Organizations partner to protect the Verde River to benefit people and wildlife

The Verde River, an essential source of water to communities and wildlife from northern Yavapai County to the Phoenix valley, received an increased level of protection today as 293 acres along the river's upper path were committed to conservation by The Nature Conservancy and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission recently purchased the Verde Springs property, located at the origin of the river north of Prescott, from The Nature Conservancy to connect with its Upper Verde River Wildlife Area. The additional acreage increases this important wildlife area to more than 1,000 acres of protected land. The Conservancy will retain 20 acres where the river virtually springs to life above ground at its Verde River Springs Preserve.

"Acquisition of this property consolidates our Upper Verde River Wildlife Area, and it is a key step towards protecting and conserving important wildlife species in one of the most biologically diverse areas in Arizona," said Bob Broscheid, assistant director of wildlife management for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The vision to secure this property began nearly 10 years ago. The Nature Conservancy's relationship with the previous, private landowners and their willingness to partner with Game and Fish were key factors in the acquisition.

Patrick Graham, Arizona State Director for The Nature Conservancy said, "Arizona is the fastest growing state in the country, and the priorities we set now will impact future generations.  These partnerships help us balance our state's growth with conserving our land and water, so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the good quality of life that we enjoy now. "

Game and Fish purchased the property with help from Arizona's Heritage Fund. Started in 1990, the Heritage Fund was established by Arizona voters to further conservation efforts in the state, including protecting endangered species and preserving important habitat. Funded by Arizona Lottery ticket sales, the Heritage Fund provides $10 million dollars to Game and Fish with $2.4 million earmarked for land acquisitions. To date, the department has dedicated over $25 million to conserve nearly 18,000 acres of land in the state. 

Funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation enabled The Nature Conservancy to retain the headwaters of the Verde River as its newest preserve.

A major component of the Colorado River Basin, the Verde River is an important flyway for migratory birds and home to nesting bald eagles, rare species of reptiles and amphibians, as well as one of the best remaining native fisheries. It is one of the few locations in Arizona where otter and beaver thrive. While the Verde's preservation is vital to wildlife, it is also critical to the health of the river's watershed, which feeds many Arizona communities downstream.