This perennial stream begins in the Mogollon Rim and flows west to its confluence with the Verde River. The area consists of primarily undeveloped portions of xeric-habitat with a small band of riparian vegetation along the stream channel, though a few small communities that rely on the river for water, such as Whispering Pines and East Verde Estates. Continued expansion could result in increased degradation of important riparian habitats for SGCN species such as the lowland leopard frog which are present within perennial portions of the East Verde River.
Conservation Goals
- Improve important riparian habitat for SGCN species through streamflow improvements and habitat restoration.
- Reduce invasive species encroachment that could reduce the availability of above-ground and below-ground water for wildlife and native plant species.
Map
Primary Threats
3. Climate Change and Severe Weather
4. Residential and Commercial Development
8. Invasive and Other Problematic Species
9. Natural System Modifications
Potential Conservation Actions
2. Land and Water Management
- Remove salt cedar from the stream channels and replace with native broadleaf riparian trees such as cottonwood and willows where applicable.
- Reduce fuels loads in anticipation for large standing dead monocultures of salt cedar due to the Tamarisk leaf-beetle.
- Restore natural streamflow where previously altered.
3. Species Management
- Implement long-term monitoring protocols for native species and habitats to inform adaptive management.
- Improve habitat for riparian obligate SGCN such as the lowland leopard frog and yellow-billed cuckoo.
Habitats Present
- Lower Sonoran Desertscrub
- Upland Sonoran Desertscrub
- Chaparral
- Petran Montane Conifer Forests
- Springs
- Lentic Systems
- Lotic Systems
Strategy Species
Amphibians
Arizona Toad, Chiricahua Leopard Frog, Lowland Leopard Frog
Birds
Common Black Hawk, Gray Hawk, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Mammals
Hoary Bat, Mexican Free-tailed Bat, Southwestern Myotis, Yuma Myotis
Reptiles
Arizona Black Rattlesnake, Narrow-headed Gartersnake, Sonora Mud Turtle
Fish
See Associated Aquatic COAs for fish species.
Protected Areas and Other Areas of Conservation Value
- Verde River Greenway State Natural Area
- Upper Verde River Wildlife Area (AZGFD)
- Sycamore Canyon IBA
Potential Partners
- US Forest Service
- Whispering Pines
- Doll Baby Ranch
Relevant Conservation Plans
- Gila Topminnow Revised Recovery Plan
- Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Recovery Plan
- Gila Trout Recovery Plan
- Chiricahua Leopard Frog Recovery Plan
Associated Aquatic COAs
- Bear Canyon Complex (East Clear Creek Drainage)
- Chase Creek
- Cold Springs Property
- Dude Creek
- East Verde River-Ash Creek to Verde River
- East Verde River - Mail Creek to Ash Creek
- Ellison Creek
- General Springs Canyon Complex
- Gorge Canyon
- Houston Creek
- Miller Canyon Complex
- Pine Creek-Below Hwy 87
- Pine Creek-Williamson Valley Wash tributary
- Rock Creek
- Verde River - Beasley Flat to full pool Horseshoe Reservoir
- Webber Creek