Protecting

An Ecological Treasure of International Importance



A Voice for Volunteer Conservationists

The mission of the Lower San Pedro Watershed Alliance is to protect the ecological integrity and associated indigenous cultural heritage of the lower San Pedro region of Arizona primarily through voluntary and effective actions by local citizens.  

We recently lost our legal effort in the State court system to prevent the SunZia infrastructure corridor from being routed through the most remote and ecologically sensitive portion of the San Pedro Valley,  despite the existence of alternative routes through Arizona that would have been 100% co-located with existing power line corridors. We faced strong  headwinds, because the Southwest Chapter of the National Audubon Society endorsed this extremely inappropriate and avoidable route without first consulting with local volunteer conservationists and Tribal Nations during SunZia's recent amendment process.

However, local Tribal Nations continue their fight in the Federal court system to gain recognition of lower San Pedro Valley as a traditional indigenous cultural landscape.  We will soon be posting more about this effort and the remarkable legal support being provided by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD).  Meanwhile, please donate to the Lower San Pedro River legal programs at CBD, or feel free to donate directly to us.  

Legal representation is necessary to overcome the lobbying efforts of various interests that seek to irresponsibly exploit the lower San Pedro region's remarkable ecological and cultural landscape.  In our first 11 years of existence, our all-volunteer organization learned that excessive academic efforts and repeatedly talking with stakeholders at meetings is far less effective at protecting this special landscape than partnering with organizations and tribal governments that are willing to take legal action. This is why we have narrowed down our mission statement, as presented at the top of this home page.  Feel free to contact us at LowerSanPedro@gmail.com



Due to rapid growth in Arizona's Sun Corridor, the San Pedro River is the last remaining major natural and intact river ecosystem in southern Arizona. The lower San Pedro watershed has become the default repository for mitigation of impacts caused by this rapid growth. 

By joining with the LSPWA, you help demonstrate that organizing at the watershed level is an important movement in the desert Southwest, one that transcends county and community boundaries. Together, let's ensure that this endangered landscape offers future generations far more than yet another land and water base for resource exploitation.



A Significant, Singular Landscape





The San Pedro corridor has become the most important north-south migratory bird flyway within Arizona. The lower San Pedro watershed also harbors one of the richest remaining fish, reptile, amphibian, and mammalian habitats in the nation, and is the key to protecting several threatened and endangered species. 


San Pedro River Flowing

A few of the many who call this place home:

Bobcat
Javelina
Quail
Gila monster
Deer
Lizard
Two birds perched on top of a saguaro skeleton
Bat flying at night
Desert Tortoise
Photos by Lon Brehmer







Imagine this spectacular watershed from the perspective of those who live here.


Because words are insufficient, please enjoy this short video. In it, you can clearly see that this stunning ecosystem—and the plants, animals, and landforms that comprise it—make a compelling case for conservation. 



  


Latest News

Image of two book covers

Publications

Enjoy two new books about the San Pedro River valley

Learn More ❯

Landscape view with the San Pedro flowing in the foreground

Documents Submitted

Contrary to narratives being promoted by proponents of the proposed SunZia Transmission Project, the state permit for what would be a major new  infrastructure corridor through 33 miles of the most remote and ecologically sensitive portion of the San Pedro Valley is not a "done deal"

Read Opening Brief filed in AZ Superior Court 

Landscape view of mountains

Presentation by LSPWA

Peter Else discusses issues facing the San Pedro River in this presentation to the Sustainable Water Network.

Watch ❯




Our Programs

Collaborative Conservation

We outreach to diverse stakeholder groups and collaborate with other activist conservation groups.

Conservation
Advocacy

We engage in administrative/legal efforts, and the development of educational materials.

Maintaining Conservation Standards

We monitor conservation easements and habitat conditions.

  



Creating a Bright Future Together with You

We are made up of allies, experts, activists, naturalists, artists, archaeologists, and donors, but anyone with an interest in protecting this special place is welcome to call themselves our member.







LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED BY JOINING TODAY

Thank you and credit to author Ralph Waldt for use of his phrase, "An ecological  treasure of international importance."  Thank you and credit also to Lon Brehmer for use of his photos throughout the site.