Requirement of Arizona's Departments of Water Resources (ADWR) and Real Estate (ADRE) that developers (subdividers) demonstrate that an assured or adequate water supply will be physically, legally, and continuously available for the next 100 years in new subdivisions. If the subdivision is located within one of ADWR's Active Management Areas (AMA), a public report will not be issued and lots may not be sold until an assured 100-year water supply is demonstrated. Outside of AMA's, developers are required to ask ADWR for an assessment of the availability of water. In these areas, lots may still be sold even if ADWR deems the water supply inadequate, as long as this information is disclosed to prospective buyers.

1. The gradual and natural growth of land resulting from forces of nature, as in sediment deposition by a river or stream.
2. The incremental augmentation or accrual of something, such as interest on an investment.

Area measurement (square measure) used primarily in the United States. One (1) acre is equal to 43,560 square feet, 4,046.86 square meters, or 0.4047 hectares.

Administered by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), the state's Active Management Areas (AMA's) were established to provide long-term management and conservation of limited groundwater supplies. The five (5) AMA's - Prescott, Phoenix, Pinal, Tucson, and Santa Cruz - cover the majority of Arizona's agricultural land and urban population centers that exist where groundwater supplies are extremely limited. Rules governing water use and land development in AMA's are generally more stringent and focused on conservation of water resources in than elsewhere in the state. Applications for new development and subdivisions are managed by ADWR's Office of Assured and Adequate Water Supply under the Assured Water Supply Program.

This program operates outside Active Management Areas (AMA's) in the state of Arizona to address water availability in new subdivisions. Developers or subdividers are required to request a water supply assessment for the next 100 years from the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). If the 100-year water supply is deemed inadequate, lots may be sold only if the developer clearly discloses this fact to potential buyers.

Term describing the incorporation of ecological considerations into agricultural operations, with special emphasis on ecological and ecosystem sustainability.

Agricultural production that includes ecological and sustainability concerns in addition to economic and commodity values. Also known as sustainable agriculture, this set of farming methods often includes organic farming, locally-based food production, biological pest control, and unique marketing strategies. This type of system is sustainable in the sense that the social, economic, and ecological benefits can last for extended periods of time without degradation of natural resources.

The Department of Water Resources is Arizona's state water management agency. Created during enactment of the Groundwater Management Code (1980), the department is charged with securing long-term water supplies for communities within the State of Arizona. Principal duties of ADWR include implementation of the Groundwater Management Code, registration of all surface and groundwater rights, ensuring the safety of non-federal dams, assisting with local management of floodplains, and representing Arizona in interstate water discussions.

Program of Arizona Department of Water Resources Office of Assured and Adequate Water Supply. This program operates within designated Active Management Areas (AMA) to ensure the availability of water for new subdivisions for the next 100 years. A public report from the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) that allows subdivision lots to be sold will only be issued if the 100-year water supply has been demonstrated to be legally, physically, and continually available.

A set of land management guidelines that emphasize soil conservation and water quality. BMP's are often formulated and adopted at the state level.

The trunk of a tree.

Method for scoring trophy game animals according to the Boone and Crockett Club, which maintains records of and provides guidelines for the scoring of bear; cougar and jaguar; walrus; typical and atypical (non-typical) American elk; Roosevelt's and Tule elk; typical and atypical blacktail, whitetail, and mule deer; moose; caribou; pronghorn; bison; muskox; Rocky Mountain goat; and sheep.

Hunting and conservation organization founded at the turn of the 20th century by Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot (first chief of the U.S. Forest Service), and other early American conservationists to promote the causes of responsible wildland and wildlife management, as well as a common-sense approach to conservation of vital natural resources.

Woody material, generally from dead trees, stumps, limbs, or roots; in various lengths and sizes, states of decomposition, and spatial arrangements; positioned at or near the forest floor.

Trees and lesser vegetation naturally grouped on the basis of environmental factors and their ability to compete.

A thorough and intensive master plan to guide the long-term physical development of a particular area based on identified objectives, strategies, and timelines for implementation. Includes plans for land use, housing, community facilities and utlities, transportation of goods and people, and energy use and conservation. Zoning ordinances and policies are developed for different areas or zoning districts based on the master plan.

1. An easement designed to preserve and protect open space or important natural areas.
2. A legal agreement between a landowner and either a land trust or government entity that restricts land use and development on a parcel of real property so as to preserve and protect its conservation and natural resource values.

Definition: A structure acting as a barrier to hold back water, usually erected as a bank or wall across a free-flowing watercourse such as a stream or river. Dams may be constructed of earth, rocks, logs, or anything else that will create a reservoir; large modern dams are usually constructed almost wholly of concrete reinforced with steel. The purposes of dams include flood control, irrigation, navigation, recreation, and the generation of hydroelectric power. Nearly every major river in the world has at least one dam. Some of the drawbacks of dams include degraded habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife; reductions in water quality; reduced streamflows; and interruption of the natural sediment deposition cycle.

Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Agriculture, Biology, Conservation and Sustainability, Construction and Building, Ecology, Forestry and Silviculture, Geography, Hydrology, Management, Science, Water

Diameter of a tree bole measured at a height of 4.5 feet. Usually recorded in inches (in) or centimeters (cm).

1. Variation in the physical characteristics of ecosystems across a landscape caused by variation in soil, slope, aspect, elevation, climate, and geology, and the accompanying variation in biotic communities. Also known as ecological or biological diversity.

A depression in the earth formed from running water from rain or winter thaw.

The interface or transition zone between two ecosystems that differ in overall species composition, plant communities, structure, and function of key processes. These areas are often characterized by a higher degree of species diversity than either of the two adjoining ecosystems alone.

The right of state, federal, or municipal government to take private property for a necessary public use, with just compensation paid to the owner. The court action that allows private property to be acquired by a government entity is known as condemnation.

A deep ditch or channel cut in the earth by running water usually from rain or winter thaw.

The locality in which an organism lives; the physical environment that will support a plant or animal in the absence of disturbance.