The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests needs your help by April 25, 2011 to protect its “in-stream” surface water.
The A-S is petitioning the Arizona Department of Water Resources for 266,972 acres of water rights throughout the forest. These water rights are for surface water rights that remains in situ, or “in-stream” and will not be physically diverted or consumptively used.
The forest service is trying to secure surface water rights to keep the waters in rivers and creeks for recreation and wildlife including fish. Securing these water rights will help with habitat improvement throughout the forest. If successful these newly acquired water rights would be secondary to preexisting water rights that individuals, organizations and corporations already own.
Please write the Arizona Department of Water Quality and voice your support by April 25, 2011.
Arizona Department of Water Resources
Surface Water Rights
3550 North Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Communicate with Chris Knopp, cknopp@fs.fed.us Forest Supervisor of the A-S by email, phone and letters thanking the Forest Service and voicing your support for taking this positive step towards protection of the regions water on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
Apache Sitgreraves National Forests
PO 640
30 South Chiricahua
Springerville, AZ 85938
928-333-4301
