watervulnerability

Coconino National Forest Watershed Vulnerability Assessment, Southwest Region (R3)
Figure 3. Annual precipitation for Arizona. Coconino NF and selected assessment watersheds include areas
of relatively high precipitation for the region (from NOAA, 1994).
Habitat degradation and competition with invasive species have severely restricted the distribution of
numerous aquatic species. The regional human population continues to grow, as does demand for water.
Competing demands for water will continue, and these demands are likely to be exacerbated by climate
change. The National WVA pilot proposed that aquatic species, water uses, and infrastructure be included
in each assessment. The CNF assessment included those values as well as two other resource values
riparian and spring habitats, stream habitat) in the assessment. Each resource is briefly described below.
133 Assessing the Vulnerability of Watersheds to Climate Change