Take Action for the Center for Biological Diversity

Write a letter to the mayor of Chino Valley

Urge Mayor Karen Fann to enact stronger water conservation and growth management strategies before resorting to water transportation. And before any such water pipeline is installed, the city alone or in collaboration with the other communities must provide a detailed plan to protect the flows of the upper Verde River.

November 21, 2009

Subject:
Please protect the Verde River

As a concerned citizen, I urge you to fully utilize tools such as development and growth planning and water conservation measures before taking water from the aquifer that feeds the Verde River. Should you determine to pump and transport the water to feed growth rather than the river, I implore you to evaluate all of the potential impacts of the Chino Grande pipeline proposal and complete a comprehensive mitigation plan prior to beginning pipeline construction. This proposal, in conjunction with the Big Chino Water Ranch pipeline proposal by Prescott and Prescott Valley will deplete the Big Chino aquifer. The unique riparian ecosystem created by the upper Verde River will wither if the Big Chino aquifer is depleted, and with it, the economic and recreational opportunities it provides for so many. Completing the mitigation plan prior to pipeline and pumping infrastructure construction is essential. The Verde River's pristine waters, clean air, scenery, and wildlife are invaluable assets for nearby communities. The Verde River has thus far managed to thrive while playing dual roles: those of critical municipal resource and natural paradise. The Verde provides crucial irrigation and drinking water to many communities in central Arizona. It also contains the only section of river to carry the national Wild and Scenic river designation in the state, and supports an outstanding display of riparian wildlife such as the bald eagle, roundtail chub, southwestern willow flycatcher, and Arizona toad. Likewise, the Verde has long been a popular destination for recreational opportunities like boating, hiking, fishing and bird-watching, which have generated stable economic benefits for local communities. Rapid urban growth, combined with the lack of comprehensive water use planning, threatens Arizona's rivers and groundwater supplies. The Chino Grande pipeline project will exacerbate this water supply management problem on the Verde River. A reduction in the volume of water in the upper Verde would reduce the availability of clean water in downstream communities and farms in the Verde Valley and in Phoenix. It would also diminish the recreational opportunities on the river and threaten the health of many native fish and wildlife species. Before any further decisions are made on the Chino Grande pipeline project, I urge you first to address growth management and water conservation – this would be the most sustainable approach to the area communities’ water issues. I also ask that should you determine to move forward with the Chino Grande pipeline project, you complete a comprehensive mitigation plan, such as a Habitat Conservation Plan, that prevents or minimizes not only the impacts to species located on the lands that the pipeline will cross, but also the species that rely on the flows of the Verde River and its associated riparian areas. Engaging all of the area communities in this pre-construction mitigation plan would likely benefit all projects as well as the citizens and the river. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,
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