BLM (Arizona), SPRNCA Interpretive Association, Tucson Field Office, AZ

Description of Program and/or Project 1. Background: The current Interpretive Association for the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, the Friends of the San Pedro River, was established in 1987 to work in partnership with BLM to promote, educate, and interpret the cultural and natural resources and recreational opportunities of the SPRNCA. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area was designated by Congress as the nationâ¿¿s first Riparian National Conservation Area on November 18, 1988. Located in Cochise County, the SPRNCA contains about 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River supporting a nationally significant riparian area. The San Pedro River riparian area has been recognized by the National Audubon Society as the first Globally Important Bird Area and attracts birders from all over the world who come to see some of the over 400 birds found here. The segment of the San Pedro River through the SPRNCA is a wild and scenic rivers study area. The SPRNCA provides habitat for several proposed or listed threatened and endangered species. The SPRNCA also contains significant cultural resources dating back approximately 11,000 years to the Clovis people, the first known human inhabitants in the upper San Pedro River Valley. The SPRNCA provides a variety of recreation opportunities including birding and wildlife viewing, hiking and backpacking, primitive camping, hunting and fishing. Two interpretive facilities, the San Pedro House located on the San Pedro River at State Route 90 and the Fairbank School house located on the San Pedro River at State Route 82, are staffed by volunteers from the Friends of the San Pedro River. Interpretive kiosks are located at the historic town site of Fairbank, the Murray Springs cultural site, and the San Pedro House. 2. Objectives: The principle purpose of the proposed agreement is to work cooperatively with BLM and other partners to support the planning and implementation of educational, interpretive, and recreational programs and projects on the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. The objective of the Interpretive Association agreement is to provide direction for BLM and the recipient to promote, educate, and interpret the cultural and natural resources and recreational opportunities of the SPRNCA; develop, implement, and present environmental education programs; provide and promote partnership opportunities; develop and operate volunteer programs, fundraising activities and fee collection operations; and to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the recipient and the BLM in developing and executing programs and projects.