LOWER SANTA CRUZ EFFLUENT RECHARGE PROJECT

Julia Fonseca, Pima County Flood Control District Project Manager

successful, the project design andmaintenance concepts will betransferred to other recharge projects inthe Tucson area.

2. To provide trails, descriptive literatureand interpretive signs, describing thepilot project operation. Trails at theeffluent pilot project site mayeventually be linked to a longer riverinetrail network along the Santa CruzRiver.

3. To revegetate the area outside therecharge basins with plants that willimprove wildlife habitat value andwhich, onc~ established, could surviveif the recharge activities cease. Theproject area also will be fenced toexclude livestock.

T he Arizona Water Protection Fund has joined PimaCounty Flood Control District, the u.s. Bureau ofReclamation, the Town of Marana, and TucsonWater in an effort to construct a recharge project

which will enhance an adjacent riparian area. Effluentdiverted directly from the lower Santa Cruz River would beutilized for the project. The project area is located in theTown of Marana. The project site was chosen because it isone of the few stable places where effluent can be divertedfrom the channel without invasive earthworks and withoutdiminishing flows to the most significant effluent-supportedriparian areas along the river.

The lower Santa Cruz River flows only in response tostorm flows and releases from the Ina Road wastewatertreatment facility. Depth to groundwater in the project areais over 200 feet and stream sediments are sandy, so in mostplaces, only a narrow strip of vegetation (cattail, 'Ijlpha spp.;Goodding willow, Salix gooddingii; tamarisk, Tamarix spp.)is supported by the effluent flows. This vegetation has highrates of turnover due to high-velocity scour which occurs inthe main channel during floods. Surveys sponsored by theBureau of Reclamation found that the densest and moststable riparian vegetation occurred not in the main channel,but in a natural channel into which a local rancher hasdiverted effluent for pasture irrigation. The diversionchannel was inundated during the floods of July 1990 andJanuary 1993 but the vegetation has persisted.

?. Continued Page 3)

Inside This Issue

2

, .4

..6

..8

..9

.10

.11

.12

.14

President's Message. Grazing Myth Exposed. ,

SpeciesProfile ,

PintoCreek Decade Plateau for ARC. Verde River Revegetation Volunteer Corner. Legallssues ; Noteworthy Publications.

Objectives of the project are:

To determine what infiltration rates can be maintainedin basins with side slopes vegetated with emergent plantsand riparian trees, and in basins fully vegetated withnative grasses tolerant of periodic inundation. If\

The Arizona Riparian Council 2 1996 Vol. 9) No. ~

, -1 he Arizona Riparian Council has been inexistence for 10 years now. As we begin

-the second decade, we need to look at thestrengths and weaknesses of the organ-

ization to ensure that the Council provides serviceto its members and fulfills its mission. In theConstitution of the Arizona Riparian Council (I'llbet you didn't even know we had a Constitution),the founders listed six purposes and objectives forthe organization. These objectives are reprintedhere in the newsletter (p. 3) because they providea means of assessing accomplishments as well as anindication of areas for growth. Some of these arelofty objectives and require a real commitment ofresources. They will certainly not all beaccomplished in the next few years. I believe it isimportant for all members to be aware of theoriginal objectives of the organization so that 10years from now we may be able to say that wehave accomplished all of them.

As we all know, conserving riparian areas inthis state is a long-term effort and the Councilneeds to maintain a role in those efforts byproviding a forum for the exchange of informationon the status of riparian areas in Arizona,including research needs and findings. Thisobjective has been fulfilled primarily through theannual meeting and the newsletter. Both thesetools have been very effective, but in the course of10 years, the amount of activity surrounding thestudy, management, and conservation of riparianareas has grown. In the next year, I would like toexplore some additional ways in which theCouncil can provide members with opportunitiesto discuss these issues.

One of the agenda items at the next Board ofDirectors meeting will be to discuss the idea ofsetting up training opportunities for members andagency staff. Potential topics include hydrology,aquatic insects, geomorphology, plant identi- .

fication and ecology, habitat evaluation techniques,range evaluation techniques, riparian wildlife(birds, herps, mammals, fishes), and phycology(algae). We would like your input on other topics,suggestions for possible instructors, VOLUN-TEERS!!!!, training locations, best time of year,and best time of week (weekdays or weekends). By

sharing ideas and resources, we can make this asuccessful activity that will have broad-rangingbenefits, and it might even be a lot of fun.

In the meantime, I would like to encourage allmembers to use the newsletter as a means ofinforming others of current and/ or proposedresearch or activities. Remember, it doesn't haveto be a long article. Even a brief description ofyour work may catch the attention of someonewho is planning to conduct the same type ofactivity or who could benefit from your results orexperience. Don't wait for the "call from theeditors." Please take the initiative to communicatewith your colleagues. The newsletter is aninexpensive and relatively painless means ofaccomplishing this.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone whoparticipated in the Annual Meeting in Prescott. Iwould especially like to thank all those who tookthe time to fill out the evaluation form. To date,we've received eight ideas for future topics, ninenames for future plenary speakers, and manyhelpful comments. If you have not yet returnedthe form, it's not too late. In fact, if you think ofsomething three months from now that you thinkwould be helpful in planning Council activities,pick up the phone or use e-mail to let us know.You're input is always welcome. In fact, this is agreat way to get involved without a majorcommitment of time. Board of Directors meetingsare mostly about officers and members-at-Iargecoming together to brainstorm ideas for fall andannual meetings, educational activities, and thenewsletter. You don't have to attend thesemeetings to have your ideas represented. Justcontact me, or one of the other officers, members-at-Iarge, or committee chairs and request that theypresent your ideas and return to you with aresponse. At the next Board of Director meetingwe will be setting dates for future meetings andthese will be posted in the next newsletter soeveryone has advance notice. If you are interestedin attending, you are encouraged to call CindyZisner before the meeting to check on the time,location, and any schedule changes. I look forwardto hearing from you.

Ruth Valencia

The Arizona Riparian Council 3 1996 Vol. 9, No.2

( Continued from Page 1)

4. To characterize wildlife,

aquatic macroinvertebrates,and vegetative resources

associated with an important

effluent-dominated stream,and provide an opportunity

to monitor the effects of

differences in flood-related

disturbance processes.1. To identify and monitor any

biologic effects that may

result from establishingother habitat types that are

now rare to the area (e.g.,marsh and grassland) and

increasing the areal extent of...

npanan vegetation.

I

~ ~~-~- I

that will be funded by theArizona Water Protection Fundis survey and development of amonitoring plan for existing

plants (including algae),macroinvertebrates, birds, andherpetofauna. If you would liketo be placed on the mailing listfor the request for proposals,please contact Julia Fonseca at520-740-6350.

As part of the u.s. Bureau ofReclamation's High PlainsProgram, the District willdevelop a groundwater and

surface water quality

monitoring plan,which will be review-ed and approved bypersonnel from u.s.EnvironmentalProtection Agency

Iand the u.s.Geological Survey, inaddition to regulatoryagencies. The waterquality monitoring plan willalso be designed to address theneeds of the recharge facilityand aquifer protection permitsissued by the ArizonaDepartment of Water Resourcesand Arizona Department ofEnvironmental Quality,

respectively.Researchers and contractors

take note: one of the first efforts

CONSTITUTION OF THE ARIZONA RIPARIAN COUNCILARnCLE II

PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES 1

Section 1. Pu[12ose. Within the framework of an entity organized exclusively for charitable,

educational, and scientific purposes the Council exists to provide for the exchange and transmittal of

information on the status, protection, and management of riparian systems in Arizona Section 2. Ob,iective. To stimulate and support studies in all phases of ecology, management and

protection, and related intrinsic values of riparian systems.

Section 3. Objective. To provide a clearinghouse of information among all agencies, organizations,

and individuals engaged in work on riparian systems through appointment of work committees, prepara-

tion of bibliographies and abstracts, and related methods.

Section 4. Objective. To function in an advisory capacity on questions involving management, con-

servation, and protection of riparian systems, and to adopt such measures as shall tend to ensure the con-

tinued survival and maintenance of healthy riparian systems.

Section 5. Objective. To establish programs whereby the public is made aware of the importance of

proper management and protection of riparian systems.

Section 6. Ob,iective. To publish symposium proceedings and transactions of meetings in order to

present current information on problems relating to the preservation of riparian systems and to commend

outstanding action by the public and professionally engaged individuals supporting the purposes of the

Council.

The Arizona Riparian Council 4 1996 Vol. 9, No.2

ANOTHER GRAZING MyTH EXPOSEDJeff Bur9:ess

and Fish Department (AGFD)to try and increase sheep num-bers by constructing permanentwaterholes in the SonoranDesert. Statewide, the AGFDmaintains more than 725waterholes at an annual expense

exceeding $750,000.

But considering how widelythe theory is accepted, it'ssurprising how little scientificevidence there is to support itand how much there is thatcontradicts it. For instance, arecent review (Broyles 1995) ofthe bighorn sheep waterdevelopment program AGFDhas conducted in the CabezaPrieta National Wildlife Refugeduring the last 50 yearsconcluded, "It has not beenshown that these developmentsare necessary, beneficial, orwithout harmful side effects."

Another study recentlyconducted in' southern NewMexico {Burkett and

Thompson 1994) comparedwildlife populations at 20 sitesthat had man-made waters withthe same number of similar siteslacking permanent surfacewater. They found that

"definitive effects of artificialwater sources on native wildlifespecies were not detectable." Inother words, they didn't findmore wildlife in the area withthe man-made waters. Anotherrecent study conducted inwestern Arizona (Krausmanand Etchberger 1995) looked at

desert mule deer and bighornsheep populations in the areaof the Central Arizona Projectcanal before and after itsconstruction. They foundthat, "additional water wasnot important to the deer or

sheep populations."In addition to questioning

their utility, the studies suggestlivestock-type waters may evenhave a negative effect uponnative wildlife. For example,they could facilitate the spreadof diseases or they mightsupport populations of non-native rnd feral animals.

Yet the idea that more watermeans more wildlife, like somany myths of the Old West,sounds good. It's an easyconcept for hunters and hikersto believe because they knowone of the best places to spotwildlife is around waterholes.

A coUPle of years ago I

accompanied some

U.S. Forest Servicestaff on a horseback

inspection of a livestock grazingallotment located in the easternSuper.~tition Mountains ofArizona's Tonto NationalForest. As we neared a muddycattle tank, perched on achaparral-covered hill, wescared off several mule deerthat were taking a drink. TheDistrict Ranger turned in hissaddle toward me and told mehow he was glad livestockwere allowed to graze publiclands because deer would bescarce if there weren't anylivestock waters.

The theory that wildlifenative to the West's aridecosystems depend upon live-stock waters for survival is apopular one. It seems manyfederal land managers believe it.Almost every environmentalassessment of a livestock man-agement plan I've read haswarned that eliminating grazingcould result in local wildlifepopulations suffering from thelack of livestock waters. Mostranchers also seem to believe itand they frequently offer it indefense of livestock grazing onpublic lands.

The idea that wildlife dependon livestock-type waters is soprevalent there's a 1,300-member conservation group,called the Arizona DesertBighorn Sheep Society, thatworks with the Arizona Game

species have adapted to its

scarcIty.The tacit message from this

new research is that just becausesomething's good for cattledoesn't mean it's good for theland and the wildlife. Anyanalysis of the impacts oflivestock grazing on nativewildlife populations shouldfocus on grazing's net effects. Idoubt if there are very manysituations on Western publiclands where the marginalbenefits being provided bylivestock waters are out-weighing the degradation cattleare inflicting on the entirearea's natural habitat.

However, just because ananimal stops to take a drink ata waterhole doesn't necessarilymean it's relying on that waterfor its survival.

But what about all of thosebiologists warning us themajority of the West's wildlifedepend, in some way, uponriparian areas for their survival?Well, just because there's waterdoesn't mean there's riparianhabitat. The fact is, fewlivestock waters supportsignificant amounts of riparianhabitat. Many of them are sotrampled by cattle they areconsidered sacrifice zones.

Besides, numerous studieshave shown it's the amount andquality of suitable habitat thathas the most influence onwildlife populations. Water isjust one component of habitatand most Western wildlife

questioning use in theSouthwest. Wildlife SocietyBulletin 23(4):663-675.

Compton, B. B., R. J. Mackie,and G. L. Dusek. 1988.Factors influencingdistribution of white-taileddeer in riparian habitats.Journal of Wildlife

Management 52(3):544-548.Burkett, D. W., and B. C.

Thompson. 1994. Wildlifeassociation with human-altered water sources insemiarid vegetationcommunities. Conservation

Biology 8(3):682-690.Krausman, P. R., and R. C.

Etchberger. 1995. Responsesof desert ungulates to a waterproject in Arizona. Journalof Wildlife Management

59(2):292-300.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Broyles, B. 1995. Desert wildlifewater developments:

The Arizona Water Protection Fund (AWPF) recently released its application manual for the 1996funding cycle. In addition, AWPF staff will hold a series of application preparation workshopsthroughout the state to assist potential grant applicants. Grant application manuals or information onthe application workshops is available by contacting Sherry Gates at the Arizona Department of WaterResources (602) 417-2400 ext. 7016.

Desert Plants is a unique botanical publication produced by the University of Arizona for the BoyceThompson Arboretum, intended for amateur and professional desert plant enthusiasts. It has beendescribed as ...devoted to broadening knowledge of plants indigenous or adapted to arid and subarid regions,and to encouraging the appreciation of these plants. Journal articles cover many aspects of desert plantsincluding ecology, morphology, and physiology of the plants, horticulture and landscape architecture,and historic information on desert plant explorers. The journal is semitechical in nature, publishing avariety of manuscripts of varying levels of sophistication. For further information or to subscribe contactDr. Margaret Norem, Desert Plants, 2120 E Allen Rd, Tucson AZ 85719; phone (520) 318-7046.

SPECIES PROFILE

THE KANAB AMBERSNAIL (KAS, OXYLOMA HA YDENI KANABENSIS)

Clay Nelson, Northern A rizona University

as an endangered species by theu.s. Fish and Wildlife Servicein 1991 (England 1991a, b) andwas subsequently listed (Eng-land 1992) .Only three Kanabambersnail populations wereknown to have existed at thattime. Two populationsoccurred insouthern ~--

Utah; oneof which Iwas extlr-pated dueto devel-opment ~~

(Stevens et al.1995). The second populationoccurs on privately owned landand is also threatened by com-mercial development. The thirdpopulation exists at Vaseys Par-adise in the Grand Canyon.

Vaseys Paradise is a cooldolomitic spring which flowsfrom the Red Wall Limestoneof the Grand Canyon into theColorado River. The vegetationaround the spring consistsmainly of monkey flower(Mimulus cardinalis), water cress(Nasturtium officinale), and poi-son ivy (Toxicodendronrydbergit). The ambersnails,which measure approximately13 mm in length at maturity,are primarily found on the wa-ter cress and secondarily on the

S ince the experimental high

flows in the Grand Can-

yon this part March, anincreased public interest

in the Canyon's flora and faunahas recently taken place. There-fore, it seems like an opportunetime to write about one of themost exciting and cryptic or-ganisms in the Colorado Rivercorridor, the Kanab ambersnail(KAS, Succineidae: Orylomahaydeni kanabensis). This organ-ism has received a lot of muchneeded attention in the last fewmonths, the bulk of which fo-cuses on its endangered statusand extant population in the

Grand Canyon. However,when looking at more than justthe habitat of the ambersnailand its vulnerability to highflows released from Glen Can-yon Dam, it proves to be atruly fascinating species in itsown right.

The Kanab ambersnail wasproposed for emergency listing

monkey flower. This raises aninteresting question about theambersnail's behavior concern-ing a host plant shift from thenative monkey flower to a non-native water cress. A significantpreference for water cress hasbeen observed, but the benefits

and reasons for this~ shift have not

been answered. Inthe winter season,a degree of thevegetation diesoff, which helps

to explain the highwinter mortality of

the ambersnail population.However, the Kanab amber-snail experiences a swing inpopufation size from 18,600 inMarch to approximately104,004 in September. Peak re-production takes place in mid-summer (Stevens et al. 1995)and snails enter a state of dor-mancy for the winter. Whydoes such a large percentage ofthe population not survive thewinter? The reasons for thishigh mortality are alsounknown and would be a greatadvancement in the understand-ing of the Kanab ambersnail'slife history if answered.

Probably the most interest-ing aspect of the Kanab amber-snail's ecology is that it acts as a

The Arizona Riparian Council 7 1996 Vol. 9, No.2

touched, either by the leafor by the bird's beak, forthe sporocyst to break outand creep around the leaf,where it is eaten by thebird. A single parasitizedmollusc can produce sporo-cysts containing meta.cercariae for a considerabletime and can thus be asource of infestation formany birds (Baer 1971).

Through observation, manybirds have been seen around

Vaseys Paradise, though onlymice have been observed actu-ally preying on the snails. If theKanab ambersnail is an interme-diate host, what is the definitivehost for the Leucochloridium?

Many aspects of the Kanabambersnail's life history,predator-prey interactions, be-havior, and population dynam-ics need to be investigated inorder to preserve this species,and property mitigate flow re-gimes from Glen Canyon Dam.The Kanab ambersnail is a veryunIque specIes In a very unIquesituation which has drawn quitea bit of media attention due tothe experimental high flows inthe Grand Canyon. However,after the snail's "15-minutes offame" is over, many questionsconcerning its past, present, andfuture still need to be investi-gated to keep this species andthe biodiversity of the GrandCanyon intact.

host to a parasitic trematode,Leucochloridium. Infested snails

contain one or two pink and

green or brown-banded sporo-

cysts that measure approx-imately 10 mm long and pulsateout of the snail's eyestalks at 2-

second intervals. At high popu-lation densities, up to 25% of

the population may be parasit-

ized by this trematode (Stevens

et al. 1995).The life cycle of the genusLeucochloridium is espe-cially adapted to infesta-tion of many kinds of pas-sive definitive hosts. Themolluscan first intermedi-ate host is always marsh-

living Succineaspecies The miracidiumdevelops within the mollusc

into a much-branched spo-rocyst within tailless cercar-iae are formed. These encystwithin the sporocyst andeach metacercaria can beseen to be surrounded by athick protein coat. The

metacercaria-filled sporo-cysts become very large, upto 12 mm in length, andpulsate rhythmically; theirwalls are striped with analternating red and green

or brawn bands, giventhem the appearance of

small caterpillars.At this stage the sporo-

cysts penetrate a tentacle ofthe mollusc which they di.late and cause to pulsate.When the mollusc moveson to a leaf the movementsof the tentacles and theirpronounced colour attractbirds. The tip of the tentacleusually only has to be

University Library,McGraw-Hill Book Co.,New York NY.

England, J. L. 1991a. Endan-gered and threatened wildlifeand plants: proposal to listthe Kanab ambersnail as en-dangered. Federal Register

56(153):37668-37671.England, J. L. 1991b. Endan-

gered and threatened wildlifeand plants: proposal to listthe Kanab ambersnail as en-dangered and designate criti-cal habitat. Federal Register

56(221):58020-58026.England, J. L. 1992. Endangered

and threatened wildlife andplants: final rule to list theKanab ambersnail as endan-gered. Federal Register

57(75):13657-13661.Pilsbury, H. A., and J. H.

Ferriss. 1911. Mollusca ofthe southwestern states. V:the Grand Canyon andnorthern Arizona. Proceed-ings of the Academy of Natu.ral Sciences of Philadelphia£13:174-199.

Stevens, L. E., F. R. Protiva, D.M. Kubly, V. J. Meretsky,and J. Petterson. 1995. Theecology of Kanab ambersnail

(Succineidae: Oxylomahaydeni kanabensis Pilsbury,1948) at Vaseys Paradise,Grand Canyon, Arizona:1995 Draft Final Report.U.S. Bureau of Reclamation,Glen Canyon Environmen-tal Studies Program Report,Flagstaff, AZ.LITERATURE CITED

Baer, T. G. 1971. Animal para-sites (translated from Frenchby Kathleen Lyons), World

PINTO CREEK: COTTONWOOD OR COPPER?Pamela H'Yde. Southwest Director. American Rivers

be revegetated, but the natural ri-parian systems cannot be reestab-

lished.A Draft Environmental Impact

Statement for the Carlota CopperProject was released by the TontoNational Forest in February 1995and a Final Environmental ImpactStatement in the spring 1996. If theU.S. Forest Service and ArmyCorps of Enginee~ issue the neces-sary permits with no oppositionfrom the Environmental Protec-tion Agency, the project could beinitiated within a year.

Your lette~ to the Environ-mental Protection Agency, theArmy Corps' of Enginee~, and theU.S. Forest Service are urgentlyneeded. Write:

Dick SandersonU.S. EPA, Federal Activities Divi-

slon401 M. Street, SWWaterside Mall (Mail Code 2251A)Washington DC 20460

recently suffered a massive damfailure, is proposing to build theCarlota copper mine right on topof Pinto Creek and its tributary,Powers Gulch. The main pit wouldbe directly in Pinto Creek, forcingthe permanent relocation of ap-proximately a mile of the creek outof the pit area and into a diversionchannel. The heap leach pad wouldlie in Powers Gulch, requiring an-other mile-Iong permanent diver-sion channel for that tributary, andposing a threat of pollution in

Pinto Creek.The mine will use an estimated

1,600 acre-feet of water per year

(750-1,200 .gallons per minute)from three to five wells alongPinto Creek, with the highest wa-

ter use in the summerL- when surface flows in

the creek are thelowest. During dryyears, the mine'swater demands

might completelydry up Pinto Creek.Furthermore, Car-

Iota would not be theonly draw on the water

in Pinto Creek.When the mine is shut down in

20 years, the legacy to Pinto Creekwill be harsh. A mile of PintoCreek will be confmed to a perma-nent diversion channel lined withsoil cement. Over in PowersGulch, the heap leach pad will con-tain spent ore that cannot be neu-trcilized. The area would have to be

permanently monitored, despite"restructuring" of the heap to pro-mote runoff, to ensure that no acidmine drainage is leaking into thecreek system. Reclaimed areas will

Jimm}( BatesDeputy Director of Civil WorksOperations, Construction, andReadiness DivisionRegulatory Branch, Department of

the ArmyU.S. Army Corps of EngineersWashington DC 20314-1000

Paul StewartTonto National Forest2324 E. McDowell RdPhoenix AZ 85006

For more information, contactPamela Hyde at American Rivers,(602) 234-3946.

A nother of Arizona's qual-

ity riparian areas -Pinto

Creek, on the Tonto Na-tional Forest near Globe

-is threatened, and without quickand concerted action will be lost. Alarge segment of the 28-mile lengthof Pinto Creek flows year round,and supports a healthy

cottonwood-willow {Populusfremontii-Salix spp.) riparian forest.

The riparian vegetation providesimportant habitat for breedingneotropical birds and a wide diver-sity of other wildlife species, andthe creek serves as an importantmovement corridor. The elusive

eared trogon {Euptilotis neoxenus),a rare neotropical bird, has beensighted in the Pinto Creek region,and botanistshave recentlydiscoveredahomwort-a small,water-lov-mg moss .

that is rarein Arizona-in thearea. TheTonto NationalForest has found more than 8 milesof Pinto Creek eligible for Wildand Scenic River designation basedon its scenic, riparian, and ecologi-cal values. Furthermore, Region IXof the U.S. Environmental Protec-tion Agency has declared PintoCreek "an aquatic resource of na-tional importance," a designationthat has only been given seventimes nationwide since it was estab-lished in 1992.

Cambio, Inc., a Canadian com-pany whose gold mine in Guyana

The Arizona Riparian Council 9 1996 Vol. 9, No.2

1996 Annual

Meeting ExpensesExpensesBreaks/lunch $1,287.35Banquet 1,101.75Setup Fees:

BarDance FloorExhibit TableMeeting Room

Tax

TipMeeting depositAdditional expensesPostage costsPrinting costsT -shirts

MugsInvited speaker ticketTOTAL ~

62.84

25.00

25.00

75.00

192.83

452.54

500.00

296.03

294.40

446.07

1629.53

590.73

268.00

b7 .247.07

$4,447.501,237.50

565.00240.0020.00

675.00500.00

$7.675.00

provided insight on the linkbetween riparian areas inArizona to global-scale clima-tologies. All four speakersparticipated in a question-and-answer session to close out themornmg program. .

The afternoon technicalsession included 14 presenta-tions on a variety of topicsincluding revegetating aban-doned farmland) restorationefforts along the Bill WilliamsRiver) rehabilitation ofdegraded riparian areas alongthe Salt River) and theimportance of xeroripariallareas to homeowners in PimaCounty. .We also had fourposte:s presented at the

meetmg.A special anniversary

banquet was held Fridayevening featuring DuncanPatten) the Council's firstPresident and cofounder) whospoke on what the Councilhas accomplished andsuggested new directions forthe organization. Followingdinner there was musicalentertainment by the LesIzmore band. Saturdaymorning there were field tripsto Inscription Canyon Ranch,Watson Woods, Pine Creek,and Mint Creek.

DepositsRegistrationDonations\Silent auction2T -shirt sales)Mug sales4DinnerRefunded depositTOTAL

Total,depositsTotal expensesPROFIT

$7,675.00

7,247.07$427.93

t -f his year's springmeeting was held in

-windy Prescott andincluded the

celebration of the Council'slOth anniversary. The turnoutwas fantastic with over 110attendees. CommemorativelOth Anniversary mugs weregiven to all pre-registeredattendees and newly designedt-shirts were on sale. A silentauction was held throughoutthe day with many interestingitems to bid on.

The theme for this year'smeeting was Restoration ofRiparian Areas. The morningplenary session included fourspeakers and a short paneldiscussion. Robert Ohmart,Center for EnvironmentalStudies at Arizona State U ni-versity, discussed threeanthropogenic stressors onriparian habitats includingwater management, ground-water pumping, and livestockgrazing. William Hunter, U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service inAtlanta, Georgia, gave anoverview of the Partners inFlight program and howutilizing methodologies sim-ilar to those incorporated inthe Partners in Flightprogram can help establishpopulation and habitatobjectives for birds. MikeScott, National BiologicalSurvey in Fort Collins,Colorado, discussed theimportance of understandinglong-term stream geomorphicprocesses on the restoration ofriparian ecosystems. JulioBetancourt, U.S. GeologicalSurvey in Tucson, Arizona,

1 A big thanks to Ruth Valencia and

Marie Sullivan for soliciting thedonations and silent auction items.With a $500.00 APS donation we wereable to reduce the dinner cost bynearly half resulting in our largestattendance.

2Silent auction items were donated.The amount displayed is from the saleof the items.

3We will recover costs of t-shirts aswe sell them at future functions.Anyone wishing to purchase oneshould contact Cindy Zisner.

4Ninety-two people pre-registeredand received free mugs. We still have a

few left to sell for $5 each.

t'.

RIVER REVEGET A TION PROJECT

Robert D. Ohmart Center or Environmental Studies A rizona State Universi

Willow

Flycatcher

grasses. The grazed species willhave had the full growing seasonto store energy, set seed, and putup new plants from their rhi-zomes as well. The cattle will beremoved from this riparianpasture when these herbaceousspecies still have a stubbleheight of 6 inches. Should awinter flood occur thisguarantees soil protection fromthe erosive forces of thefloodwaters and allows morenutrient-rich sediments to betrapped to further enrich thesystem. Everyone wins!

Students from Arizona StateUniversity, Northern ArizonaUnive~sity, and private citizensvolunteered people power tocut, trim, and plant willow slipson February 23-24, 1996.Superior Companies (sand andgravel operation) in Phoenixallowed willow slips to be cutfrom their private lands inCamp Verde. The VerdeCanyon Railroad company thatruns the train tours fromClarkdale to Perkinsville, pro-vided transportation of volun-teers and willows into thisroadless and otherwise difficultarea to enter. The rancher hasmade the commitment toimprove this river reach andcontrol cattle grazing of the areauntil improvement occurs. This

A cooperative effort by

private industry,

academia, universitystudents, citizen volun-

teers, a rancher, the ArizonaRiparian Council, and the u.s.Forest Service put 3,000 bankwillow (Salix exigua) slips backinto their habitat along 4 milesof the Verde River fromPerkinsville downstream. Itsimportance is paramount indesert rivers in providing thewoody root element, inconjunction with the fibrousroots of sedges (Carex spp.,Cyperus spp. ) and rushes (funcusspp.), to stabilizing the banks ofstreams in the Southwest. It is alow-growing willow thatspreads by seed and under-ground stems called rhizomesthat sucker to give rise to newplants. This underground mat ofwoody roots and rhizomes willdevelop within a few yearsproviding a riprap of vegetationthat is highly resistant to theerosive forces of water when theriver is in floodstage.

Maximum tree height is 6-8feet. Another common name ofthe plant is coyote willowbecause the dense short growth

naturally provided alongstreams allowed the wileycoyote to slip away if pursuedby humans. Most importantly,once developed as dense habitatalong the river's edge, the aboveground portion will protect thewater-deposited soils trapped inthem in floods by flatteningdown and the leaves and stemsslicking water from these soils.As the floodwater recedes thewillo-.;yy stems spring verticallyto begin slowing the sediment-

laden waters and combingsediments out of the waterbuilding a natural berm andhigher banks along the river'sedge. The water outside thechannel and willows is slowedreturning to the river andsedimentation occurs on thisarea which is called theoverbank or primary floodplain.This area receives nutrient-richsediments and overbanksaturation which promotes theestablishment and growth oftree willows and cottonwoods(Populusspp.) plus more grasses,sedges, and rushes. Thecottonwood-willow habitat isthe most important wildlifehabitat in the Southwest,supporting such species aswillow flycatchers (Empidonaxtraillii extimus), Bell's vireos(Vireo bellit), summer tanagers(Piranga rubra), and other nativespecies which depend on thishabitat for their survival inArizona. If this 4 miles ofstream can be recovered, it willbe a small but significant step inimproving the quality of life foreveryone by preventing moresediments and topsoil from ourforest from being transported toBartlett Reservoir, whichreduces water-holding capacity.Wildlife habitats will beimproved for a number ofnative birds and fish whosepopulation numbers are rapidlydeclining throughout theSouthwest.

When the area is grazed againit will only be done in thewinter months when cattle arenot attracted to the leaflesswillows and cottonwoods but tothe dormant rushes, sedges, and

The Arizona Riparian Council 11 1996 Val. 9, No.2

960A) Flagstaff) AZ 86001-3127;Phone (520) 308-1365 or RobertD. Ohmart) Center forEnvironmental Studies) ArizonaState U niversity) PO Box873211) Tempe AZ 85287-3211;Phone (602) 965-4632.

U.S. Forest Service providedspecial use permits and moralsupport to accomplish the task.Arizona State University facultyprovided technical and logisticalsupport in the project.

An outstanding meal andcomraderie were shared Satur-day evening, capping the efforts

of two grueling days of cuttingand planting willow slips. Wenow wait for Mother Nature'scooperation and support as thecuttings begin to rootthemselves, bud out, and put onleaves.

For more informationcontact, George Yard, RR4, Box

VOLUNTEER CORNER

T he Nature Conservancy, Hart Prairie

Preserve (14 miles from Flagstaff) seeks

volunteers for a riparian restoration pro-ject in the Bebb's willow community.

Tasks will include range plant surveys) willowcounts) soil moisture determinations) fencing)removal of an earthen dam and associatedditches) and more. Volunteers will be neededfrom May through October) or any portionthereof. Photographers are always welcome.Housing may be available for volunteers stayingat least six weeks. Volunteers are also needed todesign and build an interpretative nature trail) as

well as to design a teacher's workbook to preparestudents for their visit to the Preserve. Trailconstruction, graphics, and/ or education experi-ence desired.

In addition, volunteers are needed to work inguest services and interpretation at the Preservebetween June and September. A one-monthminimum commitment is required. Housing maybe available at the Preserve.

For information on these volunteer positions,please call Shelly Silbert at (520) 774-8892 orwrite: The Nature Conservancy, 114 N. SanFrancisco St., Suite 100, Flagstaff AZ 86001.

WHA T'S ON THE NET?, Zisner

I n this issue we've made reference to the GrandCanyon through the SPECIES PROFILE of theKanab ambersnail. As many of you are awareof the controlled flooding of the Colorado

River I thought you might be interested in know-ing about the u.s. Geological Survey (USGS),Water Resources of Arizona web site. The address

is http:/ /wwwdaztcn.wr.usgs.gov/flood.html andis sometimes difficult to ~et to because of Internettraffic. However, once there you can learn aboutthe controlled flood, see real-time data, find outabout beach conditions, etc., and the other linksare endless. You can also see real-time data forselected stream-gaging sites in Arizona athttp:/ /wwwdaztcn.wr.usgs.gov/rtsw.htm1. TheUSGS cautions that this is provisional data thathave not been reviewed or edited and are notcite able until that has occurred and been approvedby the USGS. As an example I have downloadeda copy of the San Pedro River Station at Charles-ton, AZ on May 29, 1996. Data is transmittedfrom each station at 3 to 4 hour intervals. Informa-tion concerning the accuracy and appropriate usesof these data or other hydrologic data may beobtained by contacting Chris Smith, U.S. Geologi-cal Survey, WRD, 375 S. Euclid, Tucson AZ85719; phone (520) 670-6024 X251.

The Arizona Riparian Council 12 1996 Vol. 9, No.2

LEGAL ISSUES OF CONCERN -

David Nelson and Chris Vamos, Law Offices of Kane Jorden van OppenJeld Bischoff & Biskind,P.L.C.

PRIVATE AND PUBLIC INTERESTS IN CONFLICT: REGULATORY TAKINGS

Arizona's Constitution, andfurther, that Ms. Corrigan wasentitled to damages for a "tem-porary taking." The City ofScottsdale was required to com-pensate Ms. Corrigan for hereconomic loss suffered betweenthe time the "no development"ordinance went into effect and

private property owner of allviable economic use is a govern-mental taking requiring com-pensation. However, theSupreme Court did not articu-late a bright line test for deter-mining at what point all "eco-nomically viable use" of theproperty has been taken, trig-

gering governmentalcompensation. For i --

example, when a regu-lation requires a devel- "D l k .» II d1 90°1 f 1\.egu atory ta mgs are a ege, tooper to eave 10 o a.

rural tract in its natural occur when envtronmental statutes

state, it is unclear and regulations significantlywhether the courts impact private property rights.would analyze the situ-ation as one in which -the owner has beendeprived of alleconomically viable use of theburdened portion of the tract,or as one in which the ownerhas suffered a mere diminutionin value of the tract as a whole.

The leading "takings" case inArizona is Corrigan v. City ofScottsdale. Ms. Corrigan, whosefather owned the D.C. Ranch,purchased 5,738 acres of unde-veloped land in the McDowellMountains. In 1963, the City ofScottsdale 'rezoned the area,establishing "no development"zones which effectively prohib-ited development of 74% ofCorrigan's land. The ArizonaSupreme Court affirmed thatthe zoning ordinance wasunconstitutional under

the time it was declared uncon-

stitu~onal.Private property advocates

continue to lobby their legisla-tors to make governmentaltakings a legislative concern,seeking to broaden the defini-tion of "taking" beyond that setforth in the federal and stateconstitutions. In May 1995, theu.s. House of Representativespassed H.R. 961, to amend theFederal Water Pollution Con-trol Act. In its reauthorization,the House crafted provisions totake into account the potentialfor regulatory takings and offergreater protection to privateproperty owners, in particular,

p ropertY owners who are denied permits to fill and

develop "waters of the

United States" on their

property often seek to recover

their economic losses by claim-

ing that the government should

pay for preserving such waters

or wetlands on private prop-

erty. This claim is often

referred to as a "taking." The

Fifth Amendment to the U.S.

Constitution provides that no

private property shall be taken

for public use without just com-

pensation. "Regulatory takings"

are alleged to occur when envi-

ronmental statutes and regula-

tions significantly impact pri-

vate property rights. Thus,

"regulatory takings" claims are

made when a state prohibits

building in rural or riparian

areas or on mountain ranges in

urban areas, when the federal

government prohibits bill-

boards on interstate highways,

when a local town council pro-

hibits junkyards, or when a

government study proposes to

regulate any activity on private

property that gets in the way of

private profits.

To date, most takings

challenges have been resolved in

the courts. The leading federal

"takings" case is Lucas v. South

Carolina Coastal Council. In

Lucas, the U.S. Supreme Court

held that an environmental

regulation which deprives a

The Arizona Riparian Council 13 1996 Vol. 9, No.2

ing activities. H.R. 961 alsomandates Mitigation Bankingregulations) another means bywhich to satisfy mitigationrequirements) and allows forboth the preservation and dona-tion of Class A and B wetlandsand the creation of wetlands.

While H.R. 961 has passedthe House) the bill has yet to betaken up by the Senate) andfaces a doubtful future in theelection year. Representing thegroundswell of support for pri-vate property rights) however)it is likely to resurface in someshape or form following theelection, and offer some form oftakings compensation. Formore information on regulatorytakings issues, please contactRolf von Oppenfeld or the au-thors at 955-9200. For thoseinterested in tracking the latestlegislative developments in theClean Water Act reauthor-

ization) Congressional Repre-sentatives generally will providetheir constituents with copies of

proposed legislation.

to resolve the baseline contro-versy of when the governmentmust offer compensation. Un-der 404(d), Right to Compensa-tion, the federal governmentwould compensate propertyowners where agency actionlimits property use and fairmarket value of that portion ofproperty diminished by 20% ormore. Where diminished by50% or more, the governmentwould, in some cases, buy theentire property for fair marketvalue.

Other aspects of H.R. 961make it easier to obtain a wet-lands permit and lessen thechance that a property ownerwill be denied the opportunityto develop his'or her land. Par-ticularly relevant to Arizona,H.R. 961 provides that the miti-gation requirements for Class Aand B wetlands areas (those thatrequire permits) would be metif activities are carried out inaccordance with a state-ap-proved reclamation plan or

permit requinng recontounngand revegetation following min-

those affected by wetlands regu-lations under Section 404.

In Section 802 of H.R. 961,the statement of purpose forwetlands management, theHouse made clear that Section404 should not "limit the use ofprivately owned property so asto diminish its value" [Section802(b)(2)]. To carry out thisgoal, the House put forth wet-lands Title VIII, creating threeclassifications of wetlands juris-diction. Class C Wetlands, forexample, would include "wet-lands within industrial, com-mercial, or residential com-plexes or other intensely devel-oped areas that do not servesignificant wetlands functions asa result of such locations," andwould no longer require a per-mit. In removing permitrequirements, the House billessentially removed regulation,and thereby the chance for reg-ulatory takings, of all Class Cwetlands.

Where an area is still regu-lated as a wetland following theamendments, H.R. 961 attempts

The Arizona Riparian Council 14 1996 Vol. 9, No.2

NOTEWORTHY PUBLICATIONSRon Tiller

species richness at all sites made it difficult toapply the Index of Biological Diversity. How-ever, a native fish, the Paiute sculpin (Cottusbelding~), may well serve as an indicator speciesin this area. Sculpins disappeared from sitesadjacent to mining influences though they werenumerous a few hundred meters upstream.

BOOKS

Graf, w. L. 1994. Plutonium and the RioGrande: Environmental Change and contam-ination in the Nuclear Age. Oxford Univer-sity Press. 352 pp.

The author offers a history of the disposal ofplutonium from Los Alamos National Labora-tory into nearby canyons leading to the RioGrande. The book includes extensive appendi-ces, maps) and photographs.

PROCEEDINGS

Shafroth, P. B., J. M. Friedman, and L. S.Ischinger. 1995. Effects of salinity on estab-lishment of Populus fremontii (cottonwood)and Tamarix ramosissima (saltcedar) in south-western United States. Great Basin Naturalist

55(1)58-65.The exotic saltcedar has replaced native

cottonwood along many streams in the south-western U.S. These researchers used controlledfield and lab experiments to examine the influ-ence of river salinity on seed germination andfirst-year survival of saltcedar and Rio Grandecottonwood. Germination of cottonwood wasreduced by 35% with increasing salinity underfield conditions, whereas saltcedar remainedunaffected. No significant effects of salinity wereobserved on mortality or above- and below-ground growth of both species.

Shaw, D. W. and D. M. Finch, tech coords.1996. Desired future conditions for South-western riparian ecosystems: Bringing inter-ests and concerns together. Gen. Tech. Rpt.RM-GTR-272. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Dept.Agric., Forest Service, Rocky Mtn. For. Exp.Stn. 359 p.

This symposium brought together scientists,natural resource managers, conservationists, andrepresentatives from the private sector tO sharetheir fmdings, ideas, and visions for managing,conserving, and restoring riparian ecosystems.The proceedings is divided into sections on thehistory, ecology, and management of the RioGrande; general ecosystem hydrology andecology; human histOry, values, needs; ecosys-tem restOration and recovery; and current anddesired future conditions.

Hart, R. H. and W. A. Laycock. 1996. Repeatphotography on range and forest lands in thewestern United States. J. Range Manage.49:60-67.

Repeat photography is a valuable tool fordemonstrating the effects oVer time of climate,management and other variables on range andforest lands. In this article the authors present a

bibliography of 175 publications using repeatphotography, with information on the ecOSYS-tems photographed, states where they are lo-cated, and dates when the photographs weretaken. Several references are included for Ari-zona npanan areas.

ARTICLES

,l'I

I!."McCormick, F. H., B. H. Hill, L. P. Parrish,and W. T. Willingham. 1994. Mining impactson fish assemblages in the Eagle and ArkansasRivers, Colorado. Journal of FreshwaterEcology 9:175-179.

These researchers observed significant differ-ences in fish assemblages among sites impactedby mining and control or recovering sites. Low

The Arizona Riparian Council 15 1996 Vol. 9, No.2

The Arizona Riparian CouncilThe Arizona Riparian Council (ARC) wasformed in 1986 as a result of the increasingconcern over the alarming rate of loss of Ari-zona's riparian areas. It is estimated that < 10%of Arizona's original riparian acreage remains inits natural form. These habitats are consideredArizona's most rare natural communities.

Officers

Ruth Valencia, President. (602) 345-9558

cemntshu@aol.comMarie Sullivan, Vice President. (602) 640-2720

Marie.Sullivan@fws.govCindy Zisner, Secretary (602) 965-2490

Cindy.Zisner@asu.eduDiane Laush, Treasurer. (602) 870-6763

D LAUSH- IBR3 2B2@ibr8gw8 0. usbr .gov

The purpose of the Council is to provide for theexchange of information on the status proteC-tion, and management of riparian systems inArizona. The term "riparian" is intended toinclude vegetation, habitats, or ecosystems thatare associated with bodies of water (streams orlakes) or are dependent on the existence ofperennial or ephemeral surface or subsurfacewater drainage. Any person or organizationinterested in the management, protection, orscientific study of riparian systems, or somerelated phase of riparian conservation is eligiblefor membership. Annual dues Ganuary-Decem-ber) are $15. Additional contributions are grate-

fully accepted.

At-Large Board MembersMattChew (602)542-2148

mchew@pr .state.az. usRuss Haughey (602) 981-9400 ext. 222PatShafroth (602)965-0868

shafroth@asu.edu

Committee ChairsClassificati on/Inven to ry

Roy Jemison (520) 556-2182/S = R.JEMISON/ OU1 = S28L02A@mhs-fswa.attmail.com

EducationCindy Zisner (602) 965-2490

Land UseMartyJakle (602) 870-6764

MJ AKLE@ibr8gw80. usbr .gov

This newsletter is published three times a year tocommunicate current events, issues, problems,and ptpgress involving riparian systems, toinform members about Council business, and toprovide a forum for you to express your viewsor news about riparian topics. The next issue willbe mailed in January with the deadline forsubmittal of articles August 15, 1996. Please callor write with suggestions, publications forreview, announcements, articles, and/ or illustra-tlons.

P rotecti o n/Enhancemen t

Kris Randall. Water Resources

Jeff lnwood

(602) 207-4510

(602) 263-9522

Jeff InwoodC/O ASL

1130 E Missouri #110Phoenix AZ 85014

(602) 263-9522or

Cindy D. ZisnerCenter for Environmental StUdies

Arizona State UniversityPO Box 873211

Tempe AZ 85287-3211(602) 965-2490

FAX (602) 965-8087E- Mail: Cindy.Zisner@asu.edu

,..J,II_c~-

The Arizona Riparian Council 16 1996 Vol. 9, No.2

CALENDAR

The Salt Cedar Management Workshop. June 12, 1996. Marriot's Rancho Las PalmasResort, 41000 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage, California 92270-4416. Contact Carl E.Bell at (619) 352-9474 or FAX (619) 352-0864.

Soil and Water Conservation Society's 51st Annual Conference. July 7-10, 1996,Keystone Resort, Colorado. Cal11-800-THE-SOIL (843-7645) for more information.

Wetlands '96: Forming Fair and Effective Partnerships. July 9-12, 1996, Key BridgeMarriott, Washington, D.C. Contact the Association of State Wetland Managers, POBox 269, Beme, NY 12023-9745; (518) 872-1804; FAX (518) 872-2171.

Ninth Annual Hydrological Society Symposium. September 12-14,1996. PrescottResort, 1500 Highway 69, Prescott, Arizona. Contact Suzanne Kirk at (602) 861-7452 forregistration information; you may FAX a completed registration to her at (602) 861-7431.

BT5 1005Arizona Riparian CouncilCenter for Environmental StudiesArizona State U niversityPO Box 873211Tempe AZ 85287-3211

ARIWM STATE UNIVER.'iJTY

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