Pine resident travels to Arizona Capitol to demand new groundwater protections

In February, I visited the State Capitol and share my community’s concerns about groundwater. I woke up in my home in Pine, jumped in my car and made the two-hour trek down to the Valley with a vision in mind of how my day would go. During the drive, I prepared ideas to discuss and envisioned an inspirational day that would change hearts and minds at the Capitol about needing stronger groundwater protections. But what I was about to learn is something that would surprise every Arizonan.

Pine is experiencing challenges with diminishing groundwater like so many other rural communities in Arizona. I am a nurse and have lived in Pine for 5+ years. What I love about Pine is the cozy mountain small-town feel with access to a lot of amenities just a 20-minute drive down the road to Payson. I planned on staying in Pine for the long term, but our recent water challenges have shaken my confidence and swayed my opinion.