Endorsements
YAVAPAI RANCH LAND EXCHANGE

MUNICIPALITIES
“This bill is the result of careful consultation with cities, counties, the Forest Service, and affected constituents from northern Arizona and is the product of years of intense negotiations. The bill is strongly supported by the Flagstaff City Council and will provide economic and environmental advantages for northern Arizona.”
Mayor Joseph C. Donaldson, City of Flagstaff, September 2003

“The City of Williams will be able to acquire land necessary for our comprehensive water program: well sites for drilling water wells, new water storage tanks, adding on to our water filtration plant, and a site for the construction of our new wastewater facility. We will be able to expand our airport and acquire land for the Elephant Rock Golf Course and Clubhouse; both projects are vital for our tourist-based economy.”
J. Dennis Wells, City Manager, City of Williams, March 2003

“We believe this land exchange will be good for our community by bringing new lands into our tax base, while at the same time giving us the opportunity to acquire land east of Interstate 17, which is the scenic entryway to our Town. We also note that the land Yavapai Ranch Partnership will acquire will be subject to water conservation measures and use restrictions of the Camp Verde Declaration. This is a very positive development, which, in our opinion will save significant water resources, and should be viewed as very progressive by those who are concerned about future water use in the Verde Valley. The lands east of I-17 have been on the Forest Service’s disposal list for many years, and may be put in another exchange if they are pulled from this one.” October 2002
“As the new Mayor-elect of Camp Verde, I want to assure you that our new Council (to be sworn in on May 21st), is 5-2 in favor of the trade and our community spoke with a large majority voice in support of the trade when they elected us on March 18th.”
Mayor Mitch Dickinson, Council Members John Reddell, Jackie Baker, Howard Parrish, Chet Teague, Town of Camp Verde, April 2003

“There are strong reasons why this trade is in the best interest of our (Clarkdale) community. The water restrictions that have been agreed to between the Ranch and SRP are unprecedented in the Verde Valley. This will require conservation methods to be put in place at the time of development and we can use this as an example for future development. We are land locked by Forest and other public lands and this is adding to escalating land prices. We need more land to help the market and make it easier for young families to reach the American dream of home ownership. Providing more land to the area will increase employment and also provide a greater tax base to our community. Our citizens spoke loudly at our last election. We want appropriate growth and the benefits that come from it."
Mayor Michael R. Bluff, Town of Clarkdale, March 2003
NOTE: The current mayor of Clarkdale does not support the trade.

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“It creates an opportunity to plan for future growth, and eventual development of the land will create additional municipal revenues and jobs. The proposed exchange will also provide opportunities to our communities for business expansion and housing diversification, all of which contribute to the overall vibrancy of the Verde Valley. Concerns have been raised regarding water and the ability to support future growth. The land Yavapai Ranch Partnership will acquire will be subject to water conservation measures and use restrictions of the Cottonwood Water Declaration. Given the current drought in Arizona and the concern for future water use, I believe this will have a significant impact on saving water resources in the Verde Valley.”
Mayor Ruben Jauregui, City of Cottonwood, March 2003

“The trade would limit development in that area, resulting in significant savings in the Upper Verde River Watershed that would allow that water to permanently flow down to the Verde River and assist our Verde municipal partners in planning for their long-term water needs.”
Mayor Rowle P. Simmons, City of Prescott, March 2003

“When I found out that the Yavapai Ranch was involved in a trade with the Forest Service and that the trade would eliminate water use within the Upper Verde Watershed I knew that we would all benefit. Our Verde Valley neighbors will put more land into private hands and those lands will have new innovative water restrictions on their use. I…know that the vision of the Clarkdale, Cottonwood and Camp Verde Councils in supporting this trade is one that understands our future and how the trade will positively impact our Yavapai County communities wherever they are located.”
Mayor Richard C. Killingsworth, Prescott Valley, March 2003

“This is a great piece of legislation that will help conserve water by eliminating potential growth in our Upper Verde watershed. It also will develop water conservation measures in the Verde Valley area and assist them with economic development.”
Mayor Karen Fann, Town of Chino Valley, September 2003

ELECTED OFFICIALS
“There are powerful reasons why the trade is good for Arizona: The trade consolidates 35,000 acres into solid Forest Service ownership. The trade will protect the vast timber and grass lands in the area from the challenges of future development. The Verde River Watershed will be protected. The trade provides communities with the full ownership of lands in and around their jurisdictions that they need for their future development. While we do not have a decision making role in this effort, our communities desire this trade completion and their future directly impacts state government. This trade is a win-win for all concerned. Please move this proposed legislation forward and remember that keeping the trade costs down will make it easier for the municipalities and campgrounds (private and non-profit) to implement their goals of full ownership.”
Jake Flake, Speaker of the House, Ken Bennett, President of the Senate, March 2003

“Being in the Legislature for many years, I along with the citizens of Northern Arizona am very concerned about their natural environment, as are the Tribes in this region. I believe this trade allows for additional protection of the land involved and will help address these concerns. This is a win-win situation for all parties.
State Senator Jack C. Jackson, Sr., District 2, March 2003

“The fact that communities in my district such as Williams, Flagstaff, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, the Prescott Tri-Cities area and the five tribal governments are supportive of the proposed Yavapai Ranch land exchange shows the high level cooperative effort participated in by all the stakeholders. Please, Senator McCain, help us take the next step toward planned growth and water savings by assuming the leadership role in supporting this land exchange.”
State Representative Lucy Mason, District 1, March 2003

“I am quite impressed by the many benefits that will be derived by so many communities and non-profit groups within this general trade area. This is a win-win situation for all parties.”
State Representative Jack C. Jackson, Jr., District 2, March 2003

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”On behalf of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, we would like to thank you for introducing a bill to allow this exchange of private lands, known as the Yavapai Ranch Exchange, within the Prescott, Kaibab and Coconino National Forests. It is our belief that this legislation will benefit District 1 and Northern Arizona, including the communities of Williams and Flagstaff, and surrounding unincorporated areas.”
Deborah Hill, Chairman, Coconino County Board of Supervisors, July 2003

“The Exchange will advance the implementation of the Regional Plan fostering mixed use and economic development opportunities in the Flagstaff area. Coconino County and Flagstaff have worked over the past decade with the community to create a Regional Plan. This plan is seen by many as a cutting edge example for the State in land planning. The Exchange would provide the essential elements around the airport for implementing the plan. In Williams the exchange will provide opportunities for economic development, which is dearly needed. The parcels are selected well and will advance wise choices for future land planning.”
Coconino County Supervisor Matt Ryan, District 3, March 2003

“I believe the Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange supports the mixed-use and economic development opportunities outlined in the community-created Regional Land Use Plan for Flagstaff and the surrounding unincorporated areas. It is not often government enjoys community consensus and support for land planning, such as that outlined in the Regional plan. In addition, increased land inventory is needed to expand the airport business park and attract high-tech companies and light industry. One of the comments I hear most from constituents is that Flagstaff must attract industry that will bring new, quality, high-paying jobs and will diversify our economic base.” Coconino County Supervisor Elizabeth Archuleta, District 2, April 2003

“The Yavapai-Apache Nation strongly supports the Forest Service and Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange. We believe that the need for economic development combined with the wise use of our natural resources bind us together with the other Verde Valley Communities. We believe that the water conservation measures contained in the exchange legislation is visionary and provides our Valley with the kind of land protections that allow for planned growth, under careful watch, near lands that are already impacted by our populations. Newer growth should be encouraged along the I-17 and Hwy 260 corridor. This will assist all of us as we look for ways to offer opportunities to our neighbors and our children, while at the same time moving this additional growth away from the Verde River. We also recognize that exchanging these already impacted lands for the unspoiled lands at the headwaters of the Verde River offers permanent protection for wildlife, the forest and the watershed that protects the Yavapai-Apache Nation’s legal water rights.”
Jamie Fullmer, Chairman, Yavapai-Apache Nation, November 2003

“Our local economies have suffered the past few years. When Flagstaff suffers, so do the Navajo. Our economies, and our future, are tied together. This trade will accomplish many things for the people of Northern Arizona. The trade provides tools for smart growth and environmental protection.”
Joe Shirley, Jr., President, Navajo Nation, February 2003

“We view the Flagstaff economy as an important part of the regional economy that encompasses Flagstaff and the Hopi and Navajo reservation communities that interact within that economy. The Hopi Tribe has invested significant financial resources into the Flagstaff economy – owning a number of commercial centers supporting local retail and service businesses. We understand that the health of the entire Arizona economy is tied up with the ability to link the economies of our various communities across the state, whether on or off the reservations. The United States should support land use proposals that provide for the most efficient use and management of Federal land resources while at the same time enhancing the ability of local citizens to put their financial resources to work for the good of the community. I believe the proposed exchange will accomplish positive objectives for all affected stakeholders and I urge your support in facilitating its finalization.
Walter Taylor Jr., Chairman/CEO, The Hopi Tribe, April 2003

“This legislation will enable communities throughout Northern Arizona to acquire key parcels of land that will allow them to grow, while preserving valuable open space. There are also environmental benefits to the legislation. These are unique, logical, and indispensable assets to be added to the public trust.”
Dallas Massey, Sr., Tribal Chairman, White Mountain Apache Tribe, February 2003

CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS
“The Wildlife Conservation Council strongly supports the land exchange between the U.S. Forest Service and the Yavapai Ranch. If the exchange does not take place, the present ownership pattern of alternating one-mile squares of private and public land will eventually result in the publicly-owned sections being surrounded by development. The entire area would be lost in terms of significant wildlife habitat.”
Joe Melton, President, Wildlife Conservation Council (30 Arizona wildlife conservation groups) April 2001

“The opportunity to protect a large tract of land as public open space rarely presents itself in Arizona. Yavapai County continues to be the fastest growing rural county in Arizona. This exchange provides an opportunity to preserve valuable lands for open space, recreational activities and wildlife habitat as well as watershed management. The Yavapai Ranch land exchange provides the best opportunity to preserve a sizable portion of Central Arizona’s cherished landscapes for the use and enjoyment of future generations.”
Rebecca Ruffner, President, Central Arizona Land Trust, December 2002

“Overall, the Department strongly supports this land exchange concept, as it will: 1) allow for the consolidation of wildlife habitat and ponderosa pine forests in key areas, and 2) further Department goals of conserving wildlife habitats, public hunting opportunities, and providing for other outdoor recreational uses.”
Duane J. Aubuchon, Arizona Game and Fish, June 2000

“In a time of “vanishing” habitat for all our wildlife, it is important that we all do everything we can to preserve and protect any substantial partial of land for the benefit of wildlife. The proposed land exchange does just that. This can be nothing but a “win-win” situation for the future of our wildlife and for the future generations of Arizona’s outdoor enthusiasts.”
Larry Kindred, President, Arizona Mule Deer Association, March 2001

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“Antelope habitat is being lost at a rapid rate in the Prescott and Chino Valley Area. The current checkerboard ownership pattern on the lands involved in this exchange will lead to the complete loss of the antelope habitat on the involved lands over time as the privately owned sections are developed. This land exchange probably represents our one and only chance to save the Yavapai Ranch’s significant expanse of habitat for antelope and other grassland species. We view it (the exchange) as a very positive step for both the future of pronghorn antelope in the state and the diversity of wildlife habitats we leave for future generations of Arizonans.”
Warren Leek, President, Arizona Antelope Foundation, January 2001

EMERGENCY SERVICES
“We believe that Camp Verde is at a critical crossroads. Over the past 5 years our call volume has increased by 30%, while our assessed evaluation has increased only 13%. We are on a collision course and it will not be long before our fire district has to make some difficult decisions on our service levels – unless we get some help from new solid growth in the area that will improve our tax base. We have also decided to wholeheartedly support the Yavapai Ranch and Forest Service land trade because of the benefits and positive effects it will have on Camp Verde. It will provide jobs, a solid tax base and will help steer our future in the right direction.”
Steven Sarkesian, Sedona-Verde Valley Fire Fighters Association, March 2003

“Our primary source of income is from property taxes from the residents of our District. Planned Commercial and Industrial development will positively impact our tax base and provide our District with the funding that we need to serve our citizens. The General Crook site is not only the ideal place for retail/commercial development in Camp Verde, it is also an ideal site for an emergency center, with a new fire station and urgent care facility for the area. Close proximity to the freeway will provide us with quick response to accident scenes that is so desperately needed to save lives. We already have an agreement from the Yavapai Ranch to secure the land for the emergency center immediately upon the completion of the land exchange.”
Phillip R Harbeson, Fire Chief, Jack Blum, Secretary/Treasurer, Camp Verde Fire Department, March 2003

WATER SERVICES
“We believe there is an adequate supply of water to serve the exchange area. We feel the exchange is good for the Town of Camp Verde and its citizens and can provide a great boost for our economy. This is a great opportunity to manage our growth, diminish the impact of growth along the Verde River corridor, and provide a new revenue stream to our community through commercial development.”
Stanley Bullard, V-P, Camp Verde Water System, Inc., February 2003

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS
“The citizens of Flagstaff understand that quality job opportunities and planning for smart growth are critical components for a healthy and vibrant community. Last May our citizens overwhelmingly approved a 20 year Regional Land Use and Transportation Plan that included the land surrounding Pulliam Airpark as a designated employment center, as well as a regional park, affordable housing, and airport expansion. The Yavapai Land Exchange affords us the best opportunity to acquire these lands, both logistically and financially, to fulfill this voter approved mandate.”
Stephanie McKinney, Greater Flagstaff Economic Council, March 2003

“Many communities will benefit from this exchange, which will help to stimulate their respective economies, as well as preserve the ponderosa pine forest land, protect wildlife habitat and present recreational opportunities in the future. The overall good that will be derived from this land exchange far outweighs any negative aspect.”
Pete Sesow, Cottonwood Foundation for Economic Development, August 2003

“The Yavapai Ranch Partnership worked with the City of Cottonwood to develop an exchange proposal that meets our needs for future community expansion. It will provide land for future residential and commercial development, which when developed will increase sales tax and other municipal revenues as well as create jobs. For those who are concerned about future water use, this will save significant water resources.”
Paul Haywood, Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce, October 2002

“The Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, representing 1,000 businesses in Flagstaff and northern Arizona, has been a strong supporter of the land exchange for years. Our future economic growth and vitality will be helped by improvements to the airport and economic development activities around the airport.”
David C. Maurer, President/CEO, Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, March 2003

“The Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce believes the opportunity for Williams to acquire land through the exchange will provide substantial benefits to the community. It will provide important tourism and economic development opportunities for Williams as well as enhancing the quality of life for all residents. The Yavapai Ranch Prescott National Forest proposed land exchange is good for northern Arizona.”
Donna Eastman Cochran, Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce, March 2003

“The majority of our business community would like to see the land swap take place with Yavapai Ranch. We feel Mr. Ruskin is sensitive to our community, its needs, desires and our General Plan and would do whatever was reasonable within his power to be a cooperative partner.”
Walter Kneeland, President; Bob Burness, Vice President; Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce, March 2001

“Additional land inventory is necessary to expand our airport business park and attract the high-tech companies and light industry that will add new jobs and diversify our economic base.”
Richard Baron, President, Northern Arizona Technology & Business Incubator, March 2003

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