Valuable Yavapai Ranch lands to be entrusted to Forest Service management

With the introduction of legislation in both the House and Senate, historic legislation is under consideration to protect the vast majority of the remaining privately held in-holdings within Arizona’s national forests from future development.

Arizona Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl jointly introduced the Northern Arizona National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003 in April, S. 849; Representatives Rick Renzi and JD Hayworth introduced H.R. 2907 in the House in July.

H.R. 2907 was approved by the House of Representatives on November 18; the bill is awaiting Senate action.

This legislation will preserve some of Arizona’s most beautiful forest lands in their natural state, and prevent its subdivision and future development.

Lands to be Exchanged – The proposed Northern Arizona National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003 will consolidate 110-square miles of “checkerboard” alternating sections of federal and private lands within the Prescott National Forest, and bring under Forest Service management approximately 35,000 acres of Yavapai Ranch.

The 35,000 acres of Yavapai Ranch lands, adjacent to the Juniper Mesa Wilderness Area, include old growth woodlands, rare wildlife habitats, a vital watershed, and important cultural and archeological sites.

In exchange, approximately 21,250 acres of Forest Service parcels will be conveyed to Yavapai Ranch. Many of the Forest Service parcels conveyed to Yavapai Ranch are included in the trade at the request of communities and youth camps.

Cities and Towns – More than half the newly privatized lands around five northern Arizona cities and towns will be passed through to these communities to fulfill economic, growth management, municipal and open space plans.

• The City of Flagstaff will have the opportunity to acquire lands for airport improvements, business park development, park and recreation development, and acquisition of the City water treatment plant.

• The City of Williams will have the opportunity to acquire lands for its comprehensive water program, airport improvements, and municipal golf course.

• Town of Camp Verde will have access to land for viewshed protection and an emergency services facility, and new tax revenues from a commercial development along I-17.

Youth Camps – Six youth camps would have the opportunity to acquire lands currently leased, and to benefit from full ownership and management of the properties for their programs.

• Young Life Lost Canyon Camp

• Friendly Pines Camp

• YMCA Sky-Y Camp

• Pine Summit Youth Camp

• Temple Beth Israel’s Camp Charles Pearlstein

• The Roman Catholic Church of Phoenix Patterdale Pines Camp.