The Arizona State Land Department Has Canceled the Auction of Badger “P” Mountain – Howard Mechanic

I am happy to inform the public that the Arizona State Land Department has canceled the auction covering Badger “P” Mountain and the surrounding area.

Although I have always wanted to help preserve “P” Mountain and the Circle Trail, I told the city back in August of 2025 that I would not do it alone. The Social Justice Charitable Foundation’s efforts to partner
with the City of Prescott to preserve those important areas in perpetuity failed, with the city making no offer. Without city participation assured, I decided that I would not bid on the property. So on March 18th, I notified State Land that we would not be placing a bid on the property.

The people of the Prescott area just survived a close call, because if the auction was not canceled another party could have purchased the property and destroyed any chance of preserving the land’s important areas.

It is clear a large majority of our residents want to protect “P” Mountain and the sections of the Circle Trail nearby. I hope the city will immediately apply to State Land to purchase those important lands.
Otherwise, since State Land is not required to conserve any of their properties, the lands can be again put up for auction at any time in the future. The alternative is for the state legislature to pass a bill that
would include appropriations that could help in the area’s purchase of the lands (similar to what was done for Glassford Hill). State Land will not give away any lands, because they are required to sell at appraised value.

Many people complained about the auction before it was canceled. Now is the time for them to do something to protect “P” Mountain and the Circle Trail.

[Editor’s Note: On March 6, 2026, the City of Prescott posted a Statement “On Badger Mountain State Land Trust Auction” indicating that the City is aware of the impending auction but has declined interest.   Public access to portions of the Circle Trail within the 609 acre tract in question is protected by a lease until 2064. Access to and control over the “P” on Badger Mountain, which is outside the Prescott City limits, does not currently enjoy legal protection]