New Agreement Between SRPMIC and Maricopa County Animal Control
After many long years of negotiation between the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Maricopa County Animal Control and Care (MCACC), a contract was signed and now the Salt River Police Department (SRPD) Ranger Unit will be receiving assistance in handling animal issues within the Community. The rangers handle animal problems ranging from sick and injured animals to stray and unwanted pets. Now you will see officers of the MCACC assisting our rangers.

If you see a different type of law enforcement vehicle within the Community (see photographs), don’t be alarmed—it will likely be an officer from the MCACC helping someone in the Community with an animal issue. An SRPD officer will also be present on every call. The MCACC officers have recently received cultural awareness training from the Community and have received maps of the area to assist them in providing the best and quickest service possible for our Community members.

If you need assistance with an animal problem, you will not need to do anything different; please continue to call the SRPD at (480) 850-8200 or direct to dispatch at (480) 850-9230.

The River
The weather is changing rapidly, and soon we will see fall colors at the river.

Temperatures are dipping at night to a nice cool 70 degrees. I think this is the time of year when we have perfect temperatures and the best weather.

This year I have seen an increase in visitors at the river, so I guess some of you are reading my stories and going out to enjoy the river. On the weekends I can hear all the people at the river laughing and enjoying themselves. I can also smell the barbeque grills cooking up some special meals. Recently I had the opportunity to enjoy the waters of the Salt and Verde rivers with my grandchildren.

The water was so cool and refreshing that I didn’t want to get out! It was deep and a little swift, but it took care of the 100-plus-degree heat. We had a great time. It’s a pleasure to see the smiles of children when they are happy.

The rangers appreciate how Community members have been using all the trash receptacles and keeping the river clean. However, we have had a few incidents of graffiti tagging on signs and on the rocks. Remember, this is your land, and if you allow others to destroy the land, you’re only hurting yourself and those who wish to keep the land pristine for future generations. If you see or know of anyone who is tagging at the river, please contact the SRPD. Your name would be helpful, but if you wish to remain anonymous you can. We only need your information to investigate the crime and hopefully bring violators to justice for their selfish acts.

Lately, a herd of wild horses have been roaming the roads at night, so use caution while driving in the area. And with the nice weather also come rattlesnakes; they are out in great numbers looking for food before they hibernate for the winter, so be aware they are out there.

Recently we received a call from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office reporting vicious dogs at the Phon D. Sutton picnic area, which is directly across from the confluence of the Salt and Verde rivers. They reported four dogs attacking people who were out enjoying the river on the National Forest side. One of the dogs, a very large pit bull, was wounded by a deputy and crossed the river near pole #7.

The Rangers were able to locate the dog and dispatch it due to its injury and vicious behavior. If you see any dogs that appear to be stray and are acting viciously, please do not go near the animals. Leave the area immediately and contact the SRPD.

Wood-Cutting Season
Wood-cutting season is approaching, so remember you need a wood-cutting permit in your possession before you go out to get wood or other ceremonial items at the river. If you have any questions related to wood cutting or the gathering of ceremonial items, contact the Ranger Unit at (480) 850-4425 or 4426 and a ranger will return your call to answer your questions. Or you can call me, Lieutenant Wilfred Charlie, at (480) 850-8856 and I will be happy to assist you.

Improved River Access
The roads at the river have been graded and the trees have been trimmed back.

Thanks go out to our Community Public Works Department, which sent out their grounds crews, led by Tomas Torres, to trim the trees and fight off numerous rattlesnakes during their tour of duty. The road work was supervised by Greg Bacome, who, along with his crew of operators, graded all the roads and cleaned debris from the paved roads. The Ranger Unit would like to thank you for all your hard work and for making better access for our Community members. So load up the family and go out and enjoy the river. It will be an experience you will always remember and cherish.

A few reminders:
• Always watch your children around any type of water. Don’t lose sight of them for a second. For smaller children, use approved safety floatation devices.

• Fire danger is always present, so please use extreme caution with any type of fire while at the river.

• Watch out for snakes and other poisonous creatures.

• Alcohol use is prohibited at the river.

• Please use trash containers. If they are full, please take your trash to the Dumpster at the A-frame. We appreciate the help.

• Watch your speed and drive cautiously while at the river. Cattle, horses and small creatures are present in the roadways.

Remember: This is your Community, so go out and enjoy it. When you do, please be safe and kind to the environment.