Chino Winds NRCD

Chino Winds NRCD was organized in June 1945 and is located in the north and central area of Yavapai County. A mix of private and state land, the District’s boundaries lie north of Black Canyon City to Seligman, and west of the Verde Valley area, and south to Congress, Arizona. 

Dominant land use in the area includes ranching and outdoor recreation, including hunting, hiking, and camping. Increasingly, urban development and subdivision of private lands are having impacts on these land uses. Highway construction to accommodate the increased population has also impacted rangelands.

The District works cooperatively with the NRCS to provide technical assistance and cost-sharing for conservation practices, primarily on private and state lands. Practices include prescribed grazing, brush control, fencing, water developments, and noxious weed control. Recent droughts have significantly increased the frequency and intensity of wildfires, and when heavy thunderstorms follow, damage from flooding and erosion is significant.

Utilizing drone technology, Chino Winds NRCD is supporting conservation practices including maintenance of historic grasslands through juniper removal, grazing practices, and fire.