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<br />nearly, eight billion dollars. Supermarket officials in the United States state that organic <br />produce is "one of their most profitable and fastest growing niches" (Fulmer 2000). <br />Organic farm products are, and will continue to be, in high demand in North America and <br />Europe. Given the proximity of the Alamar River Valley to San Diego's organic farm <br />product consumers, it is believed that organic farming in the Alamar River could be a <br />profitable enterprise. <br /> <br />The Campo Indian Reservation in the upper Tijuana River watershed has <br />implemented cost-effective techniques that allow for livestock grazing and riparian <br />vegetation protection. These techniques can be implemented throughout the entire <br />Tijuana River Watershed. They have proven to be successful in improving water quality, <br />increasing biodiversity, and increasing groundwater table elevations. One technique <br />utilized is fencing the riparian regions to prevent cattle from grazing on and destroying <br />riparian vegetation. Cattle can obtain water from the river through the use of tanks or <br />other sources located outside the fenced riparian areas. <br /> <br />Sand Mining. Sand mining in the Alamar River Corridor is an important industry <br />because it generates employment opportunities and is a valuable resource for construction <br />materials. By having local sand resources, the transportation costs of shipping sand into <br />the city are reduced, thereby cutting the costs of construction. However, removal of <br />significant amounts of sand greatly alters the configuration of the riverbed, destroys <br />riparian habitat, and tends to worsen flooding conditions and potential. Excavations can <br />cause deep pits in the riverbed and can lower the streambed in some places. When there <br />is a flood, sand mining accelerates erosion, causing damage to utility lines in the river, <br />river road crossings, and habitats downstream (County of San Diego 1983: 14). In <br />addition, the sand mining process results in an increase of microscopic solids or sand and <br />rock particles entering surface and groundwater resources. In the San Diego River, for <br />example, total dissolved solid levels in groundwater basins near sand mining sites have <br />double or tripled, making well water in certain regions unpotable (Huntley and Serratore <br />1999). All sand-mining endeavors should be permitted and documented in the Alamar <br />River region. Also, the remaining riparian habitat on or near sand mining sites should be <br />protected. Additionally, no new sand mining permits should be issued until reclamation <br />and restoration projects are initiated to stabilize the riverbed and stream banks. Erosion <br />control measures should be researched and implemented. <br /> <br />Parks and Recreation. Tijuana is one of the most park-poor cities in the world, with <br />only a small amount of park land and open space for its urban population. The river park <br />in the Alamar River Corridor would provide much needed recreation in a natural setting. <br />The park can include trails for biking, hiking, and equestrian uses; picnic areas; and open <br />space for local wildlife. River park areas can dramatically increase green space for <br />Tijuana and serve multiple uses. For example, soccer fields could provide needed <br />recreation area for the community and serve as flood detention basins during storm <br />events. The soccer field/detention basin could also allow for recharge of storm water into <br />the groundwater basin. <br /> <br />38 <br />