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Dear Friend,
Winter time is magical at the upper Verde River. Its delicate spring water sparkles silvery among bright leaves and below a towering gang of cottonwoods and willows. Here is when she shows her true nature, often independent of added surface flows. It is an awe-inspiring river we can call our own -- and shelter.
No December Meeting of the Upper Verde River Watershed Protection Coalition
ADWR Decision Appealed
Recall from our November update that we were waiting for Arizona Department of Water Resource's decision on Prescott's application for modification of its Assured Water Supply to include water from the Big Chino Sub-basin. In mid-November, ADWR concluded that Prescott has approximately 20,000 acre-feet of water from physically, legally, and continuously available sources to the City for no less than 100 years. This amount includes about 8,000 acre-feet of groundwater from the Big Chino Sub-basin, which the City of Prescott plans to split with Prescott Valley for use in that community pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement. The approval does not take into account the impacts to the upper Verde River, as ADWR contends it's not their job to address issues such as connectivity between groundwater and surface water.
The Center, along with the Sierra Club-Grand Canyon Chapter and 11 individual residents of the Prescott Active Management Area, has taken this to the next level and filed an appeal of the ADWR decision on Friday, December 12, 2008. Joy Herr-Cardillo of the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest is representing the appellants. You can read the appeal and the press release by clicking on the links.
For Your Listening Pleasure
Tune in to this link to hear the Center for Biological Diversity's Tim Janes discuss the history and mission of the Center, the only national environmental nonprofit organization based in Arizona.
Thank You, Patagonia
This year, Patagonia, Inc. generously donated whole a boxful of men's and women's outerwear to Save the Verde. Gradually, at fairs, festivals, and Watershed Wednesdays, we've raffled the items (and gave a few to trusty volunteers) generating donations for our campaign.
Patagonia, Inc. works with factories that share their values of integrity and environmentalism and promotes Fair labor and Environmental Protection. Their mission states "Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis."
Patagonia uses environmentally sensitive materials and both sponsors and participates in a host of environmental initiatives that range from promoting wildlife corridors to combating genetic engineering. To date, they have given some $29 million in grants to grassroots environmental organizations. Thank you Patagonia for helping to save the Verde.
"Fishing for Answers" Quiz
What two species of North American native fish are endemic only to Arizona?
Give Back to the Verde
Whether you've visited the Verde in person or in a photo, the Verde has given something to you. Now is the time to give back to the Verde.
Would you:
1. Sign a statement of support for Verde River protection and sustainable planning for the region. You can make a real difference? Please add your name to the petition. So far, we've collected over 3,000 signatures both online and on paper. Thanks to those who have signed on. Now tell your friends to do the same! If you'd like to help collect signatures, as several generous volunteers already have, contact Joanne at (928) 772-8204.
2. Ask business owners you know if they would endorse this position statement?
3. Help organize a demonstration event in early 2009 by making phone calls or making signs?
4. Commit to helping out during April River Week?
5. Join other Verde River friends to clean up the Arizona Game and Fish's Upper Verde River Wildlife Area at Campbell Ranch? Date to be announced soon.
If we don't take action, we'll lose the upper Verde. Plans to build the pipeline are marching ahead with a spin campaign based on untruths and distortions. Don't let this flow by.
Your Endorsements Will Help Save the Verde
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, EcoRx, Endangered Habitats League, Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist, Grand Canyon Chapter Sierra Club, Keep Sedona Beautiful, Maricopa Audubon Society, Prescott Audubon Society, Sonoran Audubon Society, and Verde River Citizens Alliance. 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) 628-990
You can visit our archives if you are new to our list or missed an update.
Hike and Clean Up With Us
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 Yavapai Group. If you want to get in on a free educational trip to one of our local wetland wonders, call soon -- our trips fill up fast. Please see our calendar for dates and description.
The perfect way to say "thank you" to the Verde for your outing is to have some fun and really make a difference with like-minded river lovers. Please consider joining us in an upper Verde River cleanup in conjunction with April River Days, April 17 through 25. Watch for details in future Save the Verde updates.
Contributions Always Welcome
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 Apache trout and the Little Colorado spinedace. A person can go to just about any of the 50 states and find a rainbow trout, largemouth bass, or channel catfish, but these two species are found only in Arizona. Without these unique and splendid creatures, we become a culture of diminished natural heritage.
Photo (c) Walt Anderson.
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