For Immediate Release, July 5, 2007 Contact: Dr. Robin Silver,
(602) 246-4170 San Pedro River Flow Disappearing Near Fort
Huachuca for Third Time Local Efforts to Control Excessive
Groundwater Pumping Failing as Base Cleared for Massive New
Expansion SIERRA VISTA, Ariz.— San Pedro River stream flow is
disappearing east of Fort Huachuca at the Charleston gage for
the third straight year and for the third time since
measurements began in 1904. Charleston gage stream flow is the
most sensitive indicator of the health of the San Pedro River
and the Upper San Pedro watershed’s groundwater aquifer. The San
Pedro River is the last surviving wild desert river in the
Southwest; its cottonwood/willow forest is the best surviving
example of the rarest forest type in North America. During the
driest time of the year, critical stream flow comes directly
from underground aquifer water seeping through from the river’s
banks. Zero stream flow near Fort Huachuca results from the
combination of three significant factors: (1) d