Upper Verde River COA

This Important Bird Area (IBA) consists of 1,800 acres of quality riparian habitats along the Upper Verde River and Lower Granite Creek in Chino Valley. Most of the area (1,152 acres) falls within the Upper Verde River Wildlife Area. The wildlife area contains the headwaters of the Verde River, a lush low to mid-elevation riparian forest, riparian floodplains, cliffs, and adjacent uplands dominated by Pinyon-Juniper forest.

Historically, the area is home to one of the most diverse native fish populations in Arizona. In addition to supporting rare/priority riparian breeding bird species, it also serves as an important stopover and/or wintering grounds for a host of migratory birds. These lush environs have been designated critical habitat for several species including northern Mexican gartersnake, southwestern willow flycatcher, and western yellow-billed cuckoo. Like most other lotic systems in Arizona, the Upper Verde is threatened by groundwater pumping, drought, and shifting habitat conditions due to climate change. On-going management and habitat restoration is required to maintain the quality riparian habitats the diversity of taxa rely on.

Conservation Goals

• Balance environmental stewardship with responsible outdoor recreation.
• Reduce invasive species that may impair riparian habitats and restore with native species.
• Improve groundwater management to protect wetlands and other aquatic systems for wildlife.
• Manage Wildlife Area habitats for a broad diversity of self-sustaining game and nongame species, and for recreational activities including wildlife viewing and hiking.
• Protect both current and potential values for TES species, sensitive stream and riparian habitats, fish, waterfowl, big game, small game, and nongame species with primary emphasis on TES species and their habitats.
• Improve management of livestock to restrict from the riparian area.
• Identify and conserve areas known as stopover and breeding habitats for migratory birds and support their full life-cycle conservation through international collaborations that address threats to their migration and wintering habitats in Mexico, Central America and beyond.