A Water budget and land management recommendations for Upper Cienega Creek Basin

Abstract

The upper Cienega Creek basin contains a rare perennial stream and riparian system in a desert region where water is not usually found above the ground surface. A water budget is developed for this watershed to provide quantitative assessments of the different water exchange processes. Annual estimates precipitation and surface water outflow are made from historic data records. Groundwater outflows and evapotranspiration losses are calculated with computer models developed for the upper basin. Information from the water budget contributes to the evaluation of what land and management policies will help strengthen the preservation of the Cienega Creek riparian region. The BLM employs many protective management strategies, which can be reinforced with federal riparian protection policies, to preserve the riparian system. Urban development in the Sonoita-Elgin region has the potential to impact the water supply of the upper basin. Federal protection of the riparian region would preclude consumptive use of the basin's water for urban expansion and would preserve the riparian system for future use and enjoyment.