Ecological Monitoring & Assessment (EMA) Program & Foundation’s current Verde Initiatives include complementary but distinct projects referred to as Verde River Ecosystems Values (Phase 1), and Verde River Science Outreach and Education (Phase 2). The following summary is of Phase 2.
Verde River Science Outreach and Education (Phase 2) will focus on the compilation and dissemination of relevant scientific information regarding water and the environment in the Verde River Watershed. This information will be distributed to the concerned communities as well as to interested and potentially interested parties. The goal of phase two is thus two fold:

1. The development of an “activities matrix” outlining recent research in the Verde Watershed.
2. A focused outreach effort to specific audiences and interests regarding the importance of the Verde River.

Activities Matrix

EMA will prepare and maintain a dynamic and easily accessible information repository that will outline the current, ongoing and planned water and environmental research activities in the Verde River Watershed. This online repository will be called the “activities matrix” and will provide usable information about the research being completed in the Watershed. Information likely to be presented in the matrix include: title of research endeavor, responsible party(ies)/principal investigator(s), contact information, start date, end date, focus area (e.g. stream corridor, watershed, specific area), partners, and funding status. This information repository is dynamic and will be updated and maintained to help researchers identify any overlap in current research efforts and help to clarify future research needs. The matrix will provide practical information and contacts to assist interest groups, policy makers and the public at large in making informed decisions concerning the Verde River Watershed.

Focused Outreach

The outreach and education component provides audience-specific interpretation of scientific studies on the subject of the Verde River Watershed and associated tributaries and the results of those studies. This information will be provided in oral presentations and web-based formats with a focus on user-friendly and audience-appropriate language and presentation style. When appropriate, we will link information to existing web pages to avoid duplication.

For more information please contact Karan English, Karan.English@nau.edu 928-523-0670 or
Patty West, Patty.West@nau.edu 928-523-0736