Tree sitting to protect last remaining Cottonwood tree, Photo Erick Meza
In southern Arizona on the border between Mexico and the U.S. sits the Town of Lochiel, a town that has historically been a binational community with a shared cultural and environmental landscape and once a port of entry. Today that town is on the verge of being erased by actions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
For about one month now, contractors for DHS, Fisher Sand and Gravel, have heavily focused on clearing the ground for their destructive primary and secondary border wall project. They are doing this without having to comply with any cultural or environmental laws as they were all waived under provisions contained in the Real ID Act.
Rushing through the town with their heavy machinery right now, the contractor is destroying the cultural remains of ancient civilizations and trees that are potentially as old as this nation.
During the month of June, Sierra Club asked the Department of Homeland Security to protect the ancient cottonwood trees in this area. They gave us a negative response but made a commitment to at least wait until migratory birds nests were no longer active.
We documented active nesting the day that the contractors -- without any environmental monitor present -- used an excavator to take down 3 out of the 4 ancient cottonwoods in the area. A protester that demanded protection of the tree while active nesting occurred was arrested.
The outrage of the community grew out of the lack of care and destruction perpetuated by contractors and the Department of Homeland Security and since July 29th to date, there has been a constant tree sit conducted by concerned individuals and community members who are tired of the destruction of the borderlands. Their intention is to permanently protect the last remaining Cottonwood known now as “The grandmother” and stop border wall construction in that area.
We want to help save the last cottonwood tree and limit a destructive secondary wall for which there is no need. The actions they are currently taking will leave a forever scar in the landscape and the binational culture of this town. We can and must do better.
Please join us in demanding that DHS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and elected officials help save the ancient cottonwood and end the construction of this and other areas with a secondary wall.
Sign the petition in support of the community, the tree, and more responsible border actions. We will deliver it to DHS and CBP and copy elected officials.
