We’re excited to share the news that Prescott Creeks has extended its lease for Watson Woods Riparian Preserve with the City of Prescott to the year 2045! The original lease had a 25-year term that matured on July 27th. The lease had a provision to extend for an additional 25-year term, thus continuing the collaborative effort between the City of Prescott and Prescott Creeks to protect the rare cottonwood/willow riparian forest found there.
Significant accomplishments at Watson Woods Riparian Preserve include:
- Completion of the Comprehensive Plan – the first management plan for the Preserve (1996).
- Coordination with the City of Prescott to construct the Prescott Lakes Parkway Bridge so that Granite Creek and its floodplain were minimally impacted (1997-2002).
- Creation of the Watson Woods Riparian Preserve In-Lieu Fee Program – where certain Clean Water Act permittees can buy credits to compensate for the loss of wetlands or streams in the Verde and Salt River Watersheds. Payments made to the Program result in enhancements to Granite Creek (2002-Present).
- Ecological restoration of Granite Creek and its floodplain (2009-2013).
We’re looking ahead to the next 25 years with additional restoration, more water quality improvement, better wildlife habitat, and increased opportunities for education and inspiration.