On October 15, Bruce Babbitt, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Governor and former Attorney General of Arizona will speak on "Protecting the Waters of the Verde Valley." The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 4:30 with the presentation starting at 5:00.
Secretary Babbitt will discuss the Oak Creek and Verde Valley watershed, groundwater threats and issues in our area, upcoming rural groundwater legislation in the upcoming session of the Arizona Legislature and ways we can support preserving this critical resource. Prior to the program, attendees are encouraged to walk through KSB's newly completed fire-wise and community educational garden. Come early, save a seat, and tour the garden!
He served as Attorney General of Arizona from 1975 to 1978, as Governor of Arizona from 1978 to 1987, and Secretary of the Interior from 1993 to 2001.
As Governor, he brought environmental and resource management to the forefront in Arizona. He personally negotiated and steered to passage the Arizona Groundwater Management Act of 1980, which remains the most comprehensive water regulatory system in the nation. He was also responsible for creation of the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and a major expansion of the state park system, including Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park and the Verde River Greenway.
Appointed Secretary of the Interior by President Clinton in 1993, he served for eight years, during which he led in the creation of the forest plan in the Pacific Northwest, restoration of the Florida Everglades, passage of the California Desert Protection Act, and legislation for the National Wildlife Refuge system.
As a certified fire fighter, Secretary Babbitt brought his front-line experience to creating a new federal wild land fire policy that emphasizes the role of fire in maintenance and restoration of natural ecosystems. He pioneered the use of habitat conservation plans under the Endangered Species Act and worked with President Clinton to create twenty-two new national monuments, including the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Utah.