Gila Mountains
The beauty of the Gila Mountains
This range is created at the confluence of the Gila River and the Colorado River. They also help to form the Lower Colorado River Valley. There is a Dome Valley within the Muggins Mountains and that adds to the natural beauty of the area. From a national security perspective, the US Army Yuma Proving Ground is located within this area on the alluvial plain. Sheep Peak is exactly 3156 feet tall. The Fortuna Foothills community is on the North Western side of the mountains. The Fortuna mine was the inspiration for this name.
The Gila Mountains are on the western side of the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range. This facility is employed by the Marine Corps Air Station, MCAS and Yuma. There is an impressive list of flora that graces the mountain including rare species such as Bursera microphylla and Dalea spinosa. These provide a break from some of the military installations which could be intimidating for some visitors. Nevertheless these mountains are located in a prime area.
Economic importance of the Gila Mountains
The Interstate Highway System passes near the mountains at the Telegraph Pass. This is in the Northern part of the range. There are very old metamorphic rocks within the range and they are exposed at the famous Grand Canyon. The mountain is not without its controversies. The acquisition process was quite dramatic at the time.
The city of Yuma in the state of Arizona has attempted to annex parts of the Gila Mountains from the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range. The controversy is primarily between those that wish to conserve the land in its current state and those that wish to develop it. Some people believe that the state should not sell of such a monumental landscape. Rather it should be kept as a world heritage site, with tourism supporting some of the projects.
On the other hand there is no way that the mountain range can be left underdeveloped if the need has been clearly identified. That would be irresponsible. The government would then have the alternative of entering a partnership with the private sector. There is no reason why a lease cannot be drawn up under strict conditions which support the preservation of the landmarks, flora and any fauna within the locality. That is an arrangement that has worked for many developed communities. It can also work here.