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Border Wall Claims
Ancient Cottonwoods
Administrative Policy Destroys Old Growth Giants
In our June 18th newsletter, Images to Help Understand What’s at Stake in Our Desert, we warned members about the impending destruction of ancient cottonwoods slated for removal to make way for border wall construction.
Despite urgent efforts and on‑site protests from environmental advocates—including Erick Meza of sc_borderlands, the Great Old Broads for Wilderness (Broadband), and many others—most of these living giants were cut down on Monday. (Click here to read Erick's powerful and insightful press release. Click here to review the press release form The Center for Biological Diversity)
What’s gone is irreplaceable: old‑growth cottonwoods that anchored desert riparian life for centuries, trees older than our borders, our towns, and living memory. Their removal is not just a policy decision—it is a wound carved into the land.
Environmental activist and Broadband leader Andrea Hoer captured the devastation in her message from the site:
“Final devastating update on Lochiel. There is only one tree standing. No biologists on site to ensure nesting birds weren't murdered. No archaeologists protecting the millennia of artifacts and living history. Just hate and callous disregard of all that is good and beautiful in the world. I will indulge in despair for tonight before getting my head and heart back in the game tomorrow.”
Even in grief, her words remind us that despair is not the end of the story. Our resolve, our community, and our commitment to this desert will shape what comes next. LDA will continue to keep members informed about ongoing efforts and actions you can take to protect our environment and Keep our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving.
Thank you to everyone who fought to save these giants.
Your determination guides what comes next.
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