The Pathway to Preservation
In 2021, the City of Prescott and the town of Prescott Valley entered into an inter-governmental agreement to purchase 475 acres of land in the heart of the Granite Dells from Arizona Eco-Development. With the successful passage of Proposition 484, this land is now protected from sale or lease without voter approval. The next step on the path to preservation: using the AED purchase to establish a Regional Park & Preserve.
Why a Park & Preserve?
Economic Development
Eco-tourism is a cornerstone of the Prescott area economy, and the creation of a Granite Dells Regional Park & Preserve would strengthen and stabilize that economic engine. In Yavapai County, tourism draws roughly 4.8–5.2 million visitors each year and generates an estimated $730–$780 million in spending, supporting thousands of jobs and producing more than $55 million in annual tax revenue (Arizona Office of Tourism; Yavapai County Economic Development).
The Granite Dells and lakes corridor already attracts an estimated 600,000–750,000 visits annually and generates $60–$90 million in local economic activity through recreation, events, and tourism spending (City of Prescott Parks and Recreation). Formal designation as a Regional Park & Preserve would enhance stewardship, improve infrastructure, and unlock new funding opportunities—while increasing visitor length of stay and per-trip spending. Protected open space is also proven to raise nearby property values and attract new residents and remote workers, reinforcing Prescott’s long-term economic vitality (Trust for Public Land). In this way, investing in a Granite Dells Regional Park & Preserve is not only a conservation priority, but a durable economic development strategy for the Prescott region.
Public Health
Establishing a Granite Dells Regional Park & Preserve would provide Prescott-area residents with a permanent, accessible place for walking, hiking, paddling, and outdoor recreation—activities proven to reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve cardiovascular health, and support lifelong wellness. Regular access to natural landscapes also reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, while improving focus and overall mental well-being. In a growing high-desert community, protected open space offers a critical refuge for restoration, resilience, and daily movement.
Beyond individual health benefits, the Granite Dells landscape supports broader community well-being.
Preserved open space helps improve air quality, reduce heat impacts, and manage stormwater, all of which contribute to better environmental health outcomes. A Regional Park & Preserve would also expand opportunities for youth education, family recreation, and inclusive, low-cost access to nature—strengthening social connection and reducing health disparities. By investing in the long-term protection and stewardship of the Granite Dells, we invest in a healthier, more resilient community for generations to come.
Conservation
Establishing a Granite Dells Regional Park & Preserve is a critical step in preventing long-term environmental degradation in one of Prescott’s most iconic and heavily used landscapes. As visitation continues to grow, unmanaged use can lead to trail erosion, habitat loss, water quality impacts, and damage to the fragile granite formations and microhabitats that make the Dells unique. A formal Regional Park & Preserve would provide the structure, funding, and stewardship needed to protect these resources through sustainable trail design, habitat restoration, visitor education, and coordinated land management. By guiding recreation to appropriate areas while safeguarding sensitive ecosystems, the park would preserve wildlife habitat, protect lake and watershed health, and maintain the ecological integrity of the Dells—ensuring this irreplaceable landscape remains resilient and accessible for future generations.
Next Steps
The Granite Dells Preservation Foundation is continuing its work to establish a Granite Dells Regional Park & Preserve. We are carrying out this work through the following efforts:
1.) Building and maintaining strong relationships with key community stakeholders, including local business leaders, community advocates and members of local government.
2.) Increasing public awareness and support for the park & preserve through presentations to community groups & business, and hosting informational booths at public events.
3.) Raising funds and negotiating future land purchases for conservation from willing sellers.
You Can Help Us Protect The Granite Dells
By making a donation or signing up to become a volunteer you can meaningfully contribute to the preservation of the Granite Dells for years to come. Sign up or donate below. For larger donations, donor advised funds, or charitable annuities, contact us at info@granitedells.org.