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Report shows border trash a major issue

By Jonathon Shacat
Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Thursday, Oct 25, 2007 - 05:13:00 am MST

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BISBEE — It’s a long-standing concern of border-security proponents: Illegal immigration and smuggling cause significant environmental damage, says a report recently released by the Bureau of Land Management.

The annual report for fiscal 2006 details efforts by the bureau and partner organizations to mitigate the impacts on lands in Southern Arizona.

Deborah E. Stevens, public affairs specialist for the Bureau of Land Management, said the purpose of the report is to build public awareness and get attention to the issue.

“Tremendous numbers of people and organizations are doing work. We kind of want to let people know what we are doing and what kind of project work is going on,” said Shela McFarlin, special assistant for international programs for the bureau.

The Bureau of Land Management recently released a report that outlines the damages on lands in southern Arizona caused by illegal immigration. Trash is a significant problem. Photo submitted by BLM.

More than 225,000 pounds of trash related to smuggling were collected, according to a press release on the report. Another 900,000 pounds of litter that resulted from both smuggling and illegal dumping were removed.

About 24 million pounds of trash cover thousands of acres of public and tribal lands. The most visible items are drinking bottles, clothing and food refuse.

Illegal roads and trails cause damages to resources on the landscape. There are also damages to infrastructure, such as gates, ranges, fences and water tanks.

Also as a result of the project, more than 75 projects were completed, ranging from cattleguard repair to re-vegetation. The project also involved rehabilitating more than 100 routes and maintaining 26 miles of roads.

Also removed were more than 130 abandoned vehicles and 1,902 abandoned bicycles. Removal of the vehicles, which are often burned, is difficult and expensive because care must be exercised to avoid further damage to the environment.

“Across federal and tribal lands in southern Arizona, significant natural and cultural resources are also being damaged, along with sensitive wildlife habitats,” says the release.

W. Richard Hodges, a rancher who owns property along the border, said the impact of illegal immigration is also evident on his private land in Cochise County. “The migrant trails are substantial,” Hodges said. “I can run 30 head of cows, and they can go to different points on my pasture, and a cow path will be 18 to 20 inches wide, and it’s six or eight inches deep.”

“Where the illegal immigrants walk, I’ve got a path that is 36 inches wide,” he continued. “Nothing grows along it and there is every kind of piece of garbage you can imagine.”

He has found numerous items on his land, including cell phones, baby diapers, plastic bottles, backpacks and clothing.

The BLM report is online: blm.gov/az/st/en/info/newsroom/undocumented_aliens.htm.

Reporter Jonathon Shacat can be reached at 515-4693 or by e-mail at jonathon.shacat@bisbeereview.net.

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Oh boy wrote on Nov 2, 2007 9:15 AM:

" I am really sick of Americans losing their homes and lives because they cannot afford medical care when these illegals get everything for free. To add salt to the wound, this mess they are causing, thefts from property, and creation of groups that feel they need to help them even more. If they want to work here, then they pay taxes, CLEAN UP THEIR MESS, pay for medical like WE HAVE TO, and pay for their own food without food stamps or WIC. "

Oh boy wrote on Nov 2, 2007 9:10 AM:

" Hey like others have said, let's have all illegals clean up the mess for a couple of days, living in tents in the mess sites. The government can provide them with MREs (since we have to be nice to these morons and if our soldiers have to eat it, they can!) and if they are injured, sick, or pregnant, send them straight back to Mexico immediately. We don't need more "American citizens" born to these peeps. If she is in labor, do 100 mph back to the border. Cont.... "

GardenCanyonWash.com wrote on Nov 1, 2007 1:56 PM:

" To Jose: As we have repeatedly noted. We do not support illegal immigration in any fashion. Most of us think the fence is necessary. We have simply asked for public discussion about what the Department of Homeland Security meant when they said they were still willing to discuss ways to mitigate environmental damage at the San Pedro. We see nothing wrong in public discussion aimed at protecting critical water resources that we all need. Question: Would our opinions mean more to you if we were a large national organization soliciting donations? "

Jose wrote on Oct 31, 2007 8:13 PM:

" Carlos, Right now in AZ, we have a country that is trashing us, namely Mexico. GardenCanyonWash, you have a group? A group on one? "

Carlos wrote on Oct 31, 2007 4:28 PM:

" Trash and pollution is a human footprint on earth. Its a subject that must be directed to all man-kind, not just a race or country. Think about it. "

GardenCanyonWash.com wrote on Oct 31, 2007 3:02 PM:

" To Small Gap: This is a legitimate consideration and the Border Patrol would need to realistically assess their ability enforce the proposed gap. Our group has no interest in pressuring them into commitments they cannot keep. The Border Patrol are the ones best able to speak for themselves. We would just like to get the agencies face to face in public and hear what they have to say. "

AzLuna wrote on Oct 31, 2007 10:53 AM:

" Go take a look at the streets in Mexico. You will see a striking resemblance to all the trash that's being left behind in America's deserts. If they have no respect for their own country, what makes anyone think that they would have respect for ours? All they do is take from America. They give nothing back but trash that WE have to pick up and dispose of! All the MORONS in Washington need to come down here and pick it up! Especially YOU Mr. President!" "

Small Gap wrote on Oct 31, 2007 12:24 AM:

" Let me tell you what will happen if there were to be a small break in the fence in the area of the San Pedro. When the BP agetns get pulled off of that spot to respond to other traffic, and they will, there will be a FLOOD of ILLEGAL ALIENS that will pour though your that small opening. This WILL happen several times a day, 365. Even if they are caught the damage is done. This benifits the San Pedro how? IT DOESN'T! You have walls in your yard and a lock on your door? WHY??????? Security! ITreallyISthatSIMPLE. "

Bobby wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:09 PM:

" One thing is clear, isn't it. Americans are just one big group of disempowered people. Second class citizens in their own country. Conclusion: We had better find out who it is that is disempowering us, and eliminate them. Why do we continue to vote for those politicians who make us second class citizens in our own country? Shoot, any drunken bum who comes stumbling across the border has more rights than an American---thanks to our traitorous and worthless leaders. "

Don from Palominas wrote on Oct 30, 2007 7:24 PM:

" Reality is the PBA is not a bunch of angels. Driving off road and dumping you butts in our neck of the woods is unexceptable! "

MY OPINION..let it be wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:28 AM:

" All you people act like illegals are the only one contributing to the trash and pollution in America. Maybe they do but I know we are just as bad. Give me a break. KEEPING TRASH OUT you are not very smart...maybe you should go to Mexico and live there for a while like all the rest of you close minded people. You would never make it. I've stated my opinion..have fun bashing it. :) "

Reality wrote on Oct 30, 2007 9:29 AM:

" Don from Palominas, your on the wrong side of the fence. Go south man. "

Ivan wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:57 AM:

" like it said in the book I. "

GardenCanyonWash.com wrote on Oct 30, 2007 5:42 AM:

" To Amazing: We agree, if there is to be a gap in the border fence, environmentalists should be willing to look for more than birds. However, there would inevitably be an associated burden on the Border Patrol and consequently the taxpayers. The whole purpose of the proposed meeting is determine what those costs would be and whether that would be justified by the amount of damage that could be mitigated. We taxpayers live in a county that does not have a sustainable water plan. Water resources (San Pedro) should be a top priority for all of us. "

Don from Palominas wrote on Oct 29, 2007 7:37 PM:

" Dont blame all the trash on the illegals. The Patriots Border Alliance has been in my neighborhood for the past month, and every where they went they left a pile of cigarette butts, and trash. And then they complain about the illegals! Come back and pickup your own trash, before trashing someone else. "

amazing wrote on Oct 29, 2007 12:51 PM:

" Probably the same people that fence off their own property are the ones opposed to the border fence. Also if the environmentalists want a gap in the fence then perhaps they should become part of the solution and volunteer to observe with the minuetmen. Why should the total responsibility of the environment be with the taxpayers? Less talk - more action! "

Mark wrote on Oct 29, 2007 12:12 PM:

" Fences aren't going to stop anyone, they wouldn't stop me... odds are they wouldn't stop you. They may channel some traffic into easier to cross areas, however once the whole border is fenced, they will just come under, go over or destroy the fences. As long as there is a demand for labor here in the United States and excess labor down south in need of work, they will find a way. To think otherwise is foolish. "

Did you know.... wrote on Oct 29, 2007 11:27 AM:

" " Did you know that the water does not have fluoride here? Why? It needs fluoride because the children's dental health is in danger. " "

To Gardencanyonwash wrote on Oct 29, 2007 11:05 AM:

" I agree. There is no harm in a discussion that aims to mitigate environmental degredation of both illegal activity and fences. Good electronic surveillance would provide scientific evidence of success or failure. Do illegals slip through? Do animals pass through? I am a die hard conservative. But that doesn't make me blind to conservation issues. I don't plan to sit and watch while various Governments lay waste to the land I selected to practice my rural conservative values. By-the-way, I like your gardencanyonwash.com website. "

bjs wrote on Oct 28, 2007 8:57 PM:

" Thank the President, state governors, corrupt businesses, enviromental terrorists and the churches for this mess. What the hell happened to the RICO Act? All these corrupt organizations need to be prosecuted after committing their crimes against the citizens of the USA. "

gardencanyonwash.com wrote on Oct 28, 2007 8:24 PM:

" It is a big mistake to assume that everyone who is concerned about the environment is necessarily left wing or supportive of illegal immigration. Secretary Chertoff himself has said repeatedly that he is still interested in exploring ways to mitigate environmental damage from the fence. It MAY be possible to use human patrols or electronic surveillance for a narrow gap in the fence in the immediate area where the San Pedro crosses the border. There is little doubt that the Border Patrol can secure a quarter mile stretch. It is simply a matter of cost vs. benefit. "

Voter wrote on Oct 28, 2007 8:08 PM:

" Remember if you voted for Gabby, her pen was hot, to sign a letter to delay the building of the fence along the San Pedro. "

Pondering wrote on Oct 28, 2007 4:47 PM:

" Perhaps our elected officials ignore the illegals as they may be providing some merchandise desired by the politicians. A certain "environmentalist", "pro illegal" from Bisbee comes to mind. "

Look out Az's wrote on Oct 28, 2007 4:03 PM:

" CAUTION TO ARIZONA THE WATERS ARE TURNING OUT LIKE MEXICAN WATERS. BOIL THE WATER BEFORE YOU DRINK IT. This is what is going to happen if nothing is done about it. This is just a test. I am also mad as hell and nothing being done about it. My taxes go up and no health insurance because of those illegals. Where is Wash? The Dem and Rep. need to all be here and see for themselves. Make the Mexican President pay all the health bills. He's rich he take from the poor. "

The Law wrote on Oct 28, 2007 3:46 PM:

" If we are charged for littering then the illegals need to be charged the same. The illegals get better treatment by the law than the US citizens. If we were to do something wrong in mexico the law there would not have any mercy on us. Make the illegals p/up all the trash and send them back with there trash. It's there choice to come over illegally. I couldn't even get health care for my kids or myself. I know this sounds mean but some of us can't afford them to come over. I'm poor. "

Too Many Liberals wrote on Oct 28, 2007 3:25 PM:

" The ACLU and all the Pro-Illegal Immigrant Groups have our liberal judges on thier side, that's what is wrong. Greed just adds to the brew. We the people passed a referendum to crack down on companies that knowingly employ illegals, a law the majority wanted, but the pro-llegal folks and the ACLU challenged it in court as discrinatory and unconstutional. If companies get fined for hiring them, they will stop, then no jobs. If no jobs then no reason for them to come illegally. Too simple for our esteemed Congress to grasp. Sanctuary cities don't help either. "

James Peters wrote on Oct 28, 2007 3:11 PM:

" When we get serious and enforce federal laws against illegal border crossing, this shameful destruction of our landscape will cease. Enforcement of the law -- now THAT would be true immigration "reform." "

Hey wrote on Oct 28, 2007 12:50 PM:

" It's obvious our goverment still doesn't care. We still have the fences to go up. When? The crap must stop on our side. No more trash, no more illegals no more drugs. Let our Boarder Patrol do what has to be done. Even if it means they have to shoot at the illegals. They have more rights than if someone does something illegal in the US, Why? something is wrong here. Shoot or ram the drug dealers. What has happened to our goverment?? MONEY GREED IS WHAT IT IS. "

Jacque wrote on Oct 28, 2007 11:29 AM:

" How is it Joe Arpaio can hold illegals in his "tent city", but we can't do that down here? And while they are being held, offer them time off for good behavior if they clean up the trash in the desert? Is our Sheriff reluctant to deal with illegal immigration? "

Randolph wrote on Oct 28, 2007 6:38 AM:

" The illegals, excuse me, "undocumented" citizens (don't want to be politically incorrect), are destroying a fragile eco-sytem rapidly. It isn't politically correct for the environmental groups to howl about this, besides illegal can't be sued to stop it. No ability to sue, no environmentalist action. Congress will do nothing unless all illegals get a path to citzenship. The only solution is for Mexico to declare war on the US, surrender three hours later and ask for massive reconstruction aide to rebuild thier country and keep thier citizens at home. Congress would certainly pass that quickly. Problem solved. "

Dave wrote on Oct 28, 2007 5:03 AM:

" I like the idea presented to make the illegals pick up their own garbage. Why just be a free limo service back to the border? Require a day of garbage pick up before going back, I have hiked and biked the remote areas around Bisbee and most is pristeen until one comes upon a route used by the illegals than it looks like the side of any Mexican road way, a trail of garbage. You can pretty well tell their migration routes, their favorite camp sites and their pickup locations by what you find. "

David wrote on Oct 28, 2007 12:35 AM:

" Most environmentalists are far too busy lobbying for political correctness and other leftist causes to actually care about the environment. It must go through the ol' lefty flowchart... sure there's environmental degradation, but, since it's done by an 'oppressed minority' (read: anybody but white people) we must look the other way. Edward Abbey would spit at you if he was alive! "

Elizabeth wrote on Oct 27, 2007 3:27 PM:

" There is one thing missing on the debate with illegal immigration. Every word written needs to be mailed, faxed or called upon to President Bush...We need to insist that he makes a statement to Latin America. We do not wish for bad feelings but please do not enter the United States without proper papers....Start there and continue with the law....All it will take is for him to demand all illegal aliens to return to their home or else...visit NumbersUSA and see how they would tackle illegal immigration. "

Miki wrote on Oct 27, 2007 1:58 PM:

" Bobby is correct, the Sierra Club is a bogus organization when it comes to the environment. They consistenly support the illegals, even thou 80,000 illegals tramp thru Organ Pipe Cactus Monument a year yet they are all up in a tizzy when a few bicyclists want to ride in the area. Boycott the Sierra Club. "

Daves wrote on Oct 27, 2007 12:55 PM:

" Hopefully the tide is turning and the American people are finally realizing that cheap foreign labor is not the answer. In Europe they are just beginning to wake up to the nightmare that the free trade, globalist European Union is causing devastation to their way of life. America has caught on quickly to the globalist agenda, led by King Bush and Royal court. Flooding this nation with cheap foreign workers to lower wages is been found out, and undermining American society isn't going to work anymore. go to capwiz & numbersusa for answers. "

Bob Grijalva wrote on Oct 27, 2007 11:47 AM:

" No relation to AZs Grijalva. I am ashamed of him. vote these clowns out of office recall them I am from So Ca and we have some of the same problems here most of our politicians seem to be working for Mexico I guess they forgot their oath to protect the US from all enemies foreign and domestic "

Environmental impact! wrote on Oct 27, 2007 9:17 AM:

" You have the crazy tree huggers up in arms over the impact the border fence "may" have on the environment? Look at the impact the illegals have made and continue to do so every day! This is a situation that has become so out of hand. Is there any hope it will end? The illegal people need to be sent back to where they came from, imprisoned, or worse for all I care. When they can waltz across that border, get free medical care, etc. I say "ENOUGH"! I'm a fed-up, hard working American!!!!!!! "

To Native American wrote on Oct 27, 2007 8:44 AM:

" Well said. "

Fed Up! wrote on Oct 27, 2007 8:13 AM:

" We should gather the trash up, and dump it into Mexico where it all came from! Look out below! :) "

gardencanyonwash.com wrote on Oct 27, 2007 8:12 AM:

" Folks, we are just as concerned about illegal immigration as the rest of you. In fact we are also concerned about legal immigration. This is a desert with limited water resources. There are finite limits to how much population this environment can support. Irresponsible management of limited water resources will further reduce the size of population that be sustained over the coming years. Treating the environment as the enemy will only undermine your ability to survive here. If you like to drink water, take showers, wash dishes and flush toilets, you better start paying some attention to Mother Earth. "

ConnieG to JB wrote on Oct 27, 2007 6:42 AM:

" JB, I do wear protective clothing. I collect one big bag of trash per hike and use my own dumpster for this. I've had park rangers at Coronado thank me for my time and that's all the motivation I need to keep this up. It's an endless job, as for every bag I take out, ten more come from across the border. I've seen wildlife go after the food. Black bears are attracted to the food the illgals leave behind and we wonder why more bears are seen in the foothills. It's an environmental issue. "

Fred wrote on Oct 26, 2007 8:19 PM:

" Its unfortunate that so much damage has been done to the environment by illegal immigrants. It will not change until the Democrats and Republicans begin to make a real effort to stop illegal immigration. The trash left behind indicates what kind of illegal immigrants are living among us. "

Bob T wrote on Oct 26, 2007 6:54 PM:

" Now if America was to pass a law and get rid of the job magnet maybe there wouldn't be all that trash! It's really a no-brainer! "

miki wrote on Oct 26, 2007 4:25 PM:

" A picture is worth many words. I have encountered many piles of trash like this in remote areas around SV. Unfortunately photos do not convey the stench of human waste, the flies and other rodents. You gotta feel for that rancher, Mr. Barnett, who has to deal with this every day and on top of it all, be set up and harrased by that priest in the Douglas area. "

www.desertvisions.us wrote on Oct 26, 2007 4:23 PM:

" We have photographed and documented the destruction for over 6 years. I guess the politicians and the guy in the White House choose to allow the citizens in the rural border communities to be over run and trashed by the illegal alien slave labor pool. All illegal and their drug cargo are headed to every town U.S.A. George W. Bush has no problem with unsecured borders.$$$$$$$ For all businesses hiring illegal aliens and billions for the drug trade...Larry Dever must do the right thing and have the illegals pick up their trash before deporting by Border Patrol. "

Outraged Patriot wrote on Oct 26, 2007 3:45 PM:

" Why don't we bring back the chain gangs? Before we deport them, make them pick up their mess. Seems only fair if they are made to haul it back to meh-hee-co. "

Barbara wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:50 AM:

" you state: "Vicente Fox traveled around this country a couple of weeks ago saying the illegals only learned to drink after they got here." EXCUSE ME!! I've been to Mexico...they drink quite a bit down there too...They didn't learn it here!! "

Barbara wrote on Oct 26, 2007 10:48 AM:

" OUR government people, city, State and especially Federal needs to WAKE up and start doing something to STOP this invasion. They sit on their dead rear ends and are giving our county to the illegals while the illegals AND our politicians walk all over the Citizens of this country. it is OUTRAGEOUS!! I'm sick of paying taxes so the illegals can use all our resources for free!! It is NOT about racisim...it is about being ILLEGAL!!!! What part of ILLEGAL don't they understand!!??? "

vanovert wrote on Oct 26, 2007 6:43 AM:

" I suggest - Sheriff Joe use the illegal aliens he captures too clean up the desaster they have caused. What's is wrong with Arizona law makers? Why doesn't Arizona government address this outrage and pass laws to use illegal aliens to correct this. Where are all the supposedly environmental organizations? Why are they not screeming about this. I'm through with the Sierra people until they step up and create some noise on this matter. "

jackbenimble wrote on Oct 26, 2007 5:40 AM:

" Environmentalism has nothing to do with saving the environment and everything to do with advancing the cause of liberal politics. Why am I not surprised that environmentalists are turning a blind-eye to the gross damage at the border? Why am I not surprised that feminists wanted Bill Clinton to benefit from a one free grope rule? If you want to talk to somebody who cares about the environment find somebody who describes themselves as a conservationist rather than an environmentalist. Note that conservationist and conservative share a common root word. "

Bobby wrote on Oct 26, 2007 12:05 AM:

" The "environmental imposter" organization, known as the Sierra Club is worthless, due to their non-support of border control. I cannot see how an organization can support unlimited illega immigration and the environment at the same time. It is an agenda driven organization that has little to do with the environment, where it counts. Do not buy, any of their trinkets, calendars or anything else from this bogus, taken over by open borders hacks organization. Let The Environmental Imposter Organization known as the Sierra Club pay for their own bills. Phonies. "

Jack wrote on Oct 25, 2007 9:24 PM:

" I don't know why this is any surprise to anyone. This has been going on for years and the so-called government has done nothing about it nor have they any desire of doing anything about it. With all the communist pigs in government now and they all want the borders to be open, what do you expect! Talking about fixing it is nothing more than rhetoric and lip service. Its never going to happen. "

kicemout wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:34 PM:

" Twirp...The reason Grijalva is in office is because his district is overwhemingly Mexican. Gifford is another matter. Can't understand why she was voted in since she supports the illegal invaders. Hopefully, she'll be voted out next time. "

On Vacation wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:23 PM:

" Vega must be on vacation, being this hasn't been udated since this AM. "

Geneva wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:06 PM:

" With all this trash on the Desert floor why do they just send the illegals back? Why not fine them to some trash pickup ? They are no better than the county prisoners who do trash duty, after all they are the ones that deposited it anyway.When we see this abuse of our country, then have to listen to them call us racist, I get sick. There is nothing about race when it comes to our beautiful countryside.We have pride, and they should respect it. "

wes wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:40 PM:

" These "Invaders" Disrespect: Our Laws --- Our Culture --- Our Language Our Traditions --- Our Flag & US ! Why not Our Countryside and Parks ? So it will look like HOME to them ! America ... Love it or Leave it Mexico .... Leave it to Love it Where can I sign-up --- to round them-up and escort them back to their beloved Land I have had enough ... it's time to ACT ! "

J.D. wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:38 PM:

" THE REASON that open-border politicians in AZ and other states are elected is because MUCH OF THE AREA IS ALREADY MEXICO. So many Mexicans have moved into the area that the voting bloc is no longer what one would consider "American." It's the same reason why the Border Patrol agents Ramos & Compean were convicted by a jury. The entire jury was made up of people who hate the Border Patrol! Most Americans have no idea how much of the U.S. is already lost. "

June wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:33 PM:

" One more reason among the many to CLOSE THE BORDER.If we have anyone with a backbone in the White House we would bill Mexico. However, in the fantasy world they live in, they would deny that illegals did this. Vicente Fox traveled around this country a couple of weeks ago saying the illegals only learned to drink after they got here. Well, that was ONE thing they learned real fast.Guess they were Mr. Clean before they got here too. "

levotb wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:23 PM:

" And BLM is just NOW stating what we've known for over 20 years of Invasion? Unbelievable. I believe that the good BLM folks should be made, as a community service for their incredible ignorance of the issue, to do 8 hours per week each filling up refuse bags of illegal alien filth and garbage left behind by the Invaders. "

Paul wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:20 PM:

" Environmentalist types, please plug the link below into your browser. The thing is, sights like these are very common throughout the "shiggy" (desert brush). I like to run trails and come across sights like these (but not to the extent as shown in link provided) too often. I'm not here to bash environmentalists, I love nature & wildlife as well, but you can't argue the fact that the trash migrants leave behind is a MAJOR evironmental catastophre and can't be compared to whatever damage you may see in the emplacement of a border fence. http://www.minutemanhq.com/hq/borderops_27.php "

Marci wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:12 PM:

" It really chaps my hide when I read articles about how building a fence would harm the environment. All the garbage left by the illegal intruders is a million times worse for the environment than a fence would be. "

JP wrote on Oct 25, 2007 5:51 PM:

" Wake up environmentalists. These guys are your REAL problem. "

acreranch wrote on Oct 25, 2007 5:22 PM:

" The fence needs to go up, they can modify it to accomodate environmental needs. I agree with Iris...its their behavior, not a racist issue. I think it must be acceptable to dump garbage wherever in Mexico, there are loads of trash/furniture/used oil etc in the canyons of CA that never was there prior to the swell of illegals in the last few years. Go to Disneyland on the week the school kids from Tijuana visit, bus after bus. There is so much trash/gum in lines,on rides. They think nothing of it, no respect for others property. "

Cindy wrote on Oct 25, 2007 4:54 PM:

" Imagine dragging a bay through this type of terrain. These people are weird to say the least and always put their children in peril when they break the law to come here. I have no pity for those who do not respect my country and those who are trying to Mexicanize this once powerful country. This is so ridiculous. The states need to seperate from the union until this insanity is taken care of and this country is back in the hands of people who are proud of it and glad to be here,. "

AzLuna wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:49 PM:

" WE don't need to help clean up this mess, the POLITICIANS need to come down here and clean it up! THEN, just MAYBE, they would reconsider giving these illegal trespassers amnesty! I'm tired of cleaning up after other people! Especially people that are here illegally and show absolutely NO respect! More of these impact stories should be published on a regular basis. This is an ongong problem that needs to be addressed and taken care of NOW! "

Calling All TREE-HUGGERS wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:49 PM:

" For all of so-called "concerned for the environment," who don't want the fence, get your blooming fannies down there and CLEAN UP THE MESSES the illegals left. You can take those who are friends of illegals with you! You're either part of the solution or part of the problem. Quit your bellyachin! "

Me wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:48 PM:

" The good old days of walkng in the desert without worry are gone, so is the clean enviroment I grew up in. But god forbid we offend a nation that does nothing but thumb there nose at us. "

Jim W. wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:25 PM:

" To gardencanyonwash - undisputed is the fact the fence at the San Pedro will be less environmentally damaging than the trash left by illegals. To Connie G - great effort on picking up the trash, but even you and the Boy Scouts will not put a dent in it. Fences along the border need to be built and Mexico and South American countries need to take care of their own so they don't have to come here to earn a living. Fences will also help keep out terrorist types along with increased BP presence. "

Pauly wrote on Oct 25, 2007 3:21 PM:

" Put this in your environmental study and now lets start building the wall! "

William E. Garland wrote on Oct 25, 2007 2:14 PM:

" Most illegal aliens are not prosecutetd for violating 8 U.S.C. 1325(first illegal entry a federal misdemeanor and subsequent ones afederal felony). They are the source of the trash, so let's make them clean it up. Prosecute those apprehended, especially in the trashed areas, offering them plea bargains of suspended jail time or fines if they do the clean up. "

Hey wrote on Oct 25, 2007 1:28 PM:

" LETS ALL TAKE THE TRASH ACROSS THE BOARDER. IF NOT AT LEAST WHERE THEY ALL CROSS ILLEGALLY AND THEY HAVE TO STOMP ON ALL THERE OWN GRAP ON THE OTHER SIDE. LETS DUMP IT ALL BACK. "

KEEPING TRASH OUT wrote on Oct 25, 2007 1:24 PM:

" When is the fence going up? We need to try to keep out as much trash as possible. And to do this is like telling the illegals to talk english in America not hablo espanol or how ever you spell this back wards language. You come to America you speak english only. Also we dont want our country trashed like the other illegal country imagrints. I feel for these illegals but we do have enough of our problem in America. We need help here with the poor. We are put second. "

Dave-co wrote on Oct 25, 2007 12:40 PM:

" It figures, thats why mexico is one giant garbage bin they think nothing about throwing there trash everywere. Why would you expect them to be any differant when they cross into the USA. And another thing I dont get is the enviro nuts cry like mad about legal motorcycle off road ereas but you hardly ever heir about this kind of thing out of them "

JB wrote on Oct 25, 2007 12:36 PM:

" Connie, I hope you are wearing good strong gloves when you go picking up after other people. I commend you for doing your part but there are many things that can be contracted from this trash. Please be careful. I, for one, have no intention of cleaning up after ILLEGAL TRASH. The feds or our esteemed governor should see to that. If this had been done as it should have we would not have this problem today. "

SV Resident wrote on Oct 25, 2007 12:36 PM:

" When I was little and growing up, the river was a clean place to go spend a sunny saturday. This is what they (ILLEGAL ALIENS) have done to it. I can live with a really tall fence to see it that way again. "

NativeAmerican wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:42 AM:

" As people migrate, they defecate and leave unneeded items behind. No serious minded or informed individual would argue that illegal immigration should continue unabated. As they say, just ask the Native American, they know firsthand what happens when immigration is not controlled. "

have illegal aliens pick-up their trash wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:40 AM:

" It is not our job as residents of the rural border areas to pick up after the invaders. Not one penny of our tax money should be spent. When I pick-up illegal alien trash I hang it on a fence for everyone to view. Larry Dever needs to tent the illegals and give them a few days of trash clean up before they are deported by Border Patrol. President Bush needs a few weeks of trash duty before he leaves office. "

Think About It wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:27 AM:

" Get this article and the report to the lawyers for the wall!!! "

To garden canyon... wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:13 AM:

" It has gone way beyond the concern of the environment and human safety is paramount. I can never in good conscience place the life or an animal over human life. There are not just nice people crossing and the damage inflicted on the San Pedro Riparian area is nothing compared to the damage being done to our society and infrastructure due to rampant illegal immigration. "

To garden canyon... wrote on Oct 25, 2007 8:08 AM:

" I appreciate your efforts and your thoughts, but the truth is there is MORE damage by illegals than by a fence, the fence also stems illegal traffic. This is not just an environmental issue, it is a safety issue for citizens. I applaud your efforts to try, but even as you suggested before, if you leave a 1/2 mile open section for the BP to patrol, animals won't go through because of the activity of humans there. If animals could sneak through unnoticed, so could illegals. "

NO to NAU wrote on Oct 25, 2007 7:54 AM:

" Why would the trails be any different than the neighborhoods the end up in? "

Wow... wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:21 AM:

" and all these activists turn a blind eye to this and DON'T want the wall? How can you not see that this does MORE damage than a wall ever will. It is such a shame that our land is being destroyed and we as a country are so disrespected and that we have to put up with this from countries that claim to be our friends. We, as a country, have become very weak in standing up for our land, our laws and our people. "

Finally wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:12 AM:

" A story that tells it like it is. Jonathon Shacat must have got the message, to show both sides, after his article of yesterday. "

twirp wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:07 AM:

" the AZ Voters that put people like Grijalva and Gifford in office should be wondering "what were we thinking when we voted for them" they are the reason this has not been stopped. They claim they are so concerned about environment but support illegals coming across and doing this. According to them this does not happen. How can you believe anything they say about AZ. They do not care about AZ. Remember that when you go to the polls. Know who you vote for. do not put in a politicians for illegals. "

ConnieG wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:07 AM:

" I hike the trails along the border most weekend with my dogs and out of habit always take a garbage bag with me. It's my motto to always take out more than I take in, and in my case it's always WAY more that I take out. If everyone did the same we could keep our borderlands prettier, but alas, most of us don't bother with trash as that is always someone else's problem. The trash along the border is overwhelming and should not be left for the Scouts to remove. We all need to help! "

Iris Lynch wrote on Oct 25, 2007 6:01 AM:

" This sad state of affairs has been going on for decades and now, at last, the sainted illegals are being noted for their BEHAVIOR? Their BEHAVIOR has always been the problem, not the color of their skin. Unless, you are all for their behavior, in which case the color of their skin is the excuse for excusing their behavior. How are a civilized people to live with this??? "

gardencanyonwash.com wrote on Oct 25, 2007 5:48 AM:

" The damage to the environment by illegals is undisputed. The legal authority of the Director of Homeland Security to build the fence is undisputed. However, the goal should not be to trade one type of damage for another. It may be possible to make modifications to the fence at the San Pedro that might mitigate environmental damage. We are in contact with Rep. Gifford's office to see if the DHS, BLM, environmentalists and the Border Patrol cannot collectively come up with a plan to at least alleviate some of the negative impact of the fence. Any ideas? "

Sierravistan wrote on Oct 25, 2007 5:33 AM:

" ...and these are our futer "good, law-abiding citizens"...and I have several bridges in the Bay area I can let you have for a song!!!!!!!!!!!! "