FINAL REPORT AND PLAN OF ACTION
Verde River Corridor Project Steering Committee
Project Planning Team
Tanna Thornburg, Project Facilitator
Peggy Tabor, Project Planner
Arizona State Parks Board
Peggy Fiandaca and Diane Prindeville
Meeting Facilitators
Arizona Department of Commerce
Verde Valley, Arizona
June 1991
TABLE OF CONTENTSForeword by VRCP Chair Letter of Appreciation by the Planning Team VRCP Steering Committee
The Verde Background Purpose Support Vision
Background Natural Values Climate Geology Verde Watershed Riparian Areas Wildlife Fish Sensitive Species Cultural Values Background History State/Federal Recognition Commercial Values Community Development, Tourism, and Retirement Agriculture and Mining Recreational Values Activities and Opportunities Recreation Assessment
Overview of River Corridor Problems
Background Main Concerns The Next Step
Background Multi-Objective River Corridor Planning Verde River Corridor Project--The Process
Recommendations and Major Findings
Steering Committee Vision and Guiding Principles Subcommittees Economics & Commercial Uses Land Conservation Private Property Recreation Water Major Goals
Conservation Strategy Action Plan Priority Actions Immediate Recommendations Summary of Action Plan
Public Opinion Survey Visual Resource Assessment
Other Protection and Management Actions
Cultural Resource Protection Verde River Greenway/Dead Horse Ranch State Park Tavasci Marsh Wildlife Management Area Verde Riparian Project Verde River Advanced Identification Process National Wild & Scenic River System Recreational River Access Water Conservation Proposal Arizona Water Resources Plan
River Conservation and Protection Strategies
The Values of Rivers Strategies to Enhance Recreation Use and Conservation Acquisition Strategies Economic Impacts of Protecting Rivers
FOREWORD
The Verde River Corridor Project was initiated to respond to concerns about the future of the Verde River as a major economic force and a principal quality of life asset of the Verde Valley.
Local control of direction and recommendations is a key tenet of the plan. It is intended to keep us positively focused on the river and its resources as we grow. Implementation will occur through existing entities. Some goals will be achieved rather quickly, while others will take years.
Periodic review will help adjust the plan to changing conditions and attitudes, as new information is developed, and as goals are refined.
The plan attempts to present a balanced, multiple use strategy for the river resource so that many uses can be accommodated where compatible. Its flavor is intended to be supportive and advisory rather than regulatory since existing legally established entities have the planning and implementation tools needed.
Many people contributed to this effort. Your long term commitment was essential to complete this unique focus on an Arizona treasure. As we look to the future, may understanding and a spirit of cooperation guide our efforts.
Richard Thompson
Chairman
Verde River Corridor Project
Dear Verde River Corridor Project Participants:
Working with you, the dedicated people of the Verde Valley, throughout the Verde River Corridor Project has been inspirational and gratifying. Your love of the Verde River and your commitment to its future are evident in your individual and collective efforts on the project.
Though you have come from diverse backgrounds, you have joined together to achieve a shared vision for the Verde Valley. Some may have considered your task overwhelming for a broad-based citizens' group, but your accomplishments stand in tribute to you. The Verde River Corridor Project is the first of its kind in Arizona, and because of your success other river communities may look to you for inspiration and direction.
You have made a difference in many ways already. Lines of communication have opened up; attention has focused on the Verde River from all directions; studies have produced needed background material and, perhaps, caused important questions to be asked. Many of your goals will not be met immediately; they were not all meant to be. Instead, you have approached your charge with a forward-thinking attitude, too often lacking in planning efforts, and the benefits may be reaped by generations to come. Though each of you deserve a pat on the back, it is the cooperation and teamwork you displayed that is truly significant.
We have tried hard to make this a plan that reflects your concerns, visions, and goals. The Project is dynamic and flexible, however, and you will make changes over time as the need arises. We have included additional information that will be useful and help guide you in the future as your recommendations begin implementation.
We feel we have some special new friends in the Verde Valley. We congratulate you on your sterling efforts so far and wish you continued success as the Verde River Corridor Project matures and enters a new phase of cooperative involvement. This is not the end-- this is just the beginning.
With warmest regards,
Tanna Thornburg and Peggy Tabor
Verde River Corridor Project Facilitators
Arizona State Parks
STEERING COMMITTEE
Steve Andrews AZ Flycasters Club, AZ Game & Fish
Jim Armer Verde Valley Horsemen's Council
Bob Barker Realtor/Former Mayor of Camp Verde
Earl Bauer Clarkdale Chamber of Commerce
Tom Bonomo Prescott National Forest
Jim Bullard Camp Verde Water System
Mike Burnett Cottonwood Planning & Zoning Comm.
Carlton Camp Yavapai County Board of Supervisors
Jean Clark Verde Valley Horsemen's Council
Jon Clow Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Marsha Foutz Friends of the Verde
Joan Gray Northern Arizona Paddlers Club
Loft Hollamon Well Driller
George Kovacovich Rancher and Farmer
Anita MacFarlane Northern Arizona Audubon Society
C. A. McDonald Construction Contractor
Brian Mickelsen City of Cottonwood Assistant Manager
Randall Miller Environmental Education Center
Ron Moen Mayor of Cottonwood and City Council
Marc Nielsen Verde Village Property Owners Assn.
Tap Parsons Camp Verde Town Council/former Mayor
John Petrosky Verde Nursery
Pete Sesow Cottonwood/Verde Valley Chamber of
Commerce
Lester Hall Superior Companies
Richard Thompson Mayor of Clarkdale, Verde NRCD
Charles Wright Verde Valley Horsemen's Council
ASK YOURSELF . . .
What would the Verde Valley be like without the river and its riparian areas?
Would you have chosen to live here?
Would the communities still exist?
Would any of the historic and prehistoric sites and ruins exist?
Would anyone have chosen this valley to locate their farms or their mining operations?
From an environmental standpoint, would there be as many animals or plants or mineral
resources in the area which in turn impact economic opportunities?
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What do you envision for the Verde Valley and its river corridor in the year 2000? In the year 2025 or 2050?
Will there still be a flowing river with trees shading the banks and bald eagles soaring
overhead?
Will there still be fish and frogs and children swimming in the river and in its deep
pools?
Will people still want to live along its banks?
Will the river still be a scenic attraction that brings visitors and new residents, businesses,
and dollars into the Verde Valley?
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These are some of the questions that triggered the initiation of the Verde River Corridor Project. Local citizens and organizations wanted to have some say in how the Verde River Corridor is managed, used, and protected.
WHAT IS THE ANSWER?