Save the Verde!  Update & Calendar

Greetings,

Habitat Conservation Plans Explained
This past week, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representatives John Nystedt and Brenda Smith explained the concept of habitat conservation plans (HCPs) at the Yavapai County Water Advisory Committee meeting.  HCPs identify potential impacts of planned activities such as pumping groundwater and identify a plan to avoid undesired effects.  They support regional planning efforts that can protect natural areas and resources.  An HCP for the region including the Big Chino aquifer and upper Verde River would detail procedures to protect endangered and sensitive species and their habitats.

The Fish and Wildlife Service hope to be invited to present to local city and town councils.  Call the Prescott City Council at (928) 777-1292 or email (form) at www.cityofprescott.net/email.php?id=4, and ask council members to extend this invitation!

Read this Daily Courier article for details of the presentation:

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=44782&TM=42643.66

Two Ways to See Upper Verde River Watershed Protection Coalition Meetings
1.  Attend the Upper Verde River Watershed Protection Coalition meeting on Wednesday, July 25 (TOMORROW!).  The agenda for this meeting includes a presentation and proposal by local citizen Howard Mechanic regarding the need to establish a workgroup on management planning for the Upper Verde Watershed and Prescott Active Management Area. These goals could be achieved by establishment of a state-enabled District or Districts, or possibly by local means. The public is invited to attend and public comments will be permitted. 

Speak at this meeting about how you feel about the plans to pump the Big Chino aquifer by local municipalities, and encourage the coalition to endorse a regional approach to water management, development planning and habitat protection.  Ask them to invite the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make a presentation about habitat conservation plans.

2.  Watch local access Channel 13 for broadcast of Coalition meetings: 

If you live in Prescott Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, or Mayer, watch at 3 p.m. Tuesdays and at 9 p.m. Wednesdays.  For Prescott and vicinity, Channel 13 broadcasts the meetings at 8 a.m. on Mondays. 

Broadcasts repeat through the month that follows the live meeting.

Projects and Programs ... What About Protection?
The six projects the Coalition proposes for protecting the upper Verde watershed in order of priority are to 1) research and implement water conservation plans and programs, 2) examine the existing Big Chino hydrologic monitoring network and design an expanded network, 3) identify natural recharge areas, 4) identify potential artificial recharge sites and develop feasibility-level recommendations for development of artificial recharge projects, 5) examine the feasibility of flood detention projects and opportunities to enhance recharge and, 6) research healthy watershed management approaches.

These plans include plenty of examining, identifying, and researching but little in the way of action to protect the base flow of the Verde.  The Coalition plans to have water in the pipeline well before the study phase is completed.

At the August 22 meeting of the Coalition, the members plan to award the contract for professional consulting services for the "projects and programs" of the Coalition.  Stay tuned for details in an upcoming update, and make a plan to voice your opinion.

August 18 - Save The Verde "Ice Cream Social," 1 p.m. at Granite Creek Park!
We had so much fun at last month's Open House event – thanks to ALL of you who attended and helped make it a success! – we decided to gather again.  But this time, it's for an ice cream social!  Bring your ideas, bring a friend, and be part of our growing group with heartfelt dedication to protecting Arizona's precious Verde River.  Each one of you has something special to offer and contribute to our campaign.  Now is the time for you to step up and make a difference to keep the river flowing.  There is no time to waste since the municipalities' plans to pump the Big Chino aquifer march ahead, flying in the face of common sense and scientific evaluations of the watershed.  This river will not continue to flow without your help.  Contact Joanne at (928) 772-8204 or joellers@biologicaldiversity.org for more information.

Call for Letters to the Editor in the Mail or Online and Keep Those Blogs Coming!
Please help us keep up our momentum in the media by speaking for Verde River protection.  Listed below are some of the opportunities to comment, and remember, you can always contact Joanne at (928) 772-8204 or joellers@biologicaldiversity.org for assistance or information.

Who's Saying What?
The media heats up! Visit the links below to see who's saying what about growth, water, open space, and quality of life.

The Verde River MySpace Page: Ron Harvey deserves a big "thanks!" for spreading the good word.  Post a comment of your own and add to the conservation message at www.myspace.com/theverderiver.

Online Letters to the Editor: You read 'em – why not write 'em?  It's easy.  Follow the links to see what's up with public opinion then respond with your own.

RESPOND TO A LETTER - http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=36&TM=45724.7

OR SUBMIT YOUR OWN -
Prescott Daily Courier
www.dcourier.com/Formlayout.asp?formcall=userform&form=1
Verde Independent
http://verdeindependent.1upsoftware.com/Formlayout.asp?formcall=userform&form=1

Blogs and More Blogs:

CourierWatch - http://courierwatch.blogspot.com/

Press Pass - www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=109&SubSectionID=172&l=1

Citizen Journalist Blog - www.dcourier.com/FormLayout.asp?Formcall=CJ_Reg&SectionID=111

Online Article Comment Forms:

People DO read these!  Add your two cents!!

Calendar
Check out the latest calendar of events! If you have an item for the calendar or want more information, please contact Joanne at (928) 772-8204 or Michelle at (602) 628-9909.

Have a House Party!
Want to do something special for the Verde?  Host a letter-writing party!  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. 

Take Action!!
Visit savetheverde.org and click to Take Action!  From the site you can send letters to the editor of local papers and send letters to decision-makers.  You don't have to wait for a house party! Send a letter now!!  You can also download a Little Drop of Water to decorate and send us.

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!

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