VWA Seminar Series:

 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY and FINAL REPORT 

The Ecological Implications of Verde River Flows (4 page summary, 3.2 megabytes)

Ecological Implications of Verde River Flows (124 pages, 4.2 megabytes)

Ecological Flow Assessment for the Verde River- An Orientation

Speakers:

Ecological Flows and the Natural Flow Patterns-- Jeanmarie Haney, TNC

Springs and Baseflow in the Verde River Watershed— Abe Springer, NAU

Floods, Channels and Floodplains-- Phil Pearthree-- AZ State Geology Department

Riparian Vegetation and Hydrologic Measures—Julie Stromberg, ASU

Wildlife Resource Values of the Verde River-- Brenda Smith, US Fish and Wildlife  (Presentation .pdf 796 KB)

(Workshop held Oct. 3 at the Crossroads Center at Prescott College. )

Subject:

 In its 135 miles, the Verde River basin supports 43 riparian and aquatic species tracked by Arizona’s Heritage Data Management System, including 11 with federal protected status. The basin contains some of the most extensive remaining stands of Fremont cottonwood and Goodding’s willow, marshes and other riparian assemblages. The river and its aquifers also provide vital water for several cities, towns and settlements throughout the heart of Arizona.

 The Verde River Basin Partnership (VRBP), formed pursuant to Public Law 109-110, Title II, is a collaborative, science-based water resource planning partnership. The VRBP is tasked with preparing a plan for conducting water resource studies in the Verde River. Its first report includes an analysis of the potential long-term consequences of various water use scenarios on groundwater levels and Verde River flows. Among other things, consequences to the ecologic systems resulting from possible changes in flow regimes in various parts of the river will be considered.

 The VRBP report will be supplemented by the final report of an “experts’ workshop” next spring facilitated by these speakers and several other invited scientists. The workshop will employ the new Arizona Water Institute as its scientific-lead. The experts will use a model developed by the Army Corps of Engineers and The Nature Conservancy that provides a framework for managing water to meet human needs while allowing for ecological benefits. “When the water needs of a river ecosystem are clearly defined by scientists, water managers can work to find ways of meeting human needs for water while maintaining adequate river flows for the ecosystem.”

Map to Prescott College

Ecological Flows Workshop (.pdf)

Ecological Flow Assessment for the Verde River- Orientation held Oct. 3, 2006 in Prescott (.doc)