[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 1 (Thursday, January 4, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S93-S94]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. McCAIN (for himself and Mr. Kyl):
  S. 86. A bill to designate segments of Fossil Creek, a tributary to 
the Verde River in the State of Arizona, as wild and scenic rivers; to 
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I am please to be joined by my colleague, 
Senator Kyl, in reintroducing a bill to designate Fossil Creek as a 
Wild and Scenic River. A companion measure is being introduced today by 
Congressman Renzi and other members of the Arizona congressional 
delegation.
  Fossil Creek is a thing of beauty. With its picturesque scenery, lush 
riparian ecosystem, unique geological features, and deep iridescent 
blue pools and waterfalls, this tributary to the Wild and Scenic Verde 
River and Lower Colorado River Watershed stretches 14 miles through 
east central Arizona. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, some of 
which are threatened or endangered species. Over 100 bird species 
inhabit the Fossil Creek area and use it to migrate between the range 
lowlands and the Mogollon-Colorado Plateau highlands. Fossil Creek also 
supports a variety of aquatic species and is one of the few perennial 
streams in Arizona with multiple native fish.
  Fossil Creek was named in the 1800's when early explorers described 
the fossil-like appearance of creek-side rocks and vegetation coated 
with calcium carbonate deposits from the creek's water. In the early 
1900's, pioneers recognized the potential for hydroelectric power 
generation in the creek's constant and abundant spring fed base-flow. 
They claimed the channel's water rights and built a dam system and 
generating facilities known as the Childs-Irving hydro-project. Over 
time, the project was acquired by Arizona Public Service (APS), one of 
the state's largest eclectic utility providers serving more than a 
million Arizonans. Because Childs-Irving produced less then half of 1 
percent of the total power generated by APS, the decision was made 
ultimately to decommission the aging dam and restore Fossil Creek to 
its pre-settlement conditions.
  APS has partnered with various environmental groups, federal land 
managers, and state, tribal and local governments to safely remove the 
Childs-Irving power generating facilities and restore the riparian 
ecosystem. In 2005, APS removed the dam system and returned full flows 
to Fossil Creek. Researchers predict Fossil Creek will soon become a 
fully regenerated Southwest native fishery providing a most-valuable 
opportunity to reintroduce at least six Threatened and Endangered 
native fish species as well as rebuild the native populations presently 
living in the creek.
  There is a growing need to provide additional protection and adequate 
staffing and management at Fossil Creek. Recreational visitation to the 
riverbed is expected to increase dramatically, and by the Forest 
Service's own admission, they aren't able to manage current levels of 
visitation or the pressures of increased use. While responsible 
recreation and other activities at Fossil Creek are to be encouraged, 
we must also ensure the long-term success of the ongoing restoration 
efforts. Designation under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act would help to 
ensure the appropriate level of protection and resources are devoted to 
Fossil Creek. Already, Fossil Creek has been found

[[Page S94]]

eligible for Wild and Scenic designation by the Forest Service and the 
proposal has widespread support from surrounding communities. All of 
the lands potentially affected by a designation are owned and managed 
by the Forest Service and will not affect private property owners.
  Fossil Creek is a unique Arizona treasure, and would benefit greatly 
from the protection and recognition offered through Wild and Scenic 
designation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
                                 ______