 
 |
Charles W. Flynn
Executive Director
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area |
On behalf of the Office of the Governor, the Arizona Mexico Commission and the Yuma Crossing National
Heritage Area I would like to welcome you to the "Common Ground" Regional/Bi-National Conference.
The purpose of the conference is to promote a greater understanding of the approach of the City of Yuma
and the Quechan Indian Tribe to restore our long-neglected Colorado River riparian areas, now know as the
Yuma East Wetlands (YEW) -- and how that approach might help improve border relations.
The restoration of the Yuma East Wetlands is a compelling story. Local officials have done the hard work
required to build consensus and turn a 1,400-acre area that many thought beyond hope into a beautifully
restored, healthy riparian habitat, with the steadfast support of the Arizona Congressional delegation. These
efforts have helped attract over $80 million in new investment to Yuma's downtown area. With this successful model of community collaboration and innovative restoration techniques, Yuma residents and stakeholders have now turned their attention to the river front west of the city, which is the shared border with
Baja California, Mexico.
The Hunter's Hole Plan is the first phase of an effort for cross-border environmental restoration of this degraded and neglected 23-mile river stretch of the Lower Colorado River, often referred to as the "Limitrophe"
reach. The YCNHA and the Walton Family Foundation seek to replicate the successes of the "YEW model"
as it has reduced crime, improved the environment and access to the river, and provided jobs for both
skilled and unskilled laborers. The "Common Ground" conference attempts to promote the bi-national dialogue on improving border relations through restoration.
This two-day Yuma Conference will give us all an opportunity to work together on strategies for strengthening environmental protection, as we sincerely believe that together Arizona and Mexico can reclaim land
resources on the 23-mile section of the Colorado River that forms our common border that have been lost to
salt cedar invasion and illegal activities.
I look forward to working with you at the conference.
|
