RIVER OF THE MONTH
Fossil Creek
One of only two Wild and Scenic Rivers in Arizona, Fossil Creek weaves a ribbon of life into an otherwise harsh and arid landscape. The stream flows from a series of mineral springs on the Mogollon Rim and winds 17 miles through the Sonoran Desert to the Verde River. It is one of the Verde’s primary tributaries and crucial to the overall health of the Verde River system. Fossil Creek’s mineralladen water hovers around 70 degrees year-round and creates beautiful limestone formations that give the river its name.
Why It Matters
The Sonoran Desert’s major rivers depend on spring-fed tributaries like Fossil Creek. This rare mineral stream delivers clean water to the Verde River at a near-constant rate all year long, despite the scarcity of rain. Fossil Creek was drained dry by a hydroelectric project for a century and was recently restored through the largest river recovery effort in the Southwest. The recovery was remarkable, and the river again supports diverse wildlife and offers a cool escape from the sun for nearby communities.
Fish
Fossil Creek is the longest river reach in Arizona free of nonnative fish species. It supports nine native species, including spikedace, loach minnow and Gila topminnow, all of which are endangered. The presence of these fish gives the creek national significance. DAN SORENSEN
Wildlife
In addition to its importance to fish, Fossil Creek supports diverse wildlife, including river otter, beaver, endangered southwestern willow flycatcher, threatened yellow-billed cuckoo, threatened Chiricahua leopard frog, 15 species of bat, and a wealth of other bird species.