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A research and extension unit of the

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

A Guide for Landowners on the Upper Gila River

The entire guide is available for download here

The idea for this Guide was sparked by conversations among Gila Valley residents, Cooperative Extension agents, and County officials about what activities or modifications are legally allowable on land adjacent to the Gila River. With simple answers to realistic questions, A Guide for Landowners on the Upper Gila River addresses these common misunderstandings. In addition to materials previously published by the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center, the content of this Guide was informed by interviews with Cooperative Extension agents, federal and local government officials, irrigation district representatives, and active members of the farming and ranching community.

This Guide focuses on the privately-owned “riparian area” along the Upper Gila River corridor in Arizona - specifically, those lands encompassing or adjacent to the river channel (generally between a football field length and width on either side).

HOW TO USE THE GUIDE

The following pages give answers about if and how you can make alterations to your privately held land, and what actions are necessary to proceed.

Each page answers a different question: "Can I _______ on my land?"

Questions and answers are organized into three categories:

YES - You can easily do this

(YES) WITH ASSISTANCE - Typically allowed, but may require a permit

SEEK GUIDANCE - Possibly, but consult agency or attorney

For each question, contact information is provided to help you quickly get answers to what next steps or approvals, if any, are needed.

Additional Information

About the Upper Gila River

Contact List

Acronyms

Key Regulations Impacting Land & Water Use

County Zoning

Do I Have an Easement on My Property?

Who Owns the Gila Riverbed?

Do I Have Critical Habitat on My Land?

Maintaining a Gila River Friendly Property

Glossary

 

Jump to your Question

Hunt and Fish

Limit Access to My Land (prevent dumping, ATV use)

Put Up or Take Down Fencing

Harvest Rainwater (in cisterns or barrels)

Farm

Clean an Irrigation Canal or Drainage Ditch

Perform Maintenance on Canal Structures

Burn Brush

Plant Trees, Cut Down Trees, or Change Vegetation Type

Stop a Fire in or around the River Channel

Build Structures

Sell a Piece of Land

Collect/Sell Archaeological Resources Found on Land

Drill a Well

Build Dikes & Dams

Change a Point of Diversion

Dig a Pond or Other Water Holding Structure

Graze Cattle or Other Livestock

Stop Using My Water Allocation and Not Lose It

Develop or Sell My Resources

Use Water Out of the Gila River

Modify, Clear, or Stabilize the River Channel

Sell or Lease a Water Right

 

We tackle key water policy and management issues, empower informed decision-making, and enrich understanding through engagement, education, and applied research.

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