The objective of this research project was to assess the value of riparian woodlands to the health and persistence of avian communities in the desert southwest. Specifically, to quantify the extent to which both surface water and the health of riparian vegetation influence the abundance and diversity of riparian birds. Ultimately models were developed to allow resource managers on military lands to better predict the effects of future ground water withdrawal and surface water depletion on riparian bird communities along the San Pedro River and elsewhere in the southwestern U.S.
The first ever observation of zero flow in the San Pedro River at the U.S. Geological Survey's Charleston streamflow-gaging station on July 6, 2005 inspired much public and scientific interest in understanding the causes of this event. This paper provides a summary of the issues and contributing factors associated with this hydrologic event. It was developed by the broad membership of the USPP Technical Committee, including hydrologists, engineers, ecologists and other scientists who worked together to reach a common understanding of this complex issue.
This strategic plan is to identify and prioritize projects, policies and programs to meet the Partnership's mission to meet the long-term water needs of the Sierra Vista Sub-watershed by achieving sustainable yield of the regional aquifer by 2011 and beyond to: 1) preserve the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA), and 2) ensure the long-term viability of Fort Huachuca.
H. Richter, D. Goodrich, A. Browning-Aiken, and R. Varady. (2009). Chapter 21: Integrating Science and Policy for Water Management. In J. Stromberg & B. Tellman (eds.) Ecology and conservation of the San Pedro River (pp. 388-409). AZ. University of Arizona Press. This chapter describes the collaborative efforts of scientists, agency representatives, non-governmental organizations, elected officials, and other stakeholders to address water policy and management issues in the Sierra Vista subwatershed of the upper San Pedro River basin. The recent efforts of the Upper San Pedro Partnership (the Partnership) to manage groundwater resources through an adaptive management approach are described. (Legacy 06-250)
A poster presentation detailing this Legacy-funded effort and presented at the 2007 Sustaining Military Readiness Conference in Orlando FL.