USFWS Grant for Border Damage Restoration at Buenos Aires NWR

The purpose of this project is to restore habitat and repair damage to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, caused by its proximity to the U.S./Mexico international border and illegal immigration. Impacts include tremendous litter and debris, a network of footpaths and denuded ground, illegal roads, impacted riparian areas, damaged and cut fences. Southwest Conservation Corps will provide litter clean-up, fence repair, and fence and post removal.

Southwest Conservation Corps is a non-profit organization that completes conservation work on public lands. The corps provides an 8-person crew, age 16-25, with 2 leaders and 6 members; crew vehicle, camp equipment, tools, and daily supervision. SCC will supply 10 work days (80 hours x 8 workers) in the January-March period of 2010.
Benefits to SCC: The effort provides jobs for young adults while investing resources back into the local area. Young people gain skills and experience to guide them into careers with natural resource agencies. Many Corps workers are urban youth with limited exposure to natural areas. The crew will learn about native wildlife, habitat, and their conservation. SCC work experience fosters appreciation for natural resources and our nation’s wildlife legacy.
Benefits to the refuge: Landscape restoration and fence repair. The Corps is matching 20% of the funds with a $3,042 contribution.