Contribution article

Photo by: Gila Valley Leadership Cohort 17 learns about the ecology of the Gila River.

Safford-Gira Valley Leadership toured the Gila Box River National Reserve on April 6th to learn about Safford’s water sources and local archaeology.

Cohort 17 met bright and early on Thursday morning at the Home Office’s Safford Field office to learn about the inner workings of the BLM, the city of Safford’s water sources, safe boating, the archaeological history of the area and much more.

BLM Law Enforcement Ranger Clay Romero was one of the first presenters to the cohorts and touched on archaeological theft. We were briefed on the program and got a close look at wild firefighting.

The trip to the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area was dusty, but the weather was great as the cohorts stretched their legs in the local BLM area. Outdoor Recreation Planner Ramoni Mora discussed recreation with her cohort. BLM River Her Ranger Jody Jett gave a brief lecture on water safety and the trip down the Gila River.

A drive to the Serna Cabin picnic area brought the group closer to history.BLM archaeologist George Maloof describes the development of the area since the 1920s and briefly mentions an ancient civilization that also lived in the area. Did.

After lunch at Fancy Pizzeria, the group learned about endangered fish species and their role as canaries in the mines, ensuring water safety. The group stood by Bonita Creek, the source of Safford’s water, and listened to hydrologist Matt Stewart. Moran Thiel, City of Safford’s Water Department Manager, also spoke about water, the source of the city’s survival and its preservation.

Graham County Chamber of Commerce expert Kay Marchione said the class explored many elements of the community’s survival, history and future throughout the day’s lectures.

“I know the members of Cohort 17 are already very knowledgeable, but I could tell they were discovering even more about our community and history.” she said. “I love it. I love that Gila Valley Leadership is a great educational experience.”

The Gira Valley Leadership Program is a 10-month monthly leadership and professional development program led by the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, City of Safford, Town of Thatcher, Town of Pima, Graham County and Eastern Arizona College. Delegates enrolled in this program will have the opportunity to develop relationships with community members and leaders and develop teamwork, organization and collaboration skills. They will also be given the opportunity to tour many of the institutions that make up the wheels of the Gila Valley community. This programming is made possible through Copper Chamber of Commerce Member: NatureSweet and Bayacan LLC.