Center for Biological Diversity

The San Pedro River is the last undammed desert river in Arizona.

Conservationists have served a notice of intent to sue Ft. Huachuca and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Three environmental groups claim the U.S. Army base in southeast Arizona has been knowingly jeopardizing the San Pedro River and violating the Endangered Species Act.

The notice, written in early December, provides evidence Fort Huachuca is responsible for groundwater pumping causing harm to the San Pedro River and its endangered wildlife for many years.

Robin Silver with the Center for Biological Diversity said this information was gleaned from the release of a previously undisclosed report commissioned by the ARMY in 2010.

“Every step of the way, with the first litigation starting in 1994, the Army has been dishonest with us and with Fish and Wildlife Service,” said Silver.  

According to the Arizona Game and Fish department, “The San Pedro River is the last surviving, undammed desert river in the Southwest.”  

A public affairs officer for the base said she couldn’t comment on the pending litigation.