Photo by Chris Hosking, Trails/Park Land Planner, City of Prescott
by Joe Baynes, Director of Recreation Services, City of Prescott
North Storm Ranch is a 462-acre ranch in the heart of the Granite Dells originally homesteaded by the Storm family in 1926. This part of the Storm Ranch was identified as a very high priority for conservation in the Council adopted Open Space Master Plan.
Through the generosity of the Storm family and with funding provided by this program, the City was able to complete the sale on Oct. 5 for the benefit of our citizens and visitors
With the completion of the sale behind us, design and trail construction will begin this winter and will provide for trail access available to the public in spring 2023. The trails will provide spectacular views of Prescott and the surrounding area including Watson and Willow lakes.
Open Space History
The citizens of Prescott passed an initiative in 2000 to fund open space purchases with a portion of sales tax monies. Public forums in 2002 helped clarify priorities and suggest potential open space sites.
Mayor Rowle Simmons assembled the Open Space Advisory Committee in 2003 to advise the City Council on strategies for open space acquisition and stewardship.
In 2008, the Open Space Advisory Committee produced an Open Space Master Plan that identified properties suitable for conservation; the plan was subsequently adopted by the City Council.
Prescott’s open space program seeks to promote quality of life for the citizens of Prescott by preserving and protecting the natural environment that has given this City much of its character.
Its natural areas include magnificent vistas and panoramas, beautiful terrain and native flora and fauna. Hills, sloping sites and dominant rock outcroppings afford spectacular views of this natural environment. Seasonal streams and man-made lakes with their plant and animal life complement these scenic vistas.
Prescott’s unique natural areas must be preserved and protected for the enjoyment of current and future generations through the judicious use of open space funds.
North Storm Ranch, while 3 miles from downtown Prescott, has the remote feel that will allow for a human connection to the great outdoors. Let’s get out and explore!
