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Dear Friend,
While far from removing our water challenges, the snow and rain of recent weeks has refreshed us, and springtime opportunities for enjoying and promoting the Verde River abound. We love the river. We want its flow and habitat preserved. Therefore, we must continue to DEMAND A PLAN - a Habitat Conservation Plan, that is - and hold elected officials accountable for their actions that affect the future of the Verde River. Even with the Coalition learning about Habitat Conservation Plans on February 27, we cannot become complacent. Learning is one thing, action is another.
Lots of news (like raindrops and snowflakes) this month advising Verde River protection!
If you've missed an update or are new to the list, check out our archives.
SRP Perforates Prescott's Pipeline Plan
Further correspondence on behalf of the Salt River Project opposes the City of Prescott's efforts to withdraw and transport water from the Big Chino Sub-Basin. (A previous letter was discussed in our last update.) In the January 29 letter, SRP's lawyers detail how Prescott's and Arizona Department of Water Resource's interpretations of Arizona Revised Statute 45-555 are "in disregard of the Arizona Groundwater Code's groundwater transportation prohibition." Taking their argument a step further, they ask if A.R.S. 45-555(E) is even constitutional as it is a special or local law. You can see a copy of their letter, obtained by the Center for Biological Diversity through a public records request, by clicking here.
In the letter, SRP presents a detailed argument reducing the amount of water eligible for withdrawal by Prescott to little more than 4,000 acre-feet/year--that is IF the Arizona statute is upheld as constitutional.
You can read The Daily Courier's article here.
Governor Gets Involved
The bickering in the press, and denials by local leadership, seem to have moved our governor to say "enough is enough." Responding to a "SaveTheVerde.org" bumper sticker held by a member of the home team, Governor Napolitano told a crowd of more than a hundred activists at Environmental Lobby Day at the Capitol on February 6 that she had directed the Arizona Department of Water Resources to work with the Prescott area communities to complete a monitoring and mitigation plan. Joanna Dodder was able to get the scoop here.
According to the Courier article:
"The three communities should complete a written mitigation plan before any pipeline construction begins, Guenther said. Otherwise, they could spend millions of dollars and then face a lawsuit before they get to use the water."
"And that mitigation plan should seek to avoid any harm to the river," Guenther said.
Hmmm... sounds familiar.
Eagles' Day in Court
The Bush administration recently removed protection from desert nesting bald eagle habitat in order to help its developer friends, and the Center for Biological Diversity, Maricopa Audubon Society and several Arizona tribes challenged this decision in court on February 5. The groups claimed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's October 2007 finding on a 2004 petition by the groups ignored evidence that Arizona's smaller, lighter eagles are distinct from other eagles. Arizona tribal members and their lawyers charged that federal laws requiring appropriate consultation with tribes before reaching a delisting decision were neglected. District Court Judge Mary Murguia asked for explanations as to why the Service took three years to make a 90-day finding and about the damning notes that showed the delisting came about under pressure from U.S. Fish and Wildlife "higher-ups," ignoring recommendations that protections remain by desert nesting bald eagle biologists. Judge Murguia has yet to issue her decision regarding the fate of Arizona's bald eagle.
"Fishing for Answers" Quiz!
Question: You are a fish native to the Upper Verde River. What are three non-native species which threaten your survival? (Answers located at the bottom of the page.)
Next Upper Verde River Watershed Protection Coalition Meeting February 27
Please attend the next UVRWPC meeting at the Prescott City Council Chambers (201 South Cortez, Prescott) at 2 p.m. On the agenda AT LAST: a presentation by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Habitat Conservation Plans. There is no substitute for watching the action face-to-face, especially now we know SRP and the governor are watching. Agendas and meeting minutes are posted here.
Watershed Wednesdays Series at the Raven Cafe - Make a Date with the Verde
This month Save the Verde and Friends enjoyed "Poems for the Water" at a packed house at the Raven Cafe , and Thomas Arnold introduced the route for his 100-mile "Baseflow" Sacred Earth Endurance Coop participatory run on April 19. We're excited about the success of our eclectic series and look forward to seeing you on March 12 for "Rivers Reborn," a mini film festival hosted by Prescott Creeks Preservation Association.
Check out the calendar for details on this event and future Watershed Wednesdays.
Katie Lee Kicks Off April River Days
Singer, songwriter, actress, historian, photographer, author, adventurer, Champion of Rivers, Katie Lee has graciously agreed to share her passion about rivers with us. Don't miss the opportunity to see and meet this inspirational woman. Come to the Granite Peak Universalist Unitarian Church in Prescott at 7 p.m. See Katie's website, www.katydoodit.com, to learn more about her and her talents. And watch our next calendar for details on this event.
Plan to get involved with more April River Days April 12 to 20. Contact Edie or Joanne if you would like help out.
Got Inspiration?
Chad Calhoun, songwriter and publisher of the "Freshwater Footprint," sings poetically about Sullivan Lake at http://freshwaterfootprint.blogspot.com/. Truly worth listening to - over and over. Join his online conversation as he discusses water issues related to Yavapai County. Speak out, share, learn!
Behind the Scenes at TAC Meetings
The UVRWPC Technical Advisory Committee meetings take place at 1 p.m. at the County Administration Building, 1015 Fair Street in the Gladys Gardner Conference Room, first floor (next meeting, March 12). No public comments are entertained here, yet you can translate what you hear into your questions at the regular Coalition meetings (fourth Wednesdays at 2 p.m. in the Prescott City Council Chambers, 201 Cortez Street, Prescott). Let the decision-makers know we are watching them, and that we expect them to show us scientifically how they plan to protect the upper Verde River and its habitat.
Calendar
Don't miss this month's calendar of events! To contribute calendar items or to ask questions, please contact Joanne at (928) 772-8204 or Michelle at (602) 628-9909.
Visit SaveTheVerde.org
And click to Take Action! From the site you can send letters to the editor of local papers and send letters to decision-makers. You don 't have to wait for a house party! Send a letter now!! You can also download a Little Drop of Water to decorate and send us.
Make a Contribution
The Center for Biological Diversity appreciates your interest and involvement in the Save the Verde campaign. Please visit savetheverde.org for other news and updates. You can make a donation to this campaign from the secure Web site. Please contribute today!
"Fishing for Answers" Quiz Answer: There are MORE than three: American bullfrog, carp, crayfish, flathead catfish, green sunfish, mosquitofish, red shiner,and smallmouth bass.
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