SORRY THIS MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED!

Arizona Riparian Council
Fall Campout Meeting at
3 Links Farm, Cochise County
Conservation Easements
October 16-17, 2010 – Saturday & Sunday

Please join us at the Arizona Riparian Council's Fall Meeting. This year's meeting will be at the 3 Links Farm, which is located about a 1.5 hours southeast of Tucson, north of the town of Benson, Arizona.

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) initiated discussions with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) for purchase of a Conservation Easement on the 3 Links Farm property in September 2001. TNC completed their acquisition of 3 Links Farm (2,159 acres) in August 2002 and Reclamation acquired a Conservation Easement (on 1420 acres) in September 2003. Three Links Farm has been subdivided into 5 parcels of which 3 are in private ownership. The remaining two parcels are still for sale. Reclamation’s Conservation Easement fulfills our mitigation obligations under the Clean Water Act Section 404 program for construction of 12 fish barriers. Three Links was formerly an agricultural operation growing mainly alfalfa, owned by the Dobson family.

On Saturday afternoon, we will hear from Liz Petterson and Aaron Citron of the Arizona Land and Water Trust about conservation easements in general and how they are being developed to protect riparian areas and water resources in Arizona. Diane Laush, our Treasurer, will also speak about the Bureau of Reclamation's conservation easement program that she is overseeing at 3 Links Farm. Peter Warren with The Nature Conservancy will talk about the legal and monitoring aspects of conservation easements.

After the speakers we will have some free time to explore. Your registration for the campout includes the cost of dinner, which will be a cookout. Please provide your own lunches (Sat/Sun) and breakfast Sunday morning. On Sunday, we will take a hike along the San Pedro River.

Please indicate on the registration form if you want a vegetarian meal. A $15/adult and $10/child fee (children under 10 are free) should be mailed to Cindy Zisner for you and your family – kids are definitely invited, however, there is a NO PETS policy so you will have to leave your four-footed kids at home. We need to know how many people to plan for so please register by Friday, October 1, 2010.

Please make your check payable to the Arizona Riparian Council. You may pay online through Paypal, but there is an additional $0.75 charge. Please indicate on the registration form if you have paid through Paypal. If you are using the PayPal option please still submit the registration form electronically. For those using a check please submit the form electronically and send by mail your check.

Time to Meet

1:00 pm at 3 Links Farm. Driving directions to 3 Links Farm.

What to Bring

Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag), folding chair, river shoes (if you wade into the river), and water to drink. Bring food for breakfast and lunch for Sunday. We anticipate the day-time and night-time temperatures at this time to still be potentially warm. Bring plenty of water.

ARC will Provide

Drinks and dinner Saturday night. Restrooms will be available near the camp site.