Verde River Institute
Verde River Specific Documents
- Best Practices for Sustainable River Recreation Management for the Verde Valley, Faye Augustin and Susan Culp, 2017. In this report, The authors highlight best management practices for sustainable recreation development. They also identify successes from communities across the country and what they have done to mitigate the impacts of recreation in river corridors. In addition to identifying practices regarding carrying capacity, education, engineering, and enforcement, they also explore opportunities for their direct implementation in the Verde Valley.
- Verde River Corridor Project, June, 1991 (.doc format) .pdf format Executive Summary
- Flora of the Upper Verde River, Arizona, Francis S. Coburn, Arizona State University, 2015. A complete thesis of the 729 vascular plants to be found along the upper Verde River from the Headwaters to Clarkdale.
- Verde River Watershed Study Arizona Department of Water Resources, 2000. A comprehensive look at the groundwater, surface water, geology, demographics, water uses, sources and quality of the Verde River Watershed. A quote from the opening paragraph: "Without proper planning, Arizona is in danger of losing enormous economic, aesthetic, and environmental benefits associated with the Verde River and its tributaries and the riparian areas associated with each."
- Verde River Economic Development Study (VREDS) Final Report Doug Von Gausig, Becky O'Banion, Casey Rooney, 8/12/2011
- Verde River Background and Policy Assessment Doug Von Gausig, Riparian Systems Consulting, 1/2012. Describes the current status of the Verde River flows and explores some of the challenges and solutions to preserving those flows.
- Hydrogeology of the Upper and MiddleVerde River Watersheds, Central Arizona USGS, Blasch et al, 2005
- Investigation of the Geology and Hydrology of the Upper and Middle Verde River Watershed of Central Arizona: A Project of the Arizona Rural Watershed Initiative USGS, Woodhouse, et al, 2002
- Ecological Implications of Verde River Flows The Nature Conservancy, Verde River Basin Partnership, Arizona Water Institute, Haney et al, 2008
- Sources of springs supplying base flow to the Verde River headwaters, Yavapai County, Arizona USGS, Wirt and Hjarlmarson, 2000.
- The Verde River - a Cautionary Tale of Two Streamgages Ed Wolfe, January 20, 2011
- Verde River Ecosystem Values Project, Final ReportNorthern Arizona University, Landsward Institute, January 2009, Patricia West, et. al.
- Finding Hope in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Richard B. Norgaard, U.C. Berkeley Abstract
- Reconnaissance Watershed Analysis on the Middle and Upper Verde River Watershed Lloyd Barnett and Richard Hawkins, 2002. An excellent study of the effect of watershed vegetation alterations on runoff and water delivery in the Verde River Basin.
Verde River Almanac, compiled by Diane Joens with the Cooperation of the Verde Watershed Association, 2003 (Available only in print)
- Community Conversation, 5/19/2011 Greg Kornrumph's Community Conversation as part of his Project CENTRL project, Yavapai College, 5/19/2011, MP3
- Community Conversation Economic Impact PowerPoint Bob Raucher, Economist,Stratus Consulting, 5/19/2011
- Policy Options for Water Management in the Verde Valley, Arizona The Nature Conservancy; Limnbrunner, Heberger and Henderson, 2011
- Community Conversation Summary and Action Plan, Greg Kornrumph, et. al., July, 2011
- Northern Arizona Regional Groundwater Flow Model Pool, Blasch, et. al., USGS, 2010
- Public Opinion Strategies' March 2012 Survey of Verde Valley Residents' Attitudes about the Verde River This is a presentation made by Lori Weigel, of Public Opinion Strategies at the March 27th VVREO Community Conversation - very informative!
- The State of the Verde River A summary of five years of water quality data collection by the Sierra Club's Arizona Water Sentinels (December 2006 to December 2011).
- Environmental Flows and Water Demands: Central Arizona Region Water Resources Research Center, University of Arizona, 2012
- Spatial and Seasonal Variability of Base Flow in the Verde Valley, Central Arizona, 2007 and 2011 USGS, 2012, Bradley D. Garner and Donald J. Bills
- Arizona Dept. of Water Resources Water Atlas Chapter on the Verde River
- The Battle to Save the Verde: How Arizona's Water Law Could Destroy One of its Last Free-flowing Rivers Meredith K. Marder, Arizona Law Review, 51:175
- Verde River Ecosystem Values Project, Final Report, Patricia West et al, January 2009
Verde River Ecosystem Values Project, Final Report, Patricia West et al, January 2009
- Using Geochemical Tracers to Determine Aquifer Connectivity, Flow Paths, and Base-Flow Sources: Middle Verde Watershed, Central Arizona Caitlan McEwen Zlatos, 2008. This report will help you understand the source aquifers of the base flow water in the Verde River.
- SAHRA's Visualization Series on The Verde River Watershed Includes short videos explaining how various aspects of the watershed work. A great primer on the Verde's systematics!
- Possible Effects of Groundwater Pumping on Surface Water, Verde Valley, Arizona USGS, By Stanley A. Leake, U.S, Geological Survey, and Jeanmarie Haney, The Nature Conservancy, 2010. Also known as "SEGWAR."
- Geophysical Framework Based on Analysis of Aeromagnetic and Gravity Data, Upper and Middle Verde River Watershed, Yavapai County, Arizona USGS Report 2005-5278. Abstract and Introduction Accompanying map (Plate 1)
- Simulated Effects of Groundwater Pumping and Artificial Recharge on Surface-Water Resources and Riparian Vegetation in the Verde Valley Sub-Basin, Central Arizona USGS Report 2010-5147
- Human effects on the hydrologic system of the Verde Valley, central Arizona, 1910–2005 and 2005–2110, using a regional groundwater flow model U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2013–5029. Bradley D. Garner, D.R. Pool, Fred D. Tillman, and Brandon T. Forbes. A new (4/2013)USGS report that uses the Northern Arizona Regional Groundwater Flow Model (NARGFM) to arrive at a water budget for the Verde Valley. Abstract Summary
- The Sierra Club's Water Sentinels flow report for the Verde May 5, 2013, Steve Pawlowski, Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club
- Synthesis of Upper Verde River Research and Monitoring, 1993-2008 U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-291, December 2012. This volume is a state-of-knowledge synthesis of monitoring and research conducted on the Upper Verde River (UVR) of Arizona. It contains information on the history, hydrology, soils, geomorphology, vegetation, and fish fauna of the area that can help land managers and other scientists in successfully conducting ecosystem management and future monitoring and research in this important Southwest river ecosystem.
- Arizona Public Media interview with USGS's Jim Leenhouts conducted by Mark Duggan, April 24th, 2013. Jim Leenhouts explains the recent USGS study that explains the human impact of water consumption in the Verde River Basin on the flows of the Verde River.
- Central Yavapai Highlands Water Resources Management Study (CYHWRMS) Demand Analysis - Part 1
- Central Yavapai Highlands Water Resources Management Study (CYHWRMS) Demand Analysis - Part 2
- CYHWRMS Water Supply Alternatives Report Phase 3 Water Supply Alternatives from the Central Yavapai Highlands Water Resource Management Study (CYHWRMS), Bureau of Reclamation, 5/9/13. This is the analysis of possible water supply alternatives generated by CYHWRMS in their appraisal-level study.
- Draft Executive Summary of the CYHWRMS Appraisal Level Study 5/6/13, Bureau of Reclamation. This is a draft Executive Summary of the Central Yavapai Highlands Water Resource Management Appraisal-Level Study, and may be revised significantly in the coming months.
- Effect of Groundwater Pumping on Spring Flow to the Verde River, Hjalmar W Hjalmarson, PE, 3/30/2010. An examination of the effects of groundwater pumping on the springs that feed the flows of the Verde River.
- Examination of base flow between Verde River gages 09503700 and 09504000. Win Hjalmarson, May 7, 2013. An examination of the effects of evapo-transpiration between the Paulden (headwaters) gauge and the Clarkdale gauge. The bottom line is that the average annual maximum loss for 34 miles = 0.272941 cfs per mile and the average annual loss for 34 miles = 0.118670 cfs per mile or 2,925 ac-ft.
- Verde River TMDL for Turbidity February 2001,Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,Shad N. Bowman. An examination of the causes and best management practices to avoid excessive turbidity in the Verde River.
- Potential Impacts to Property Values from Long-term Changes in Water Levels on the Colorado River and Its Tributaries: A Delphi Approach April 2013, Southwick Associates. An examination of the effect of reduction of river flows on the value of adjacent and regional property values. This report includes the Verde River. Executive Summary
- The Case of The Yavapai County, Arizona Water Conflict: A Power and Politics Analysis Jane Whitmire, May 2013. Dissertation for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, Northern Arizona University. An examination of the background, causes and possible solutions to a 20-year water conflict centered on the Verde River.
- Workplan to Collect Geophysical Data for an Improved Hydrogeologic Conceptual Model of the Big Chino Sub-basin, Central Arizona USGS, January 16, 2014. This workplan will be used to define, among other things, the Big Chino's contribution to the river, and the temporal and volumetric impact of groundwater withdrawals in the Big Chino on the river. The cooperators (who requested the study and are paying for some portion of it) in this study are the City of Prescott, the Town of Prescott Valley and Salt River Project.
- Assessment of Human Influence on Riparian Change in the Verde Valley, Arizona Sharon Masek Lopez and Abe Springer, NAU, 2002. This is an outstanding retrospective on the condition of the riparian zone and its changes due to human impacts over time.
- Geomorphological Response to Land Use Change, Middle Verde River, Arizona Sharon R. Masek Lopez, 2009. Master's thesis, Northern Arizona University, 2009. This is an examination of how human land-use changes have affected the morphology and ecosystem of the Verde River from the 1960's until 2009.
- Application of the Northern Arizona Groundwater Flow Model (NARGFM) to the Upper Verde River - PotentialFuture Declines Due to Additional Groundwater Extraction (Full Report) Abstract Peter Kroopnick, 12/2014. This report builds on earlier work by the USGS in cooperation with the Verde River Basin Partnership (VRBP) and the Town of Clarkdale that applied the NARGFM in a series of simulations to gain a greater understanding of the past and potential future human impacts on the Middle Verde River’s streamflow.
- Paleoflood Hydrology and Historic Flood Analysis in the upper Verde River basin, central Arizona Jeanne E. Klawon, Arizona Geological Survey Open-File Report 98-05, March, 1998. An examination of paleo and modern floods that concludes that Hell Canyon and Sycamore Canyon are the sources of most of the severe floods in the Middle Verde.
- Analysis of Stable Isotope Ratios (δ18O and δ2H) in Precipitation of the Verde River Watershed, Arizona, 2003 through 2014” Kimberly R. Beisner, et al, USGS, 2016: Stable isotope delta values of precipitation can vary with elevation, and quantification of the precipitation elevation gradient can be used to predict recharge elevation within a watershed. This report examines that phenomenon as an indicator of where the river receives its recharge.
- Damsels and Dragons, the Most Common Odonates of the Verde River @ Clarkdale is a photographic guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Verde River @ Clarkdale. While its scope is restricted to that stretch, it is a great reference for the whole Verde Valley. It’s meant to be printed front and back on a single sheet of paper. Doug Von Gausig, Verde River Institute, 2016.
- Flora of the Upper Verde River, Arizona, Francis S. Coburn, Arizona State University, 2015. A complete thesis of the 729 vascular plants to be found along the upper Verde River from the Headwaters to Clarkdale.
- Birding Checklist for the Verde River @ Clarkdale stretch of the Verde River. Updated 6/14/14. This checklist is a good general checklist for the whole middle Verde.
- Dragonflies and Damselflies of Yavapai County Checklist Edited by Doug Von Gausig, 7/17/14
- Arizona Dragonflies and Damselflies website An outstanding compilation of photos, distribution maps and facts about Arizona's Dragonflies and Damselflies.
- Arizona Odonata website is a great compilation of damselflies and dragonflies of Arizona, with life histories, county checklists, and lots more.
- Reptiles and Amphibians of Arizona Thomas Brennan and Andrew Holycross's definitive book, translated very nicely onto the web. Great range maps and superb photographs.
- Common Plants of the Verde Valley and Sedona An excellent pictorial key to the common plants of the Verde Valley.
- Aquatic Plant Surveys and Evaluation of Aquatic Plant Harvesting in Arizona Reservoirs 2007, Arizona Game and Fish Department
- Critical Habitat expanded in the Verde for Southwestern Willow Flycatchers Verde Independent, 1/13/13, Steve Ayers.
- US Fish and Wildlife Serice Final Ruling on the SW Willow Flycatcher critical habitat January 3, 2013.
- Map of the SW Willow Flycatcher Critical Habitat on the Verde River USFWS, 1/3/13, from the above report. The upstream extent of the habitat is 5 river miles downstream from Sycamore Creek and 7 river miles upstream from Tuzigoot Bridge, about at the end of FR 9515 off Sycamore Canyon Road.
- Verde River Fish Barrier, Appraisal-Level Investigation US Bureau of Reclamation, June, 2010, Jeff Riley et al. An investigation into sites that could create an effective fish barrier in the Upper Verde River against non-native species, thereby creating a native fish fishery upstream.
- A partial checklist of plants of the Upper Verde River Compiled and researched by Frankie Coburn. Frankie expects the list to be complete sometime in 2014.
- Indentifying the Sub-adult Bald Eagle - an easy way to tell the age of young Bald Eagles, which take 5 years to reach full adult plumage. Art Arenholtz, Friends of the Bosque Newsletter, November-December, 2001 Volume 8, Issue 6
- Verde River Blue Trails Access Plan 12/12, American Rivers and Riparian Systems Consulting. An access plan for the Verde River
- The Verde River Blue Trail - Arizona’s 190-mile Adventure! A powerPoint presentation about the American Rivers Blue Trail project on the Verde River. Doug Von Gausig, 7/2013
- Imaged records of all Verde River surface water claims between Sycamore Creek and Cottonwood ZIP file, Arizona Department of Water Resources, as downloaded from their site, 10/12/12.
Hickey Ditch Water Rights Claims 36-36209 and 39-50790 and Maps
Cottonwood Ditch Water Rights Claims 39-49466 and 36-48594
- Major Ditches of the Verde Valley Spreadsheet
- SRP's Daily Water Report Shows the status of all of SRP's reservoirs, their inflow/outflow, depths, etc.
- Determination of Non-navigability of the Verde River March, 2008, Arizona Navigable Stream Adjudication Commission. IMPORTANT: This determination is currently (as of 6/10/13) on appeal by the AZ State Land Dept.in Maricopa County Superior Court. In order to substantiate its finding of "Non-navigable", the ANSAC has compiled an impressive amount of history (dating to prehistory) as well as scientific, hydrological and anecdotal evidence as to its navagability now and in the past. The 97-page report and decision are worth reading if you want to know more about the Verde.
- SRP's Motion to the Adjudication Court seeking a contested case in the Verde River's Subflow. SRP makes its case that the situation in the Verde is of sufficient urgency for the court to assign resources to settling its subflow issues and expediting the adjudication of the Verde River. Filed with the Adjudication Court, 6/28/13.
- Freeport McMoRan's answer to the above SRP motion Filed with the Adjudication Court, 8/7/13.
- The City of Cottonwood files its response to SRP's motion above. In this response, the City explains its objections to having the subflow issues in the Verde Valley expedited, and asks the court to designate a contested case to determine the water rights of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. Filed with the Adjudication Court, 8/6/13.
- SRP's Response to the two responses above to their motion for a contested case to expedite subflow definition Filed with the Adjudication Court, 8/29/13.
- Letter from Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake to Verde Valley elected leaders offering support for groundwater protection and the continuing flows of the Verde River. Dated June 27, 2013. View the Press Release here
- John Parson's recollection of the record flood of 1993, when the highest flow ever recorded on the Verde River occurred. The Clarkdale gauge recorded a peak flow of 53,200 CFS (about 650 times normal flow) on that day.
- Coca-cola's Verde River conservation Inititive is part of their Water Replenish Program. The Nature Conservancy and the Bonneville Environmental Fund have cooperated with Coke to achieve better irrigation efficiency in the Verde Valley.