Photo courtesy of Experience Prescott – Office of Tourism
Following years of negotiation, The City of Prescott closed escrow Oct. 5 for 302 acres of Storm Ranch land to be added to the Granite Dells annexation. The land at the northeast edge of Prescott is valued at $8,461,808. City officials expressed gratitude for the additional property. Mayor Phil Goode said purchase of the land was important in the City’s continuing quest to add open space that will be enjoyed by future generations.
Recreation Services Director Joe Baynes said the City considers the acquisition to be a key link because it is contiguous to 474 acres of the dells acquired through purchase of a prior Storm Lake property in 2018 and through annexation of the Arizona Eco Development property.
He said two major trails, the Peavine and the Iron King, will now provide more access to the total property because of the increased linkages. Work on new trails began in November and will add 6 miles of trails that should be open to the public by late March or early April 2023. Among the first to open will be approximately 1 mile that connects Iron King Trail to the gap area in the Dells. It will feature a 200-to-300-foot climb. A second new trail will connect Iron King Trail and Peavine Trail.
The City has agreed to work with the sellers to acknowledge the pioneer Storm Family ranching history of a century. Part of that will be achieved through signage at various locations in the newly created open space. Baynes said he spoke for the City in saying the newly added open space is a legacy that will endure over time.
