The January 20th meeting was well attended with active discussion and many questions were put forward. Much interest was shown in the potential Prescott AMA groundwater mining declaration. VWA will facilitate two public forums in which the Department of Water Resources will explains and discuss the topic. VWA also has an opportunity to assist the NEPA/BMP work that may occur on the Verde River. This could include seminars and fieldwork for land owners, concerned citizens and agency staff in an effort to comply with the Clean Water Act.

This is the type of program assistance VWA was designed to undertake. I attended a meeting in January chaired by State Senator Springer to discuss areas affected by the potential groundwater mining declaration. I offered the assistance of VWA in facilitating meetings and workshops to promote a productive solution to this complex issue. Many attendees at the meeting had no knowledge of VWA or its purpose.

I will be drafting a letter of explanation about VWA to send to all parties involved in this issue to explain and outline the VWA mission and abilities. Committees have been appointed and there are plenty of projects out there to promote. VWA and the Town of Camp Verde co-sponsored a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service presentation January 28 on endangered species. Nearly 100 people attended and the evening session featured more than 45 minutes of pointed and relevant questions for the agency staff on hand.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jay Wilkinson @ 1-520-778-0528