Mr. Jim Crosswhite
EC Bar Ranch
P.O. Box 44
Nutrioso, AZ 85932

Dear Mr. Crosswhite:

The Springerville and Alpine Ranger Districts have been pleased to collaborate with you in an ongoing partnership effort to implement practices recommended in the "Nutrioso Creek TMDL for Turbidity" report by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ, "Little Colorado Spinedace Recovery Plan" by the US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), and the "Nutrioso Creek Fish Management Report" by Arizona Game & Fish Department (AGFD) to address soil quality, water quality, and wildlife improvement practices on Nutrioso Creek. These conservation practices apply to all of Nutrioso Creek, spanning numerous owners. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNF) adjoins the EC Bar Ranch downstream so successful conservation and management practices implemented on your upstream ranch property have many long lasting public land benefits helping to preserve open spaces in the Nutrioso Watershed and Little Colorado River Watersheds.

In particular, we appreciate the collaborative partnership created between the ADEQ, ASNF, and yourself by the ADEQ Grant 6004 awarded to you in February 2004. By writing the grant application, using your own resources to match ADEQ funding, implementing practices, and taking on Project Manager Responsibilities, you performed a valuable public service to help the ASNF meet water quality standards on four miles of Nutrioso Creek located on Forest lands. After receiving a Volunteer Agreement and relevant guidelines to follow while on USFS property, you completed Grant 6004 Task 10 to prepare a Riparian Restoration Plan that identifies willow planting locations in reaches 7 and 9, then completed Task 8 by planting 50,000 willow poles by April 2005. Tom Subirge, ASNF Riparian Coordinator, observed the planting process, willow plants, monitoring sites, and compliance with USFS guidelines. We will continue to monitor the progress of vegetation establishment in order to evaluate the need for potential elk and livestock exclusion fencing along critical reaches of Nutrioso Creek.

As the 7 "non-attaining" miles of Nutrioso Creek mentioned in ADEQ's TMDL report all relate to restoration of habitat outside of the key issue of water quality, numerous projects over the entire stream reach have successfully integrated this goal. In addition to improving water quality on Nutrioso Creek, willow plantings provide habitat for state and Federally listed species, including the threatened Little Colorado spinedace (cooler shaded water) and endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher. In recent years, the ASNF partnered with AGFD to construct two elk exclosures downstream on Nutrioso Creek at Nelson Reservoir to protect flycatcher habitat. This effort was expanded upstream on the EC Bar Ranch as you partnered with FWS, AGFD, NRCS, and ADEQ to: (1) construct elk proof fencing around three miles of Nutrioso Creek on your property, (2) plant over 30,000 willows, (3) restore eroding streambanks, (4) implement NRCS recommended Livestock, Nutrient, and Irrigation Management Plans, and (S) install an efficient sprinkler irrigation system to ensure survival of riparian vegetation during periods of drought.

The Nutrioso Creek watershed originates on public lands and then flows through a mix of public and private ownership in the non-attaining stream reaches mentioned in ADEQ's TMDL report. A collaborative partnership between private and public entities has shown to be an effective tool to accomplish the common goals of stream restoration. Your cooperative spirit and enthusiasm towards meeting these goals is greatly appreciated and we look forward to continued joint stewardship of Nutrioso Creek and its associated riparian areas. As your downstream neighbor, we support your continuing efforts to create collaborative public and private partnerships, including a conservation easement to protect your riparian property from real estate development. Such private land stewardship projects on the EC Bar Ranch help demonstrate how the integration of conservation and sustainable agricultural practices can improve ranching economics, water quality, and wildlife habitat while meeting public policy objectives.

We will continue efforts to make Nutrioso Creek the first non-attaining water body on ADEQ's 303d list to be removed due to mitigation efforts, and we greatly appreciate your efforts as well as involving other landowners along the critical non-attaining reaches in this collaborative project.

Sincerely,

     "/signed/"        .
ELAINE J. ZIEROTH
Forest Supervisor

cc: Richard Davalos, John A MacIvor