MCCAIN commends restoration of Fossil Creek

MCCAIN COMMENDS RESTORATION OF FOSSIL CREEK
For Immediate Release
Friday, Jun 17, 2005

Washington D.C. ¬Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today commended Arizona Public Service Company (APS), government agencies, Tribal Nations, conservation groups, and academia whose commitment and cooperation to the rebirth of a desert river resulted in the restoration of Fossil Creek to its natural flow.

Senator McCain said, “I am pleased to herald an historic environmental event that will take place in Arizona. Fossil Creek is an extraordinary natural resource comparable to the more famous Havasu Creek in the Grand Canyon, with deep blue pools, waterfalls, and striking rock formations. Restoration of the creek opens opportunities for public recreation and restoration of riparian habitat, rare native fish species, and traditional Yavapai-Apaches sites in the watershed.”

The flow of Fossil Creek was diverted in 1909 to operate the state’s first hydroelectric power plant at Childs, with the second plant at Irving going into operation in 1916. An engineering marvel, the Childs-Irving plants were a critical source of electricity for the mining industry and early communities in Arizona. Although still a viable source of power, APS decided in favor of the outstanding environmental and public value of restoring Fossil Creek. The organizations that signed the initial decommissioning agreement with APS were the Yavapai-Apache Nation, American Rivers, Arizona Riparian Council, Center for Biological Diversity, The Nature Conservancy, and Northern Arizona Audubon Society. Many other groups have been involved in bringing this environmental feat to fruition.

Return of natural flows to Fossil Creek will create a scenic area of more than14 miles of free-flowing water. Public visitation is expected to increase dramatically. There is a critical need to provide additional protection and adequate staffing and management to the area to maintain the outstanding values of this reborn stream. Therefore, I intend to introduce legislation to include Fossil Creek in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system to ensure that future generations will enjoy this very special place.





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