Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Arizona Game and Fish presents water-catchment and habitat work to Maricopa council
Loading...
Summary
Arizona Game and Fish representatives described district wildlife stewardship projects — upgraded catchments, converted wells, donated water trailers and a renovated pond — and expressed interest in local partnerships for outreach and habitat work.
Representatives of the Arizona Game and Fish Department briefed Maricopa city leaders on habitat and wildlife stewardship work in the region, outlining partnerships with local clubs and federal agencies to restore and maintain water catchments, wells and wildlife guzzlers used to sustain wildlife during drought.
Officer Travis (presenting) described a district with roughly 2 million acres, 93 monitored water catchments and work that included converting abandoned wells to solar-powered wildlife drinkers, redeveloping dirt tanks and installing higher-capacity holding systems that reduced the need for frequent water hauls. He credited volunteer groups, sportsmen’s clubs and partner organizations for hauling tens of thousands of gallons of water and donating equipment.
The presentation highlighted the Bender’s Pond project in Gila Bend, expanded from a tiny 1/8-acre pond to a larger, deeper water body with donated bentonite and habitat materials and a successful grand opening in October 2023. Council members thanked AGFD and discussed local hunt and fish programs (dove hunting and stocking schedules); staff and AGFD said they look forward to coordinating on outreach and technical support for Maricopa’s lakes and parks.
AGFD offered ride-along and volunteer opportunities and recommended continuing coordination as the city grows.
