Quitobaquito Springs | A'al Vaipia

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

Recently the state of the retention pond at Quitobaquito Springs (A’al Vaipia) has garnered a fair amount of regional and national attention. With the continuation of a long-term trend in diminishing spring flow, a leaking retention structure and one of the hottest and driest summers ever recorded, the reservoir level has receded to a precipitously low level. Although the reservoir level has now stabilized and shown signs of modest recovery, the fact remains that a unique and sacred place is imperiled. As such, the International Sonoran Desert Alliance has made a commitment to directly support and partner in funding necessary interventions to stabilize the current retention pond and help save this irreplaceable oasis for future generations. We are undertaking this work at the urging of ISDA's O'odham membership and leadership and in close collaboration with Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. As part of this effort, we are facilitating a series of community and partner engagements to share concepts for a proposed intervention, to solicit comments on that proposal and to entertain additional or alternate ideas for stabilizing the system. Information on an upcoming session can be found below. In addition to these public engagement sessions, National Park Service staff will be working directly with the Tohono O’odham Nation and other impacted tribes on nation-to-nation consultation. General Public Input Session: Thursday, October 8th at 5:30 PM We are hosting a Google Meet Session and Livestream for current and former residents of the immediate region around Quitobaquito. Priority input is being sought from residents of communities in close proximity to Quitobaquito Springs. While the livestream is open to all, residential and other directly impacted stakeholders are the priority for engaging directly on the call. Please visit: isdanet.org/Quitobaquito to access the livestream or sign up for direct participation on the call. Thank you for your continued interest and support as we collectively seek to be thoughtful and intentional stewards of the incomparable Sonoran Desert.

Sincerely,

Aaron Cooper | Executive Director