Tecate, Baja California, December 9, 2004.

SOUTHWEST CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND POLICY (SCERP)

This letter is written in support of the proposal submitted by Dr. Victor Miguel Ponce for the 2005-06 SCERP budget cycle. The proposal is entitled: "Baseline studies for the restoration of Cañada Joe Bill, Tecate, Baja California, Mexico."

The studies that Dr. Ponce is proposing will establish the scientific basis for the restoration of Joe Bill Canyon, which has been unfortunately subjected in the past ten (10) years to negative impacts related to the unregulated and uncontrolled extraction of sand and gravel.

Dr. Ponce's proposal includes a significant component of faculty and students of this university, which directly benefits our university community and the city of Tecate at large. The extensive experience of Dr. Ponce and his research team in our state of Baja California should positively impact the proposed study.

Sincerely yours,

(signed)

M.C. Alejandro Rojas Magana
Director, UABC, Unidad Tecate

(signed)

Ing. Jose Rodriguez Rogero
Associate Director, UABC, Unidad Tecate