Prescott Creeks Preservation Association

In the 2024 fiscal year, notable achievements toward the organizations purpose again were largely focused with Watson Woods Riparian Preserve (Preserve). The FOREVER PRESERVED initiative was launched to broaden awareness of and support for efforts to establish a conservation easement to protect the Preserve in perpetuity. Field trips and presentations were made to the public and groups highlighting the history of the Preserve, current activities, future plans, and a call to action for participants to get involved and to advocate for the Preserve with local decision-makers (elected officials and city key staff).Directly tied to the FOREVER PRESERVED initiative, the Prescott Creeks In-Lieu Fee (ILF) Mitigation Program saw progress with City of Prescott negotiations with the property owner, the City of Prescott, to establish a conservation easement (CE) for the property. The City completed a Hydrologic Evaluation of the property and proposed restoration work to determine possible impacts to water resources in the project area. The studys executive summary concluded: the proposed project has a generally benign impact with respect to average annual water volumes. which was instrumental in moving other elements of the effort forward. By the end of the period a near-final draft survey was completed, and material advancement was seen on Joint and Fire Management Plans for the Preserve drafting. Finalization of the conservation easement and its related element will result in 40 acres being added to the Preserve area (from 126 to 166 acres) and bringing the ILF Program into full compliance with the Clean Water Act requirements.Volunteerism with Prescott Creeks continued to be an important component of programmatic accomplishments with activities in the office and field. Coordination for a third year with the Central Highlands Chapter of the Arizona Master Naturalist Program resulted in increased volunteer contributions to on-the-ground vegetation management in the Preserve. Joint efforts with GEM Environmental, Prescott Audubon Society, Arizona Game & Fish Department, and the City of Prescott addressed vegetation management and monitoring, recreation management, and education. Coordination with the local power company and City showed progress with routing of the proposed infrastructure which will benefit multiple ecological and recreational resources in the Preserve.Many educational efforts and opportunities during the year supported the above projects and the organizations mission of achieving healthy watersheds and clean waters in central Arizona. In person presentations were made to both local groups, schools, partners, and governments. The annual Granite Creek Cleanup in 2024 marked its 17th year under the leadership of Prescott Creeks (with operational partners: the City of Prescott and the Yavapai County GIS Department). To date, 8,000 participants have collected 53.6 tons of trash and debris from local waterways, parks, and natural areas. Interest in participation continues to trend upward while trash collected continues to trend downward.2025FY accomplishments are expected include completion and approval of management and development plans, and the establishment of a conservation easement for the Watson Woods Riparian Preserve. The initiation of major on-the-ground restoration and mitigation work will follow. Increased community engagement, volunteerism, and education will continue in the 2025FY.