Land exchange has a bright side, too
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I am just floored that your article "Arizona land
swap dogged by questions" does not mention ANY of the positive
aspects of the proposed Yavapai Ranch land exchange (HCN, 3/1/04:
Arizona land swap dogged by questions).
At present, 116,351 acres of land within the boundary of the Prescott National Forest exists in checkerboard ownership with the Yavapai Ranch. Under the current pattern of ownership, mini subdivisions of homes could occur on every other section of land. This would seriously fragment this piñon/juniper/grassland ecosystem.
The land exchange would consolidate this block into entirely national forest ownership. The benefits of this action would be:
Carrie Christman
Prescott, Arizona
At present, 116,351 acres of land within the boundary of the Prescott National Forest exists in checkerboard ownership with the Yavapai Ranch. Under the current pattern of ownership, mini subdivisions of homes could occur on every other section of land. This would seriously fragment this piñon/juniper/grassland ecosystem.
The land exchange would consolidate this block into entirely national forest ownership. The benefits of this action would be:
- Protects or enhances important wildlife and
plant habitat, especially habitat for antelope.
- Reduces the amount of water that could be drawn from the
Verde River Watershed by reducing the allowable development from
approximately 25,000 homes to 16,500 homes.
-
Assures access to public lands for recreation, hunting and resource
management.
- Significantly reduces opportunity
for private development immediately adjacent to Juniper Mesa
Wilderness.
Carrie Christman
Prescott, Arizona
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