Meeting was called to order by chairman Jay Wilkinson at 7:06 p.m.
All others in attendance introduced themselves.
Chairman Wilkinson passed around the committee signup sheets and he also encouraged volunteering for committees.
Minutes from the December meeting were approved as printed in the Confluence with the correction of the spelling of Jim Hofbauer’s name in the minutes.
The Treasurers gave the monthly report. VWA started 1998 with a balance in the account of $1383.50. The current balance is $1413.50 with one new membership for 1998. Financial report was approved.
Chairman Wilkinson reported: AZ Dept. of Water Resources is sponsoring meetings in the Declaration of Water Mining in the Prescott AMA on February 19th in the Prescott area and on February 17th in Camp Verde. The locations will be advertised. On January 24, VWA, Prescott AMA, City of Prescott, Town of Prescott Valley, Town of Chino Valley, will be in a meeting to discuss proposed legislation in regards to the Declaration and legislation to deal with the declaration. Chairman Wilkinson will represent VWA.
Vice-Chairman O’Halleran asked that the Arizona Town Hall document “Ensuring Arizona’s Water Quality & Quantity into the 21st Century and its recommendations be reviewed by a Committee. He also talked about the report of the Western Water Policy Review Advisory Commission and posed several questions, What does the report mean to the Verde Watershed? What legislation may develop from this report? What are the next steps? Are there any recommendations VWA should promote?
O’Halleran also said he feels VWA needs to start tracking legislation on what is happening at the state and federal levels. He says a committee should develop the funding schedules for the various agencies and cultivate working relationships with the other watershed associations in Arizona and then the Southwest to find areas of cooperation and like interest.
O’Halleran then said that prior to any further studies in the Big Chino area of the Upper Verde, VWA needs to identify the various studies already completed. How many studies are there? What conclusions were reached? How do the conclusions differ? How does VWA reconcile the differences and develop questions that will answer the headwaters issues. Also VWA needs to assign a committee to track the various budget and grant schedules so VWA doesn’t miss opportunities for funding.
Bob Williams gave a presentation on floating the Verde River from Sullivan Lake to the confluence with the Salt River. This was highlighted with pictures from his book.
Phil Foster of ADWR gave a water mining update from the Prescott Active Management Area. The Department feels that within the Prescott AMA there is groundwater mining occurring. In 1995 and 1996, there was evidence of a water mining situation, and 1997 water year may also show groundwater mining. There may be a declaration of groundwater mining in the immediate future unless this is set aside by legislation for some future date or a new authority is legislated to manage water in the Prescott AMA.
Jeff Shalau gave a short talk on the January 8, 1998 meeting of the Prescott Water Steering Committee. Their discussion centered around possible Declaration of Water Mining by Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Ed McGavock gave a report on some of his involvement in Big Chino Watershed sub-basin information. He has initiated a proposal to research existing information about water in the sub-basin and critique information needs and gaps and where further information might be useful.
George Yard asked if VWA is interested in cosponsoring or initiating some interest in research about water issues in the upper Verde watershed area.
Chairman Wilkinson suggested a seminar on land uses, resolution of issues, monitoring, problem solution, and best management practices in the upper Verde watershed area. VWA would facilitate and organize and fund funding and would bring agencies, organizations, and research agencies to the seminar to walk together and solve problems together. Vice-Chairman O’Halleran reported on a meeting he attended to discuss needs in the upper Verde River area. The issues discussed and the resolutions proposed were similar to the discussion at this VWA meeting.
Dan Salzler of ADEQ reported on a meeting he attended with the Forest Service to look at listed impaired streams according to the Clean Water Act and to see of there are any management activities that are causing this designation or if the designation is the result of a background turbidity and is a naturally occurring condition.
Dennis Sundie of ADWR mentioned opportunities discussed during today’s meeting to discuss needs in the upper Verde River area to get a coordinated study to look at the issues, conditions, and opportunities and to formulate a coordinated study plan for the upper Verde River watershed area. Chairman Wilkinson spoke of the opportunities he sees for VWA to assist and facilitate this effort.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. By T. Bonomo, Sec-Trea.