The Verde CRBS was initiated in 1994 at the request of local sponsors. The VWA and the NRCDs are locally formed and governed organizations that help people with natural resource related concerns. The VWA is a broad- based community organization established to facilitate communication and build consensus on natural resource issues among the many varied interests in the basin. The NRCDs are empowered by the State of Arizona to carry out local programs that help people conserve, improve, and sustain the natural resources under their control. To help achieve this goal, the VWA adopted a three-phase planning approach.
Public participation is integral to all phases.
B. Objectives To begin the planning process, the sponsors requested a cooperative river basin study. In June of 1994, the sponsors and NRCS met to establish the specific objectives of the study. Those present expressed the need for basin-wide water resources planning using good science, communication, cooperation, and education. It was agreed that the study should fulfill phase one of the previously established VWA planning approach. Above all, sponsor representatives were concerned that all study activities be con-ducted openly with full opportunity for public participation.