Verde River Citizens Alliance

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Verde River Citizens Alliance

Awards Meeting Held Dec. 21

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People belong to the Verde River Citizens Alliance because they really care. They show it by their actions, not just their words.

The VRCA met Saturday, Dec. 21 for a celebration potluck and a review of their accomplishments. The potluck was held at the Dead Horse Ranch State Park Verde Greenway Studio. Retired USGS hydrologist Winn Hjalmarson entertained the group as he "roasted" local officials and water groups with a PowerPoint presentation he created. A hike in the Tuzigoot Important Bird Area at Peck's Lake and Tavasci Marsh followed.

State Rep. Tom O'Halleran, County Supervisor Chip Davis, Verde River Greenway Coordinator Max Castillo and John Kiechefer of the K-4 Ranch in Chino Valley were recognized for taking a proactive stance for the river and its watershed.

Since their first meeting in September 2001, the VRCA has co-sponsored a day-long water forum in Camp Verde, planted cottonwood trees in Del Monte Wash, and hiked the Verde Headwaters twice.

They attended the rural Arizona Watershed Alliance Conference, Planning and Zoning meetings, and toured the Jerome and Cottonwood Wastewater Plants. A water quality mentorship program with Howie Usher's Mingus Union High School students was recently added to their project list. They also nominated the Verde River for the "Most Endangered River" designation by American Rivers.

The energetic membership still found time to sponsor booths at the Verde Valley Birding Festival and Verde River Days. They recruited outstanding speakers for their monthly membership meetings and obtained their non-profit 501(c)(3) status from the IRS.

Following is a pictorial album of the December potluck awards meeting and the hike at Peck's Lake and Tavasci Marsh.