Mittry Lake Wildlife Area | Arizona Wildlife Conservation Strategy

The Mittry Lake Wildlife Area includes 2,400 acres of wetland habitats, which play a critical role in the network of aquatic habitat found through this area of the Lower Colorado River. This COA provides important aquatic and wetland habitats for migratory birds, especially during the winter months. Unique birds such as Ridgway rail, California black rail, and southwestern willow flycatcher also rely on these habitats. Salt cedar plays a major role in this ecosystem, degrading the natural habitats.

Conservation Goals

Native habitats are restored and invasive plants, such as salt cedar, are removed.
Restore and enhance natural function of wetland habitats to improve water quality for aquatic habitats.
Implement fire prevention methods to reduce potential for large wildfires.

Map

Primary Threats

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

10. Pollution

10.3: Agricultural and forestry effluents

Potential Conservation Actions

2. Land and Water Management

2.1: Site/area management

Maintain fire breaks and other land management measures to reduce the potential for catastrophic fires in native habitats.
Implement prescribed fires when possible to reduce fire loads.

2.2: Invasive/problematic species control

Remove invasive salt cedar and restore native plant species such as cottonwoods and willows.
Determine the distribution of banded watersnakes and develop a plan to reduce their numbers or eradicate them.

2.3: Habitat and natural process restoration