Learn
Friends of the Verde River, in partnership with the Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition (VWRC) and other key organizations, proudly announces the successful removal of invasive plant species along the nearly 17-mile length of Fossil Creek. This monumental achievement restores the riparian habitat of Fossil Creek, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River and one of Arizona’s most treasured natural resources.
For nearly 100 years, Fossil Creek was diverted and used for power generation, leaving much of the creek dry. A large effort to decommission the dam took place in the early 2000s, culminating in Fossil Creek’s designation as a Wild and Scenic River in 2009. Restoring the flow allowed the creek to heal naturally, reviving the unique and diverse Fremont cottonwood-Goodding’s willow riparian forests. With the flow restored, it became essential to focus on restoring the surrounding habitat to native vegetation and ensuring the creek’s full ecological recovery.
Over the past five years, Friends has led collaborative efforts to eradicate high-priority invasive plants, including tamarisk, giant reed, and Russian olive, which threaten the health of the unique Fremont cottonwood-Goodding’s willow riparian forests. These ecosystems are vital to a diversity of wildlife, including migratory birds, and provide economic and recreational opportunities to local communities.
This project was identified as a priority through the development of Fossil Creek’s Comprehensive River Management Plan. Implementation work began in 2019, with conservation crews conducting inventory and removal efforts, starting at Fossil Springs and working downstream through rugged terrain, including the remote Mazatzal Wilderness. Challenges such as limited access and the 2021 Backbone Fire temporarily paused the project but also offered an opportunity to study ecosystem recovery after fire events.
Through nearly 30 weeks of crew work, supported by partners such as the National Forest Foundation, Arizona Water Protection Fund, Coconino National Forest, Arizona Conservation Corps, Wild AZ, and others, Friends has cleared Fossil Creek of priority invasive species, significantly improving its ecological health.
“Friends of the Verde has been an instrumental conservation partner on the Coconino National Forest by collaboratively managing invasive species within the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor,” explained Andy Pigg, Forest Botanist with Coconino National Forest. “Their recent efforts have helped the Coconino National Forest restore critical riparian habitat along 17 miles of Fossil Creek and have encouraged a healthier, more diverse native plant community. Controlling invasive plant species is rarely a one-time event, and continued restoration within Fossil Creek is expected to occur to maintain this initial investment of time and resources with Friends of the Verde River.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone for Fossil Creek,” said David Gressly, Executive Director of Friends of the Verde River. “This achievement reflects years of dedication by our team and partners to protect and restore Arizona’s invaluable riparian habitats.”
Although the initial treatment is complete, the work is ongoing. Continued monitoring and follow-up treatments will be necessary to prevent invasive species from returning and to ensure the habitat remains healthy for generations to come.
This project is part of a broader mission by Friends and VWRC to restore riparian habitats throughout the Verde Watershed, safeguarding the biological, cultural, and recreational values of these critical ecosystems. For more information visit verderiver.org/VWRC.
Lower Fossil Creek Arundo Removal – Before
Lower Fossil Creek Arundo Removal – After
