The next chapter for Gonzalez Ranch is still taking shape, and Williams residents have until Sunday, Nov. 15, to tell Coconino County what they would like to see there.
The county is collecting ideas for a master plan for the 488-acre property through its online public-comment form. Residents who missed the Nov. 4 workshop can still participate.
One distinction matters for anyone making weekend plans: Gonzalez Ranch is not yet open to the public, according to the county’s project page.
What could the ranch become?
The property contains ponderosa pine forest, meadows and Gonzalez Lake, and shares about 1.5 miles of boundary with the Kaibab National Forest. The county lists possible uses including trails connecting to national forest land, outdoor education and wildlife viewing.
Those are possibilities for the planning process, rather than a finished list of amenities. The county continues to describe the site as undergoing master planning in its parks and natural areas directory.
From donated land to a public resource
The county received the property in June. Trust for Public Land assembled the ranch through a 366-acre family donation and the purchase of another 122 acres with a donation from extended family members, then transferred the full property to the county.
The acquisition followed an April 14 vote by the Board of Supervisors approving the donation and land-conservation services agreements. The meeting minutes record unanimous approval of a $150,000 payment to Trust for Public Land for services connected with the donation. Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Nemeth told supervisors that discussions with the owners had been underway since about 2022, with passive recreation as the intended use.
The current comment period gives residents a way to weigh in before the property’s future uses are settled. The online form includes a space for comments and asks for contact information. Submit ideas by Nov. 15; questions about the project can go to Coconino County Parks and Recreation at 928-679-8000.