Before and after — roads and restorations

Aerial views shows how roads affect soil, cacti and other vegetation at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Some roads were intentionally designed for park access while others were carved out by off road activity.

photos courtesy of Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter

Borderlands and environmental activist, Dan Millis on how the border activity affects the landscape and vegetation. Video by: Criselda Caringal

Today park rangers and Border Patrol say they are working to reduce off road driving and restore accidental roads.

Now park signage informs visitors which trails are open to motor vehicles and which are restricted to hiking.

While other areas are completely shut down to any kind of traffic for restoration. Restoration replanting often using plants relocated during construction of the border fence.

lefthand photo courtesy of Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter