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Dear Friend,
We've been doing little victory dances in our offices lately (very little, but that's another story...). Governor Napolitano recognized our State's rare rivers in a proclamation of April as "Arizona Rivers Month;" pipeline construction seems to be delayed (again); and the successful completion of the first April River Days set in motion an annual celebration for the Verde.
We say every day is Earth Day, and this goes for our river, too. Every day is River Day, and we must continue to demand a plan and hold elected officials accountable for their actions that affect the future of the Verde River. Especially since the Coalition continues to resist developing a Habitat Conservation Plan despite the benefits to all, we must take action.
If you've missed an update or are new to the list, check out our archives.
A Month of Rivers
To coincide with the April River Days celebration of the Verde River last month, Governor Napolitano proclaimed April as "Arizona Rivers Month."
"Arizona has few remaining perennially flowing rivers and is committed to protecting those that do remain, such as the San Pedro River, Verde River and Fossil Creek," the Governor said.
We hope she means it. In addition to the proclamation, we need action from the Governor and others who can make decisions in favor of protecting the Verde and all of Arizona's rare flowing rivers.
"Fishing for Answers" Quiz
Question: What large endangered minnow (up to 6 feet in length) native to North America no longer breeds in the Verde River? (Answers located at the bottom of the page.)
Prescott Attorney Picks a Bone with USFWS
Attorney Norman James of Fennemore Craig in Phoenix wrote to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) this month to say that the recent Habitat Conservation Plan presentation given by USFWS staff to the Upper Verde River Watershed Protection Coalition was "one-sided and inaccurate in key aspects." USFWS officials have repeatedly urged Prescott to work with their agency on a Habitat Conservation Plan before starting to pump groundwater from the Big Chino Sub-basin north of Prescott.
James followed up his letter with a presentation to the Coalition at their last meeting where he spent far less time criticizing the USFWS or Habitat Conservation Plans, except to say that the plans are "complex" and time-consuming.
The USFWS is scheduled to make another presentation in Prescott on Habitat Conservation Plans, this time to the Prescott City Council on Tuesday, May 6, at 3 p.m. We'd encourage you to go have a listen for yourself, and if the opportunity presents itself, speak up to encourage the council to undertake completion of a plan prior to beginning construction on the Big Chino pipeline.
Summertime Opportunities
Do you know that volunteering for the Save the Verde campaign this summer increases your chances to win the lottery and makes your hair shiny? You'll never know unless you give it a try. Contact Joanne at (928) 772-8204 or joellers@biologicaldiversity.org for a special volunteer assignment customized for your schedule. Join the volunteers whose lives have been transformed by knowing they helped Save the Verde.
For the Verde - 100 Miles in 24 Hours
Ultra marathoner Thomas Arnold and his Sacred Earth Co-op Group energized the community when they demonstrated for Verde River conservation by putting themselves on the trail in the "Baseflow" endurance run. After circumnavigating the ridges of the Granite Creek Watershed on foot (or feet - Thomas' dogs ran, too) and even bicycle, Thomas and friends finished at Sullivan Dam twenty-four hours and one hundred miles later. About 25 people participated with runners covering 35, 40, and 50 miles in addition to Thomas' 10-mile run.
Thomas described it as "a wonderful experience. The smoothest gathering we have had yet. I am inspired to continue to go longer for all things wild." Thanks to Thomas and friends for raising awareness for the Verde.
A short video about the event will be available soon at savetheverde.org. You can read more about Thomas' runs here and here.
Pipeline Progressing??
In his April Big Chino Water Ranch Project update, Jim Holt, Big Chino Water Ranch Manager said that the specific pipeline and pumping station designs are 98% complete. He also said that discussion of a regional pipeline to serve Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley continues, and that modification of the project must be considered along with the discussion about point of withdrawal. According to Holt, there are 134 parcels over easements needed for right-of-way and 110 individual owners. Title reports are done for all, and 30 individual appraisals are completed, 80 offers have been prepared, 65 of these are approved to present to land owners, and just recently 50 offers have been presented. It's also expected that some easements will have to be seized through eminent domain. But if they still don't know where they're going to pump the water from, how do they know which route the pipeline will follow?
Holt's very general report downplayed recent and potential obstacles. And the council was mum as far as asking any questions in regards to mitigation planning, any difficulties they may have acquiring state trust lands or private lands, potential pipeline financing troubles due to the construction slump, or spending money on a pipe dream that might never deliver water.
We do know that pipeline construction is at least a couple years away at this point. So there's still time for you to send that letter to the City Council.
Next Upper Verde River Watershed Protection Coalition Meeting May 28
Please attend the next UVRWPC meeting at the Prescott City Council Chambers (201 South Cortez, Prescott) at 2 p.m. In February, an invited presentation by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff clarified the role Habitat Conservation Plans can play in Verde River protection. In April, Prescott's attorney Norman James criticized the approach by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff. What's next? Come watch the action. Agendas and meeting minutes are posted here: www.uvrwpc.org/id1.html
Calendar Don't miss this month's calendar of events. To contribute calendar items, ask questions, or volunteer to help, please contact Joanne at (928) 772-8204 or Michelle at (602) 628-9909.
Go with the Flow (of opinions) or Against the Current
Visit the links below to see what's up, then take the plunge - the water's fine.
Online Letters to the Editor: RESPOND TO A LETTER OR EDITORIAL -
You read 'em - why not write 'em? It's easy. Follow this link to see what's up in the Prescott Daily Courier, then respond with your own opinion. Most newspapers provide comment space after letters to the editor. OR SUBMIT YOUR OWN LETTER by clicking on these links -
Prescott Daily Courier
Verde Independent
Prescott Valley Tribune
The Arizona Republic Blogs and More Blogs links:
Freshwater Footprint
Press Pass
Waterblogged by Shaun McKinnon
Verde River MySpace
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: Colorado Pikeminnow. This fish breeds in the Yampa River and Green River and occurs in the Middle and Lower Verde, but does not breed there.
The Center for Biological Diversity sends out Verde updates through DemocracyinAction.org. If you'd like to check your profile and preferences, click here. To stop receiving action alerts and newsletters from us, click here.
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