3LKS_Annual_22_0003.pdf

Three Links Farm Conservation Easement

Maintenance and Monitoring Program Bureau of Reclamation Obligation # 4500127019

Annual Report: October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022

Figure 1: 44-day nonstop monsoon river flow 07/21-09/02/22 near South Gap (photo taken 08/22/22, view downstream looking towards South gap, where the trail camera recorded uninterrupted flow)

Report prepared by Birgit De Gregorio, Independent Contractor

Table of Contents

Three Links Farm Background

Riparian Management Zone (RMZ)

General Conditions (incl. ground cover) Biological Surveys Trespass Livestock Fence Repairs and Maintenance Temporary River Crossing Permit Other

Monitoring

Precipitation Streamflow Groundwater (Depth to Groundwater, changes over time)

Residential Agricultural Zone (RAZ)

Parcel 3 Change of Ownership Conservation Easement Violations Restoration Plan

Parcel 4 Parcel 5

Outreach and Communications

Photo Point Monitoring

The Three Links Farm Background

The 2,156-acre Three Links Farm is located along the San Pedro River north of Benson. The farm was purchased by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in 2002, at which time the agricultural and irrigation operations were retired. An 814-acre Riparian Management Zone (RMZ) along the river corridor was fenced and conservation easements were put in place to permanently protect native habitats and open space both along the river and within the uplands of the Residential and Agricultural Zone (RAZ).

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) purchased the Conservation Easement (“Easement”) over 1,420 acres of the property (Fig. 2) on September 12, 2003. On September 28, 2006 oversight of the Easement was undertaken by TNC. Operational and maintenance activities included easement compliance monitoring, facilitation of communication between the landowners and Reclamation, and maintenance of infrastructure with the purpose of ensuring the preservation and protection of natural elements and open space on the farm. On November 27, 2017, TNC and Reclamation ended their association. Reclamation initiated a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Lower San Pedro Watershed Alliance (LSPWA) on September 27, 2018 to manage specific aspects of the easement and report on easement compliance. LSPWA notified Reclamation of their plans to withdraw from the MOA on June 24, 2022. Reclamation and LSPWA agreed to a termination date of September 30, 2022.

At that time all field monitoring activities were suspended. The endowment (minus sufficient funds to cover preparation of the annual report, 3 parcel reviews, and the 2022 tax returns) was returned to Reclamation on October 25, 2022 Upon delivery of the final reports to Reclamation, the LSPWA will have fulfilled their requirements under the MOA.

Riparian Management Zone (RMZ)

General conditions

The specific results for the quarterly streamflow measurements at Station 1 (near the Southern boundary of Parcel 4) and Station 2 (near the river crossing) can be found under the Monitoring chapter. This section describes the general conditions experienced throughout the fiscal year, between 1 October 2021 and 30 September 2022.

TNC mapped the surface flows of the river and some tributaries June 12-18, 2022 (wet-dry mapping). Results are now available and are shown above in Fig. 3 (Source: <http://azconservation.org/downloads/san_pedro_wet_dry_mapping>).

Figure 2: The Three Links Farm parcels and conservation easements

Figure 3: Results of 2022 wet/dry mapping on the Middle San Pedro River (TNC).

The new beaver dam near Red Rock Creek was first observed at the time of the photo monitoring in early spring (04/23/22, Fig. 4a). It was then found abandoned and visibly unmaintained by early summer (07/11/22, Fig. 4b). Beaver activity was observed at the old location a few hundred feet further north near streamflow Station 1.

The re-established old dam created a shallow beaver pond shelf within the river flow (Fig. 4c), and fresh beaver tracks and tail marks in the sediment bottom indicated recent beaver activities. However, by early fall (09/27/22, Fig. 4d), no trace of beaver activity including no chewed trees could be found along the entire length of the Three Links property. Beaver dams are usually damaged or completely removed after major flood events, such as occurred during the 2022 monsoon season.

Figure 4a: New beaver dam at Red Rock canyon (04/23/22)

Figure 4b: Red Rock canyon dam abandoned again (07/11/22)

Figure 4c: Old dam and beaver pond dam re-established (07/11/22)

Figure 4d: Heavily eroded river bed and beaver pond destroyed by heavy summer rains (09/27/22)

The excellent monsoon rains during the fourth quarter July-September ‘22, resulted in increased vegetation growth. Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) reached heights of 6 ft. along with dense stands of Russian Thistle (Salsola kali) and Needle Grass (Bouteloua sp.).

Access routes to the wells and streamflow Station 1 were frequently obscured by vegetation growth and had to be kept open by driving over them repeatedly, as well as by using hand loppers and riding mowers (Parcel 5/TNC). An abundance of new, already several feet tall mesquite tree saplings can be found in many places, which in some cases impairs road access for quarterly hydrology measurements. For example, it was easier to cut a direct shortcut to well 11 through the brush with a chain saw, abandoning the now overgrown loop-around access road.

Biological Surveys

Wildlife cameras

LSPWA and Cascabel Conservation Association (CCA) continued to monitor one game camera on the easement, located at South Gap. This fiscal year, the camera documented (see Fig 5a-f): black bear, coyote, bobcat, gray fox, Coues deer (a subspecies of white-tailed deer), turkey, Anna’s hummingbird and javelina. Also seen on the river easement were desert cottontail, great Hhorned owl, rattlesnakes, and various butterflies. In addition, animal tracks (coatimundi, snakes, raccoon, bobcat), and fresh beaver sign were evidence of other animals being present.

Figure 5 a-d: Predators documented at South Gap trail camera: black bear, bobcat, gray fox and coyote

Figure 5 e-f: Some of the prey animals documented at South Gap Trail camera: javelina and Coues deer

The Bureau of Reclamation continued to monitor two game cameras on the easement. Nothing unusual has been documented.

No Southwestern willow flycatcher- or Yellow-billed cuckoo surveys were performed by Reclamation and local entities in 2022, due to a funding issue and personnel availability. Amphibian/Leopard frog surveys were attempted by Reclamation between June 27 to July 1, but it is believed that a storm before and during the survey negatively affected the count, even though high densities of froglets are normally very common during this period. It is believed that most were either carried downstream or they left the channel for higher ground.

Contact was made with Ralph Waldt, a local naturalist, who conducted two transects of the river for the Audubon Society in order to document avian diversity and numbers. He has done these studies here for nearly 20 years, and expressed his concern that songbird numbers and songbird diversity have dropped dramatically in recent years, this year being one of the worst he has ever seen.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) continued to use trail cameras to locate feral swine on the easement. Management activities including monitoring, surveillance, and eradication of feral swine and are conducted by Wildlife Specialist Wade Sanders, who submitted the following report upon request:

“The USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services (APHIS-WS) program has conducted wildlife damage management at the Three Links Farm for disease monitoring, surveillance, and eradication of feral swine. These activities are being performed under a work initiation agreement and work has been ongoing from October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022. While conducting management activities APHIS-WS recorded a total of 146 staff hours at the Three Links Farm.

APHIS-WS conducted wildlife damage Management operations and currently has 7 trail cameras deployed on the Three Links Farm property. Trail cameras are routinely monitored for feral swine activity. During this time frame two feral swine have been observed. Of the two observed, one male (Fig. 6a) was removed on December 2, 2021 (32.16206, -110.29306).

Blood and tissue samples were collected and submitted for genetic and disease (classical swine fever, pseudo rabies, swine brucellosis, plague, and tularemia) testing. Since the removal of the one boar, the second feral swine identified has not been observed on the Three Links Farm.

This animal is distinct in appearance as it is missing its right front leg (Fig. 6b). APHIS-WS reported that it was removed on November 3, 2022, approximately 6 miles north of the Three Links Farm property. No additional feral swine observations have been observed since December 2021. Management activities including monitoring, surveillance, and eradication of feral swine will continue and are conducted by Wildlife Specialist Wade Sanders.”

Figure 6a: Feral swine #1 (boar) recorded at baited pig trap on 12/02/21

Figure 6b: Feral swine #2 with right front leg missing, recorded at baited pig trap on 10/08/21

Trespass livestock

In fall of 2021, occasional sightings of 2 pairs of black cows (each a cow and a calf) belonging to rancher John Keith had been reported by the owners of Parcel 3 and Parcel 5, but the trespass cattle had eluded capture for two months until they were eventually trapped on Parcel 4 on Dec. 10 and Dec.

18, 2021 by Bob Rogers, resident on 3LF Parcel 2 and manager of TNC’s Parcel 5.

In summer 2022, another two pairs of black cows with calf (Fig. 7), and a tan cow showed up on Parcel 4. On 09/26/22, the ranch hand working on Parcel 3 declared that they belonged to a new land owner on Ocotillo Rd, who had been contacted. However, the cows continue to be seen occasionally near the defunct drinker on Parcel 4, but are very cautious and have resisted all capture so far, also since the cattle trap on parcel 5 near well 12 is not usable at this point due to Russian Thistle growth (see Parcel 5 chapter).

Figure 7: Group of trespassing cows observed in the distance on Parcel 4 (09/28/22)

Fence repairs and Maintenance

In early December 2021, after retrieving his cattle from Parcel 4, neighboring cattle owner John Keith took it upon himself to replace the existing 4-strand water gap at the Southern Three Links boundary. He erected a much tighter 1-wing breakaway fence across the river bed, with the opening at one edge of the channel. It also had 4 strands of wire but contained more stays, which were set on the ground and not suspended above the ground. (See Fig. 8a). During the dry season, it acted as a fence, keeping cattle out of the Three Links Farm, but then had to be adapted in July for the monsoon season by a) taking out stays, b) shortening the remaining stays at the bottom so they would not touch the ground, c) raising the bottom wire, and d) minimizing the breakaway wire in order to trigger a faster breakaway instead of allowing big buildup which would destroy the fence.

But even after adapting the fence, South Gap was breached by heavy flooding (see Fig. 8b) and repaired multiple times, luckily without having to be rebuilt.

A complete rebuild was necessary for North gap in early September 2022 when T-posts and wire were ripped out by heavy debris flow (see Fig. 8c)

Red Rock Canyon gap (Fig. 8d), which was buried by a collapsing canyon wall, will also need a complete rebuild in the near future once the river crossing is passable again so the needed materials can be hauled in by truck (work on river crossing needs to be coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) by the owner of Parcel 3, see section on Temporary river crossing permit below).

It would be desirable to test other styles of water gaps, as time, labor, and budget permits.

Figure 8a: Tighter ground-touching South gap design as installed by John Keith in early winter

(12/05/21)

Figure 8b: Monsoon river flow (8/22/22) near South gap, fully engulfing the banks

Figure 8c: Heavy debris pile-up near destroyed North gap (T-posts have snapped at ground level and wire has drifted downstream, 09/05/22)

Figure 8d: Red Rock Canyon gap buried by collapsed bank (09/29/22, downstream view looking towards the river)

Temporary River crossing permit / Access to Parcel 3 from Cascabel Road

Nationwide Permit 14 (NWP-14, Linear Transportation Projects), now renewed, resolved the flood-related road maintenance issues. NWP 14 requires that the accumulated sediment be removed by bobcat or other small equipment within the 10ft by 20ft road crossing within the San Pedro River, and the roadway has to be restored to pre-existing grades. Furthermore, it required that the landowners comply with the following non-discretionary Special Conditions listed below:

1. The permittee shall provide written notification to the Corps of Engineers at least one week prior to the start of work, as to the anticipated date of sediment removal and provide ground photographs of the fill to be removed. Once work is complete, the permittee shall provide ground photographs of the crossing after the sediment has been removed (enough photographs to clearly represent the work that occurred. No vegetation removal is authorized with this permit.)

2. The permittee is not authorized to work outside of the footprint described above in the authorized activity. If additional or more extensive work needs to occur, the permittee shall provide a plan to include a description of the work, the footprint within waters of the US that will be impacted, the type of equipment to be used and the duration of the activity.

3. All fill removed from waters of the US shall be placed outside of the floodplain shown on map.

4. The permittee shall not perform any sediment removal between April 15 and September 15 due to Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and Yellow-billed Cuckoo breeding season. If work is necessary, then the permittee shall coordinate with the Bureau of Reclamation to acquire clearance from US Fish and Wildlife Service to perform the work.

5. The permittee shall allow representatives from this office to inspect the authorized activity at any time deemed necessary to ensure that it is being or has been accomplished within the terms and conditions of the permit.

Since there was a change of ownership for Parcel 3 (see Parcel 3 section under the RAZ chapter), the new owners, David and Mary Zeerip had their names put on the NWP early in the year before monsoon just in case any work on the river crossing would become necessary. River flow was persistent through September of this year. As a result, the riverbed never dried sufficiently to allow time for the road repairs to be completed. The flood damage prevented crossing the river in a vehicle. This in turn hindered some monitoring activities on Parcel 3 and delayed repairs on Red Rock Canyon gap, both of which are only realistically accessible via the river crossing.

Other

No human trespass incidents were recorded on the South Gap LSPWA/CCA trail camera between Oct.

1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022.

Monitoring

Precipitation Rainfall is measured with a clear plastic Tru-Chek gauge, which is manually read and recorded by Kathleen Waldt, who lives at the north end of Reclamation’s easement (UTM location of the gauge is

12S 0566560 3560788 NAD 27).

There was 0.9 inches of rainfall recorded from 10/01/21-03/31/22, and 10.54 inches from 04/01/22- 09/30/22, for a total of 11.44 inches (Fig. 9). The last rainfall before January 2022 was on Sep. 30, 2021, i.e. outside this reporting period.

Date Rain [inches] Rain [inches] per month

10/01-12/31/21 0 0

01/18/22 0.03 0.35

01/19/22 0.17

01/23/22 0.15

02/03/22 0.01 0.01

03/22/22 0.31 0.54

03/29/22 0.23

03/31/22 0

06/21/22 0.3 1.53

06/24/22 0.5

06/27/22 0.7

06/29/22 0.03

07/01/22 0.1 1.56

07/04/22 0.33

07/12/22 0.1

07/21/22 0.03

07/23/22 0.92

07/24/22 0.06

07/29/22 0.02

08/02/22 0.32 5.02

08/08/22 0.62

08/09/22 0.18

08/16/22 0.3

08/19/22 1.35

08/23/22 2.25

09/11/22 0.4 2.2

09/15/22 0.6

09/21/22 1.2

Total for fiscal year 2022 Oct 2021-Sep 2022: 11.44 inches Total for calendar year Jan-Sep 2022: 11.44 inches

Figure 9: Rainfall events from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022

When comparing the ongoing 2022 season (data collection not yet complete) with historical rain totals for the years 2003-2021, a cyclical pattern of above average seasons and below average seasons every 4-5 years becomes visible (Fig. 10). The 2022 season is already above average, even before the end of the year.

Total Annual Rainfall

Total

Average

Year

P re ci p ita tio n [i n

Figure 10: Cyclical nature of rainfall measured at Three Links

Of note is that in the years 2021-2022, more rain fell over a shorter period of time. There were fewer episodes of rain, but the rain got more intense, with higher monthly totals during the monsoon months (over 5 inches in July 2021 as well as August 2022).

Increased rainfall also led to increased bacterial degradation of the buried organic matter that is part of the sediments along the river, as evidenced in an unusual iridescent sheen on water rivulets coming from the water-logged banks (Fig 11a-b).

The decomposition process has two stages: The first stage is a bacterial fermentation by iron-oxidizing bacteria (common in desert soils) which produces a reduced form of the organic compounds from the buried organic matter (mainly producing acetate) and bicarbonate. In the second stage, the acetate is then consumed by bacteria that concurrently reduce Fe 3+ or sulfate, and the carbon is oxidized to more bicarbonate. Because of the dissolved calcium bicarbonate, the result is very hard water, with dissolved Fe2+ and some leftover organic compounds, which gives the water an iridescent sheen, and a petrochemical smell at certain times of the year. (Source: Dr. Christopher Eastoe, University of Arizona, Prof. (emeritus) of Geology)

Figure 11a-b: Water flowing out of saturated nutrient-rich river banks showing an iridescent sheen due to bacterial decomposition products created from organic matter

Streamflow

Streamflow is now measured at two locations on the easement. Station 1 is located near the southern end of Parcel 4 (UTM NAD 83: 12S 0566435 3558835). Station 2 is located near the river crossing

(UTM NAD 83: 12S 0566207 3560607).

Fig. 12 (below) provides the streamflow discharge measurements for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

Beginning with summer 2020, Station 2 had no longer shown year-round surface flow, for the first time since monitoring began in 2003. This is of significance because it had marked the first time that there was no surface flow recorded during usually wet stream conditions (i.e. the winter or spring). This downward trend changed with the monsoon rains of summer 2022.

In a remarkable change from the dry spring conditions for Station 2 recorded by previous steward Alex Binford-Walsh, Station 2 now showed promising pools during the spring 2022 measurements that were not caused by rain, unlike the rain water pools that were found in summer 2022. In fall 2022, a month after monsoon had ended, there was even a shallow but still continuous flow at Station 2 a week after the last rain, but due to the rocky riverbed, the cfs measurement was invalid (Fig. 14a-c). The higher water table in the riverbed could be correlated to the fact that Parcel 3 used less irrigation and therefore had higher dtg in well 6 .

Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Station 1 [cfs] Station 2 [cfs]

9/29/21 (fall) 0.6356 0 (dry)

01/10/22 (winter) equipment failure * 0 (dry)

04/06/22 (spring) 0.7062 0 (pools)

07/02/22 (summer) 0.95 0 (pools)

09/28/22 (fall) 0.3534 equipment failure **

* invalid measurement (heavy algae growth in streambed, causing reverse flow and eddies) ** invalid measurement (river flows, but too shallow & erratic due to eddies caused by low flow around rocks)

Figure 12: Stream flow monitoring results for the time period between Sept/October 2021 to Sept/Oct 2022 (Note: measurement dates are determined by availability of SonTek FlowTracker device, which is shared between TNC Aravaipa and Three Links CE monitoring contractor)

The following chart (Fig. 13) shows historical flow data since streamflow recording started in 2003.

The discharge at streamflow Station 1 measured in 2022 is comparable to discharge measured there in 2003. However, streamflow at Stations 3 and 4 has ceased completely in the last 3-4 years. Whether the discharge rate at streamflow Station 2 recovers to the level of previous years in the years to come remains to be seen.

Figure 13: Historical streamflow data 2003-2022

Figure 14 a-c: View upstream, downstream and across the river near Station 2 (river crossing), showing continuous flow during the fall 2022 hydrology measurements (09/28/22)

Groundwater

Depth to groundwater is measured quarterly at eight wells (some of which have active pumps, while some do not), and one piezometer on the easement. Measurements are made with an electronic water level meter with a precision of ~1/10th of an inch. (An overview of all well- and stream flow station locations is shown in Fig. 16.)

Wells were monitored on September 27, 2022. The table below shows the recorded depths and changes since last quarter and one year ago. Fig. 16 shows the location of the wells. Of note is the 7.5 ft rise of the water table for well 6, which recovered from heavy irrigation use in summer 2021 under previous Parcel 3 owner Rocky Greenfield.

Well number Depth to groundwater [ft] measured for quarter ending September 2022

Change since last quarter (quarter ending June 2022)

Change since 1 year ago (quarter ending September 2021)

4A 34.05 UP 2.85 ft UP 2.17 ft

6 18.27 UP 1.31 ft UP 7.53 ft

7 19.83 UP 2.76 ft UP 2.38 ft

8 12.85 UP 2.60 ft UP 2.24 ft

9 31.39 UP 1.88 ft UP 1.18 ft

11 25.80 UP 1.60 ft UP 0.94 ft

12 29.80 UP 2.88 ft UP 1.69 ft

13 42.90 UP 2.92 ft UP 1.99 ft

S2 Piezometer 16.70 UP 2.69 ft UP 1.34 ft

Figure. 15: Well measurements and changes over one year

The following ten detail graphs (Fig. 17a-j) show the historical changes for Depth to Groundwater (dtg) at the Three Links wells. A recovery to 2020- or even pre-2020 levels is seen for all wells, especially for Well 6 (the only well on Parcel 3). A similar 3-6 ft recovery of dtg values was recorded by Dan Wolgast at TNC Aravaipa (priv. comm.).

Figure 16: Map of well and stream flow stations on the easement, as well as approved grazing areas

Depth to Groundwater 2003-2022 (Overview / all wells)

Well 4A

Well 6

Well 7

Well 8

Well 9

Well 11

Well 12

Well 13

Piezo S2

D e p th to G ro u n d w a te r

[ft

Depth to Groundwater 2003-2022 at Well 4A

D e p th to G ro u n d w a te r

[ft

Depth to Groundwater 2003-2022 at Well 6

D e p th to G ro u n d w a te r

[ft

Depth to Groundwater 2003-2022 at Well 7 D e p th to

G ro u n d w a te r [ft

Depth to Groundwater 2003-2022 at Well 8

D e p th to G ro u n d w a te r

[ft

Depth to Groundwater 2003-2022 at Well 9

D e p th to G ro u n d w a te r

[ft

Depth to Groundwater 2003-2022 at Well 11 D e p th to

G ro u n d w a te r [ft

Depth to Groundwater 2003-2022 at Well 12

D e p th to G ro u n d w a te r

[ft

Depth to Groundwater 2003-2022 at Well 13

D e p th to G ro u n d w a te r

[ft

Depth to Groundwater at Piezometer S2 D e p th to

G ro u n d w a te r [ft

Figure 17 a-j: Historical depths to groundwater on Wells 4A, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and Piezometer S2

Residential Agricultural Zone (RAZ)

Parcel 3

This parcel is on the west side of the river, north of Parcel 5 and west of Parcel 4, and includes a total of 446 acres, 112 of which are in the RMZ. The annual water allotment for this parcel is 68 acre-feet. There is one well (#6), located in the RMZ, which has two pumps. One pump (hereafter “6_DOM”) is used to supply domestic water to the home, guest house, and stock watering. The other (hereafter “6_IRR”) is an irrigation pump that supplies water to the barn and irrigated pasture that was expanded in 2014.

The owners have a herd of 21 yearling calves and a few horses which were responsible for the grazing between Oct 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022. Fig. 18 shows the water use throughout the year, and Fig. 19a-b shows historical water use on Parcel 3 since 2007.

The water use by fiscal quarter was as follows:

Water use @ Well 6_DOM

Quarter ending Dec 2021 0.35 ac ft

Quarter ending Mar 2022 0.25 ac ft

Quarter ending June 2022 0.33 ac ft

Quarter ending Sep 2022 0.43 ac ft

Water use @ Well 6_IRR

Quarter ending Dec 2021 4.3 ac ft

Quarter ending Mar 2022 0.1 ac ft

Quarter ending June 2022 7.95 ac ft

Quarter ending Sep 2022 1.20 ac ft

Figure 18: Parcel 3 total water use Oct-Sep: 14.91 ac ft (Fiscal year based)

When considering the historical date for annual water use since 2007, the use has dropped for this year:

Calendar Year Acre-feet 2007 1.02 2008 9.66 2009 4.22 2010 11.76 2011 7.13 2012 4.00 2013 5.42 2014 16.09 2015 41.44 2016 28.84 2017 32.50 2018 33.12 2019 27.20 2020 33.39 2021 86.05 2022 *10.26

Con tro l

* 2

Parcel 3 annual water use of allotted 68 ac ft (metered wells 6_DOM and

6_IRR)

Figure 19a-b: Annual water use Jan-Dec on Parcel 3 since 2007 (calendar year based; *2022 data is not complete) in absolute values and percentage. Note: in 2021, Parcel 3 used more than the allotted amount (red)

1) Change of ownership:

Rocky and Evenette Greenfield sold Parcel 3 including all physical assets on it to David & Mary Zeerip on January 7, 2022.The owners’ son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Susan Zeerip of Michigan, took up residence in mid-February 20 and immediately began ranching operations.

2) Parcel 3 Conservation Easement Violations

- The daisy-chain of locks on Parcel 3’s right-of way gates from Cascabel Road (via Parcel 4) as well as from Ocotillo Rd had been tampered with: The A112 Masterlock on the latter, and both the carabiner clip as well as the A112 Masterlock on the former (used by monitoring staff and also by Parcel owners 1, 2, 4, and 5) had been taken away earlier this year and replaced with a combination lock and/or Masterlock that only the Parcel 3 owner could open. Upon notification of the owners, this was reversed and the Masterlock was returned. All gates remained accessible after the warning.

- Cascabel residents who often return late reported in spring that floodlights at the Parcel 3 barn are often left on habitually. This could however not be ascertained.

- A new fuel tank was set up outside the 12-acre building envelope by the new owners. (see Fig. 20 taken 04/23/22)

Figure 20: Newly installed fuel tank just outside the 12-acre building envelope

- A total of 160.89 acres of native vegetation was removed by the new owners between the end of February and the end of March 2022, of which 131.2-acres lie on the Easement, and 29.69-acres are on ASLD. The LSPWA 3 Links Farm Oversight Committee (Diane Laush, Barbara Clark, and Peter Else) provided an extensive 15-page report on this land clearing violation, which was included in the

Semiannual Report (covering the time period between October 2021 to March 2022) and was submitted to Reclamation in May..

By summer 2022, the area saw some minor regrowth from volunteer plants (native as well as exotic annuals) as a first stage to the beneficial weather conditions.

The following photo (Fig. 21) shows the status as of mid-August. Because the river crossing was impassable due to deep ruts and large sand dunes between July and the date of this report, the following photo was taken from Cascabel Road.

Figure 21: Cleared area (flat area in the distance) showing modest greening up with volunteer plants, photo taken 08/16/22

On July 28, 2022, Reclamation sent a certified letter response to the owners of Parcel 3, which described a necessary revision for the restoration plan proposed by their restoration contractor, Stuart Tuttle, State Biologist at USDA-NRCS.

The need for adding short-term erosion control measures to minimize sedimentation into the San Pedro River (e.g. straw wattles, straw bales, etc.), at the very least along the Riparian Zone fence line. Additionally, spread of appropriate native seeds to assist in the soil stabilization, including using light irrigation to help the seeds grow and settle disturbed soils.

In order to ensure restoration success, grazing within the restoration area should not occur for 6 years after planting has begun or the restored vegetation has been deemed sufficiently established.

The trees identified for disposal by burning should be relocated away from the Riparian Management Zone to a suitable location near Ocotillo Road to avoid an accidental ignition and spread to adjacent areas (location should be cleared and buffered away from other vegetation, emergency plan needs to be in place and a water truck should be present to moisten the surrounding area)

The restoration plan should include appropriate strategies to accelerate restoration of the site to its condition in early February 2022 beyond relying on time and natural processes.

Two options were presented for an accelerated replacement of the trees removed or crushed:

locally sourced potted velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) planted in each location where a tree was removed or crushed; or a more economical option of locally sourced potted velvet mesquite, planted on an approximate

25-feet by 25-feet grid pattern up to approximately 1,500 feet from the Riparian Zone boundary fence (Figure 2), and beyond that boundary, planted in a series of eight 0.5-acre patches, also with an approximate 25-feet by 25-feet grid pattern

Moreover, the following tree care protocols were described:

In either case, the planted trees should be irrigated and fertilized for up to 4 years (depending on tree size at planting), until the root systems reach the ground water table . This may require filing a change application enabling irrigation of native vegetation in that area, using the annual 68-acre feet water allowance.

The plantings should be monitored for 6 years by established photo points and other methods and reported in a quarterly and an annual monitoring report for the first 4 years and reduced to a biennial and annual report the remaining 2 years. A 90 percent success rate for planting survival should be required at the end of the 6-year period, and dead mesquite should be replaced with new plants if the 90 percent success rate is not achieved.

It is unknown whether either the Parcel 3 owners or their lawyer responded to the letter or if any actions were taken to follow the review plan. As of September 30, Reclamation had not approved any restoration plan submitted by the Parcel 3 owners Zeerips.

Parcel 4

This parcel is on the east side of the river, north of Parcel 5, and has 359 total acres, 136 of which are in the RMZ. There are four wells (4A, 7, 8, 9), three of which are in production. There are two old homes and an apartment in a barn on this parcel. The annual water allocation is 62 acre-feet.

There were no Saguaro Juniper cattle on Parcel 4 between Oct 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022.

Water use @ Well 4A

Quarter ending Dec 2021 0.03 ac ft

Quarter ending Mar 2022 0.09 ac ft

Quarter ending June 2022 1.31 ac ft

Quarter ending Sep 2022 0.03 ac ft

Water use @ Well 8

Quarter ending Dec 2021 0 gal

Quarter ending Mar 2022 0 gal

Quarter ending June 2022 0.05 ac ft

Quarter ending Sep 2022 0.0

Water use @ Well 9

Quarter ending Dec 2021 0.07 ac ft

Quarter ending Mar 2022 0.15 ac ft

Quarter ending June 2022 0.30 ac ft

Quarter ending Sep 2022 0.12 ac ft

Figure 22: Parcel 4 total water use Oct-Sep: 2.15 ac ft (Fiscal year based)

When considering the historical date for annual water use since 2007, the use has slightly increased for this year:

Calendar Year Acre-feet 2007 1.82 2008 0.56 2009 1.44 2010 1.04 2011 1.32 2012 1.91 2013 1.14 2014 1.28 2015 1.12 2016 0.98 2017 1.19 2018 0.89 2019 2.02 2020 1.01 2021 1.33 2022 *2.04

Con tro l

* 2

Parcel 4 annual water use of allotted 62 ac ft (metered wells 4A, 8, 9)

Figure 23a-b: Annual water use Jan-Dec on Parcel 4 since 2007 (calendar year based; *2022 data is not complete) in absolute values and percentage

In April 2022, the landowners stated in a personal communication that they were still intermittently working on the irrigated restoration plot, and were meeting their fence contractor that day. The surrounding fence, shown incomplete as of January 2022 (Fig 24a), was completed and now fully encloses the restoration plot (Fig 24b).

Figure 24a: Halted non-wildlife friendly fencing on Parcel 4 (photo taken on 01/06/2022)

Figure 24b: Completed fencing on Parcel 4 (photo taken on 09/26/2022)

Parcel 5

This is the southernmost parcel included in the Reclamation easement and has a total of 615 acres, 322 of which are in the RMZ. There are 5 wells on this parcel (11, 12, 13, 14, and 15) and the annual water allocation is 72 acre-feet. There are no buildings or active irrigation on this parcel.

Well #12 (the only active well) supplies water to a drinker at the cattle trap in the RMZ and one livestock drinker in the RAZ fields.

There were no Saguaro Juniper cattle on Parcel 5 between Oct 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.

Water use @ Well 12

Quarter ending Dec 2021 170.3 gal

Quarter ending Mar 2022 872509.0 gal

Quarter ending June 2022 175.2 gal

Quarter ending Sep 2022 0 gal

Figure 25: Parcel 5 total water use Oct-Sep: 2.68 ac ft

From the well meter readings, there were only a few hundred gallons used on Parcel 5 for most of the recorded years. This changed when in late March 2022, the pump for the cattle trap drinker was turned on but did not switch off automatically, most likely due to a frozen pipe that burst underground, and presumably kept pumping for several days until it was discovered and the power to the pump was shut off. When considering the historical date for annual water use since 2007, the use has therefore increased for this year:

Calendar Year Acre-feet 2007 0 2008 0.06 2009 0.02 2010 0.01 2011 0 2012 0.15 2013 0.01 2014 0.16 2015 0 2016 0 2017 0.01 2018 0.04 2019 0.01 2020 0 2021 0 2022 *2.68

Con tro l

* 2

Parcel 5 annual water use of allotted 72 ac ft (metered well 12)

Figure 26a-b: Annual water use Jan-Dec on Parcel 5 since 2007 (calendar year based; *2022 data is not complete) in absolute values and percentage

This led to runaway growth of Russian Thistle near Well 12 and the cattle trap (Fig. 27 a-c, Fig. 28). In July 2022, TNC used a riding mower to cut a path to Well 12 through the waist-high Russian Thistle, however the cattle trap and surroundings were too difficult to access with the small mower and therefore were not cleared (Fig. 28).

Figure 27a: Flooding of area around cattle trap from drinker pump not shutting off, resulting in soft muddy soil as shown in deep tire tracks (photo taken 03/22/22)

Figure 27b: Previously submerged area around cattle trap greening up with opportunistic Russian Thistle (photo taken on 04/06/22)

Figure 27c: “Sea of Russian Thistle” near well 12 / cattle trap before a path was mowed

Figure 28: Cattle trap overgrown by Russian Thistle (photo taken 07/06/22)

Figure 29: Example of ground cover taking over road access on Parcel 5 near old pivot field (09/27/22)

The good monsoon year caused similar weed overgrowth on paths and roadways (Fig. 29).

Moreover, 44 days of uninterrupted flow (Fig. 30) led to collapsing river banks (also see Fig.8d, Red Rock Canyon gap buried by collapsed bank). The trail camera at South Gap, which is programmed to record an automatic picture every afternoon at 5:20pm (aside from pictures triggered by wildlife anytime), recorded the river under flow for 44 days.

Figure 30: Day with river flowing at South Gap trail camera

The picture below (Fig. 31 a) shows a monsoon-flow collapsed river bank on the west side of the river, just west of the Southern pivot field on Parcel 5. Here, the river cuts into an ancient lake deposit (located west of the river, see aerial picture Fig 31 b) of clay and Na sulfate salts, which is often found in ancient lake beds (priv. comm. Dr. Christopher Eastoe, Prof. (emeritus) of Geology. It is believed that the river, before it became entrenched, deposited these sediments that then formed a levee and dammed a small lake behind it, similar to oxbows still found to this day in the lower San Pedro watershed. The monsoon flow of 2022 has been cutting into these ancient lake deposits, exposing them and changing the river banks yet again.

Figure 31a-b: Collapsed river bank from monsoon erosion on Parcel 5 (32.14597, -110.29808) , showing characteristic calcite (caliche) as well as Na sulfite deposits from an ancient lake bed to the west (photo taken on

09/29/22)

Outreach and Communications

All landowners were contacted 48 hours before quarterly water monitoring events and photo point monitoring.

Contact was made with Chris Carrillo, APHIS USDA District Supervisor/Supervisory Wildlife Biologist in Phoenix, in order to discuss the movement of feral swine populations on the easement, in spring and fall 2022. (See chapter on Biological Surveys/ Wildlife cameras).

Contact was made with Ralph Waldt, a local naturalist, who conducted two transects of the river for the Audubon Society in order to document avian diversity and numbers.(See chapter on Biological Surveys/ Wildlife cameras).

Contact was made in spring 2022 with Saguaro Juniper Board member Tom Orum to inquire about existing grazing leases/ potential SJ cattle on Parcels 4 and 5. There is no current lease anywhere on the Three Links property.

Contact was made with Dr. Christopher Eastoe, Prof. (emeritus) of Geology at the University of Arizona, in order to identify and explain geological features found in the RMZ.

Barb Clark, Birgit De Gregorio, and Diane Laush met with the Zeerip family (David, Mary, Craig and Susan) on March 3, 2022. A "Welcome Package" from the Community was given to the family.

We described the background of "why and how" Reclamation purchased the Easement. Barb discussed her work as a TNC employee monitoring the CE. We explained how the LSPWA became involved with Reclamation and Birgit discussed work she was currently doing with respect to Easement monitoring. Barb and Diane explicitly discussed the conservation value of the property and what was being protected via the Easement. We described monitoring and survey activities where other people would access Parcel 3 - bird surveys, feral hog monitoring/trapping, game cameras monitoring, and wet/dry mapping. In addition, we noted that the Easement does not permit the use of continuous outside night lights. We mentioned that the road crossing the San Pedro River could be used by all Parcel Owners. It was also discussed that during summer monsoon season, Ocotillo Road would have to be their egress-ingress as road maintenance was precluded during the nesting season for the Federally endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher.

The Parcel 4 owners, who are occasionally here on weekends, reported intrusion and damage from their two gates on Cascabel Rd in spring 2022. The unlocked entrance gate at MP 12 which is closest to their house (“View House”), was opened and someone had driven back and forth over a big landscaping plant on the carport side of their house, breaking the plant into pieces. At the entrance gate at MP 13 which is closest to their guest house on Parcel 4 (“Casa”), someone broke the gate lock.

Also, several layers of graffiti were found on signs at both entrances. These incidents were reported by Parcel 4 caretaker Kathleen Waldt. Since then, no further damaged was noted.

Photo Point Monitoring

After communications between the former contractor Alex Binford-Walsh, Reclamation, and LSPWA, it was agreed that in future years after 2020, the historic photo monitoring (begun in 2003) should occur in even numbered years and before the trees leaf out, which allows for greater visibility in photographs. The most recent biennial photo monitoring took place on 04/23/2022, and was submitted in the Semi-Annual report dated May 2022. It compares the current state of 17 photo points in 42 views next to the condition found in 2003 when photo points were recorded and tracked for the first time.