Verde Watershed Restoration Plan
Matt Wilson1* and Heidi Trathnigg2
1Friends of the Verde River, Cottonwood, AZ
2EnviroPlan Partners, Flagstaff, AZ
The Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition (VWRC) is a partnership of over 25 participating organizations including federal, state, and tribal agencies; local municipalities; Yavapai College; and non-profits to assist land managers and around 235 private landowners to educate local communities and restore ecosystem function in the Verde Watershed. VWRC was formed in 2010 to develop an invasive plant management plan that focused on riparian restoration. After successfully clearing invasive species from 8,900 riparian acres under the direction of the 2011 plan, VWRC has chosen to move beyond the weeds and take a more holistic approach to restoration and watershed health, with goals focused on habitat restoration (uplands, riparian, and instream), aquatic resources, soil stability, monitoring, community engagement, and how to continue funding projects to improve ecosystem health. VWRC has begun developing an updated 5-year restoration and strategic plan to establish comprehensive watershed restoration goals and measurable objectives to expand VWRC’s mission. VWRC aims to accomplish this by expanding habitat focus, incorporating holistic restoration, engaging more partners, facilitating continuing environmental education, engaging communities and visitors, and develop strategies to create a long-term, sustainable partnership. This presentation will focus on the process, progress, and lessons learned from this comprehensive watershed restoration planning process.