5/23/2002 1137

MILITARY LAND TRANSFER IN SAN PEDRO RIVER BASIN STOPPED

Fort Huachuca has canceled a decision to transfer 203 acres of military land outside of Sierra Vista in the wake of objections by the Center for Biological Diversity and a recent federal court order declaring that its vague "conservation plan" is not adequate to prevent the extinction of the endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher and Huachuca water umbel. Fort Huachuca is the single biggest water user in the upper San Pedro River Basin. It's growth and growth inducing actions is one of the primary reasons the river is drying up. The river baseflow has declined by 67%, and in some areas may dry completely unless strong water conservation plans are put into action.

The land transfer would bring approximately 2,400 new people to San Pedro River Basin.

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