By Vikki Kersbergen & Kelli Thompson By Vikki Kersbergen & Kelli Thompson
FRIENDS OF THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER (FOSCR) P.O. Box 4275 Tubac AZ (602) or (602) PURPOSE: Citizens group organized to preserve and enhance the water quality and perennial flow of the Upper Santa Cruz River (from the Mexican border to Amado). On January 29th, 2004, Sherry Sass gave us a tour of the Tubac area of the Santa Cruz River On January 29th, 2004, Sherry Sass gave us a tour of the Tubac area of the Santa Cruz River She belongs to the Friends of the Santa Cruz River organization She belongs to the Friends of the Santa Cruz River organization
The Santa Cruz River at Tubac The Santa Cruz is the only river that begins in the United States, runs into Mexico, and then makes a u- turn flowing back into the United States The Santa Cruz is the only river that begins in the United States, runs into Mexico, and then makes a u- turn flowing back into the United States
Past Missions, farms, and towns were always built along side the river. Various species of birds, beaver, and even grizzly bears were supported by the river.
Effects of the Development of Growing Urban Area in Tucson: Water table has dropped below the surface resulting in the drying up of a large portion of the Santa Cruz River Industrial chemicals, residential sewage, and trash contaminate the river
Present Water is cleaned at the Nogales International Treatment Plant 12 to 14 million gallons are treated there daily 2/3 of the water comes from Nogales Sonora Mexico
Effects on Animals and Vegetation River banks are becoming full of cottonwood trees once again The endangered Gila Top Minnow fish are appearing more often
The Future if the Water stays Wildlife and plant life will continue to grow and develop More recreational opportunities More drinking water
The Future if the Water goes Cottonwoods will die out and area surrounding river will be bare and dry Extinction of the Gila Top Minnow and other species who live near or in river Water usage costs will increase
Any Questions?