On Wednesday, September 28, Central Arizona Project (CAP) representatives hosted a roundtable for state water users to discuss the proposed CAP conservation incentive program. Earlier this year, the CAP board said they would “work with stakeholders to develop a conservation incentive program that is consistent with [CAP] legal authority.” This roundtable provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share ideas and provide information so CAP can develop an effective program.
September 08, 2022
Colorado River Days Flagstaff Launches September 2nd - 12th
Northern Arizona is celebrating Colorado River Days! Colorado River Days Flagstaff is a series of educational events to remind Flagstaff and surrounding communities about the importance of the Colorado River and all it has to offer, bringing together river runners, artists, businesses, scientists, educators, community organizers, and anyone passionate about the Colorado River to celebrate, learn, tell stories, share art and photography, and engage in community with each other. “This community really comes together to organize and celebrate Colorado River Days Flagstaff. The events are collaboratively created and give people a way to celebrate this river that runs through the heart of our culture and economy, but which we can't see from our town,” said Alicyn Gitlin, Program Manager for Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter.
This past Saturday, UA Coconino County Extension Arizona Project WET partnered with Willow Bend, Sierra Club, USGS, and the City of Flagstaff to host a family-friendly Science Saturday event called Fish and Watersheds! “Willow Bend is excited to partner on the Colorado River Days Fish and Watersheds event. We had a great community turnout, with lots of hands-on activities, take home water conservation kits, and the stars of the show: LIVE fish brought in by USGS”, said Moran Henn, Executive Director of Willow Bend.
During the event, Arizona Project WET provided its signature lessons on watersheds, utilizing 3D Models, and one of its most popular lessons, Plumbing the Colorado River, where learners examine the Colorado River system and demonstrate changes in river flow that occur as the river travels from source to sea. “Flagstaff residents are very curious about the Colorado River. The events of Colorado River Days Flagstaff get people in the door and then we teach them about water protection, rivers, wildlife, geology, cultural values, and more in a fun and celebratory environment,” said Alicyn Gitlin.
“This is one of our most well attended and enjoyed events and we can't wait till next year,” said Moran Henn. Arizona Project WET agrees, and looks forward to this continued partnership celebrating our invaluable resource, the Colorado River!
Recent News
September 30, 2022
CAP Water Users Roundtable on Proposed Conservation Incentive Program
September 23, 2022
Dr. Valerisa Gaddy Named 2022 MIT Solve Fellow
WRRC post-doctoral researcher Valerisa Gaddy has been selected as an MIT Solve Fellow for 2022-2023. Her tech-based solution, "IRRIGaTE: Irrigation Resources Reaching Indigenous Growers and Tribal Entities” addresses the difficulties of science and policy communication between Tribal farmers and non-tribal policymakers through a multimedia platform.
September 16, 2022
Thousands in Phoenix Living without Running Water
The Arizona Republic newspaper last Sunday drew on a recent report about plumbing poverty for a feature article on the subject. The report, co-authored by Kings College London professor and UArizona alum Katie Meehan, looked in depth at urban plumbing poverty in the United States. Meehan received her PhD from the UArizona Department of Geography and Development in 2010 and began her study of plumbing poverty while in Arizona.
September 16, 2022
Photo Journal: A Visit to the Upper Colorado River Basin
Last week, WRRC staff member Jessie Hampton visited family in rural southwestern Colorado. She stayed along Cebolla Creek, which flows down to meet the Gunnison River in Blue Mesa Reservoir, one of three reservoirs that make up the Curecanti Unit of the Colorado River Storage Project. Local ranchers use their water rights on Cebolla Creek to irrigate hay meadows. Jessie took photos of places she visited on her trip to showcase different types of water usage and management in the area.
September 08, 2022
Colorado River Days Flagstaff Launches September 2nd - 12th
Northern Arizona is celebrating Colorado River Days! Colorado River Days Flagstaff is a series of educational events to remind Flagstaff and surrounding communities about the importance of the Colorado River and all it has to offer