Activities and Opportunities
Arizona offers a geography, climate, and natural and cultural diversity unparalleled by any other state. It is not surprising then that a multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities abound in which citizens and visitors participate (SCORP, 1989c). People recreate year-round in Arizona, enjoying the diversity of landscapes and resource challenges. Pursuit of recreational activities benefits emotional health as well as physical well being. People participate to experience nature, for health and fitness, and for socialization with friends and family.
In Arizona, nothing attracts recreationists like water. Every year, more than a million Arizonans and out-of-town visitors flock to the state's waters to boat, float, fish, hunt, hike, wade, picnic, relax, play, and, in the summer, to escape from the heat (SCORP, 1989a). There are a startling variety of stream and riparian resource types that support a wide range of recreation activities. River corridors within a community can provide quality accessible recreation opportunities in one's own backyard.
The Verde River Corridor is located in the Central Highlands Province in central Arizona which contains the most valuable recreational lands in the state. This mountainous region includes many scenic areas such as Oak Creek Canyon, the Mogollon Rim country, and the White Mountains. The Verde Valley, situated under the western edge of the Mogollon Rim and in the shadow of Mingus Mountain, is the gateway to a wealth of recreational opportunities.
The Verde River Corridor provides opportunities for many recreational activities, such as:
- hiking - walking
- horseback riding - mountain biking
- fishing - hunting
- camping - picnicking
- canoeing - kayaking
- rafting - tubing
- swimming - water play
- bird watching - wildlife observation
- nature study - cultural/historic study
- photography - painting/sketching
- sightseeing - off-highway vehicle use
- relaxation - and many others
According to the 1989 SCORP Participation Study, Yavapai County residents indicated a participation rate of 97 percent in outdoor recreation. Hiking was rated as the most important activity. Fishing was the second most important. Other popular activities included walking for pleasure, sightseeing, visiting historic sites, picnicking, and visiting a park or playground. It is interesting to note that participation in water-based activities, such as canoeing, fishing, and swimming in a natural setting, is increasing.
There are many more types of recreational activities currently being pursued in the Verde Valley. Not all activities require the river and its corridor lands; examples of ones that do not include hang gliding, jeep tours, and rock climbing. These activities and others can benefit by the views of the river and its lush green vegetation. The pleasure and experience of most recreational activities can be enhanced by the proximity of flowing water and riparian areas.
Mid to high elevation perennial rivers such as Oak Creek, Sycamore Creek, Wet Beaver Creek, West Clear Creek, Fossil Creek, Verde River, and East Verde River are popular hiking and bird watching attractions. Several streams in the area are stocked regularly with trout by the Arizona Game & Fish Department. It has just been in the last few years that AGFD has stocked rainbow trout in the Verde River. An excellent place to fish for trout is in the Verde River Greenway, beginning at Tuzigoot Bridge and continuing downstream for six miles to Bridgeport Bridge. Trout in this river segment are stocked only in the winter months. Trout are also stocked in the lagoon at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, situated along the river near the City of Cottonwood. Page Springs Fish Hatchery, located on lower Oak Creek, is managed by AGFD and supplies much of the trout for the region's streams. The facility is open to the public and is an excellent stop for visitors.
Trout fishing, a cold water sport, is a rarity in Arizona and the demand for fishing opportunities is increasing. The majority of streams that can accommodate this activity are located in the Central Highlands. Other streams provide opportunities for warm water fishing. The Verde River also supports many other sport fish species such as channel catfish, smallmouth bass, yellow bullhead, black crappie, green sunfish, and carp. Lake Superior, a man-made lake resulting from sand and gravel operations in the Verde River, has been made available to local anglers and recreationists by Superior Companies. This sand and gravel company, as well as others in the area, has initiated discussions with local and state agencies and local sportmen's groups to study ways to rehabilitate abandoned mining sites to enhance recreation and environmental values.
The lower Verde, outside the VRCP boundaries, is regulated by two dams that create two popular recreational lakes, Horseshoe Reservoir and Bartlett Reservoir. The lakes provide recreationists with opportunities to water ski, fish, scuba, jet ski, sail, windsurf, canoe, motorboat, and swim.
Water-based recreation has always been extremely popular in the arid Southwest. As the lakes become more crowded, people are turning to the rivers and streams to pursue their recreational activities. Low water boating is gaining in popularity as recreationists seek new sports and areas. Rivers that were previously considered unboatable are now being canoed, kayaked and rafted in great numbers. Canoeing is reported to be the second fastest growing participation sport in America (Harrison, 1988). Nationally, an increase of 57 percent in participation was observed between 1980 and 1986 compared to a 17 percent increase between 1966 and 1980. In 1986, 19 million Americans canoed (SCORP, 1989a).
The Verde River provides excellent river boating opportunities, especially for canoers, kayakers, tubers, and rafters. This river is available to boaters when most of the country is locked in by freezing weather. Different segments of the river offer different experiences, from whitewater to placid, slow-moving waters. Increasing demand for boating trips along the Verde provides outfitters and guides a rural river business opportunity. There are several local businesses that cater to those people interested in renting canoes, joining a guided raft trip, or chartering a river barge for a party on the Verde. Many of these small businesses tailor their services to fit most any personal need, including providing shuttle service, meals, and environmental/cultural studies, offering fully catered or participatory excursions, and offering varying trip lengths.
The only designated National Wild and Scenic River in Arizona is a 39.5 mile stretch of the lower Verde River. Designated by Congress in 1984, this Wild and Scenic River segment begins at Beasley Flat and continues through a rugged canyon gorge to the confluence with Red Creek. The first 14.5 miles are designated as "Scenic" and as the river enters the Mazatzal Wilderness Area the river is classified as "Wild." Many people come to the Verde to experience this desert river in a way only possible via canoe, kayak, or raft. The Forest Service released a draft implementation plan for the management of the Verde Wild and Scenic River in 1990. The river falls under the jurisdiction of three national forests, Coconino, Prescott, and Tonto.
A citizens' proposal of 40 river segments currently being studied lists two additional river segments of the Verde and four tributaries for consideration as National Wild and Scenic Rivers (see Other Protection and Management Actions section).
Oak Creek Canyon and the highway that follows the creek through the incredibly scenic canyon is an international attraction. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the area and stop at Slide Rock State Park each year. This natural chute along Oak Creek is the precursor to the artificial water parks so popular today. A second state park located along Oak Creek south of Sedona, the Red Rock Environmental Education Center, is scheduled to open in the winter of 1991. Many visitors continue their trip down through the Verde Valley, stopping at the many natural and cultural attractions found in the valley.
Two archaeological sites under the protective management of the National Park Service are located in the Verde Valley. Tuzigoot National Monument is situated atop a hill overlooking the Verde River between Clarkdale and Cottonwood. Montezuma Castle and Well can be found along Beaver Creek, a tributary that enters the Verde in Camp Verde. Also in Camp Verde is Ft. Verde State Historic Park, an 1800s military reservation managed by Arizona State Parks. A second State Park, Jerome State Historic Park, highlights the Douglas mansion in Jerome and focuses on the mining era of early Arizona. These national and state treasures attract a considerable number of visitors to the Valley providing wonderful glimpses back through time. There are also many other historic and prehistoric sites in the area that can provide fascinating opportunities to learn more about the region's history.
Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle opportunities can be found throughout the region, especially on the surrounding national forest lands. There are many backcountry trails and primitive campgrounds for the adventuresome. There are also fifteen Wilderness Areas within the Verde River Basin that provide opportunities for solitude and that "wilderness experience" desired by our country's increasingly urban populations. Some areas and trails are closed to certain types of use so it is wise to check with the Forest Service for restrictions.
The Forest Service has been working with local residents and special interest groups for the past year to plan for a system of trails on national forest lands. The concept was to close the public land to off-road vehicle (ORV) use (currently, one can drive anywhere on forest land except where posted), and designate certain trails and areas "open" to such use. Some local residents objected to designating any ORV or OHV (off-highway vehicle) areas or trails on national forest land, others objected to the amount of trail miles proposed for OHV use. ORV and OHV enthusiasts contend they have a right to use public lands and are willing to work with Forest Service to plan for the most appropriate areas. A solution is still being negotiated.
Many people, especially the residents who live along or near the river, enjoy walking and riding along the banks of the Verde and its tributaries. Established, managed trails along the river corridor are few and far between, however. There are no long distance trails along the river that are managed for public use. The Verde Valley Horsemen's Council is one group that has been studying the feasibility of a planned system of trails along the river corridor. Currently, people use the many undeveloped trails that criss-cross between private and public lands. Trail use on private land is at the acceptance/permission of the landowner. If the owner becomes discouraged with rudeness, noise, litter, and vandalism, he can close his land to further use. Respec for private property is being strongly encouraged.
There are scattered parcels of national forest land along the Verde River Corridor. Many of these parcels are currently being developed to accommodate limited river access and recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and picnicking. Some sites will allow camping. Table 6 lists the nine new sites being developed as a cooperative effort by the Prescott National Forest, City of Cottonwood, and Town of Camp Verde. Additional sites along the Verde are also being planned. The recreational river access sites are being funded through the State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF) administered by the Arizona Outdoor Recreation Coordinating Commission (AORCC). A pamphlet on public river access sites has been published as part of the VRCP process and is now available to recreationists.
The Verde River Greenway, managed by Arizona State Parks, is currently planning for the protection and development of this unique riparian and recreational resource. A seven- mile trail has been planned for the Greenway to allow recreationists the opportunity to walk along the banks, enjoying the tree-canopied river and the multitude of wildlife species that live in the riparian community. Also planned are several river access points. The Greenway is currently managed as a special unit of Dead Horse Ranch State Park. This quiet state park offers campgrounds, restrooms, showers, picnic sites, group use areas, a fishing lagoon, river access, riverfront trails, and interpretive and environmental education programs. Additional campgrounds, trails, and an equestrian area are planned for the future.
There are a couple of city parks along the river. Riverfront Park in Cottonwood features several ballfields, play areas, picnic sites, trails, and river access, and eventually will have a wetland area for wildlife observation. White Bridge Park in Camp Verde is in the development stage. It is to be a riverfront park and will provide access to anglers and to boaters to "put in" and "take out." There are also several picnic sites planned.
Private campgrounds vary from the full-service accommodations at the Thousand Trails RV Park located along the river between Cottonwood and Camp Verde, to the "throw down" camping area located north of Clarkdale.
Peck's Lake, an old oxbow lake of the Verde owned by the Phelps Dodge Corporation, is available for limited public use. It is currently undergoing renovation. When it reopens, boats (8hp or less) and anglers will be allowed on the lake. There is a small picnic area at the lower end of the lake. A golf course borders one side of Peck's Lake. The lower end of Peck's Lake is quite marshy and is an excellent birdwatching site.
Tavasci Marsh, just to the south of the lake, is currently being restored to its original wetland state, under a cooperative agreement between the landowner, Phelps Dodge, and AGFD. Tavasci Marsh will be open to the public after restoration is completed. Nature study, bird watching, and hiking will be the main focus. There are many excellent bird watching areas along the Verde. One could expect to observe over 150 bird species in the Verde Valley; many species can only be found along rivers and riparian areas like the Verde River. In addition to birds, many people enjoy the opportunity to observe different kinds of wildlife. A river affords many such opportunities because of the diversity of species and large numbers of animals it attracts.
Some of the surprising recreational pursuits that have been gaining in popularity are ecotourism and environmental education trips. More people are spending their vacations whale watching, repairing wilderness trails, and assisting archaeologists on a dig. People enjoy spending time in the outdoors, but they also want to know more about the natural world around them. It is hoped that this trend continues.
Sightseeing has been one of America's top leisure pursuits for years. Scenic highways, such as 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, attract millions of people annually. A new form of sightseeing has recently become available in the Verde Valley. The Arizona Central Railroad has opened the Verde River Canyon Excursion Train. This historic railroad was originally built to carry ore from the mines to be processed. The trains still carry freight, but their main attraction is an incredibly scenic trip through the upper Verde River Canyon. The trains allow thousands of people to experience this rugged backcountry annually without the serious environmental impacts that new roads and facilities would cause.
The Verde River Corridor has recently been the focal point for several special events. Verde River Days is an annual event sponsored by the local communities and businesses. It is held each year in September at Dead Horse Ranch State Park and features river- related activities for children and adults, demonstrations, exhibits, educational sessions, entertainment, and of course, food. This event brings a greater awareness of the importance of the river to people's every day lives. It has been enthusiastically received by the public and is an excellent vehicle for building community spirit. Other special events and festivals that have centered around the river are triathlons, and canoe and mountain bike races.
Recreation Assessment
The Verde River Corridor provides many diverse forms of recreation opportunities which can sometimes be in conflict. The natural beauty of the area is a mecca for outdoor recreationists seeking escape from the city. The area provides important habitat for large numbers of fish and wildlife species and supports a wide diversity of plant life and landscape scenery. The Verde Valley is well-known for its rich cultural heritage, both historic and prehistoric.
It is recognized that people will continue to be attracted to the Verde Valley, creating more demands on its finite resources. It is also recognized that private property owners may choose to limit access across their properties in the future. Sometimes there is competition for the same resource or parcel of land. Some of the activities are in direct conflict with each other, such as those individuals seeking solitude along the river and those who want to drive their motorized vehicles along the banks and through the river. Trail use by different activity types can also create conflicts. Often, anglers do not like to share the same stretch of river with swimmers.
The primary problems identified by the Recreation Subcommittee of the VRCP are:
- competing recreation uses
- conflicts between resource protection and recreation uses
- conflicts between landowners and recreationists
- decreasing access to river
- insufficient access and facilities to accommodate recreation uses
The Recreation Subcommittee researched and prepared a recreation assessment of the Verde River Corridor for the VRCP Steering Committee. The purpose of the report was to familiarize committee members with the wide variety of recreation activities associated with the Verde River as well as identify areas of conflict and concern and, finally, to provide some possible resolutions. River access and resource protection has been a primary concern of the Recreation Subcommittee. Recommended actions to address the identified issues and concerns were developed by the Recreation Subcommittee and can be found in the Recommendations and Major Findings section.
The assessment covered the corridor from Tapco to Beasley Flat and was divided into seven zones. Each zone was described by three subject areas: 1) general information about the zone, 2) specific information regarding present activities, and 3) concerns, suggestions, and actions defined by the Recreation Subcommittee. The activities specifically identified included fishing, swimming, off-road vehicle use, camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, birding and wildlife observation, boating/canoeing, and cultural/historical information.
Hunting and rock climbing were initially included, but later dropped for evaluation by the subcommittee as it was felt that hunting within the much of the corridor was inappropriate because of the close proximity to residences (for information, regulations, and suitable sites for hunting, contact the Arizona Game & Fish Department). Rock climbing was dropped because most appropriate sites were located outside the river corridor.
The following table summarizes some of the information gathered through the Recreation Assessment.
One of the most difficult obstacles to overcome will be supporting the large numbers of potential day users while preserving the natural state of the riparian areas. Human activity and environmental quality can coexist with adequate pro-active management. There are existing areas along the river corridor that have the carrying capacity for recreation activities. Areas encompassing important wildlife habitat and riparian ecosystems are more sensitive to the adverse human impacts from recreationists.
A well balanced planning approach should aim toward simutaneously maintaining the integrity of riparian areas and providing recreation areas for humans. The impacts can be positive with proper management. Unless people have a connection to the river, through recreational use or sightseeing, they may not consider it as significant and worthy of their support for efforts to protect it (Averitt, et al, 1991).