Laguna NRCD

The Laguna NRCD is located along the Colorado River on Arizona's western border. The District includes desert shrublands and irrigated lands along the River. Rangelands in the District are mainly government-owned and generally have low productivity and are mainly used for seasonal grazing when winter rains are good. Consequently, the District's activities are concentrated on irrigated agriculture, especially vegetables.

Known as the “Winter Vegetable Capital of the World” the farmlands within the Laguna Natural Resources Conservation District live up to the name. The 90,000 irrigated acres in the Yuma, North Gila, and South Gila Valleys contribute to the multi-billion dollar crops of head lettuce, leaf lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, seed crops, herbs, celery, mixed greens, and a multitude of other vegetable crops shipped throughout the world. The alluvial silt, clay, and loam farmlands were formed by both the Colorado and Gila Rivers.

Sustainable farming practices are a concern for the District, as water usage and water rights are constantly being changed. Also, Tamarisk is of concern in the area as an invasive species. The salt cedar beetle, however, has moved into the area, helping to defoliate the Tamarisk and aid the growth of native plants.