1. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
This project was funded by grants from the Arizona Water Protection Fund
and USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife

2. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
This project is located on Mr. Larry Barney’s farm along the Gila River in Greenlee County, Arizona, in the Upper Gila Watershed.
Project Location

3. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
This project Implemented recommendations from - the Upper Gila Fluvial Geomorphology Study (Bureau of Reclamation, 2004).
The study was funded by the Arizona Water Protection Fund, and executed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

4. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
BACKGROUND – WHY THIS PROJECT WAS NEEDED
The existing levees protected Mr. Barney’s farm during low flow. During high flow events, water would back up behind the levees, breaching the levee and causing damage to the farm, as well as damage to both up- and down-stream on the river.
The eroded stream banks needed stabilization.
Tamarisk – salt cedar had invaded the riparian area and choked out the native vegetation.
Re-vegetation with native plants, would improve the riparian area and stream function.

5. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
THE PROJECT OBJECTIVES
To restore the function of the floodplain by removing levees, which parallel the river and surround the center pivot, to allow for natural flooding during high flood events and reduce the risk of erosion and land loss
To reduce the risk of erosion and land loss to the adjacent property
To manage the invasive species to improve the riparian area and improve stream function
To re-vegetate with native plants
To provide an example of successful river restoration techniques

6. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
EXISTING CONDITIONS WERE ASSESSED AND EVALUATED
SITE ASSESSMENT
To assess the existing conditions, aerial photography was completed and a topographic map was produced
HYDROLOGY
An evaluation of the hydrology was conducted , taking into consideration the historic flood events
STREAM CHANNEL EVALUATION
The dimension, pattern, and profile of the river was assessed to determine how the river behaves under different conditions
VEGETATION
The existing riparian vegetation was evaluated
BANK STABILITY
Areas of erosion were identified and mapped

7. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
VEGETATION REMOVAL
Non-native vegetation – primarily salt cedar, was completed using an excavator and a backhoe. Native vegetation, including cottonwoods and willows were left intact.
In an agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, an area of Non-native plants was left intact to serve as habitat for the Southwest Willow flycatchers
Clear all vegetation
Selectively clear, dense cover
Selectively clear, sparse cover
Sensitive species – No disturbance

8. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
LEVEE REMOVAL
The levees were removed. The slope of the banks were returned to as close to natural grade as practical

9. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
THE WORK CONTINUES
The area was graded
the center pivot field was leveled
the existing road was realigned
the tailwater ditch was aligned to water new vegetation

10. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
REVEGETATION
Brush vevetments and vegetative spurs were installed to stabilize the river banks.
Erosion control fabric was added to protect the newly-contoured river banks

11. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
FENCING
Existing fences were removed to accommodate the earthwork. New electric fencing was added to keep livestock out of the riparian area initially. Once established, managed grazing will resume in the area.

12. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
Monitoring of the project includes:
Stream channel stability
Bank stability
Bioengineering
Vegetation

13. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
VEGETATION RETREATMENT
In the disturbed areas, invasive weeds, mostly kochia and Russian thistle, have moved in and are being treated.

14. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
The project will be monitored until June of 2015.

15. The Gila River Restoration at Apache Grove
Thank you to the Arizona Water Protection Fund and the USFWS Partners Program for making this project possible.
In addition, our thanks goes out to Natural Channel Design for their fine work and dedication, and to Greenlee County for their assistance throughout the project.