Protecting, preserving, and caring for our environment is a core value of Coconino County’s Mission Statement, and the county’s Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the acquisition of six acres of open space wetland near Pumphouse Wash in Kachina Village. Because of their unique characteristics, wetlands are important features in the natural landscape that provide numerous benefits for people and wildlife which include protecting and improving water quality, providing wildlife habitats, storing floodwaters, and maintaining surface water flow during dry periods.
This particular parcel is an important addition to the Pumphouse County Natural Area, which is a part of the Oak Creek watershed. Oak Creek has a special designation as a Federal “unique waterway,” and the acquisition will protect the land from development, which would have a negative impact to this sensitive and unique parcel and its biodiversity.