Final Report for the Final Report for the Verde River Ecosystem Verde River Ecosystem

Values ProjectValues Project

Patricia WestPatricia West

Dean Howard SmithDean Howard Smith

William AuberleWilliam Auberle

The Verde River The Verde River WatershedWatershed

The Verde The Verde

• 1,323 to 12,617 feet above sea 1,323 to 12,617 feet above sea level ,level ,

• 6,622 square miles, 6,622 square miles, • over 9,037 mile of streams, over 9,037 mile of streams, • but “only 6% (578 miles) of streams but “only 6% (578 miles) of streams

are perennial, and are mostly are perennial, and are mostly restricted to the main stem of the restricted to the main stem of the Verde River” Verde River”

A Special Place in the A Special Place in the WestWest

• Unlike many rivers in the West, most of Unlike many rivers in the West, most of the watershed is unregulated (no the watershed is unregulated (no significant dams) and thus retains a significant dams) and thus retains a natural flood regime natural flood regime

• Possesses one or more specific Possesses one or more specific ‘outstandingly remarkable values’ ‘outstandingly remarkable values’

• The 40.5-milesection of the Verde River The 40.5-milesection of the Verde River between Beasley Flats and Sheep Bridge between Beasley Flats and Sheep Bridge – This stretch of river is the only designated This stretch of river is the only designated

“Wild and Scenic” river in Arizona “Wild and Scenic” river in Arizona

Why the concerns?Why the concerns?

• Human uses and climate conditions affect the Human uses and climate conditions affect the base flow and have both contributed to base flow and have both contributed to declines in the base flow since 1994 declines in the base flow since 1994 (Springer and Haney 2008). (Springer and Haney 2008).

• Decreases in base flows can produce many Decreases in base flows can produce many effects on people, flora and fauna, and effects on people, flora and fauna, and ecological processes in the Verde River ecological processes in the Verde River Watershed. Watershed.

• One of the changes predicted is a decline in One of the changes predicted is a decline in cottonwood and willow abundance (Haney cottonwood and willow abundance (Haney et et al.al. 2008). 2008).

Pollution IssuesPollution Issues

• ““The primary sources for nonpoint The primary sources for nonpoint source pollutants concerns in the Verde source pollutants concerns in the Verde Watershed include abandoned mine Watershed include abandoned mine sites, sites, new development and new development and increased urbanization, and new increased urbanization, and new road construction.” road construction.”

• Other threats to the watershed included Other threats to the watershed included livestock grazing (Fossil Creek and livestock grazing (Fossil Creek and Cherry Creek), animal wastes and Cherry Creek), animal wastes and failure of residential septic systems failure of residential septic systems

FloraFlora

• There are no federally-listed, rare or There are no federally-listed, rare or endemic plant species known to occur in endemic plant species known to occur in riparian areas in the watershed riparian areas in the watershed (Stromberg 2008). (Stromberg 2008).

• The one federally-listed threatened The one federally-listed threatened endemic plant in the watershed is the endemic plant in the watershed is the Arizona Cliffrose (Arizona Cliffrose (Purshia subintegraPurshia subintegra) ) that has a range limited to a few small that has a range limited to a few small limestone outcrops in the Verde Valley. limestone outcrops in the Verde Valley.

• But there are serious ecosystem But there are serious ecosystem challenges.challenges.

Fauna - BirdsFauna - Birds

• Over 248 species of birds Over 248 species of birds • Home to two endangered bird Home to two endangered bird

species: species: – Desert Nesting Bald Eagle Desert Nesting Bald Eagle – Southwestern Willow Flycatcher; Southwestern Willow Flycatcher;

• Home to the Western Yellow-billed Home to the Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo which is a candidate species Cuckoo which is a candidate species for listing for listing

Fauna - FishFauna - Fish

• Historically, at least 13 natives fish Historically, at least 13 natives fish species occurred in the Verde River species occurred in the Verde River basin basin

• 4 Federally listed4 Federally listed– Razorback sucker Razorback sucker – Gila chub Gila chub – Spikedace Spikedace – Loach minnow Loach minnow

• 1 candidate for listing 1 candidate for listing – Roundtail chubs Roundtail chubs

Fauna - MammalsFauna - Mammals

• 92 species of mammals call the Verde 92 species of mammals call the Verde River Basin home River Basin home

• Bats and rodents, as well as the more Bats and rodents, as well as the more commonly sighted mule dear, elk, commonly sighted mule dear, elk, bear, raccoon, skunk, etc.bear, raccoon, skunk, etc.

• Beaver, river otter and muskrat are Beaver, river otter and muskrat are obligate aquatic mammals and rely obligate aquatic mammals and rely solely on riparian habitat.solely on riparian habitat.

• The Arizona River Otter is a species The Arizona River Otter is a species with limited distribution with limited distribution

Fauna - OtherFauna - Other

• Some groups are mostly unnoticed or Some groups are mostly unnoticed or considered pests by some and their considered pests by some and their importance is often underestimated. importance is often underestimated. Two of these groups are the Two of these groups are the invertebrates herpetofauna (reptiles invertebrates herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians). Protected species in and amphibians). Protected species in these groups are present in the Verde these groups are present in the Verde River Watershed. River Watershed.

• Human and domesticatedHuman and domesticated

Challenges to the Verde Challenges to the Verde RiverRiver

• In 2006, American Rivers pronounced In 2006, American Rivers pronounced the Verde River as the 10th Most the Verde River as the 10th Most Endangered River in the United States Endangered River in the United States

• 132,000 in 2000 to over 260,000 in 132,000 in 2000 to over 260,000 in 2050 2050

• Regional drought persists and creates Regional drought persists and creates concerns for water sustainability concerns for water sustainability throughout the state and the region. throughout the state and the region.

MethodologyMethodology

• Literature ReviewLiterature Review• Development of Interview QuestionsDevelopment of Interview Questions• InterviewsInterviews• Rubric DevelopmentRubric Development• Rubric ImplementationRubric Implementation• Data Analysis and ValidationData Analysis and Validation• ConclusionsConclusions

Rubric OneRubric One

• UseUse– Play todayPlay today

• OptionOption– Play tomorrowPlay tomorrow

• Non-useNon-use– Never play, but valueNever play, but value

As discussed in the literature review, any As discussed in the literature review, any such classification will have fuzzy such classification will have fuzzy boundaries between categories.boundaries between categories.

Ecosystem Services and Ecosystem Services and Their Links to Human Well-Their Links to Human Well-

being (Millennium being (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Ecosystem Assessment

2003 2003

Rubric TwoRubric Two

• SupportingSupporting– Soil formationSoil formation

• ProvisioningProvisioning– Taking stuffTaking stuff

• RegulatingRegulating– Water cleansing and pollution mitigation Water cleansing and pollution mitigation – Microclimates (cooling)Microclimates (cooling)

• CulturalCultural– Interacting - very broadInteracting - very broad

Determining ValuesDetermining Values

• How do you use the river? How do you use the river? – What plants and animals that rely on What plants and animals that rely on

the river are important to you?the river are important to you?– Do you collect or use any plants or Do you collect or use any plants or

animals that rely on the river? If so, animals that rely on the river? If so, which ones?which ones?

– Do you have a spiritual, religious, or Do you have a spiritual, religious, or personal connection to the river? If so, personal connection to the river? If so, could you describe this connection?could you describe this connection?

What and WhyWhat and WhyExplanationsExplanations

Determining ValuesDetermining Values

• What functions, processes or What functions, processes or services does the Verde provide services does the Verde provide that are important to you and the that are important to you and the community? (e.g. flooding, community? (e.g. flooding, filtration, seed dispersal…) filtration, seed dispersal…)

What and WhyWhat and Why

Data SortingData Sorting

• 35 interviews35 interviews– Not a random samplingNot a random sampling

• Nearly 500 responsesNearly 500 responses• Two stage sortingTwo stage sorting• Validation by second team memberValidation by second team member

Flora and FaunaFlora and Fauna• useuse category. category. • then mostly placed into the then mostly placed into the provisioningprovisioning section. section. • even when it was clear that a particular comment fit into even when it was clear that a particular comment fit into

several categories. several categories. • habitat provisions of a particular animal or plant (or flora habitat provisions of a particular animal or plant (or flora

and fauna in general) were listed as and fauna in general) were listed as non-usenon-use and and regulatingregulating. . • Specific comments regarding protected species (including Specific comments regarding protected species (including

federally-listed threatened and endangered species) could federally-listed threatened and endangered species) could easily be listed under numerous categories, but were easily be listed under numerous categories, but were generally placed under generally placed under useuse and and culturalcultural. .

The ability to witness a Bald Eagle is a current use that allows The ability to witness a Bald Eagle is a current use that allows the participant to take the experience from the watershed. the participant to take the experience from the watershed.

Many respondents also itemized a spiritual or other cultural Many respondents also itemized a spiritual or other cultural value to having Bald Eagles living near the river. Clearly, value to having Bald Eagles living near the river. Clearly, most respondents also view this as an option value, and most respondents also view this as an option value, and

most, if pressed, would also call it a non-use value. most, if pressed, would also call it a non-use value.

TableTable

A Place not a ThingA Place not a Thing

• Strongest conclusion from the analysis is that Strongest conclusion from the analysis is that people value the river as a place and not just a people value the river as a place and not just a thing. thing.

• It is not simply a thing where they acquire goods It is not simply a thing where they acquire goods and services; rather it is a place where they do and services; rather it is a place where they do activities. activities.

• The ability to use the watershed as a source of The ability to use the watershed as a source of water is vitally important. water is vitally important.

• Less than 40% of the responses can be listed as Less than 40% of the responses can be listed as provisioning,provisioning, and, of that number, most involve and, of that number, most involve aspects and items beyond simple water provision. aspects and items beyond simple water provision.

Part of the Local CulturePart of the Local Culture

• There were more replies that can be There were more replies that can be categorized as categorized as culturalcultural than those than those listed as listed as provisioningprovisioning. Although very . Although very broad in scope – from spiritual to broad in scope – from spiritual to educational – the cultural category educational – the cultural category includes all the reasons people view includes all the reasons people view the watershed as a place to interact the watershed as a place to interact with, as opposed to a thing from with, as opposed to a thing from which to take resources. which to take resources.

A Thing to ContinueA Thing to Continue• Although the numerical count of the regulating Although the numerical count of the regulating

values is small, the respondents were very familiar values is small, the respondents were very familiar with the idea of looking at the watershed as a with the idea of looking at the watershed as a connected system and even a system of systems. connected system and even a system of systems.

• Furthermore, the non-use aspects of regulating Furthermore, the non-use aspects of regulating values shows how people view the importance of the values shows how people view the importance of the watershed as a watershed. watershed as a watershed.

• The importance of habitat preservation and the The importance of habitat preservation and the biodiversity of the area are highly valued. At both the biodiversity of the area are highly valued. At both the micro and macro levels the ecosystems within the micro and macro levels the ecosystems within the watershed are critical. watershed are critical.

• As an area that sustains otters and as a stopover on As an area that sustains otters and as a stopover on the flyways of migrating birds, people wish to protect the flyways of migrating birds, people wish to protect the watershed. the watershed.

Valued PlacesValued Places

• A geographical lesson for an adventure A geographical lesson for an adventure map of the Verde River Watershed map of the Verde River Watershed

• The relevant question specifically The relevant question specifically included the descriptor “watershed” included the descriptor “watershed” instead of “river.” instead of “river.”

• Easy public access and wild places. Easy public access and wild places. • Historical and archeological places Historical and archeological places • Several respondents requested secrecy Several respondents requested secrecy

Valued PlacesValued Places

• Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, the Beaver Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, the Beaver Creeks, Montezuma’s Castle and Well Creeks, Montezuma’s Castle and Well National Parks Monuments, Arizona National Parks Monuments, Arizona State Parks in the region (Verde River State Parks in the region (Verde River Greenway State Natural Area, Dead Greenway State Natural Area, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Red Rock Horse Ranch State Park, Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park, Fort State Park, Slide Rock State Park, Fort Verde State Historic Park), Windmill Verde State Historic Park), Windmill Park, and Tuzigoot National Park, and Tuzigoot National Monument. Monument.

Threats to the WatershedThreats to the Watershed

• 26 individuals were concerned about 26 individuals were concerned about the amount of pumping taking place the amount of pumping taking place from the aquifer and withdrawals from the aquifer and withdrawals from the river from the river

• Twenty-three of the thirty-five Twenty-three of the thirty-five respondents itemized some aspect – respondents itemized some aspect – in many cases several aspects – of in many cases several aspects – of the growth of the Verde Valley and the growth of the Verde Valley and environs. environs.

Threats to the WatershedThreats to the Watershed

• 18 of the 35 interviewees included 18 of the 35 interviewees included some aspects of pollution as threats to some aspects of pollution as threats to the river. the river.

• Invasive species were a concern of Invasive species were a concern of eight of the respondents. eight of the respondents.

• Six interviews specifically itemized that Six interviews specifically itemized that climate change is a threat to the river. climate change is a threat to the river.

Not the most important, just the most Not the most important, just the most frequent.frequent.

Conclusions and Conclusions and Recommendations Recommendations

• Not representative of the general Not representative of the general population of stakeholders living and population of stakeholders living and working within the watershed. working within the watershed.

• A series of public forums and A series of public forums and workshops can be developed to workshops can be developed to educate both stakeholders and educate both stakeholders and decision makers within the region. decision makers within the region.

• The ongoing scientific and policy The ongoing scientific and policy research should be continued, research should be continued, expanded, and coordinated. expanded, and coordinated.

Conclusions and Conclusions and RecommendationsRecommendations

• The sustainable access to potable The sustainable access to potable water is vital to the sustainability of water is vital to the sustainability of the human and non-human the human and non-human population of central Arizona. population of central Arizona.

• The importance of understanding The importance of understanding both the science and policy issues both the science and policy issues concerning the watershed cannot be concerning the watershed cannot be understated. understated.

What Patty and Dean What Patty and Dean thinkthink

• We can conclude that the Verde River and We can conclude that the Verde River and its watershed are valued in a multitude of its watershed are valued in a multitude of ways. Putting monetary value on these ways. Putting monetary value on these values may be desired in order to make the values may be desired in order to make the value of some ecosystem services clear to value of some ecosystem services clear to all stakeholders, but valuation is not all stakeholders, but valuation is not necessary to show that the stakeholders necessary to show that the stakeholders value the river itself, not just what it can value the river itself, not just what it can give to them (i.e. water etc.).give to them (i.e. water etc.).

Water and fish have meaningful market Water and fish have meaningful market values, but an eagle or otter does not.values, but an eagle or otter does not.

Second Data ScrubSecond Data Scrub

• ““Determinants and Constituents of Determinants and Constituents of Well-Being” (shown in figure 2) Well-Being” (shown in figure 2) using the categories of security, using the categories of security, basic materials for a good life, basic materials for a good life, health and good social relations. health and good social relations. This type of analysis would help in This type of analysis would help in explaining not only “what” is explaining not only “what” is important about the watershed, but important about the watershed, but also “why” it is important.also “why” it is important.