The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management is doubling down on its efforts to restore the natural environment along the Lower Gila River. According to a recent announcement, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management is launching a series of projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk and ousting invasive plant species that threaten the local ecosystem. The area south of Avondale and Goodyear has become a battleground against non-native vegetation such as tamarisk and giant reed, which, if not controlled, can result in a monoculture and augment flooding risks.
The work is a continuation of the Lower Gila Initiative, a strategic plan that began back in 2020. The dense tamarisk in particular poses a significant wildfire threat—one that the Department of Forestry and Fire Management is eager to mitigate. In 2022, the Gillespie Bridge area was scarred by wildfires, prompting the department to focus on a 30-acre rehabilitation effort around the bridge. This project, according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management website, aims to stabilize and restore the site to its desert riparian state.
Another facet of the restoration takes place within the Robbins Butte Wildlife Area, a stretch overseen by Arizona Game and Fish. The "Cool Water" project, now entering its second year, is a collaborative effort slated to push on into 2026. It revolves around the removal of incursive tamarisk and reed populations in favor of native flora. Furthermore, the "Under The Bridge" project will see an additional 30 acres cleared of invasive tamarisk on the river's north side, directly east of SR-85, as reported by the Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
The initiative also includes maintenance of earlier rehabilitation work, with the Estrella III & Gladden II projects comprising 118 and 29 acres, respectively. Maintenance is pivotal, ensuring that any stubborn re-sprouting invaders are dealt with post haste. All projects are expected to kick off throughout October, eyeing completion by end of November pending the unpredictable elements of weather or any fire restrictions. While there aren't any closures anticipated, visitors to Lower Gila River are advised to remain alert for crews on site, as stated by the Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
The public can reach out for more information by contacting Public Information Officer Matthew Wilcox at 602-556-6502 or via email at [email protected]. With these efforts, the Department of Forestry and Fire Management reinforces its commitment to preserving Arizona's native landscapes and minimizing the risks inherent to a disrupted ecosystem.
