This past Friday I had the great fortune of joining a group put together by County Commissioner Veronica Escobar's office: the Eco-Tourism Committee. Its agenda opened with the message, "El Paso: The Gateway to Sustainable, Responsible, Multifaceted, Cultural Nature-Tourism." The agenda was comprehensive and each of the topics should be blogged about. I'd like to begin with what I think is the most ambitious item: Rick LoBello's quest to create one big International Peace Park out of Big Bend National Park and adjacent, protected lands in the state of Coahuila, Mexico. As long as I have known Rick, the creation of the Peace Park is his passion. (He has others as evidenced by his energy in compiling web sites such as ILoveParks.com and the one for the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition. Rick is the Education Curator at El Paso Zoo. He blogs frequently.
The saga to create such a park has a long history and there is renewed hope that President Obama's recent talks with President Calderon included the park.
One might wonder how such a park could benefit El Paso. Big Bend is a good half day's drive from El Paso. Nevertheless, the park is this side of Pecos River and the closest international airport to it is in El Paso, Texas. Big Bend already showcases the diverse beauty and wildlife of the Chihuahuan Desert. A peace park would attract even more visitors to our region just as similar parks around the world do. In 2005, Brewster County, Texas (which encompasses Big Bend National Park) benefited from tourist trade to the tune of $17 million. Imagine the trade that El Paso County could generate from international tourists flying into El Paso, taking advantage of the numerous nature tourism sites and activities in the County and region prior to visiting Big Bend or the U.S./Mexico Peace Park. Combine that visit with a tour of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and perhaps the Sacramentos or Gilas, and El Paso and its sister cities could richly benefit. (A similar "grand circle tour" includes the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce National Parks in Arizona and Utah.)
LoBello also suggested an El Paso Great Southwest Tour: 7 Days, 7 Natural Wonders: the Franklin Mountains, White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, the Guadalupes, Big Bend, Big Bend Ranch Park and a Davis Mountain loop that would include McDonald Observatory.
The eco-tourism committee enthusiastically and unanimously agreed to sponsoring a resolution in support of an International Park Commission - a resolution to go to local governments for adoption. Such a resolution was abandoned by Rotary International. However, that was Rotary. This is LoBello.
Thanks Jim. All efforts to keep this dream alive are appreciated by myself and everyone who has ever fallen in love with the Big Bend country. One point I would like to make in regards to your summary concerns Rotary International. While it is true that RI does not have this dream as a top priority, I know that there are many Rotarians who still care. I plan to speak to the downtown club later this year and am sure that support for the project will once again be realized as members become aware of new energy behind the proposal. Please keep this effot on your radar screen.
ReplyDeleteLots of good ideas! My two cents: I recommend that flying be discouraged for eco-tourism as it is the most carbon-intensive form or mass travel. Instead, we should encourage tourists to take Amtrak, Greyhound, or car or vanpool as these are less carbon-intensive than flying. Additionally, we should put pressure on Amtrak to get the Sunset Limited route re-established between Texas and Florida.
ReplyDeleteAs a Brewster County resident, I strongly support the idea of an international park, and think it sends an inspiring message to the world. We might be two countries, but in the Big Bend, we're one people and one river. Best of luck!
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