America's Most Endangered Rivers - (Page 32) NUMBER 7 N E W MEXICO, ARIZO N A Gila River THR E AT : WATE R D E V E L O P M E N T P R O J E C T Summary New Mexico’s last freeflowing river, the Gila is threatened by an archaic and costly water diversion project despite the fact that future water supply needs can be met through cheaper alternatives. The unnecessary diversion not only would harm the river’s health but would negatively impact a region where the economy and residents’ quality of life increasingly depend on natural values. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson must continue to protect the Gila River and ensure that state decisionmakers consider and implement cheaper, more effective, and less damaging water supply alternatives. Gila River is the lifeblood of its arid landscape. Once one of the longest desert rivers in the world at 649 miles, it now flows freely through New Mexico but is prevented from reaching the Colorado River due to dams and thirsty urban development in Arizona. On its upper reaches, the Gila sustains one of the most intact native fish communities in the Colorado River drainage and draws anglers to a robust sport fishery. The river harbors numerous threatened and endangered species and serves as vital stopover territory for more than 250 species of migratory birds. The Gila River offers many benefits to the region, including clean water, natural beauty, recreation, tourism, educational opportunities, and a wealth of cultural and natural history. A relatively small amount of the Gila’s water is used locally for agricultural irrigation and mining. Birdwatching and other recreational activities are increasingly popular along the Gila as healthy southwestern rivers that support strong wildlife populations grow rarer. GILA RIVER AT-A-GLANCE RIVER LENGTH: 649 miles LARGEST CITY IN NM SECTION OF WATERSHED: Reserve (pop. 387) PUBLIC LANDS IN NM SECTION OF WATERSHED: The Threat A new federal subsidy could partially offset the high costs that have protected the upper 3 million acres DID YOU KNOW? Of New Mexico’s six mainstem rivers, the Gila is the last without a dam or major water development. The River Originating in America’s first wilderness area, New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness, the A M E R I C A’ S M O S T E N DA N G E R E D R I V E R S ™ : 2008 EDITION| GILA RIVER W W W. A M E R I C A N R I V E R S . O R G COURTESY OF GILA CONSERVATION COALITION http://www.americanrivers.org
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