The town of Clarkdale has established limits on commercial customers that will take advantage of services to boat on the Verde River during the upcoming 2015 season.
The move came during the Town Council’s Jan. 13 meeting.
Last month, the council looked into possibilities concerning boating on the river, looking to find a balance between allowing people to enjoy the river while at the same time protecting the river, a rare ecosystem in Arizona.
It’s especially an issue now that Clarkdale has recently opened two access points along the river, points where river outfitters provide trips.
One access point is named for the old TAPCO power plant.
The other is downstream and named after Tuzigoot, the Sinaguan ruin.
The TAPCO site, granted to the town through an arrangement with Freeport-McMoran, the company that now controls much of the land owned by the old mining companies, had to be relocated somewhat after it was discovered protected eagles live in the first area considered.
The Walton Family Foundation helped with much of the project, including the Tuzigoot access point.
Following a unanimous vote of the council, there will be a maximum allowed capacity of 9,200 commercial customers.
That number breaks down to allow for 7,820 commercial customers to use the river for recreation.
To read the full story, see the Wednesday, Jan. 21, edition of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
