Sweaty Palms.
By now even the slightest breeze shakes them.
(“Who knows what’s rustling around in the brush?” they whisper among themselves nervously.)
Panic in the jungle.
(Image: Lynn McBride/ Nature Conservancy/NPR.org)
To arms! To arms!
(Uh, maybe that’s: To fronds? To fronds!)
They are firmly planted, but unsure about their future.
Soon Max Pons, their guardian, will be forced to leave them after 18 years. Their caretaker for 10.
Authorities are even moving his house to make sure he goes.
Researchers won’t wander among what is boasted to be one of the world’s ecologically diverse tracts. Those lodgings will be locked and abandoned.
Although, no doubt, Coyotes will lead their packs to shelter there. (No, not the benign animal kind.)
They will be left alone.
In a no man’s land.
Some gated community this.
Who knows what is lurking in the dense jungle foliage?
(Image: http://www.nature.org:ourinitiatives/ Nature Conservancy)
It appears they ended up on the wrong side of the tracks: the insult!
No fault of their own!
They have stood for what they stand for:
Only one of two large (over 100 acres) protected native Mexican Sabal Palm groves remaining in the U.S.
Uniqueness is always in demand.
Even spikes don’t deter AZ. cactus thieves.(Image: Brian Gratwicke. WIKI commons)
And a temptation for the desperate and lawless.
Those unprotected rainforests haven’t fared so well.
They pointedly wave attention to a prickly threat to Saguaro cacti and Barrel cacti in Arizona.
(None of them want to get jerked out of their home and plopped into odd suburban landscapes.)
Their safety should have been secured.
The land bought in 1999 by The Nature Conservancy is a ”unique pristine area made up of really interesting geological formations” according to Pons.
He supervised the native plant nursery. Sharing the message with others who came.
The preserve demonstrated sustainable farming combining crops and endangered native plants.
A happy little enclave, now abandoned.
Soft beautiful coat. Endangered Ocelots prefer to keep them
(Image: Tony Hisgett/WIKI Commons)
Who’s helped by the border fence?
Why is it built so far inside the US border?
Scott Nicols of the No Border Wall organization protested. Their organization opposed building closer to river because it would separate wildlife from their migration routes and habitats. (OK. Even wolves have a right to roam…although there are those who question the javelinas.)
The official international group that regulates flooding potential along the Rio Grande Valley voiced concerns that the fence would collect debris and increase flooding in the flat Rio Grande floodplain
A mandate was given that whatever was built must be something that could be dragged out of the floodplain within 72 hours of notice.
Everyone, including Nichols, thought that would stop the fence.
But no.
An endangered Jaguarundi is concerned.
(USFW/WIKI Commons,public domain,2007)
After 5 years of battle, the walls are not torn down, but closing.
A recent settlement will pay the Nature Conservancy compensation only for land the fence is actually on: 8.31 acres.
It pays for a stripe of land crossing the northern edge of the property.
Fragmenting the 1,034 acres of the preserve.
Closing off 800 acres south of fence. (3/4 of the preserve)
Endangering fragile habitat for Texas’ at risk wildcats: the ocelot and jaguarundi.
No longer available for honest responsible people: hikers, researchers, school groups, bird watchers searching the preserve’s jungle, people wanting to learn sustainable farming suitable for the region, or those wanting to learn about using native plants in landscaping.
Law abiding citizens and visitors who probably won’t dare tunnel under or use a ladder to scale the 18 foot fence.
Closed even to those who own the land and seek to protect it.
Visitors flock to the Southmost Preserve for many reasons.
(Image: Nature Conservancy / http://www.nature.org)
Basically giving up the land.
The fence is a mile and a half inside the U.S. border.
Border Fence (Image: http://www.mysanantonio.com/Nature Conservancy)
But the fence keeps us safer!
Says Homeland Security! That’s who!
Just an illusion like at airports?
Trust us. Don’t worry!
Green Jay worries who will tend his citrus trees.
(Image: Mike Carlo/USFW. WIKI Commons)
My palms are a little sweaty.
Other plants are nervous, too.
If they so quickly gave away that parcel, what’s next?
“Wait! You’re leaving us?” asks a Plain Chachalaca.
(Image:Brian Gatwicke/WIKI Commons, 2010)
Simply a question heritage landowners along the border are asking,
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
The Mexican wolf is clever. He can find a way over the 18 foot fence…maybe that tunnel over there?. (Image. CmOrrisOn :WIKI commons)
Read more:
“Feds pay preserve $1 million for border fence”. Houston Chronicle. (Aug. 8, 2012)
“Texans on wrong side of border fence grow anxious” Daily Herald (Feb. 2012)
Watch VIDEO. “Threatened Treasure” of Texas Lennox Foundation Southmost Preserve. See the US land with rare old growth palm stand and facilities that have been fenced off and are at risk.
Article: More about the preserve often called the “Jewel of the Rio Grande Valley”
NPR “Nature Conservancy Fights Planned Border Fence”. Good background information in article. Listen to program.
“What are the Mexican duck hunting laws?” asks a Black-Bellied Whistling Duck.
(Image: Alan D. Wilson/www.naturepicsonline.com/WIKI Commons)
The Wildlife images are wonderful.
Another great Post.
Doug
These photos were great finds. I’m always grateful when photographers release such excellent work to be used as long as they are recognized. Illustrations really add to the story. Glad you hiked over.
So well written. The border fence is such a misguided idea and won’t do what proponents really want. But it will cause a lot of problems for wildlife.
Seems like any human wishing to cross could just go through the wildlife “gates”. (I mean thieves are going through doggy doors to break into houses here. So this isn’t much deterrent.) So all that’s been accomplished by this fence is to deny access of a property owner to their land. Odd solution.
Thanks for climbing over to chat!
Sometimes I Wonder what has become of us. We are the richest nation on earth, and in some ways as backward as some third world nations. Is THIS what it means by ‘In God We Trust?’
Rio Grande palms aren’t the only thing that’s shaken. Thanks for howling, Rumpy.
That border fence is a joke. It will be overpriced, ineffective and cause more problems than it solves. What I don’t understand is why they’re even going on with it. Afer all, there’s effectively no immigration policy now anyway – is it possible the fence really is to keep American citizens who are fed up from rushing across the border into Mexico? Just sayin’….
There are quite a few retirement communities in MX. But the violence and drug cartel battles are slowing that growth. Wouldn’t it be great if Mexico could stabilize so there would be jobs, education, healthcare, and peaceful living there for Mexican citizens? Maybe the river would go back to being border enough? Thanks for wandering over
You have genuine cause for concern – of course it is for your own good – or that’s what the government wants one to believe. Virginia
Been trying to tell those critters there’s nothing to worry about…and so all those landowners along the border who are having their family’s land taken away from them – no worries! Good times are coming! If it’s said loudly enough and frequently enough…..
Thanks for wandering along
The border fence is ridiculous, and the politicians who have touted it and brought it into being KNOW that. But it’s so politically attractive (to some), and so profitable (to some). So much simpler than thinking, and so much more destructive. You’ve made the picture even more vivid (in all its absurdity).
The border is a river – and it moves and periodically floods….and animals walk around….and if you block one route desperate people (and human traffickers) will just find another one. Might be better if life was more pleasant in Mexico and people could happily live there. The part of MX just across from the preserve is called “a war zone” and “virtually ungovernable” by the Mexican government. It is a travel advisory area for US citizens.
That fence is like closing the closet door and telling the kid that the monster can’t get out – now go to sleep.
Thanks for sauntering by to chat.
This makes me angry. And sad.
It’s a bad deal all the way around. Thanks for swooping over to chat
Living in a border state myself, I here arguments for and against the fence. I don’t see how the fence could possibly work. They keep finding underground drug-running tunnels. Do officials really think people involved in illegal activity are going to see a huge fence and say, “Darn. That fence is tall. Let’s just go home.”?
I feel sad for the threat to wildlife because of this fence, and I don’t understand why they would fence out most of the preserve. (My favorite animal is the Ocelot, so I’m disappointed to see them among the animals impacted.)
I’m with you – it’s a really complex situation. Heard the Nature Conservancy (that was forced into arbitration) is re-evaluating their involvement in the border area. If they pull out (and if the judge approves this settlement) that whole preserve could be lost – nothing will protect it. Not sure anyone on the south side of that fence will step up to patrol and protect what is US property and a fragile habitat.
The Rio Grande does flood and the river changes course periodically (there are treaties about that). And maybe this was just a shorter route?(less money?)
Doesn’t seem right – for so many reasons
Thanks for hiking along
That first picture looks so tropical, like something out of Thailand – or anywhere really in south east Asia. And what a diversity of wildlife – how lovely are they all.
I can’t imagine Gibraltar building a fence inside it’s own border – more likely to encroach on Spain. Haha! And people do get over it and through it – but that’s for the tobacco smuggling. And then, there is always the sea of course…..
Well, it just makes sense to put the fences just as close to the edge as possible – or even better: a smudge on the other person’s side! If people want to go someplace, they’ll find a way. (If only tobacco smuggling was the big thing here….human trafficking brings a much bigger profit – if drugs are too much problem)
I thought you might like that first picture. Can you imagine being an explorer trying to hack your way through that jungle? One reason it’s important to save the area – so much has cleared for farms and ranches.
Thanks for swinging through the jungle of words to look for the critters!
That fence is a dumb idea. Who’d of thought that it’d actually happen? Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Pretty rigid thinking. (Not that drones are any better – the druggies are already spotting those…pretty soon they’ll be shooting them down or hacking into them). Too bad Mexico can’t get its’ act together and create a country where people want to live and work.
Thanks for wandering over to chat
Thanks for the new information…Mexican wolf is gorgeous, by the way.
That is a great shot of the wolf – couldn’t leave him out. Hope he wanders safely! Thanks for driving over.
Thanks for smiling along!
That’s awful.
Definitely. Thanks for checking in
Beautiful wildlife.
It is a beautiful area – been pretty close to paradise for the animals. Thanks for wandering over to chat
Common sense has flown the coop! Now we have a population explosion of ‘chicken little’s'…
Quite a quagmire for sure. Thanks for splashing through
Sounds like Homeland Security buys into that saying “Good fences make good neighbors.” Too bad they didn’t ask the wildlife how they feel about it.
No one thought to ask the landowners either. Unhappiness all the way around. Thanks for climbing over
I’m a huge fan of the Nature Conservancy. Private citizens buying land to save and protect it may be the only real solution in many cases. It never occurred to me that the government could or would exercise eminent domain to invade those precious parcels of land and invalidate everything the Conservancy was trying to do (not to mention trashing a substantial private investment).
I first heard about this some years back and thought at the time it was worse than dumb. A border fence, by definition, is on the border and is the border. In the U.S., I think a misplaced fence, left unchallenged, eventually becomes the new legal property line. Looks to me like we just ceded a priceless chunk of land to Mexico.
(btw, that wolf is gorgeous!)
THe Nature Conservancy does good work. This is a crushing blow. They are re-evaluating whether to even stay involved with this tract – so it is really at risk.
Your last paragraph is on target. Thanks for building the conversation.
A post that quickly made me angry. I feel bad that I didn’t know this was happening, I’m sure very few people outside of Texas were even aware. Just like the politicians wanted it. What can be done now?
It sure seemed to suddenly get done. Not sure if the judge has signed off on the deal. Maybe check with the Nature Conservancy by email? Thanks for hiking over
Another great awareness raising post
There’s always the rationale of being seen to be doing something, anything even if it’s stupid, wrong & ultimately detrimental. After all, the decision makers will possibly be dead & gone when the time comes to answer for it, or there’s the old we did the best with what we knew at the time, and a new era of crazy decision making…
It all reminds me of stage props for a show….Thanks for hiking over
I’m sick & tired of people f—ing around with nature. They need to leave well enough the hell alone. Geez.
What a mess. Mexico is unhappy because of the flooding. The landowners are unhappy because they are losing their property. The animals are unhappy because they don’t understand the barrier so stressed, lost, hungry and at risk of illegal hunting. The immigration people are unhappy since determined people can dig, climb, or go around the barrier (or walk through the animal migration “gates”)
So who’s happy with it? (maybe people who don’t think? Politicians…some of those are the former, too)
If Mexico was stable, productive, and safe – maybe all this would be unnecessary?
Thanks for hiking over
Even better, if people weren’t so nonchalant about the environment and/or so racist (border fence), maybe all of this would be unnecessary.
I’ll hike back later.
This is certainly endangering an important habitat. The lady that sold it to the Nature Conservancy had been trying to restore the prairie, undo the farm fields and stuff – she thought the land would be safe with them. Frustrating
Most of the actual residents along the border have family on both sides – TX had a pretty comfortable friendship until the drug cartels started overpowering the MX government. It’s too dangerous to venture into that particular region (across from the preserve) at this time – one of the most violent regions.
I have friends (citizens:their families fought with Sam Houston at San Jacinto) who would like to see relatives in Mexico, but it’s too dangerous for the cousins to drive up across up to the border to come in – and it’s too dangerous for them to cross and drive down to visit. They all say “don’t come- don’t come” It’s very sad.
Stop the human trafficking to the states, the drug battles over turf in MX, and all the innocent people being murdered there – and then maybe the hysteria here would calm down here.
The fence is all for political coin and for show. It solves nothing.
Oh, well. Maybe that baby white buffalo has appeared at the right time!
Agreed.
Thank you for opening my eyes. I never knew about this and the way it impacts animals. I agree it’s not doing much to keep illegals out. I wish I knew the solutions, clearly this is not working. My dad lives in Texas (central); I’ll have to get his views. I like the way you present your blog from the animals’ perspectives. Beautiful photos too!!
It’s a very complex situation. The border states’ hospitals are collapsing under the load. Many people don’t realize Mexico also is dealing with an influx of illegal immigrants across their southern border, too. (So the “undocumented” are not just Mexicans).
Many Mexican immigrants actually are here just for the money and would like to return home if it were safe and there were jobs. When families do return to MX, children born in the US face often discrimination and have trouble enrolling in schools there.
It bothers me our government spends so much time and effort helping other countries overseas when maybe we should be working with our close neighbor. (and I do not mean take over Mexico).
It’s complicated, but something is going to have to change.
Thanks for hanging over the fence to chat. (and I do appreciate all those talented photographers who offer their works for use!)