Rules at Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Welcome. This is your wildlife preserve. Please enjoy all that it has to offer. Using it wisely sets a good example for others. Please observe the following rules:

1. Hours --Open dawn to dusk. Water Ranch Lake is open for fishing until 10:00 PM.
2. No vehicles of any kind.
3. Except as provided in Rule #4, no weapons, drugs, alcohol, or glass containers permitted.
4. Carrying a firearm in this park is limited to persons who possess a concealed weapons permit issued pursuant to Section 13-3112.
5. Everyone:

• Be aware that retention basins (ponds) contain reclaimed water. Although disinfected, they are intended for wildlife only. Keep children, dogs, and horses out of the retention basins whether they are wet or dry.
• Please keep the Preserve clean. Pick up litter and use trash containers.
• Do not release domestic or wild animals into the Preserve.
• Do not take plants or capture wildlife in the Preserve.
• Be careful with fire. Prepare food only in designated areas. No open fires.
• Report violations to the Ranger, Police, or 911. Appropriate phone numbers are posted around the Preserve (in the parking lot, at the ranger station, and at trail entry gates).

6. Smokers -- Carefully extinguish cigarettes and place butts in proper receptacles.
7. Fishermen -- Follow regulations published by Arizona Game and Fish Department and…

• Fish only in Water Ranch Lake (five-acre freshwater lake next to library).
• Do not fish in nearby retention basins which contain reclaimed water.
• Do not fish from floating boardwalk for reasons of public safety.
• No boats, canoes, or kayaks allowed.

8. Dog Owners/Horse Riders/Bike Riders -- Keep dogs on a leash and clean up droppings -- Free mutt mitts provided. Horses permitted in the park on multi-use, dirt trails only --Please keep horses out of the ramada and play area and off of all sidewalks. Bikes permitted on trails and sidewalks throughout the park -- Please yield to pedestrians.
9. Hikers -- Please stay on trails and in public areas, such as play area and wildlife viewing blinds.

• Cacti and other plants may be sharp -- Be careful, avoid getting hurt.
• Bee swarms and hives -- Keep your distance and report observations to the ranger.

10. Birders and Wildlife Watchers -- As you view them…

• Give owls a break -- Remain at least 20 feet from burrows.
• Maintain a respectful distance from all other wildlife as well.
• Skirt around photographers intent on taking wildlife photos.
• Keep animals “wild”-- Do not feed wildlife (purchased duck feed excluded).
• Report your observations of injured birds or other wildlife to the preserve ranger.

11. Parents -- Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Please teach children to respect plants and animals with directions such as: No climbing trees and no throwing objects at wildlife.

Violators of above rules are subject to fines up to $2,500.

Park Ranger Phone Number: 480-797-2019 | Riparian Institute Phone Number: 480-503-6744