Audubon Southwest released a new report to help illustrate the economic value of water in Arizona’s rivers, lakes, and streams.   The National Audubon Society’s southwest regional office worked with Southwick Associates, an outdoor-focused research firm, to analyze the economic contributions associated with water-based outdoor recreation in Arizona. … Comparatively, water-based outdoor recreation as an industry creates more economic output ($11.7 billion) than Arizona’s golf ($6 billion) or wine ($5.7 billion) industries. … Arizona’s rivers, lakes, streams, and the habitat they support are critical for people, birds, fish, and other wildlife. This report shows they are also an economic powerhouse for the state.