W DIAMOND RANCH CONSERVATION EASEMENT
The Central Arizona Land Trust (CALT) proudly announces the protection of over 4,296 acres of private ranchland in Yavapai County, AZ. The W Diamond Ranch conservation easement, which was donated on December 19, 2007, specifically provides for the protection of agricultural land, wildlife and open space forever. The value of the W Diamond Ranch conservation easement to wildlife and water resource protection cannot be overstated. The W Diamond Ranch contains an array of biological land types including semi-arid grasslands, chaparral, and verdant riparian areas and cienegas. This diversity supports quality habitats for numerous animal species, ranging from mountain lion, bobcat and deer to Neotropical birds and birds of prey. Likewise, the protection of cultural values should be recognized. Skull Valley and the W Diamond Ranch hold an important place in the human history of central Arizona. In a time when there is unprecedented growth in Arizona, family farms and ranches are becoming a thing of the past. The W Diamond Ranch shows that conservation easements can be used to help farm and ranch families transfer land to future generations with significant tax benefits. You can make a difference…
The Central Arizona Land Trust is a private, non-profit organization established in 1989. We seek to preserve ranchlands, open space and the scenic and wildlife values of central Arizona in partnership with landowners who wish to protect their land in perpetuity.
What We Do
The Land Trust works with landowners, policy makers, advocates, and local and national partners to craft solutions to the challenges of growth which brings the loss of scenic vistas, wildlife habitat and our western heritage. We provide resources, strategies and a variety of tools to address landowner needs for estate planning and the long-term protection of family lands.
History of the Central Arizona Land Trust
In 1989, a bulldozer carved out a home site at the foot of Thumb Butte, 
a cherished scenic historic landmark overlooking Prescott. Alarmed citizens contacted the Trust for Public Land (TPL), which assisted in establishing the first local land trust in northern Arizona on order to “Save the Butte.” Today, through a partnership with the City of Prescott, the Central Arizona Land Trust holds conservation easements on perpetuity on 5 lots at the base of Thumb Butte.
The Land Trust endorsed the passage of the bond to acquire Watson and Willow Lakes and worked with TPL to gain local voter approval of an extension of sales tax to fund acquisition of over $40 million of identified open space in Prescott.
The Land Trust has a long history of successful collaborations on the local, regional and national levels. In March 2000, the Land Trust was principal sponsor of the state museum conference held in Prescott for 200 attendees with the theme “Museums and the Land.” As one of 1400 local organizations across the country, we are affiliated with the Land Trust Alliance, based in Washington, D.C. We also work closely with The Nature Conservancy.
The Challenges of Growth
Yavapai is reported to be the fastest growing rural county in the U.S. 
As more and more people move here for our natural beauty and spectacular climate, development pressures consume more and more of our cherished landscapes. The tri-city area of Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley, as well as the Verde Valley, are growing at unprecedented rates. The scenic ridges and sweeping grasslands are being overtaken by residential and commercial development.
With the increase in population, the fragmentation of habitat for antelope, deer, and other native species increases. Local pronghorn herds are dwindling dramatically due to the encroachment of roads and highways, and loss of water and grass. It is the vision of the Land Trust to ensure that our natural heritage is not lost in the years ahead.
How You Can Help
Protecting land has never been more important than it is today.
By investing you financial support in the Central Arizona Land Trust, or becoming a member, you can help us be effective in conserving our resources and protecting our natural and cultural heritage. (Cash gifts are tax deductible.)