Save the Verde!  Update & ICE CREAM SOCIAL Announcement

Greetings,

It's a full calendar and a full update � la mode ENJOY!

Call for Letters to the Editor in the Mail or Online
Please help us keep up our momentum in the media by speaking for Verde River protection.  Below, you'll see commentary opportunities and remember, you can always contact Joanne at (928) 772-8204 or [email protected] for assistance or information.

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 [email protected] for more information.

Media Ops
So many have given time and energy in writing to support Verde River protection.  Maybe you have sent letters to our city, town, county, or state officials or to the editors of regional newspapers.  Did you know it's even easier now to express yourself in the media?  It's simple with online letters to the editor, blogs, and online article comment submission.  People read these!  Take action!  Express yourself!  Your comments really do make a difference.

Online Letters to the Editor:

Prescott Daily Courier
www.dcourier.com/Formlayout.asp?formcall=userform&form=1

Verde Independent
http://verdeindependent.1upsoftware.com/Formlayout.asp?formcall=userform&form=1

Blog:

http://courierwatch.blogspot.com/

Article Comment Submission Forms:

Most online publications have a message at the end like, "Please feel free to submit your comments." People DO read these!

Montgomery Report "NO STANDARD"
The long-awaited Montgomery and Associates critique of two USGS studies of the Upper Verde Watershed and the implications of these studies for plans to increase water extraction from the Big Chino Sub-basin was unveiled June 27th.  While most would agree more studies are needed, the USGS reports DO PROVIDE enough information to warrant valid concern for the survival of the river in light of ground water pumping.  The cities and their consultants have NOT provided the public with any new evidence that pumping will not harm the river.  And the consultant's new claim that the aquifer from which pumping is planned on Big Chino Water Ranch is disconnected from that which supplies the Verde springs is unsubstantiated.

The Montgomery Report appears to be an effort on the part of the decision-makers to cast doubt on the widely agreed-upon scientific opinion that large amounts of ground water pumping in the Big Chino will harm the Verde River, and the municipalities might try to use these reports to avoid their responsibility to address the need to offset pumping impacts.

Take a moment to read the following articles and editorial:

Former hydrologist predicts upper Verde will go dry
www.redrocknews.com/news/former-hydrologist-predicts-upper-verde-will-go-dry.html

Review of Verde studies offers several recommendations
www.dcourier.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=44219&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&S=1

Polls, studies: you never know what yer gonna get
http://www.dcourier.com/print.asp?ArticleID=44205&SectionID=109&

Then decide for yourself.  Are these people really doing all they can to keep the Verde flowing? 
Now TAKE ACTION!

• Make a commitment to keep current on Verde River issues.  
• However you stay informed, share your concerns with decision-makers.

Two Ways to See Upper Verde River Watershed Protection Coalition Meetings
One of the best actions you can take is attending the Upper Verde Watershed Coalition meeting on Wednesday, July 25 at 2 p.m. at the Prescott council chambers to hear the presentation by Howard Mechanic about the need to form a local water management district.  If you can, SPEAK at this meeting about how you feel about the plans to pump the Big Chino aquifer.

Or watch as local access Channel 13 begins its broadcast of Coalition meetings Tuesday, July 10 3 p.m. and Wednesday, July 11 at 9 p.m. for Prescott Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, and Mayer.  For Prescott and vicinity, Channel 13 will broadcast this meeting at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 16.  This particular event will repeat through the month of July with the new meetings broadcast through each subsequent month.  This allows plenty of time for you to formulate a letter or phone call to your elected officials.

Chino Valley pipeline: planning and propaganda
Since Chino Valley Mayor Karen Fann announced the town's plans to pump Big Chino groundwater five miles from the Verde River headwaters in order to fuel more growth, the Center has been especially watchful and somewhat skeptical.  With a goal of close to total recharge of the effluent produced from the water they pump from the Big Chino, questions arise.  How will the chemicals in that water affect the groundwater safety?  Where can the recharge occur without putting further pressure on an already stressed Verde River riparian area?  Will Chino Valley be able to meet their proposed strict conservation measures?

Work has started with ASU's Morrison Institute to incorporate "Smart and Sustainable Water Resource Growth" into the town's general plan, utilizing water conservation, sustainable development planning, and public involvement in the process.  The town has also contracted with the Riester Company to provide public relations services for $170,500 plus additional costs for website development over the next 30 months. 

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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