Federal agencies halt permits for Arizona desert water stations

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 02:32 · Archive

Federal agencies have declined to renew permits for a dozen water stations in Arizona's desert after 25 years.

Federal agencies have declined to renew permits for a dozen lifesaving water stations in Arizona's desert, ending a 25-year partnership. The Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Department of Homeland Security ordered the removals, including the last station at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, north of Lukeville.

The agencies cited trash left behind and claimed the stations attract migrants. Humane Borders Executive Director Octavio Fuentes disputed this, saying the stations were always kept clean and operational. 'After 25 years of having water in the desert in an area where many people have died over the last three decades, the federal government decided to pull our permits,' he said. 'We have always been good stewards of the land. We never place water stations before we see deaths.'

At least 89 migrants have been found dead so far this year, most from heat and lack of water. Researcher Brad Jones, who maps desert deaths with Humane Borders, noted the toll: 'I didn't think 25 years later … we've seen at least 100 people on our map a year. It's such a harsh environment and for us to be thinking of now removing water.'

Fuentes said 70 per cent of water stations remain in other parts of the desert. The nonprofit is now seeking new local, county or private land partnerships to restore water access.

How it is being reported

• Permits for Arizona desert water stations halted amid migrant death surgeA Tucson-based nonprofit says federal agencies have declined to renew permits for a dozen lifesaving water stations in Arizona’s desert.KOLD · 22 Oct, 01:14
• Permits for Arizona desert water stations halted amid migrant death surgeA Tucson-based nonprofit says federal agencies have declined to renew permits for a dozen lifesaving water stations in Arizona’s desert.Azfamily · 22 Oct, 01:14

In this story: Humane Borders · Bureau of Land Management · National Park Service · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument · Octavio Fuentes · Arizona

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