By Susie Steckner | Special for The Republic
Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck recalls visiting his grandparent’s dairy farm on the banks of the Gila River each summer. The river was a little piece of paradise in the southwest Valley: large, healthy cottonwood trees dotted the banks, fish, turtles and birds called the area home, and clear water flowed freely.
“I could walk throughout the river bottom, next to the running water,” Meck said. “Today, you cannot get in the river bottom.”
The Gila River of Meck’s youth is today far from paradise. Invasive salt cedar trees are choking the river, creating serious and costly environmental and economic problems. Public safety is threatened. Natural habitats are disrupted. Recreation is stunted.
