Save the Dells News

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On August 24, 2021, the escrow period for the designated 473.7 acres of the Granite Dells main land ended and was officially transferred to public property as a Natural Open Space (NOS). This successful transaction is perhaps the most important result of the multi-year negotiation process surrounding the development agreement proposed by Arizona Eco Development (AED) and its annexation.

With the approval of the DA and annexation, there remains some confusion as to the details of what has been “won” for the public in this deal. A recent city speech from Save the Dells Outreach Coordinator Kaia Hayes sets the record straight and reiterates how important a Granite Dells Regional Park and Preserve is in ensuring this incredible place remains protected as public NOS forever (excerpt below).

“Victories” for the public:

  • A total of 473.7 acres of the 500 acres of Granite Dells land originally proposed (by Save the Dells) are transferred to public ownership as Public Natural Open Space (NOS).

  • 375 acre-feet per year (afy) of surface water rights for Watson Lake will be transferred to the city’s portfolio, with the potential to retain an equivalent volume for recharge and recreation.

  • There is one level crossing on the Peavine Trail instead of the five originally proposed level crossings.

  • No homes in the Point of Rocks area or along the Peavine Trail south of the No-Name Creek Wildlife Corridor, avoiding the construction of nearly eight miles of road.

  • A less impactful location for the complex compared to the original location between Point of Rocks and Easter Peak.

  • Boblett’s grave and homestead are protected within the boundaries of the NOS.

With an incredibly successful primary election behind us and the AED annexation unfolding, Save the Dells will spend the next few months working on equally important next steps:

  1. Obtain support and momentum for the next steps in the creation of a regional park and a Granite Dells reserve.
  2. Ensure that the planning of the recreational development of the new open space reconciles improving access with the protection of wildlife habitat.
  3. Support opportunities for greater regional collaboration on Quad Cities and Yavapai County issues.
  4. Continue to work with and promote community groups like Citizen’s Defense Group for Water and Granite Dells Preservation Foundation in their work on important regional issues such as sustainable water management and the conservation of open spaces.

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Photo by Walt Anderson

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