This volume is a state-of-knowledge synthesis of monitoring and research conducted on the Upper Verde River (UVR) of Arizona. It contains information on the history, hydrology, soils, geomorphology, vegetation, and fish fauna of the area that can help land managers and other scientists in successfully conducting ecosystem management and future monitoring and research in this important Southwest river ecosystem. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the UVR's location, vegetation, climate, soils, and watersheds. A historical and pictorial perspective of the UVR is presented in Chapter 2. The hydrology of the watershed and its current physical condition are covered in Chapters 3 and 4. Geomorphic relationships of the UVR channels are described in Chapter 5. The woody and herbaceous vegetation of the UVR are presented in Chapters 6 and 7. Water quality status and issues of the river are discussed in Chapter 8. The status of the fish fauna and other aquatic organisms are described in Chapter 9. Chapters 10 through 12 present summaries of information resources, research recommendations, a summary of this volume, and conclusions.