Upper Gila Watershed Forum returns to the Gila Valley

The third annual Upper Gila Watershed Forum will be held Feb. 21-22 at EAC’s Gherald L. Hoopes Activities Center.

This year’s topic is ‘Collaboration Across Boundaries’

Contributed Article

SAFFORD – Join us for the third annual Upper Gila Watershed Forum on Feb. 21-22, at Eastern Arizona College. The forum will take place at the EAC Gherald L. Hoopes Jr. Activities Center at 1020 N. College Ave., Thatcher, AZ 85552.

GWP hosts this event to bring together landowners, agencies, restoration practitioners, scientists, and government representatives to talk about topics pertinent to the Upper Gila Watershed and surrounding areas. This year’s topic, “Collaboration Across Boundaries,” will bring communities together to discuss river-based recreation for sustainable tourism, explore restoration along the Gila River, and revisit last year’s theme of adaptation to drought.

“The forum provides a place to share experiences, align priorities in restoration, and share lessons learned with neighboring communities and watersheds,” said Melanie Tluczek, Gila Watershed Partnership Executive Director. “All are welcome to attend.”

This year’s premier sponsor is Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, with additional support from Rivers Edge West, Eastern Arizona College, and Southwest Decision Resources.

Registration and check-in begin at 8 am on Feb. 21 in the lobby of the EAC Activities Center. A light breakfast, lunch, and Saturday field trips are included in the cost of registration. Early bird registration is $25 until Feb. 14. Then regular admission will be $35 until the day of the event. Registration fees are waived for all students (with proof of student ID) and for any non-students under certain circumstances, such as financial restraints. For more information, contact Julie Davis, Administrative Specialist, at julie@gwpaz.org.

To register, go to https://ugwforum2020.eventbrite.com.

Founded in 1992 and headquartered at Eastern Arizona Discovery Park Campus, The Gila Watershed Partnership (GWP) is a boots-on-the-ground, field-based conservation organization. GWP confronts issues in the Upper Gila Watershed that include polluted rivers, soil erosion, invasive weeds, loss of habitat, drought, fire, and flooding. GWP works with diverse partners to implement projects that direct resources to the root of these issues while employing and purchasing locally to benefit the economy and community.