Lower Gila River | Arizona Wildlife Conservation Strategy

The Lower Gila River COA comprises lands within the Gila River floodplain from the confluence of the Gila and Colorado rivers upstream to San Cristobal Wash. Large swathes of the river’s floodplain have been converted from native marsh and riparian habitat into important agricultural production areas and the remaining undeveloped corridor contains extensive areas of non-native salt cedar. This COA provides a travel corridor for wildlife, habitat for upland and riparian species, and migration stopover sites and breeding habitat for migratory birds, among them threatened and endangered species such as the southwestern willow flycatcher, western Yellow-billed cuckoo, and Ridgway’s rail.

Conservation Goals

Remove salt cedar and restore with native vegetation to improve habitat quality and reduce fuel loads.
Restore natural marsh, riparian, and mesquite bosque habitat within the Gila River floodplain for SGCN and other wildlife.

Map

Primary Threats

1. Agriculture

1.1: Annual and perennial nontimber crops

3. Climate Change and Severe Weather

3.2: Droughts

8. Invasive and Other Problematic Species

8.1: Invasive non-native species

9. Natural System Modifications

9.1: Fire and fire suppression

9.2: Dams and water management

Potential Conservation Actions

2. Land and Water Management

2.2: Invasive/problematic species control

Remove salt cedar from the stream channels and replace with native broadleaf riparian trees such as cottonwood and willows where applicable.

2.3: Habitat and natural process restoration

Reconnect washes and other areas to restore natural function of riparian ecosystem and floodplain.
Increase habitat connectivity by removing barriers and impediments to species movement.
Engage in partnerships with nearby agricultural and mining operations for potential water sources and mitigation conservation efforts.