Wetlands

by Robert Bales

Title

Wetlands

Artist

Robert Bales

Medium

Photograph - Photo

Description

The Yuma Wetlands has a 3 mile hiking path and is adjacent to the Territorial Prison. Pick up a brochure at the prison (they were out of them at the trailhead) to see the trail map. You'll get a look at how the wetlands are being restored. The number of planted trees (with cages around trunks) and the sheer volume of irrigation piping is amazing. The "trail" is a mostly dirt road with occasional gravel sections around the area. There is a small amout of shade at the beginning/end of the loop, but non-existent for most of the trail, so make sure you have sun protection and water. Not totally wheelchair accessible - two small downed trees across the path and two areas with grades steeper than comfortable to push a wheelchair. Birds of prey were impressive at the far end of the trail, flying directly overhead about 8 feet up. Burros or mule deer may not be visible, but listen for occasional snorts or a few hoof steps. Lots of prints on the trail - bike tires, hooves (with and without shoes), paw prints (dog), people, but on a Sunday morning, I only saw one boat on the river and no other hikers/walkers.
Yuma and the Quechan Tribe collaborated to analyze the potential of restoring the local wetlands along the Colorado River by removing non-native plant species, trash dumps, and make-shift hobo camps. Wildlife and wetlands delineations were conducted prior to clearing. Yuma East Wetlands (YEW) is developing into an integrated mosaic of land cover types, including cottonwood-willow, honey mesquite, and marsh. The partnership has matured and is being completed on lands owned by the Quechan Tribe, City of Yuma, and Arizona Game and Fish Commission lands.
Approximately 350 acres have been restored to create a mosaic of marsh, mesquite, and cottonwood-willow. Working with the partners, the LCR MSCP has agreed to fund 70% of the operations and maintenance of restored areas. The remaining 30% is funded equally by the Quechan Tribe, City of Yuma, and Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. This agreement has been drafted and is currently being reviewed by all parties. Once signed, the project would managed as a Conservation Area maintained throughout the life of the program. The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area will remain as the lead agency coordinating the terms of the land use agreement and no change in ownership or water usage of any parties is anticipated

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December 28th, 2015

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