(FOSCR) was formed in 1991 to
"protect and enhance the flow and
water quality of the Santa Cruz
River." Our non-profit, all-volunteer
group focuses on the perennial
(year-round flow) portion of the river,
from its headwaters in the San Rafael
Valley, south into Mexico, and then
north to through Santa Cruz County
to the Pima County line. We work
with riverside landownders,
government agencies, and other
citizens and community groups to
keep the river flowing, its banks clean
and green, and its environment
bountiful to both wildlife and people
The Santa Cruz is truly a binational
river. FOSCR fosters cross-border
cooperation on river protection and
water management within the Santa
Cruz Basin.
From ancient Hohokam irrigation
farmers through Pima and Sobiapuri
Native Americans, 17th century
Spanish missionaries to Mexican
ranchers and Anglo settlers, people
have flocked to the river for its water,
rich soils, lofty forests and abundant
wildlife.
Not only humans rely on the river. Over three-quarters of all Arizona wildlife depend on riparian (riverside) habitat. But in the
20th century alone we lost the vast majority of our rivers and streams. The Santa Cruz once sheltered wild turnkey, beaver, and
even grizzly bears. Although they are now gone, a tremendous variety of species still calls the river home, or use it as a
migration corridor. Threatened and endangered species like the Rose-throated becard, Gray hawk, and Yello-bellied cuckoo nest
along the river. The Santa Cruz and its tributaries support over 22 threatened or endangered species. And the
cottonwood-willow woodland, which supports many of these species, is itself our most endangered forest community.
Industrial chemicals, residential sewage, and trash all gather in the Nogales Wash with
other urban tributaries and run into the Santa Cruz River. This pollution directly
threatens the river's health, as well as the health of border residents. Groundwater
pumping also threatens the river's very life. If the water table is lowered too far by
municpal pumping, the natural flow of the river will cease. The "unnatural" flow of the
river is an ironic gift from the twin cities of Nogales. Sanitized effluent (treated
wastewater) is discharged into the river from the Nogales International Wastewater
Treatment Plant. This effluent has restored many miles of riparian habitat which were
lost several decades ago from agricultural pumping. If the effluent were to be reused by
the cities that own it, the river from Rio Rico north would die once again. The possibility
of industrial and residential development in the floodplain, which increases as US-Mexico
trade booms, threatens the habitat that supports so much in so narrow a band.
Will we lose the Santa Cruz River as an inevitable casualty of growth?
Tall, shady forests and running
water are an irresistible
combination to residents and
tourists alike. Hiking, riding,
birdwatching, wading, and
picnicking are some popular
activities on the historic Anza
Trail and in Santa Cruz County's
Calabasas Park, both of which
adjoin the river. The Santa Cruz
River forms a rich green spine
that makes our county especially
scenic and desirable as a place to
live or visit.