never had the opportunity to hike or camp. Imagine never having seen snow. For many urban Arizona youth, it’s an unfortunate reality. Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo Is an active advocate for these kids because he knows that experiencing the great outdoors has a beneficial impact on a child’s development. Here, he shares his story. (Plus you'll see photos of Free Fishing Day that Supervisor Gallardo organized along with HECHO on October 7!)

Guest BlogGuest BloggerNovember 29, 2017Arizona, Family Fishing Day, Fishing, AccessComment

Blog: Armado con los Hechos - Moms Clean Air Force Lands in ABQ

Last week, I attended a very informative event in Albuquerque organized by the Moms Clean Air Force. The public discussion addressed the impacts of oil and gas development on New Mexico communities. As many people know by now, the largest methane “hotspot” hovers over northern New Mexico, and oil and gas development in New Mexico is affecting communities water, air and access to public lands.

Guest UserJune 4, 2015New Mexico, Oil and Gas, Pollution, Access, Public LandsComment

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