The Gila River is New Mexico’s last free-flowing river. It begins in the Gila Wilderness, the first designated Wilderness in the world. Its clean, wild waters support incredible biodiversity and provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife. The river’s remote setting also offers some of the best opportunities in the state for fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and experiencing true solitude.

The need for protection became clear during the long fight over the Gila River Diversion Project, a proposal to divert and dam the river to move water out of the Gila Basin. The project threatened to drain a free-flowing river, damage wildlife habitat, and saddle New Mexico with massive costs for uncertain water supplies. We’re working alongside local leaders, landowners, and businesses to defend this critical river.