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Dear Friend,
The Power of One. As we move ahead in our plan for action to protect the base flow of the upper Verde River, we ask members of the public to step forward to help. We are told, "The decisions are already made. One person's voice can't matter. Besides, I don't have time or energy to get involved," or "The Center for Biological Diversity or Salt River Project representatives will save the Verde." The Center is committed to doing all it can to protect the clean flowing waters of the Verde River, but it will be due to passionate individuals like yourself that the Verde will be protected now and in the future.
There is both risk and reward in standing up (or lying down) to make a statement about what you believe in as this short video illustrates. We hope you will stand with us. You can start by signing our petition (more info below).
Next Upper Verde River Watershed Protection Coalition Meeting August 27th
Come by and meet the municipal leaders making decisions about the future of the upper Verde River. Get involved by attending this meeting at the Prescott City Council Chambers (201 South Cortez St., Prescott) at 2 p.m. Agendas and meeting minutes are posted here.
"Fishing for Answers" Quiz!
What does the "razorback" do for the razorback sucker, once a very abundant and widespread species in the Colorado River Basin?
Joint Councils Rally for Big Chino Pipeline
Earlier this month in their first joint meeting, Town of Prescott Valley and City of Prescott councils heard presentations and updates by a series of state water experts and staff on topics ranging from engineering design to water and importation rights. Even though it was acknowledged that "potential impacts to the Upper Verde River from the proposed groundwater pumping activities in the Big Chino Sub-basin have been a concern for both communities and conservation groups," the audience heard some of the same misleading rhetoric of days past.
A representative of Prescott Valley brought up the already refuted "clay plug" theory and stated, "The communities have spent millions of dollars to avoid impact to the Upper Verde River by moving the pumping site to the Big Chino Water Ranch. This location is 20 miles away from the springs that contribute to the dry season flow in the Upper Verde." The rep also said, "Farmers have pumped groundwater from the Big Chino Water Ranch area for nearly 70 years without impacting the Verde River or causing notable declines in the local groundwater table."
Point #1: There is no clay plug. According to USGS reports, there is a clay playa that extends partly across the basin, but scientists presume that groundwater flows under or around the playa to reach the Verde headwater springs.
Point #2: Moving the pumping site to a location a certain distance from the Verde headwaters is not mitigation. This might only delay the inevitable impact.
Point #3: There is no documentation for the representative's statement about farmers pumping groundwater for "nearly 70 years, without an impact on the Verde or causing noticeable declines...," since no monitoring wells have been in place long enough to determine this. However, USGS reports state that baseflow in the Verde was less than average during peak irrigation pumping during the 1960s, increased between the 1960s to 1990s as pumping decreased, and has declined again as pumping has escalated. Additionally, peak pumping for farms in the region was likely around 14,000 acre-feet/year, returning half of what was used for irrigation back to the aquifer. The communities plan to remove the water entirely from the Big Chino without returning any to the basin, but rather recharging it in the currently depleted AMA. Current pumping in the Big Chino is around 12,000 acre-feet/year without adding the pipeline.
Finally, be aware that City of Prescott Mayor, Jack Wilson told the standing-room-only audience, "We are going to move forward." You can read more about the meeting in this Prescott Valley press release and the Prescott Daily Courier article, "Local officials confident about status of Big Chino pipeline."
In the coming days, Arizona Department of Water Resource (ADWR) is expected to complete its review of the communities' Assured Water Supply application. Once that happens, ADWR will advertise a public comment period which will be open for only 15 days. We will alert you when that happens.
Please Sign Our Petition
Signing a statement of support for Verde River protection and sustainable planning for the region is a powerful act, and can really make a difference. Please add your name to the petition here. So far, we've collected over 2,400 signatures both online and on paper. Thanks to those who have signed on!
We hope to collect hundreds more names and signatures through the web site and other outreach events in preparation for a demonstration of public support for comprehensive mitigation plan(s) regarding proposed Big Chino pipeline and pumping projects prior to construction to ensure that the Verde continues to support the people and wildlife that depend on it. If you'd like to help collect signatures, as several generous volunteers already have, contact Joanne at (928) 772-8204.
Position Statement Gains Endorsers
As we ask the public to sign our petition, interested groups (businesses, organizations, etc.) can endorse a companion position statement, viewable here. Our growing list of supporters includes American Rivers, Arizona Wilderness Coalition, Arizona Wildlife Federation, Center for Biological Diversity, Citizens Water Advocacy Group, Desert Rivers Audubon Society, EcoRx, Sierra Club-Grand Canyon Chapter, Keep Sedona Beautiful, Maricopa Audubon Society, Prescott Audubon Society and Sonoran Audubon Society. If your group or business would like to add their support, please contact Joanne at (928) 772-8204.
Calendar
Don't miss this month's calendar of events! To contribute calendar items, ask questions, or volunteer to help with a Save the Verde event, please contact Joanne at (928) 772-8204 or Michelle at (602) 628-9909.
You can visit our archives if you are new to our list or missed an update.
Verde Hikes a Hit
Dozens of curious and hardy hikers have joined us on our series of upper Verde River hikes led by the Center for Biological Diversity and Sierra Club-Grand Chapter. If you want to get in on a free trip to one of our local wetland wonders, call soon. Our trips fill up fast. We've already maxed out our hike scheduled for August 30. Reservations are now being taken for the following trips:
 SEP 28 - Sunday
Verde Springs and Stillman Lake
Hike down to the Verde River and along the shore of Stillman Lake. You should see lots of birds and petroglyphs, and then we will hike down the Verde into the new Nature Conservancy property to view beaver dams and Verde Springs. This is about a 4-mile hike with a 200' elevation change. It's easy, pretty, and cool with lots of fun and information. Contact Gary Beverly, Sierra Club Outings Coordinator at (928) 636-2638 or gbverde@cableone.net to reserve your spot.
October 25 - Saturday
Perkinsville Bridge to MC Canyon
After shuttling vehicles (some 4WD, 17 mi), bushwhack up the Verde River, we'll hike 7 miles through a very pretty part of the river. There is no trail: be prepared to push through the brush, wade the river, and climb around cliffs. This will be a long day, but there is outstanding scenery and photography, and fall color should be excellent. Contact Gary Beverly, Sierra Club Outings Coordinator at (928) 636-2638 or gbverde@cableone.net to reserve your spot.
Groundwater Pumping and Lag Time
If you want to read about groundwater pumping and lag time impacts to an aquifer, check out "Time and the Aquifer: Models and Long-term Thinking" by Julia Fonseca in the current issue of the Sky Island Alliance Newsletter, page 5 (be sure to click on the "download pdf" link as the summer newsletter image is linked to the spring issue).
Host a House Party!
Want to do something special for the Verde? All you have to do is let us know you want to host a party, invite a few friends, provide some food and beverages, and we'll show up with some entertainment, ideas and materials. If you're short on friends who can help, we'll find some for you -- our phone list is growing. Please contact Joanne at (928) 772-8204 if you're interested in hosting a House Party.
Check the Pulse of the Salt and Verde Rivers
Now at your fingertips -- data for the Salt and Verde watersheds collected by the USGS and Salt River Project at www.watershedmonitor.com. Find precipitation and flow data throughout the watersheds of the Salt and Verde Rivers allowing the public to "check the pulse" of the watersheds. This is great information for citizen activists.
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:
The razorback acts as a stabilizing keel while feeding in slow water on algae, aquatic insect larvae, decaying organic matter and plankton. Razorback suckers live up to 50 years, reach lengths of 36-39 inches, and weigh up to 13 pounds.
Banner photo by Gary Beverly; hike photo by Walt Anderson.
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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