River News Now Breaking News Travel

Phoenix, Arizona - Citing her strong commitment to preservation at a time when Arizona’s rivers face increasing pressure and threats as our population and water needs grow, Governor Janet Napolitano proclaimed April as “Arizona Rivers Month.”

“Arizona has few remaining perennially flowing rivers and is committed to protecting those that do remain, such as the San Pedro River, Verde River and Fossil Creek,” the Governor said. “The quality of life in Arizona is particularly enhanced by the vitality of our precious and rare flowing rivers.”

Herb Guenther, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, said the agency is keenly aware how precious Arizona’s rivers are, and has a number of projects underway to help preserve them.

“Arizona is fortunate to have these rivers,” Guenther said. “We must shoulder the responsibility to manage them in ways that not only protect the rivers, but that allow our citizens to enjoy them in conjunction with wildlife who use them. “Sometimes that is a difficult balancing act. But as we become more aware of individual responsibilities as stewards of nature’s gifts, we can succeed.”