Is it legal to improve springs on your own?

[king4wd]

Just wondering the legality of improving water sites by digging out catchments and creating more reliable water. Most of the places I'm thinking about are on public land.

[CouesWhitetail]

Good question, I assume it's not, but I don't know for sure. Perhaps someone here that works for a federal agency can give an opinion on this.

 

Amanda

 

[Couzer]

That is a great question!!! I have done repairs to a few tanks and catchments in the past.

[elkaholic]

hello - never really thought to ask that question - As long as your not daming anythting - removing rubble or sediment shouldn't be a major problem - I'm sure to proper thing is to contact G&F water catchment department and report any problems you may come accross!!-- gary

[NRS]

If all you are dong is cleaning out built up sediment or patching holes in a leaky pipe sort of things, you probably will have no problems with the land management agencies. Anything that requires digging new ground or building something, you should contact the agency and talk to the biologist that works that area and explain what you would like to do. You may get the go ahead or find out that they are actually planning on doing it in the near future.

[skeeter]

The G&F Dept actually has an 'adopt-a-catchment program' you can go on the G&F website under conservation, then water developments & read more about it. Or if you need more info you can contact the Water development Program Managers themselves. Ed Jahrke 623-236-7284, ejahrke@azgfd.gov or Joe Currie- 623-236-7867, jcurrie@azgfd.gov. As far as creating your own 'catchment I don't know the legality of that, you would have to contact the appropriate agency that owns the land. Hope this helps & please post the results if there are any more, good question. Jed

[GameHauler]

That is a good question.

The pot growers do it all the time

so it must be legal.

[bonuspointjohn]

More than likely an activity that you do not want to pursue.... Public lands have a protocol that must be followed. If you see a project in the making, advise the appropriated land agency and then ask the corresponding conservation group what they can do to get a full project going. I have been a part of many projects and sometimes the "unintended consequences" are what throws everyone into a tizzy..... good luck... and if it is in deer country, try the Arizona Deer Association for some feedback...Bonuspointjohn