Embedded Files
Restoration of the Upper Verde River is integral to recovery of several aquatic and semi aquatic species that are on the endangered species list as well as protection of common native species at risk of becoming listed due to non-native fish.
Restoration of native fish in the Upper Verde River has long been a goal of many resource management agencies. Information and references to planning documents are described below:
Arizona Game and Fish – The 2014 Verde River Watershed Fisheries Management Plan identified the upper Verde River for native fish management with an emphasis on native sport fishing. Reference found here:
https://www.azgfd.com/fishing/fisheriesmanagement/verdewatershed/
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation – Committed to the construction of 12 fish barriers including a potential barrier on the upper Verde River in the 2008 biological opinion on impacts of Central Arizona Project (CAP) water transfers to the Gila River Basin and its potential to spread non-native aquatic species. Reference found here:
https://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/biology/azfish/pdf/2008opinion.pdf
Prescott National Forest Management Plan – The 2015 Prescott National Forest Plan identified the need to provide desired habitat for native fish species including partnering with other agencies to address control of non-native species. Reference found here:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/prescott/landmanagement/planning
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Designated or proposed the upper Verde River as critical habitat for multiple aquatic species including spikedace, loach minnow, razorback sucker, northern Mexican gartersnake, and the narrow-headed gartersnake. Reference found here:
https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Docs_Species.htm
2020 Verde River Report Card - The 2020 Verde River report card gave the Upper Verde River an overall C rating. Restoring the native aquatic community in this section of the river will help improve the overall native biodiversity in the watershed.
Reference found here: https://ecoreportcard.org/report-cards/verde-river/health/
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse