Upper Oak Creek is a perennial stream that supports a mature riparian forest with high biodiversity. This mid-elevation system (3,500-5,200 ft.) supports unique and exceptional aquatic and riparian habitats that support a plethora of native species. Upper Oak Creek experiences high levels of human recreation and could be threatened by climate change in the future. Improved recreational management and public education for recreationists are needed. Active monitoring and management of rare species is also needed.
Conservation Goals
- Maintain or improve the ecological health of the aquatic, riparian and canyon habitat.
- Conserve or improve distribution and diversity of native plants and animals.
- Monitor and maintain baseflows of Oak Creek.
- Continue to monitor species of concern and ESA-listed species and actively manage through regulations, education, and translocations.
Map
Primary Threats
4. Residential and Commercial Development
8. Invasive and Other Problematic Species
10. Pollution
11. Transportation and Service Corridors
Potential Conservation Actions
2. Land and Water Management
- Work with partners to reduce invasive plant species in riparian area.
4. Education and Awareness
- Provide education for visitors to help minimize disturbance and pollution into Oak Creek.
- Work with private landowners to reduce disturbance to the riparian zone and septic pollution.
5. Law and Policy
- Reduce traffic volume and speed along Highway 89A to lessen direct and indirect impacts to the sensitive riparian corridor.
7. External Capacity Building
- Support the Coconino National Forest, non-governmental organizations, private land owners, and other partners in planning for and managing recreation.
Habitats Present
- Petran Montane Conifer Forests
- Lotic Systems
- Springs
- Chaparral
- Great Basin Conifer Woodlands
- Petran Subalpine Conifer Forests and Alpine Tundra
Strategy Species
Birds
American Dipper, American Peregrine Falcon, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Bullock's Oriole, Common Black Hawk, Common Merganser, Flammulated Owl, Grace's Warbler, Lazuli Bunting, Mexican Spotted Owl, American Goshawk, Painted Redstart, Rivoli's Hummingbird
Invertebrates
Oak Creek Talussnail, Yavapai Mountain Snail
Mammals
Fringed Myotis, Long-tailed Weasel, Mexican Free-tailed Bat, Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat, Western Red Bat, Yuma Myotis
Reptiles
Madrean Alligator Lizard, Narrow-headed Gartersnake, Sonora Mud Turtle
Fish
See Associated Aquatic COAs for fish species.
Protected Areas and Other Areas of Conservation Value
- Coconino National Forest
- Red Rock State Park
- Page Springs and Bubbling Ponds Fish Hatcheries
- West Fork Oak Creek Wilderness
- Secret Mountain Wilderness
Potential Partners
- Coconino National Forest
- Arizona State Parks
- Audubon Southwest
- Arizona Department of Transportation
- AZ Department of Environmental Quality
- Oak Creek Watershed Council
- City of Sedona