FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT APPLICATION GRIC 2017.PDF

Last updated: 02/13/2017
General information
Organization Flood Control District of Mariopa County
Contact First name Walt
Contact Last name Kinsler
Contact e-mail waltkinsler@mail.maricopa.gov
Contact phone number 602-506-0867
Address
Street 2801 West Durango Street
City Phoenix
State Arizona
ZIP Code 85009
From what tribe is the organization requesting the grant?
Gila River Indian Community
Total grant amount request
210,000
The Gila River Indian Community offers multi-year awards. If your organization is
requesting a multi-year grant for this project or program from the Gila River Indian
Community, enter the amount to be requested each year.
Amount
Year 1 (Gila River Indian Community Grants Only) 70,000
Year 2 (Gila River Indian Community Grants Only) 70,000
Year 3 (Gila River Indian Community Grants Only) 70,000
Year 4 (Gila River Indian Community Grants Only)
Year 5 (Gila River Indian Community Grants Only)
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Flood Control District Fact Sheet
About the District
The Flood Control District (FCD) was created in 1959 to reduce the risk of flooding to people y
and their property. t
n
Who are we?
u
FCD is a political subdivision of the State of Arizona. FCD is governed by a Board of Directors, o
which doubles as the County Board of Supervisors, with the advice of a citizens' Flood Control
Advisory Board. C
a
What we do?
p
! Build and maintain structures
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! Identify and delineate floodplains
c
! Issue permits for development in floodplains i
! Operate a flood warning system in coordination with local emergency responders r
! Conduct flood hazard studies to identify risks of flooding and potential solutions, both a
structural and non-structural
M
f
How are we funded?
o
Under Arizona enabling legislation, the Flood Control District (FCD) is a special taxing district and t
is given the authority to levy a secondary property tax on property within Maricopa County. The
c
FCD's flood control tax rate for Fiscal Year 2017 is $0.1792 per $1000 of assessed valuation. At
i
this tax rate, a typical property owner with an assessed valuation of $100,000 pays an annual
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flood control tax of $17.92. Other sources of funding vary and include: federal grants, the sale or
t
lease of properties, permit fees, and project cost-sharing with other entities.
s
The FCD's budget supports routine operations (O&M, permitting etc.) and a capital budget i
that funds the FCD's Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Today, the FCD has an annual
D
operating budget of approximately $33 million, with 97 percent of the FCD's revenue coming
from the secondary tax. In Fiscal Year 2017, the the CIP budget is $68 million. Key to capital
l
projects is local cost share with governments and developers; except in unusual
o
circumstances the FCD requests at least a 50 percent cost share.
r
In 2015 the Board of Directors developed a Strategic Financial Plan for the FCD recognizing that t
significant financial constraints limit the FCD's ability to fund capital projects. As a result, varying
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funding strategies have been implemented including emphasis on a 50/50 cost share by project
partners; a two month cash reserve mirroring the County General Fund philosophy plus, o
utilizing the remaining fund balance for capital projects. The Strategic Financial Plan has led to a C
reprioritization of the CIP procedure scoring which includes giving greater weight to:
! Project readiness and community prioritization d
! Level of partner cost share with 50/50 as the baseline standard o
! Adding economic development considerations
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l
F
www.fcd.maricopa.gov
Rev. 1/31/17

The FCD’s responsibilities break down as follows:
Flood Hazard Identification: The FCD conducts Area Drainage Studies, and develops Watercourse Master
Plans for all of Maricopa County. These studies identify areas with flood risk as well as opportunities for potential
solutions. Delineation studies survey specific reaches of rivers and washes and accurately identify the depth and
velocity of flood waters within these water courses.
Structures: Based on flood risk priorities and funding availability, FCD builds flood control structures such as
dams , levees, channels, basins, and storm drains. The FCD cost shares on structures and maintenance with cities
and other agencies.
Floodplain Use Permits and Inspections: The FCD issues Floodplain Use Permits for: Buckeye, Carefree,
Cave Creek, Chandler, El Mirage, Gila Bend, Guadalupe, Litchfield Park, Mesa, Queen Creek, Surprise, Tolleson,
Youngtown, and Wickenburg. The County Planning and Development Department issues Floodplain Use Permits at
the One Stop Shop for unincorporated county.
The following communities have assumed floodplain management activities and permitting: Avondale, Fountain Hills,
Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe.
Why Flood Control is still needed today
During Maricopa County's early history, floods caused millions of dollars worth of damage to homes, businesses and
farmland. Continuing population growth has expanded the urban area and development within the urban core has
resulted in flooding outside of historical areas. Flooding during the 2014 monsoon storms demonstrated the need for
additional structures and controls.
Continued collaboration with citizens, municipalities, agencies and developers is vital to ensuring that people and
property remain safe from floods as the county continues to grow.
Did you know?
! Approximately 2/3 of the state’s major rivers run ! The FCD provides on-demand weather, rainfall and
through Maricopa County (Agua Fria River, Gila streamflow information for use by cities and county
River, Salt River, Verde River, Hassayampa River). emergency departments and National Weather
! Service. This includes 321 auto-matic rain gages,
Structures operated and maintained by the FCD:
199 automatic stream gages, and 38 automatic
,22 dams weather stations.
,370 acres of basins
,122 ! An average of 519 floodplain use permits are
miles of channels
processed by the county each year.
,60+ additional structures (levees, drains, etc.)
! ! The Small Project Assistance Program which
Flood hazard identification studies have been
provides up to $250K match for small flood projects
completed for over 45 percent (3,600 sq. miles) of
is available for municipalities that need rapid
the county.
implementation. The Fiscal Year 2016 program
! Floodplain delineation studies have been includes $3 million for 16 projects that mitigate
completed for 68 percent (4,000 miles) of county flood hazards that are local in nature and pose a risk
rivers and washes. to a small number of citizens and property.
! The County has participated in the National Flood ! Note: The FCD coordinates with multiple federal,
Insurance Program's Community Rating System state and local agencies and implements the
since 1991. Through the FEMA accreditation requirements of the Federal Emergency
process, the County is now at Class 4, which gives Management Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of
residents of unincorporated Maricopa County up to Engineers and the Arizona Department of Water
a 30 percent discount on their flood insurance. Resources, and coordinates with the National
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on
rehabbing five major structures which now protect
areas of urban growth.
2801 West Durango Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85009 (602) 506-1501

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
Cover Sheet
Municipality Information
1. Date of Application: 2/22/2017 (NOTE: Click or use up/down arrow keys to move among fields)
2. Name of City, Town or County: Maricopa County
3. Mayor (City or Town) or Board of Supervisor’s Chairman (County): Denny Barney
4. Mailing Address: 2801 West Durango Street
5. City: Phoenix State: Arizona Zip Code: 85009
6. Acknowledgement of Submission by Authorized Municipality Representative:
Typed Name/Title: Melody Henderson, Maricopa County Government Relations, 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003, 602-506-2798 Signature:
Applicant Information
7. Department/Organization Name: Flood Control District of Maricopa County
8. Is this a 501c non-profit Organization? No Yes If yes, attach IRS Determination Letter
9. Application Contact Person: Walt Kinsler Title: Associate Project Manager
10. Phone Number: 602-505-0867
11. Mailing Address: 2801 W Durango
12. City: Phoenix State: Arizona Zip Code: 85009
13. Email Address: waltkinsler@mail.maricopa.gov Website Address: www.fcd.maricopa.gov
Project Information
14. Project Name: Saltcedar Management and Fire Hazard Reduction in the Gila River
15. Purpose of Grant: To implement a pilot project to reduce fire risk in the Gila River by removing saltcedar.
16. Priority Funding Area Public Safety
17. Annual amount requested $70,000
18. Number of years that funding is Three years
requested
19. Total amount requested (annual $210,000
amount x number of years)
20. Has your organization received past 2014 for $300,000
funding from GRIC? If yes, list each year
and amount
A 37 acre parcel located in the Gila River along the east side
21. Geographic area served
of SR 85 Bridge.
For Office Use Only:
Data Entry Receipt Evaluation
Outcome  Approval Recommended/Amount $  Denial

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
Narrative
Please structure your proposal to provide the following information in the order indicated. Provide the narrative
in paragraph form in the text field provided. Please be thorough but strive for brevity.
1. Briefly describe the organization’s history, mission and goals.
The Flood Control District (District) was created in 1959 to reduce the risk of flooding to people and their
property. They are a political subdivision of the State of Arizona and governed by a Board of Directors, which
doubles as the County Board of Supervisors, with the advice of a citizens' Flood Control Advisory
Board. During Maricopa County's early history, floods caused millions of dollars’ worth of damage to homes,
businesses and farmland. Continuing population growth has expanded the urban area and development within
the urban core have resulted in flooding outside of historical areas. Continued collaboration with citizens,
municipalities, agencies and developers is vital to ensuring that people and property remain safe from floods
as the county continues to grow.
Today the District Builds and maintains flood protection structures, identifies and delineates floodplains, issues
floodplain permits, operates a flood warning system in coordination with local emergency responders, and
conducts flood hazard studies to identify risks of flooding and potential structural and non-structural solutions.
2. If the applying organization is non-municipal or a non-profit 501c, please describe your relationship with
Arizona municipalities including past and present support, whether it be through partnerships,
collaborations, in-kind contributions, grants, tax-based funding or other. Describe the supporting
municipality’s role in this project. If the applying organization is a municipality governmental sub-
division please enter the text “Not applicable.”
Not applicable
3. Describe the proposed project and planned goals and activities.
The purpose of this grant request is to assist the Flood Control District of Maricopa County (District) with the
implementation of a pilot project called Saltcedar Management and Fire Hazard Reduction in the Gila River
(Project). This project will apply the Salt Cedar Management and Native Vegetation Restoration Plan; a plan
now referenced as the El Rio Vegetation Management Plan, developed with the help of a 2014 Gila River
Indian Community (GRIC) Grant to manage invasive saltcedar along an 18-mile stretch of the Gila River from
the confluence with the Agua Fria River downstream to the State Route 85 (SR 85) Bridge crossing in
Buckeye, Arizona. The goal of this Project, as Phase II of the GRIC grant, is to enhance flood and fire
protection by removing non-native invasive saltcedar and replant with high-value appropriate native riparian
vegetation to a 40-acre District owned parcel located in the Gila River just east of the SR 85 Bridge crossing.
An Adaptive Management plan will accompany the implementation of the Project to provide long-term
maintenance and monitoring. This will document the natural succession of the restored environment and track
how native habitats react to these efforts. The lessons learned from this Project will not only be used by the
District and other landowners tasked with controlling saltcedar infested areas along the Gila River, but
throughout the southwestern United States as well.
Saltcedar (or tamarisk) is currently the dominant woody plant species in the El Rio floodway and has infested
many Arizona waterways. It is a non-native species introduced into the United States in the 1800’s for erosion
control, wind breaks, and horticultural purposes. Today saltcedar dense thickets are one of the biggest
challenges facing Arizona Rivers. Over the last century saltcedar infestation has contributed to the reduction in

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
Arizona’s native riparian forests. Saltcedar crowds out native plants, increases fire risk, impedes flood flows,
impacts the biological health of the floodplain, and limits recreational access to rivers and washes.
Saltcedar grows at greater densities than native species due to its tolerance of saline soils and more xeric
conditions that infests areas due to its high seed production and viability; an extended seed dispersal period
relative to native cottonwoods and willows. The saltcedar re-sprouts quickly after floods and fires, tolerates
high salinity, and excretes salt that limits desirable vegetation from establishing around its base. Saltcedar is
more likely to catch fire than native riparian vegetative species, and when ignited, saltcedar fires are more
explosive and burn hotter due to its high oil content.
In an effort to control the spread of saltcedar, the United States Department of Agriculture introduced the
tamarisk leaf beetle (TLB) (Diorhabda elongata complex), which is expected to arrive to the eastern edges of
Maricopa County in 2018 and at our Project site in 2019. Mortality of saltcedar by the TLB could take several
years. The dead woody biomass left behind is a fuel load that could increase the potential for wildfires and put
existing riparian habitats and adjacent properties at risk.
Planned Goals:
• Develop a baseline inventory of existing vegetation and wildlife in the Project area and develop best
management practices to protect high-value habitats prior to construction.
• Develop a science-based, holistic Design Plan for removing saltcedar and replacing them with
appropriate native riparian vegetation using the strategies outlined in the Vegetation Management Plan
(VMP).
• Develop a saltcedar removal methodology specification.
• Acquire all permits and compliance documents needed from regulatory agencies to construct and
maintain the Project including Cultural Resource and Wildlife Habitat Surveys.
• Collect seeds and pole cuttings to propagate of the species and their quantities needed to meet the
Design Plan densities.
• Mechanically remove saltcedar from the Project area to reduce fuel load while recognizing that specific
saltcedar management priorities may require some stands to remain in place to shield new plantings or
highly erodible slopes from flood flows.
• Identify and document effective and appropriate saltcedar eradication methods for future use by the
District and to share with land managers tasked with controlling saltcedar infestation.
• Install native riparian plant species and densities to meet the approved Design Plan.
• Implement adaptive management practices through long-term maintenance and monitoring to prevent
the spread of saltcedar to new areas and sustain the restored environment as functioning habitats
capable of long-term regeneration.
• Share Project knowledge gained for effective saltcedar removal and re-vegetation strategies and their
effects on critical habitats with land managers tasked with controlling saltcedar infestation.efforts. The
lessons learned from this Project will be used by the District or other landowners along the Gila tasked
with controlling saltcedar infested areas.
4. Describe how the proposed project satisfies one or more of the priority funding areas identified by the
Gila River Indian Community.
Invasive non-native saltcedar poses a threat to PUBLIC SAFETY because it increases the risk of fires and
flooding that can impact adjacent properties and destroy existing wildlife habitat including threatened and
endangered species.
• It has been reported that dense thickets of salt cedar in the Gila River are more likely to catch fire than
native riparian vegetative species. When ignited, saltcedar fires are more explosive and burn hotter
due to its high oil content.

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
• Wildfires are more intense and occur more frequently in saltcedar thickets than in stands of native
vegetation. Several fires have occurred in the Project area in the past 12 years, including the 2005
Buck Fire which burned over 500 acres of saltcedar near downtown Buckeye.
• Saltcedar ignites more easily than native riparian species and burns faster than both cottonwood and
willow trees.
• Saltcedar seedlings re-sprout quickly following a burn. Native species are not fire-adaptive and do not
re-establish themselves easily after a fire.
• Dried saltcedar defoliated by the Tamarisk Beetle could ignite quickly and spread fire throughout the
Gila corridor.
• Dense thickets of saltcedar are chocking the Gila River floodway and displace flood flows that
increases the depth and extent of floodwater on land that was not previously subject to inundation.
In addition to PUBLIC SAFETY, Arizona has suffered significant economic and ecological losses due to the
larger and more frequent fires caused by salt cedar. Other potential negative ECONOMIC impacts of saltcedar
include:
• The dense growth pattern of saltcedar inhibits recreational access to the river corridor.
• Saltcedar may increase the salinity of groundwater.
• Saltcedar excreted salt from the leaves that when they drop accumulates on the terraces of non-
flooding rivers that can increase soil salinity.
• Saltcedar leaf litter can be wind blown into surface water that can increase the total dissolved solids
and salinity in the surface water.
Removal and management of saltcedar will improve PUBLIC SAFETY and stimulate ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT by reducing the risk of fire and flood, increasing public access to the river for passive
recreational activities by creating a diverse, healthy natural riparian environment conducive to ecotourism (i.e.
birdwatching) and as a destination point for local residents and visitors.
5. Identify the needs/problems to be addressed, target population and number of people to be served by
the project.
In 1999, the cities of Avondale, Goodyear, and Buckeye, in conjunction with the Flood Control District of
Maricopa County (District), engaged landowners, and interested public agencies created a vision they called El
Rio, (“The River”). Their goal was to help stimulate economic development in the southwest valley by restoring
the functionality of the Gila River through the improvement of riparian (i.e. wetland) wildlife habitat, water
quality, and flood control. They also wanted to explore environmental education and recreational opportunities
to serve the public.
The Gila River originates in the western New Mexico Mogollon Mountains and flows through south central
Arizona terminating at the Colorado River near Yuma, Arizona. It drains nearly half of the state of Arizona and
includes many significant tributaries, including the San Pedro, Santa Cruz, and Salt Rivers. Historically the
Gila River was one of the few perennially-watered riparian areas of the Sonoran Desert where Cottonwood -
Willow Gallery Forest along with groves of mesquite trees flourished and supported a wide variety of wildlife
species.
Over time, the lower Gila River watershed changed. The natural flow patterns and springtime flooding were
interrupted. This significantly impacted important riparian habitats and provided an opportunity for invasive
species such as saltcedar to colonize and flourish.
While the Gila River may never be restored to its pre-settlement condition, opportunities exist to enhance the
river. In 2006, the El Rio Watercourse Master Plan (WCMP) was completed and serves as the roadmap to

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
realizing the El Rio vision. It was adopted through the El Rio Memorandum of Understanding entered into by
the District, and the Cities of Avondale, Goodyear, and Buckeye. In 2016 the El Rio Vegetation Management
Plan (the Plan) was completed with the help of a 2014 Gila River Indian Community grant. The Plan uses a
science-based approach to remove invasive non-native saltcedar from the Gila River and replace them with
appropriately selected native riparian and upland vegetation to help reduce the floodplain, decrease fire
hazards, and improve wildlife habitats.
At the present time there is no coordinated effort for the removal of saltcedar along the Gila River. Saltcedar
eradication projects are currently completed in a piecemeal fashion by public agencies that understand the risk
saltcedar infestation poses.
In 2019 the Tamarisk Leaf beetle (TLB) is expected to arrive to the western side of Maricopa County. Mortality
of saltcedar by the TLB could take several years, but may ultimately result in improved flood conveyance capacity,
riparian habitat recovery, and fire risk reduction. The TLB will not remove the resulting dead woody biomass and is likely
to increase the potential for wildfires putting existing riparian habitats at risk. This could result in short-term adverse
impacts to suitable habitat for T&E species such as the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus),
western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), and Yuma clapper rail (Rallus longirostris yumanensis) documented
to occur in or have potential to occur in the Project area or along El Rio reach of the Gila.
Constructing a pilot project to demonstrate successful saltcedar eradication management techniques and
establishing a maintenance and monitoring program will help provide valuable information to the District and
the several hundred land managers tasked with controlling saltcedar infestation along the Gila River and
throughout the southwestern United States. Saltcedar problems are not unique to the Gila River or just
Arizona waterways. The hundreds possibly thousands of people who could benefit from this Project’s lessons
learned spans nearly a dozen southwestern states as well as across international borders into northern
Mexico. This is also an initial step to stimulating economic development and eco-tourism in the Southwest
Valley by revitalizing the river and restoring a significant part of Arizona’s natural heritage.
When the Plan is fully implemented the flood risk for 500 people currently living or farming within the El Rio
reach of the Gila River floodplain will be reduced. It will also reduce the fire hazard to persons, property, and
wildlife posed by saltcedar as well as protect important infrastructure, including for this Project, the SR 85
Bridge and the hundreds of daily commuters that depend on that for their primary access.
6. Define the project as a new or continuing program.
This project is a continuation of a longstanding river restoration effort by the Flood Control District of Maricopa
County (District), the Cities of Avondale, Goodyear and Buckeye, engaged landowners, and interested public
agencies. In 2014, the District was awarded a Gila River Indian Community grant to develop the El Rio
Vegetation Management Plan (the Plan).
The Plan was part of a larger strategy to improve the Gila River corridor as recommended by the El Rio
Watercourse Master Plan which established a roadmap for flood control, habitat enhancement, recreation, and
economic development for Gila River. The District is currently in the planning process of Phase II, the
implementation of several pilot projects on Districted owned land. The first pilot project (Project) is located on
a nearly 37 acres within the Gila floodplain adjacent to the SR85 Bridge.
The District is currently working on the plans, permits, plant propagation, and funding to remove saltcedar
vegetation and replace it with high-valued, appropriately selected native riparian vegetation.

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
Maintenance and monitoring of the Project will be conducted by the District until the planted vegetation is
established and self-sustaining. The District is currently in the process of pursuing additional funding
opportunities from outside sources to aid in the implementation of Phase II. As a continuing effort, the District
has allocated some funds for the Project in its operating budget for fiscal year 2017.
7. Provide a brief timeline including start and finish dates. Indicate if the timeline is flexible.
Task #1: Site Assessment: Completed
Task #2: Planting Plan: March 2017 - June 2017
Task #3: Prepare Permit Applications: July 2017 – August 2017
Task #4: Conduct Cultural Survey: April 2017 – June 2017
Task #5: Plant Collection & Propagation: May 2017 – August 2018
Task #6: Develop Adaptive Management Plan (Maintenance and Monitoring): September 2017 – December
2017
Task #7: Saltcedar Removal: December 2017 – February 2019
Task #8: Clear, Grub & Grade: October 2018 – December 2018
Task #9: Plant and Hydroseed: December 2018 - March 2019
Task #10: Administer Adaptive Management Plan (Maintenance and Monitoring): December 2018 – December
2020
8. Identify other organizations, partners or funders participating in the project and their roles.
In 1999, the cities of Avondale, Goodyear, and Buckeye, in conjunction with the Flood Control District of
Maricopa County (District), the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation and Planning and Development
departments, engaged landowners, and other interested public agencies created the El Rio, (“The River”)
vision. Their goal was to help stimulate economic development in the southwest valley by restoring the
functionality of the Gila River through the improvement of riparian habitats, water quality, and flood control.
They also wanted to explore environmental education and recreational opportunities to serve the public.
In 2006, the El Rio Watercourse Master Plan (WCMP) was completed and serves as the El Rio vision. It was
adopted by the District, and the Cities of Avondale, Goodyear, and Buckeye through the El Rio Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) with a financial commitment of $25,000 each.
In 2007, the cities and the county adopted a 10-year implementation work plan. The work plan included the
development of the Vegetation Management Plan completed in 2016. The MOU establishes the framework by
which to create a working hierarchy of responsibility and involvement. The four committees created are as
follows:
1) Steering Committee: Made up of one elected official from each city and the county and the
Administrative Committee chairperson. This committee is used to establish policy to govern the
implementation process
2) Administrative Committee: Made up of City Managers and the District’s General Manager. This
committee is formed to develop the implementation strategy and recommend the appropriate
implementation and funding mechanism to the Steering Committee.
3) Citizen Advisory Committee: This committee is to be made up of business leaders, large landowners,
representatives of special interest groups, local residents and other interested citizens. The committee

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
provides input to the Steering Committee and the Administrative Committee. The members of the
Citizen Committee are appointed by the Steering Committee, and shall consist of three (3) members
each from AVONDALE, BUCKEYE and GOODYEAR, and at least three (3) members' at-large or
representing special interest groups, not to exceed a total of fifteen (15) members.
4) Technical Committee: This committee is formed to develop the implementation strategy and to provide
technical assistance to the Administrative Committee. The Technical Committee shall consist of not
more than three representatives from each city and District.
In 2007, the cities and the county adopted a 10-year implementation work plan. The work plan includes the
development of a comprehensive salt cedar management plan for the Project area to be completed by 2015.
In 2014, The District was awarded a Gila River Indian Community grant that was used to produce the El Rio
Vegetation Management Plan (the Plan). The Plan uses a science-based approach to remove invasive non-
native saltcedar from the Gila River and replace them with appropriately selected native riparian and upland
vegetation to help reduce the floodplain, decrease fire hazards, and improve wildlife habitats.
The District’s partners have helped move the El Rio project forward and keep their executive management
updated on progress made. Over the years the District has garnered the help and support of several
environmental groups such as Audubon Arizona, irrigation districts like the Buckeye Water Conservation and
Drainage District, public agencies that in addition to the ones identified above includes Arizona Game and Fish
Department, Arizona State Lands Department, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, and the offices of Senator John McCain, Congressman Paul Gosar and Congressman Raul
Grijalva.
A grant from the Gila River Indian Community would be leveraged with $150,000 in District funds and in-kind
services. The District funds for the Project are programmed in its operating budget for fiscal years 2017 and
2018. The District will maintain the pilot project until the vegetation is established and self-sustaining.
9. Would you be able to implement the proposed plan if your organization received partial funding for this
project?
For this nearly 37 acre pilot project (the Project) the $210,000 Gila River Indian Community grant request is
going to be leveraged with the District’s in-kind services and $150,000 of funding from their 2017 and 2018
operating budget. This is the first of several Pilot Projects the District wants to complete in the El Rio reach of
the Gila River to reduce flood and fire risks while also creating wildlife habitat diversity and maximizing
recreational uses of the river. The intent of the District’s efforts is to exhibit these Projects as physical models
to demonstrate successful saltcedar eradication techniques, execution of an adaptive management program
that includes maintenance and monitoring, and provide valuable information to be used by the District and land
managers tasked with controlling saltcedar infestation not only along the Gila River, but throughout the
southwestern United States.
Currently the District is pursuing funding opportunities from several different sources to aid in the
implementation of this Project and future El Rio Pilot Projects. Because of the uncertainty associated with
many grants and aid packages, the District is prepared to adjust their Pilot Project implementation schedule
based on availability of funds. If needed the District can phase the Project’s construction to reduce the initial
implementation costs and spread those costs out over several years with possibly multiple funding sources.

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
10. Describe your plan for project sustainability beyond the grant period. If this is a program/project
previously funded by the Gila River Indian Community describe efforts made towards the previously
described sustainability plan.
Identified as part of the District’s 2014 Gila River Indian Community grant was a Phase II which is to construct
a Pilot Project (Project) using the El Rio Vegetation Management Plan (the Plan) funded by that grant as the
guide. Current District efforts will assist with the Project’s site assessment, plan preparation, construction and
environmental permits, plant propagation, saltcedar removal, contouring of the topography to capture rainwater
for enhanced flood irrigation efforts for the newly planted native riparian vegetation. Maintenance and
monitoring of the Project will be conducted by the District until the planted vegetation is established and self-
sustaining.
It is the District’s intent to continue implementing Pilot Projects within the El Rio reach of the Gila River from
the confluence of the Agua Fria downstream to the SR 85 Gila Bridge crossing. Implementation of the Plan
through these Pilot Projects will help to reduce flood and fire risks while also creating wildlife habitat diversity
and maximizing recreational uses of the river. The District is committed to this success of planning,
construction, and long-term adaptive management strategies to create a connected series of self-sustaining
restored native riparian environments in the El Rio reach of the Gila River.
Monitoring programs will be instituted to track vegetation establishment, recruitment vegetation and wildlife
activities for five years after this Project and the subsequent Pilot Projects are completed. These documented
results will be evaluated and, where needed, an action plan will be developed and implemented through the
maintenance programs to correct or adjust the current conditions to better meet the Project’s objectives and
expectations.
The District can send progress photos of the Project’s construction phases and of the restored landscape as it
establishes.
11. Describe your plan to document progress and results.
The following deliverables will be supplied to the Gila River Indian Community:
• Plant Propagation Report: this will include documentation photographing what, when and where seeds
and cuttings are obtained and tracking through the propagation process.
• Final Site Development and Planting Plan for Demonstration Project
• Saltcedar Eradication Methodologies Report: Document saltcedar eradication methodology.
• Adaptive Management Plan: to include monitoring and maintenance strategies, how these strategies
are to be implemented, what triggers the development of an action plan for corrective measures, and
documentation of the plan execution.
• Quarterly Monitoring Reports (following construction of the Project)
12. Indicate any application to and/or awards made by a tribe other than the Gila River Indian Community
for state shared revenues for this and any other project for the past five (5) years. If this information is
included in a separate attachment, please indicate that here.

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
I am not aware of anyother application to or award from a tribe other than the 2014 Gila River
Indian Community grant previously identified

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
Project Budget
Budget Period: Click here to enter text.
For each budget item listed here please provide a narrative description on the following Project Budget Detail
page.
Proposed Budget Expense Amount Amount In Kind Total Budget
(list each budget item) requested from requested or contributions
GRIC secured from
other funders
1. Site Assessment $0 $0 $74,588.00 $74,588.000
2. Planting Plan $0 $0 $13,724.00 $13,724.00
3. Prepare Permit Applications $0 $ 0 $41,237.00 $41,237.00
4. Conduct Cultural Survey $25,385.00 $0 $25,385.00 $50,770.00
5. Plant Collection & Propagation $8,289.00 $0 $0 $8,289.00
6. Develop Adaptive Management $7,572.00 $0 $7,572.00 $15,144.00
Plan
7. Saltcedar Removal $160,816.00 $0 $0 $160,816.00
8. Clear, Grub & Grade $0 $0 $70,000.00 $70,000.00
9. Plant and Hydroseed: $0 $0 $76,103.00 $76,103.00
10. Administer Adaptive $7,938.00 $0 $168,754.00 $176,692.00
Management Plan
11. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
12. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
13. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
14. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
15. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
16. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
17. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Budget $210,000.00 $0 $407,363.00 $687,363.00

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
Project Budget Detail
Please provide a narrative description for each of the project budget items listed on the previous page. Include
the dollar figure and how it was derived.
1. Site Assessment - $74,588: Description: The District will contract with Stillwater Sciences to conduct on-
site field assessment of the Project Pilot site. Ground-truth and revise as necessary the vegetation
management unit boundaries identified for the Pilot Project area in the Vegetation Management Plan; Map and
record saltcedar age, density, and cover; Identify specific access routes and accessibility issues for heavy
equipment and long-term monitoring and maintenance activities, including landowner access and geographic
barriers; Map and record notable topographic features, ditches, and other features: Map and record cover,
density, and diversity of native vegetation to be conserved and to guide planting palettes; Map and record
cover and diversity of other noxious weeds; Evaluate suitable habitat features/characteristics to determine
potential for special-status species and nesting birds to occur on site and need for pre-treatment surveys for
endangered species and/or whether other protective measures may be needed during project implementation;
Evaluate channel stability upstream, downstream, and across the channel, to understand potential geomorphic
consequences of saltcedar removal and identify the need for a “hydraulic shield” of conserved saltcedar or
other measures needed to reduce the risk of habitat enhancement plantings being scoured or damaged from
high flow events; Document hydrology/water availability, including surface flow patterns and likely depths to
groundwater; Sample for soil conditions (e.g., texture, salinity, nutrients), to determine the need for soil
amendments (collect and submitted for (a fertility) analysis up to 3 samples from each Vegetation Unit type);
Purpose: To evaluate opportunities, constraints, and overall feasibility and sustainability of the specific
Vegetation Management Units as defined by the Vegetation Management Plan for the Pilot Project site, and to
provide critical information to help inform and direct the Planting Plan. Deliverable Description: The results of
the site assessment will be summarized in a memorandum to help document the basis for the Planting Plan.
The memorandum will also provide realistic objectives for the results of the site assessment, budget, and
timeline that can be used as the basis for project monitoring and performance evaluation
2. Planting Plan - $13,724.00: Description: Develop a plant installation plan that identifies all the specific
plant species, their size and location to be planted. Illustrate the limits of hydroseed and identify the seed mix
types using information generated in Task 1 and the Vegetation Management Plans (VMP). Purpose: To
implement the VMP’s Vegetation Management Units (VMU) with appropriate plant species in the desired
densities and locations to achieve the most desirable ecological restoration of the Pilot Project site.
Deliverable Description: A map graphically illustrating appropriate plant species in the desired densities per
the Plan.

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
3. Preparing Permit Applications Description - $41,237.00: Stillwater will develop documentation necessary
for permit application development and permit acquisition for the Pilot Project. The objective of the Preparing
Permit Application, which will be to facilitate the District-led permitting effort, discussions with permitting
agencies, and completion of permitting application requirements. Based on the Planting Plan package
(map/AutoCAD drawings, tamarisk removal specifications, and planting plan), Stillwater will write a description
of the Pilot Project suitable for inserting into individual permit application packages and serving as the basis for
potential impact assessments. In addition to describing the primary elements of the project, as presented in the
Planting Plan design map/AutoCAD drawings, the project description will include the tamarisk removal and
planting methods; approximate schedule for implementation, maintenance, and monitoring activities; and best
management practices (BMPs) and resource protection measures that will be employed during the project to
avoid or reduce impacts to environmental resources. The project description will be revised in light of District,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE, the presumed lead agency for permitting), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) comments. Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination (PJD): Stillwater will prepare a
map of waters and wetlands in the Pilot Project area that are potentially subject to the jurisdiction of the
USACE. The map will meet USACE minimum standards, be suitable for submittal to the Arizona Department of
Environment Quality for Section 401 water quality certification, and be derived from one of the delineations of
jurisdictional waters and wetlands that were developed for the El Rio planning reach using a combination of
aerial photography interpretation and hydraulic modeling results. It is anticipated that the delineation based on
an approximately 10-year flow event will be used, so that the area under USACE jurisdiction is maximized, but
the delineation based on an approximately 2-year flow event could be used as well. (Both extents have been
used previously in USACE-approved projects in the El Rio planning reach.) The methods for developing the
map will be described in a Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination (PJD) form, and the map will be used to fill
in the required sections of the PJD form. It is assumed that the delineation based on aerial photography
interpretation and hydraulic modeling will be sufficient for USACE, and that sample points for wetlands, any
other field-based data collection, or an associated wetland delineation report (which described wetland sample
point results) will not be necessary, due to the fact that the Gila River channel is the only potential jurisdictional
feature in Pilot Project. The delineation map and PJD form will be revised based on District and USACE
comments and includes responses to USACE additional information request and/or conference call meeting(s).
Biological Resources Evaluation: Stillwater will prepare a Biological Resources Evaluation report. The
southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo, Yuma clapper rail, and migratory birds will be the
focus of the report. The effects analysis will be based on the project description the evaluation of habitat
features conducted during the site assessment, and the results of any wildlife surveys in or nearby to Pilot
Project (e.g., AGFD’s summer 2016 bird surveys for the District). The report will provide the information
necessary for consultation with USFWS; if the project description suggests that one or more of the anticipated

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
focal species may be negatively affected by the project and that formal consultation with USFWS may be
necessary, the report will be titled a Biological Assessment (BA). Purpose: To complete all permitting
application requirements as applied to the Pilot Project’s potential temporary, permanent, indirect, and
cumulative effects on relevant species protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird
Treaty Act (MBTA), and/or Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act., the Army Corps of Engineer’s Clean Water
Act 404 Permit, the State, of Arizona’s Clean Water Act 402 permit, the County’s Dust Permit and Floodplain
Permit. Deliverable Description: Biological Resources Evaluation Report Draft USACE submission of project
description, PJD, and Biological Resources Evaluation. Draft USFWS submission of project description and
Biological Resources Evaluation. Final PJD submission to USACE. Final project description and Biological
Resources Evaluation submission to USFWS.
4. Conduct Cultural Survey - $50,770.00: Description: The District will consult with The State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) to see if they would consider issuing a letter of “No Impact” since the construction
activities will occur within the floodway where the ground has been forcibly impacted due to major flooding. The
District will have an archeologist on site during any ground disturbance activities to monitor for cultural
resources. If SHPO rejects issuing the Letter of No Impact then the District is prepared to hire an archeologist
from their on-call list to perform a Cultural Survey of the Pilot Project. Purpose: The SHPO clearance letter is
required for inclusion in the Army Corps of Engineer’s Nation Wide Permit #27. Deliverable Description: If
required, The District’s on-call archeologist will submit a Cultural Survey that meets the requirements of SHPO.
Alternatively a letter of “No Impact” would be submitted if approved by SHPO followed up with an on-site
monitoring report for the Implementation Phase.
5. Plant Collection and Propagation - $8,289.00 - Description: The District will propagate identified species
to supply pole plantings for revegetating the site. Initial plants will be propagated early on to allow time to
establish the stock material that will be utilized for implementation during Task 9. Material will be propagated at
the District nursery and/or an appropriate site. Work completed under this task includes: Conduct site analysis
to identify existing species that can be a source for seed or cuttings Conduct field work to collect the required
seed and/or cuttings Propagate and plant species that will be used for stock material for the Pilot Project
Purpose: The propagation protocols developed during this task will be used produce native plants for future
riparian revegetation efforts conducted by the District. Collections of appropriate native plants using
specimens propagated from locally adapted parent material will increase the projects survivability and chances
for success. Deliverable Description: The District will propagate plant species, record the quantities planted,
and document the plantings with photographs.
6. Develop Adaptive Management Plan - $15,144.00: Description: Develop a set of restoration
maintenance guidelines that follow all permit requirements and best management practices to achieve the

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
greatest habitat values possible. The Maintenance Plan activities are to work in collaboration with the
Monitoring Plan and will be for a five-year period initially, but will be extended if sustainable results have not
been achieved. Tamarisk retreatment, and replacement plantings or alternative plantings are alternatives that
will be evaluated during the maintenance period based on the achievement results. The saltcedar removal
process, pre and post-treatment of seedings and re-sprouts along with mulching practices are intended to
minimize establishment of saltcedar or other non-native invasive plants. Subsequent herbicide applications
over the maintenance period may be required to achieve the desired results. Purpose: To sustain revegetation
survival and non-native invasive species (e.g. saltcedar and secondary weed growth) suppression.
Deliverable Description: Develop a set of restoration maintenance guidelines that includes copies of all
permits, BMP’s, approved chemicals, individual photographs of non-native invasive species. Description:
Prepare a project monitoring plan that will work in collaboration with the Maintenance Plan based on the goals
and objectives of Pilot Project and requirements of the permitting agency. Additionally, the Monitoring Plan
activities will include evaluating how effective the treatment and revegetation methods were pre and post
beetle colonization, identify the amount of occupied or highly suitable T&E critical habitats were protected and
or created by the Project and report on the extent of the overall habitat recovery over a five-year monitoring
period. Purpose: The monitoring plan will provide the parameters or metrics to be monitored. The primary
metrics to be monitored and described in the plan will be tamarisk resprouting, survival of habitat enhancement
plantings, natural recruitment by both native and nonnative plants, and native vegetation cover (as an indicator
of habitat development). Monitoring metrics for depth to groundwater and wildlife surveys will be described as
well as action steps in the event and T&E species are encountered. Deliverable Description: The monitoring
plan will provide the parameters or metrics to be monitored as defined by permitting agencies and
complemented by the Districts team of riparian ecologist, wildlife biologist, and landscape architects. The plan
will monitor tamarisk resprouting, survival of habitat enhancement plantings, natural recruitment by both native
and nonnative plants, and native vegetation cover (as an indicator of habitat development). Additional
monitoring metrics, such as depth to groundwater and wildlife surveys, may be recommended and described.
The monitoring plan will describe monitoring methods and reporting, a monitoring schedule and duration, and
description of adaptive management strategies applicable to the maintenance operations, monitoring activities,
or changed site conditions in response to the overall health of the Project’s ecosystem.
7. Saltcedar Removal - $160,816.00: Description: Identify limits, quantity and saltcedar eradication
methodologies for the specific VMU’s as identified on the Pilot Project Planting Plan. Spraying of approved
herbicide will cover two full growing seasons. Obtain dust permit, post sign and implement the Stormwater
Pollution Protection Plan. Purpose: To prepare the site for restoration Deliverable Description: The site
has been eradicated of saltcedar from the Bridge Clearance, Saltcedar Treatment and Riparian Enhancement,
and Saltcedar per the Pilot Project Planting Plan. Spraying of herbicide will cover two full growing seasons.

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
8. Clear, Grub, & Grade - $70,000.00 Description: Remove all undesirable and or non-native vegetation from
the site and prepare for planting operations and hydroseeding. Obtain dust permit, post sign and implement
the Stormwater Pollution Protection Plan. Purpose: To prepare the Pilot Project site for restoration
Implementation activities. Deliverable Description: The site will be ready to begin installing the planting plan
9. Plant & Hydroseed Description - $76,130.00: The District will implement revegetation with native species
following the Planting Plan developed for the project site. Plant material will come from a combination of plants
propagated during Task 5/6 and via hydroseed application. Planting of propagated plant material will be
completed by internal O&M Staff. A qualified contractor will be selected to apply the hydroseed using FCDMC
specifications. Purpose: Promote the establishment of a self-sustaining native plant community in areas
where Saltcedar has been removed by planting native species. Deliverable Description: The District will
schedule staff to plant native species and hire a contractor to apply hydroseed. Documentation of completed
tasks will be provided via photographs and written reports.
10. Administer Adaptive Management Plan Description - $176,692.00: The District will apply the prescribed
Adaptive Management activities outlined in the Adaptive Management Plan (specific Maintenance and
Monitoring Plans). The District staff will document activities; schedules, methods, equipment, crews, the
potential or existence of any T&E species, actions if a resident T&E species is identified, impact of the TLB to
the Project area including plant life, wildlife, and river functions, as well as an overall assessment of the overall
health of the restored riparian ecosystem. Administering the Adaptive Management Plan will be done over a
minimum of twenty years and modified based on the restored site’s natural succession. Purpose: To maintain
and track the success of the Project restoration efforts with the ability to implement adaptive management
strategies when necessary to improve the ecosystems health, divert a reduction in habitat value (i.e. removal
of nonnative vegetation), or react to the presence of T&E species. This Task will also provide an opportunity to
document and convey to landowners improved methods of how riparian restoration projects are designed,
constructed and maintained. Deliverable Description: The District will provide overall maintenance and
monitoring of the Project area as required in the Maintenance and Monitoring Plans. The District will provide
documentation of their maintenance activities and with the help of Stillwater Sciences evaluate the overall
health of the restored ecosystem in an Adaptive Management monitoring report. The report will describe
monitoring methods and reporting, a monitoring schedule and duration, and description of adaptive
management strategies that may be appropriate based on monitoring results and will comply with the submittal
and data requirements of the permitting agencies. In addition, the report will be submitted not less than
annually to the Arizona Water Protection Fund project manager for the contract duration. Administering the
Adaptive Management Plan may be modified due to permitting requirements or changed site conditions to
maximize habitat values and available restoration resources.

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2017
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