| Yuma East and West Wetlands Project Courtesy of the Yuma Crossing Heritage Area Task Force The Yuma East and West Wetlands projects encompass approximately 1,500 acres with the primary goal of developing and improving recreational areas along the waterfront, as well as reclaiming the area for native vegetation, fish, and wildlife.
The 1400–acre Yuma East Wetlands Project is located between the confluence of the Gila and Colorado rivers and the Ocean–to–Ocean Bridge. Non–native vegetation will be removed to make way for revegetation of native cottonwood and willow trees, pedestrian pathways will be developed, and emphasis will be placed on increasing environmental awareness of both adjacent rivers.
Construction for the East Wetlands Project is scheduled to begin this year. Public uses for the area will include fishing, beaches, walking and hiking trails, and wildlife observation.
The Yuma West Wetlands is a 100–acre natural preserve. It is characterized by a lower, terrace/riparian zone immediately adjacent to the Colorado River and an upper, heavily–impacted terrace. On–going projects on the preserve include the creation of equestrian areas, walking paths, lakes, bird sanctuaries, hummingbird and butterfly gardens, tree farms, and revegetation.
To date, the Yuma West Wetlands Project has received over $2 million in local, state, and federal grant funds. Its development is slated for completion later this year.
California Biodiversity News: Volume 9, Number 1 |