A retired U.S. Geological Survey geologist who spent part of his career in Northern Arizona, Verde River Basin Partnership Chairman Edward Wolfe is intimately acquainted with the problem of the “potential impact on the Verde River from significantly increased groundwater removal from the Big Chino Valley.”
Now, having worked for a decade within the underfunded bounds of federal legislation — specifically, the Northern Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act of 2005 — Wolfe uses every resource at his disposal to endorse a sustainable use of water within and outside of the Verde Valley.
“The ‘why’ is that as a scientist I love to learn, and I love to share what I’m learning,” Wolfe said. “The partnership is a great vehicle for that, as it addresses science-based education on the crucial issue of long-term survival of the Verde River.”
In the spirit of sharing information, Wolfe and his peers host a monthly program series to keep the public interested in issues related to the Verde.
Most recently, on Tuesday, Jan. 5, Linda Stitzer, senior water policy advisor for Western Resource Advocates, presented “Integrating Land Use and Water Planning: Tools to Reduce the Water Footprint of New Development.”
Past speakers have addressed a wide array of topics, but Stitzer’s focus spoke to a particularly pressing need: With an increase in new developments valley-wide, a strain is placed upon fragile riparian and stream ecosystems.
According to Wolfe, “Stitzer’s work and her presentation on integrating land use and water planning to increase water-use efficiency in new developments and to reduce the impact of ever more groundwater pumping to support new developments is wonderfully aligned with the partnership’s aim to secure the long-term health of Verde River Basin’s groundwater and surface waters, by assisting citizens and community leaders in exploring strategies and management practices that will sustain the Verde River system for all future generations.”
2016 is shaping up to be a year of continued outreach and activism, with an emphasis on keeping the public apprised of issues impacting the health of the Verde.
“Our focus for 2016 is continued outreach and public education on the Verde River and the critical groundwater resource that sustains its year-round flow,” Wolfe said. “We look forward to growing collaboration with others who can share our interest and concern for a healthy Verde River that sustains the Verde Valley’s lifestyle, economy and ecological richness far into the future.”
