In addition, even though the environmental community compromised on wilderness ranching, we have gained nothing in return. Forest Service, Southwestern Region. Wilderness Report 1995 . Within the next decade, a detailed water quality restoration plan and pollution limits for each of these critical watersheds will be in place. Setting pollution standards for each of these rivers will help protect drinking water supplies and imperiled aquatic species.
Streams are the arteries of life in the arid Southwest.
They help prevent floods, filter sediments, and meter out water in times of drought. Healthy streamside woodlands are highly valued by recreationists, who are attracted to the cool shade, clean water, diverse wildlife, and scenery. Streamside areas are also centers of biodiversity. The Gila and Apache trout, the Southwest willow flycatcher and the Meadow jumping mouse are just a few of the southwest's endangered wildlife dependent upon healthy streams and stream side forests. .