The Augusta Resources Corporation proposes to construct the Rosemont Mine project in the northern Santa Rita Mountains. This report is a reconnaissance analysis of the conceptual flow and water balance in the area. The conceptual flow model for the area is based on topography, geology and precipitation and identifies the likely flow paths in the watershed and aquifer system. The water balance includes estimates of recharge to and groundwater flow from the area; there is no evapotranspiration discharge from the regional groundwater.

The SDCP recognizes the important links between groundwater, streamflow, and vegetation that still exist along some streams and springs in Pima County. Unfortunately, depletion of aquifers has altered streamflow and associated groundwater-dependent vegetation along the Santa Cruz River and other streams. The main purpose of this report is to establish priorities for potential expansion of Pima County's existing aquifer monitoring for groundwater-dependent ecosystems.

Provides a review of eight monitoring efforts in southern Arizona to highlight their accomplishments and to critique their efficacy and overview of important attributes of a monitoring program. This review of projects and successful attributes will provide an assessment framework to better guide the development of the Pima County Ecological Monitoring Program.