Habitat Protection/Restoration Through the Parhters for Wildlife Program Marie Sullivan,U.S

Habitat Protection/Restoration Through the Parhters for Wildlife Program Marie Sullivan,U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

What do the Santa Cruz tribal, and state) lands while the diversity of neotropical River, Sonoita Creek, San leaving the land in private, migratory birds, such as Pedro River, Verde River, non-federal ownership. The certain hawks, humming- Agua Fria River, Aravaipa focus of the program is to birds, flycatchers, warblers, Creek, and Bill Williams maintain, improve, enhance, vireos, orioles, tanagers, River, and all have in or reestablish biological buntings, and grosbeaks common? They all support diversity by providing associatedwith these areas. riparian and wetland habitat increased quantity and Traditional strategies for which is currently or improved quality of habitats restoring wildlife habitat proposed to benefit from for migratory birds, including have often involved uncoor- habitat protection and/ or neotropical species,water- dinated action from govern- restoration activities through fowl, and shorebirds; endan- mental agenciesand conser- the Fish and Wildlife gered, threatened, or vation groups or limited Service's (Service) Partners candidate plants and animals; acquisition? of crucial for Wildlife (PFW) program. and the riparian, wetland, habitat. PFW is a call to Ranging in size up to 640 cienega, and other habitats action with willing acres and encompassing up necessaryfor continued main- landowners, agencies, to four miles of riparian tenance of these species for groups, and conservationists habitat, these projects will the benefit of the American to work together to restore benefit migratory species, public. America's wildlife. For particularly neotropical Establishment of partner- example, in Arizona, The birds, and federal endan - ships in cottonwood and Nature Conservancy, gered, threatened, or willow riparian areas,such as Arizona Game and Fish candidate species such as those associatedwith the river Department, Soil the Gila top minnow systems discussed above, is a (Peociliopsisoccidentalis occi- priority of the Service due to See Partners -Page 9 dentalis) , Soutwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), or Huachuca water umbel (Lilaeopsis sdzalfneriana). PFW is a stewardship program initiated by the Service nationwide to invol ve willing landowners, conservation groups, the corporate sector, Native Americans, and others wanting to restore fish and wildlife habitat on non- federal (private, city , county , ARIZONA RIP ARIAN COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING MA Y 6-7, at the PHOENIX ZOO

The Annual Meeting was once again a involvement and planning were used as great successfor the 134 participants, biodiversity protection tools. Finally, Rey thanks to the hard work of Cindy Zisner, Stendell, National Biological Survey, Diane Laush, Kris Randall, Julie stromberg, described the Survey's role in riparian and Marie Sullivan. issues. The opening session featured a series of The afternoon technical sessioninclud - talks dealing with riparian protection. Eva ed a wide range of topics. Keith Duncan Patten led off by discussing activities and (New Mexico State University) described possible recommendations of the Riparian a successful saltcedar control project. Area Advisory Committee (RAAq. Ed Julie Stromberg (Arizona state University - Fox, Director of the Arizona Department of ASU) discussed the consequencesof Environmental Quality, talked about his groundwater decline for riparian and agency's report on impacts of human activi- wetland vegetation along the San Pedro ties on riparian areas. River. Nancy Brian (Northern Arizona Duane shroufe, Director of the Arizona University) talked about canyon bottom Game and Fish Department, described his speciesand vegetation dynamics in the agency's project of mapping perennial dewatered creek bed of Walnut Canyon streams and developing a classification National Monument. Duncan Patten system for them. (ASU) discussed vegetation response to Rita Pearson, Director of the Arizona channel and sediment changes along the Department of Water Resources,described Hassayampa River following the winter new legislation, providing riparian protec- 1993floods. John Rinne (Forest Service) tion/ enhancement funding (SeeAndy talked about "fishes and finesII in the Laurei\zi's article on page 3 for more infor- West Fork Allotment, Apache-Sitgreaves mation on this bill.) She also described her National Forest. Barbara Tellman agency's study providing important back - (University of Arizona -U of A) ground information which may help pave presented the results of her study of how the way towards conjunctive management of Western states manage connected groundwater and surface water. (SeeKris groundwater and surface water. Leticia Randall's article on page 5 for more informa- Vionnet (U of A) discussed the impact of tion about RAAC and the agency studies groundwater development in the stream- mentioned above.) aquifer relationship. Julia Fonseca The second half of the morning featured a described Pima County Flood Control variety of talks. Joseph Feller (Arizona State District's experience with obtaining an University) discussed the Comb Wash Case, instream flow permit for Cienega Creek. an example of grazing controversy in Utah. Laurie Wirt (U .5. Geological Survey) (SeeRobert Ohmart's article on page 6 for a discussed her work finding the origin of discussion of this case.) Mark Heitlinger water to springs at Bingham Cienega, on (Arizona Nature Conservancy) discussed the the lower San Pedro River. BlOT A project in which community See Meeting -Page 8 2 Anzona Water State Parks News Protection Fund MattOzew Funds will be made AriznnaState Parks Established available through a grants Andy Laurenzi program admiriistered by a Heritage Funds Purchase Arizona Nature Con5emmLY 15-member citizen's Com- Sonoita Creek Property mission appointed by the On Apri125, 1994,Gover- Governor, Speaker 0£the In January, Arizona State nor Symington signed into House and Senate President. Parks (ASP) closed a $28 law House Bill 2590 which Several slots on the Commis- million deal to acquire establishes the Arizona Water sion require technical exper- nearly 5,(XX)acres in Santa Protection Fund and Commis- tise in water resource man- Cruz County , including sion to help protect and agement and riparian habitat about 3 miles of lower restore Arizona's rivers and conservation. The legisla- Sonoita Creek frontage. The streams and associatedripar- tion provides that the creek supports a di verse ian habitats. An outgrowth of Commission establish grant riparian community com- recommendations made by guidelines every three years posed of cottonwood, the Governor's Central following a public input Arizona Project (CAP) Advi- willow, ash. elder, m~te, process and with additional and many other trees and sory Committee, the Fund will input provided by Natural shrubs. Many native fishes provide $5 million a year to ResourceConservation Dis- are present and 62 bird landowners, organizations tricts. The Arizona Depart - specieswere identified on and local, state and federal ment 0£Water Resources tfle site in April 1994. agendes "for the development and the Arizona State Land Preliminary inventories and implementation of meas- Department will provide and management planning ures to ~otect water of suffi- administrative and technical are underway. Watersup- dent quality and quantity to assistanceto the commis- plies to the creek are rela- maintain, enhance and restore sion. A total 0£$10 million tively secure, since ASP rivers and streams and asso- was appropriated for fiscal controls releasesto the creek dated riparian habitats, years 1995and 1996. via Patagonia Lake Dam. including fish and wildlife resources that are dependent Development-concepts include non-motorized trails, on these important habitats." DESERT PlANTS REBORN! interpretive sites and Funds sha1l~ provided for mjnima1 perimeter parking the following ~ses: areas. Expectations are that a) acquisition of CAP water or I Desert Plants, the unique journal of Boyce Thompson Sonoita Creek State Natural effluent; b) development, , Arboretum and the University Area Park will be adminis- promotion and implementa- of Arizona has come to life tered as a subunit of tion of water conservation again after several years in Patagonia Lake State Park programs outside of Active donnancy .Articles in this An opening date has not Management Areas; semi-technical journal focus been announced. c) research, data collection. on some aspect of desert plant compilation and analysis; and RivetSAssessment Lives d) capital projects or ~c ecology, horticulture, measures consistent with the landscape architecture, morphology , and physiology ASP and the National purposes of the Fund. Priori- as well as history of desert Park Service (NPS) are ty attention will be given to regions and desert plant reviewing the Arizona projects that benefit perennial scientists. Subscriptions are Rivers Assessment technical or intem1ittent streams, $10 for individuals and $15 report. After any needed include a cost sharing com- for institutions (2 issues in revisions, the Steering ponent, include broad-based 1994). Contact Dr. Margaret Committee will conduct a local involvement and Norem, 2120 E. Allen Rd, final review. NPS is prepar- provide for the continued TucsonAZ85719. Backissues ing text for an executive maintenance of the portion of of all but Volume 4 are summary to be published in the river and stream and asso- available for a cost of $5.00 the summer of 1994. dated riparian habitat that are from the same address. enhanced by the project.

3 wood was the first to gem1i- icana),and many others will Ecosystem nate as the waters began to establish in the understory or Profile recede in spring, followed in light gaps. Thisnever- soon after ~ Goodding ending process of change is Julie Stromberg, Arizona State University willow. The river was still one of the factors responsible over its banks in mid- for the high biodiversity of FremontCottonwood- summer, and saltcedar ri~an ecosystems. Goodding Willow Forests (Tamam dzinensis)was also Floods are unpredictable. Part II: Flood and Succes- able to establish in abun- This is particularly true of sion; and Dams and dance, overlapping with winter Hoods in southern ManagementOtoices Goodding willow in many Arizona, where summer areas. It remains to be seen monsoon storms are more Fremont cottonwood whether the saltcedar will be dependable than are winter (Populus.fre11wntil) and outcompeted by the over- storms. During a ~riod from Good djng willow (Sa lix towering willows, or to about 1930 to 1960,for gooddingii) are "pioneer" what extent they will example, there were no large trees that are adapted to survive in subsequent winter floods along Sonoita flood disturbance. The floods. As the waters con- Creek or the Santa Cruz active flooding during recent tinued to recede, seepwillow River, and thus opportunity decadeshas stimulated

7 MASTER'S THESIS influenced the channel site. vegetation, and overall Rehabilitation of a Degraded Possibleleaks from the channel geometry .A meas- Riparian Area along a Grand Canal may provide ~ement of the positive Portion of the Salt River in water to the canal site. influence of these parameters Central Arizona The storm drain site had was the diversity in ages of Kristine ElaineRandall high xylem water potentials, trees at each site. Four age high foliage density , and the classeswere present at the Human activities have greatest radial growth. channel site and the greatest severely altered the extent Using radial growth as the number of class I trees (0 to 2 and condition of riparian dependent variable and ten years). Pluvial processeshad ecosystemsin Arizona. This environmental parameters a greater effect at this site than research developed a method as independent variables, a at the other sites. whereby degraded riparian multiple regression analysis Based on analysis of the areas could be rehabilitated to showed that early winter biotic and environmental a higher £unctionallevel by precipitation explained 54% parameters, sites were ranked revegetating with native of the variation in radial for probability of revegetation riparian plants. An ecologi- growth at this site. The success. The storm drain site cally based re vegetation plan channel site also had high was ranked the highest. Early was developed to evaluate xylem water potentials, but winter precipitation, which sites in a portion of the Salt low foliage density, and the entered the site via a storm River in Tempe, Arizona. lowest radial growth. No drain outfall, was the primary Cottonwoods (Populus environmental parameters source of water for this site. fremontii) established in the significantly explained vari -The canal area was ranked Salt River channel in 1988 ability of radial growth at second and early winter pre- were used as indicators of this site. Xylem water cipitation was also indicated available water. Temporal potentials were also high in as a source of water for this and spatial variation in the the canal site where foliage site. Neither precipitation, biotic parameters of xylem density was low and radial streamflow, nor groundwater water potential, foliage growth was slightly lower could explain the water density , and shoot and radial than the storm drain site. source for the channel site. growth indicated water avail- Winter precipitation Dynamic f1u~ processesare ability at three sites. explained 69% of the most apparent at this site The study area was strati - variation in radial growth. making maintenance of fled into three sites based on Environmental parame- vegetation more intensive. presumed water availability . ters of hydrology, geology , Therefore the channel site was A drain outfall discharged and fluvial geo-morphology ranked third. This research into the Salt River at the influenced water availa- provided a method for storm drain site. The river bility , establishment and revegetation of riparian and subsurface groundwater maintenance of riparian vegetation by utilizing natural processes.

Meeting -from page 2 Ruth Valencia as Vice courses near Superior. Kris President. Diane Laush, Randall led a trip to Queen Patti Fenner (USFS)and a Treasurer, reported that Creek; Russ Haughey led the group from three high schools ARC is solvent, although trip to Pinto Creek; and Roy discussed their cooperative definitely not wealthy. ]emison led the Arnett Creek efforts to monitor three The evening dinner trip. Lunch at Boyce segments of Cave Creek. featured Jeff Williamson, Thompson Arboretum David Robbins (Arizona Deputy Director of the featured Director Bill Constructed Wetlands) told Phoenix Zoo, discussing Feldman, talking about the about he is working with the ways the Zoo could help Arboretum's concerns on Arboretum at Flagstaff to with riparian education. Queen Creek and Arnett develop a constructed Saturday field trips Creek. wetland for wastewater . featured riparian issues Copies of abstracts of most The brief business including mining, grazing, of the talks can be obtained meeting resulted in election of water quality , and effluent for $2 from Cindy Zisner Kris Randall as President and releaseon three water- (965-2490). -8 - Parmers -from Page 1 located on Sonoita Creek Conservation Service, and approximately eight miles Natural Resource conser- upstream of Patagonia, is the site of one of the first PFW vation Districts are assisting in providing financial projects implemented in Arizona. The riparian and/ or technical assistance ecosystemalong this portion to landowners. of Sonoita Creek supports cot - PFW is a win-win program for all entities tonwood-willow gallefJ:'forest, tion of the spring for grazing, involved by providing mesquite bosque, and CIen.ega a solar-powered drinker financial assistanceto land - habitats. Cottonwood.Spnngs system was installed. Thus, owners who have an interest provides valuable habItat for the landowner was able to iri protecting our natural many neotropical migrat~ry continue his grazing activities resources, but who may lack speciesincluding green ,king- while additional wildlife fisher (Chloroceryleamencana), habitat is protected. The the financial capability 0£ doing so while providing yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus Nature Conservancy is a americanus), ~ow flycatcher participant by implementing habitat protection and and many speCIesof warblers, the monitoring activities. restoration for a diversity of orioles, tanagers and flycatch -Other projects that have species. ers. The Springs .aIsosupports been implemented or will be Before a project is the endangered Gila top- .funded this year range from funded, the willing land- minnow and the federal candi- fence construction to restrict owner is asked to sign a dates Huachuca w~ter Un;tbel cattle grazing in sensitive cooperative agreement to and Huachuca spnngsnail habitats and installing maintain the project area for a minimum of ten years. By (Pyrgulopsisthompsonl). Gray livestock drinker systems on hawk ( Buteonitidus), zone- adjacent upland areas, to signing the agreement, the tailed hawk ( B. albonotatus) habitat protection for landowner agreesto restrict and common blackl,tawk sensitive herptofauna,and noncompatible activities within the project area. (Buteogallusanthracmus) have environmental education also been observed nearby. regarding fun~ons and Projects are generally funded for $10,000or less, but addi- Through the PFW values of southwestern program, 20 acresof the riparian areas. tional funding may be available for larger projects which riparian ecosystemwere Any project that improves fenced to exclude cattle wetland, riparian, or other have a significant benefit for grazing to protect the vegeta- important habitat for native wildlife and at least 50% of tion from grazing ~pacts, fish and wildhie populations the cost is provided by other increase the pote~tial for may be eligible. If. you are cooperators. In many areas, natural regeneration of the interested in leammg more Conservation Districts, local riparian and wetland vegeta- about this program, have a businesse~,State agencies, tion, improve the natural potential project, or want to and other organizations have hydrology of the area, and actively participate in restora- provided additional funds so protect the habitat of the tion efforts, please contact landowners have minimal sensitive species. To compen- Marie Sullivan, Private Lands out-of-pocket expenses. sate the landowner for restric- Biologist, at (602) 379-4720. Cottonwood Springs,

Heritage Alliance has a Busy Legislative Session -Eva Fatten Amazing, but true, a few legislators continue to introduce bills to subvert the intent of the Heritage Fund. This year it was proposed that Heritage Funds be used to compensate ranchers for depredation of their range by wildlife. Another bill required compensation from the Fund to private property owners who are regulated under the Endangered Species Act. Thanks to quick action and many calls to legislators, neither bill saw the light of day. We learned that a strong Heritage Alliance is needed and thus we have instituted regular renewable memberships for organizations and individuals. We are proud to have the Riparian Council as a member along with 25 other organizations, 9 cities, and over 230 individuals. To join, send $10 (individuals) or $25 (families). Call Stacy Oawson-Damp at (602) 244-8291for information on how you can join. We need your support!

9 Palmer, T. 1993. The Wild NOTEWORTHY ARnCLES and Scenic Rivers of PUBLICAnONS America. Island Press. Blaustein, A.R., D.B. Wake, Pat Ellsworth 339 pp. and W .P.Sousa. 1994. Section Editor Amphibian declines: In this comprehensive book judging stability , persist- BOOKS on river protection, Palmer ence, and susceptibility of explains how and why rivers populations to local and Calow, P ., and G.E. Petts are chosen for designation as global extinctions. (eds.) 1994. The Rivers "Wild and Scenic," and also Conservation Biology Handbook, Vol.ll. looks at state and local pro- 8: 6().71. Blackwell Scientific tection systems. Publications. 576 pp. The authors argue that long- term population data are Volume I: Hydrological and BOOKLETS necessaryfor rigorous eval- Ecological Principles was uation of reports of decline. published in 1992. Volume Graves, W. (ed.) 1993. Due to several constraints, II: Problems, Diagnosis, and Water: the Power, Promise, many amphibian popula- Management should be and Tunnoil of North tions may not be able to available in June of 1994. America's Fresh Water. recolonize areas after local National Geographic extinction. Special Edition (Nov.). 120 Hildrew, A., D.G. Raffaelli, pp. and P .5. Giller (eds.) 1994. Grumbine, R.E. 1994. What Aquatic Ecology .British In this special issue, seven is ecosystem IlI1anagement? Ecological Society , articles examine supply, Conservation Biology Symposium #34. Blackwell development, pollution and 8: 27-38. Scientific Publications. restoration. A double map 640 pp. supplement is included. Grumbine draws from an Excellent for educational extensive literature review to This book is a product of a purposes. Order from the provide a werking defini - joint meeting between the National Geographic tion, five goals, and short- BES and the American Society , 1145 -17th St., NW, and long-term policy impli- Society for Limnology and Washington, DC 20036-4688. cations of ecosystem man- Oceanography. It represents $2.65. the whole spectrum of agement. aquatic systems and an Streever, W .1.and S.A. international group of u.s. Environmental Bloom. 1993. The self- authors. Protection Agency. 1991. similarity curve: a new The Watershed Protection method of determining the Approach: An Overview. sampling effort required to Mangun, W .R. (ed.) 1992. EPA/503/9-92/002. 8 pp. characterize communities. American Fish and Wildlife JournalofFreshwater Policy: The Human This little publication Ecology 8:401-403. Dimension. Southern describesthe rationale for a Illinois University Press. watershed approach to pro- The method described here 272 pp. tecting rivers, bays, uses speciesrichness, species estuaries,and aquifers, and abundance, and species Steven J. Bissell reviewed emphasizesthe need to identity data. The user plots this publication in the involve all stakeholders in the Morisita similarity of journal, ConservationBiology , the decision-making process. two sample sets from one recommending the book to It is available from the community against increas- "policy makers for the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, ing sampling effort. When purpose of integrating and Watersheds, u.s. EPA, sampling adequately repre- public concerns and issues 401 M St., SW, Washington, sents the community , the with technical, ecological DC 20460. curve plateaus near a value management programs." of 1.

10 The Arizona Riparian Council (ARC) was formed in 1986 as a result of increasing concern over the alarming rate of loss of the State's riparian Officers: ecosystems. It is estimated that less than 10% of the State's original President: Kris Randall (602) 207-4510 riparian acreageremains in a natural Vice-President: Ruth Valencia (602) 789-3510 form. These habitats are considered Secretary: Cindy Zisner (602) %5-2490 Arizona's most rare natural commu - Treasurer: Diane Laush (602) 870-6763 nities. At-Large Board Members The purpose of ARC is to provide for the exchange of information on Russ Haughey (602) 981-9400 the status, protection, and manage- Duncan Patten (602) 965-2975 ment of riparian systems in Arizona. Marie Sullivan (602) 379-4720 The term I'riparian" includes vegetation, habitats or ecosystemsthat Committee Otairs: are associatedwith bodies of water or are dependent on the existence of Oassi£ication/ Inventory: perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral Roy Jemison (602) 556-2182 surface or subsurface water Education: Cindy Zisner (602) 965-2490 drainage. Any person or organiza- Land Use: Marty Jakle (602) 870-6764 tion interested in the management, Protection/ Enhancement: protection, or scientific study of Water Resources: Andy Laurenzi (602) 622-3861 riparian systems, or some related Newsletter: Barbara Tellman (602) 792-9591 phase of riparian conservation is eligible for membership. Annual dues are $10. Additional contribu- tions are gratefully accepted.

This newsletter is published three To join the times a year to communicate current events, issues,problems, and Arizona Ri parian Council, progress involving Arizona's contact riparian systems, to in£onn ARC members about Council business, and to provide a forum for you to expressyour views or news about Cind y Zisner at riparian topics. The Summer Issue Center For will 6e mailed in September, with the deadline for submittals August Environmental Studies 15, 1994. Pleasecall or write with suggestio~, publications for review, Arizona State University announcements, articles, and/ or Box 873211 illustrations. Infonnation on computer disk (any type) or via Tempe AZ 85287-3211 E-Mail is preferred.

Barbara Tellman, Editor Water ResourcesCenter University of Arizona 350 N. Campbell Avenue Tucson AZ 85721 (602) 792-9591 FAX 792-8518 [email protected] 11 Calendar

Aug.8-12. Pinon-Juniper Symposium. Flagstaff. U.S. Forest Service and others. Contact Doug Shaw (505) 842-3256.

Sept. 6-9. International Trout Stream Habitat Improvement Workshop. Calgary AB. Trout Unlimited Canada. Contact Carry Szabo (403) 221-8365.

Sept. 7-11. Sky Island Institute. Portal AZ. Tucson Audubon Society and others. Contact Cynthia Lindquist (602) 629-0757.

Sept.19-23. Biodiversity and Management of the Madrean Archipelago: The Sky Islands of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. Tucson. U.S. Forest Service and others. Contact Leonard DeBano (602) 621-2543.

Sepl 22-23. Water Quality in the Sustainable West. Utah National Park Service Water Quality Task Force. Contact Jack Wilbur (801) 538-7098.

Sept. 30- Oct. 2. Eco-Reb'eat. Environmental Literacy: Pathway to Our Future. Heber AZ. Arizona Association for Learning in and about the Environment. Contact Lynn Krigbaum 7620 N. 15 Ave. Phoenix AZ 85021.

Nov.13-14. Environmental Ethics and History Conference. Prescott. Arizona Humanities Council. Contact Laura Stone (602) 257-0335.

Dec.7-8. Riparian Management Diverse Values -Seeking Common Ground. Boise ID. University of Idaho. Contact Terry Tindall (208) 736-3600.

~ BT5Arizona 1005 Riparian Council

(1 Center for Environmental Studies Arizona State University Box 873211 Tempe, Arizona 85287-3211

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