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Council approves MOU with Nature Conservancy to evaluate grassland restoration on city water ranch
Summary
The council approved a memorandum of understanding formalizing collaboration with The Nature Conservancy to evaluate grassland‑restoration locations and techniques on city land in the Big Chino/Williamson Valley watershed; staff said the Nature Conservancy has funding for evaluation work and no city funds are required for the study phase.
The Prescott City Council approved (vote recorded 7-0) a memorandum of understanding with The Nature Conservancy on Feb. 25 to collaborate on evaluating locations and techniques for grassland restoration in the Big Chino and Williamson Valley watershed, including the city-owned Big Chino Water Ranch.
City water resources staff described the scope as a partnership to identify erosion-reduction projects, improve ephemeral-channel function and increase stormwater infiltration to support aquifer health. The Nature Conservancy will lead site evaluation, consultant selection and funding searches for design and implementation; the city will provide access to its property, assist with consultant coordination and contribute local knowledge.
Water Resources/Environmental Services Manager Bridal Rees said the MOU (term proposed to begin in March 2025 and proceed through February of a subsequent year in the draft) requires no initial city funding for the evaluation and will produce designs and studies that the city may use to seek construction funding later. The Nature Conservancy and city staff discussed prior watershed assessment work, which informed candidate actions to reduce sedimentation and improve infiltration.
Councilmembers generally supported the partnership, noting the potential for improved recharge and alignment with other water‑resource planning work. Staff said the project could provide data useful for regulatory and planning discussions and for future grant applications.
The council moved to approve city contract number 2025138 (the MOU) by motion and second; the vote passed unanimously.
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