Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 27-July 1, 2022

Coconino County moves to High Community Level; masks now required in all government buildings

As of Thursday afternoon, June 30, we have transitioned into CDC’s High COVID Community Level. The majority of the state has also transitioned with 11 of 15 Arizona counties in high. The CDC COVID Community Level is only updated once a week on Thursdays.

As we have been preparing the park for the past few weeks, this indicates an immediate change. Masks are now required for all individuals over the age of two years, regardless of vaccinations status, in buildings, public transportation, and government vehicles. This also includes masks being worn in shared and congregate housing (bunk houses and residential).

The Superintendent’s Office is asking for all Federal employees and Federally-operated buildings to post signage on all buildings, entrances, and other suitable locations by Friday, July 1, at 8 a.m. and all concessions and partner-operated facilities to comply by Saturday, July 2, at 8 a.m. Please see this attached flyer available for posting.

Total cases in Arizona for the week of June 16 through 22 was 15,373 which is almost 1,000 cases less than the week before. This is the first decrease in cases since the week of May 2. For the seven-day rolling average, this is an average of 2,196 cases per day.

There were approximately 10 new cases reported in the park this past week. That brings the park total up to an estimated 203 cases, and 436 cases for the 86023 zip code, since the beginning of the pandemic.

Water conservation begins on the North Rim

On Sunday, June 26, the North Rim experienced a lightning strike to a power line that interrupted power to numerous NPS facilities. Power was able to be restored to NPS facilities on the rim, however, power was unable to be restored to the Roaring Springs pumphouse which provides all North Rim drinking water.

As a result of the electrical failure, no water is being pumped to the North Rim from Roaring Springs, and the North Rim transitioned to Stage 1 water restrictions on Monday, June 27. Park employees and contractors are still working to determine the extent and location of damage to the system. At this time there is no estimated timeline for repairs to the Roaring Springs power line.

Stage 1 water restrictions include: general conservation measures such as taking shorter showers, using low water cleaning techniques, reduction of toilet flushing, and only running full loads of laundry. The North Rim campground laundry and shower services are closed, and concession food service will now use disposable dishes and utensils. More information, including a full flyer of water conservation measures (as seen above) can be found here.

We appreciate and thank Josiah Brown, Bill Ryan, John Root, Kevin Hartigan (APS), and the entire helibase staff for their efforts to help restore power to the North Rim.

Fire starts on North Rim continue

This past weekend the North Rim experienced multiple lightning strikes causing wildland fires. The Tiyo Fire was reported last Friday afternoon and a heli-rappel crew was deployed to the fire. Fortunately, the fire was contained quickly at ½ of an acre without further incident. An additional fire was reported on Saturday near Point Sublime and two North Zone engines were able to respond to put out the fire quickly at ¼ of an acre.

Many thanks to North Zone fire managers Jimmy Flanagan, Brian Frisby, and South Rim Fire Management Officer, Matt Brown for quickly mobilizing resources to help contain and put out these fires. As monsoon activity continues throughout the summer, we will keep employees, residents, and the public up to date with any active fire starts and let you know of any potential impacts.

If you haven’t done so already, please sign up for the Coconino County Emergency Notification service, by visiting the county’s website: https://coconino.az.gov.ready. During an imminent emergency or park evacuation, this will be the primary way our staff will communicate to community members of action steps that need to be taken.

Fire restrictions lift for Grand Canyon and surrounding areas

As of Wednesday, June 29, Stage 2 fire restrictions are rescinded for the entire Grand Canyon National Park. Increased monsoonal activity throughout northern Arizona has significantly lowered the fire danger risk within the last week.

Grand Canyon National Park has transitioned to Stage 1 fire restrictions which requires that a campfire always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Inner canyon users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.

For the latest fire information in Grand Canyon National Park, please visit our website at

https://www.nps.gov/grca/parkmagmt/fire-info.htm.

Community Meetings Held on Future Construction Projects–recording available soon

Two community meetings were held this week to brief the Grand Canyon community and park staff on the next few years of construction activities, including the Transcanyon Waterline, wastewater treatment plants, and the electrical grid. This was an effort to be transparent with what is happening in the park and provide opportunities for community members and other interested stakeholders to learn about projects and get questions answered.

Rob Parrish, the park’s Chief of Planning, Environment, and Projects presented project information and then answered questions asked by meeting participants. A link to the Tuesday morning meeting will be uploaded to the park’s website soon and the link will be shared through this newsletter in the near future.

We anticipate hosting this type of meeting multiple times each year, with the next meeting tentatively planned for November. At that time, we hope to have the Transcanyon Waterline contractor selected and may have more information on proposed schedules and impacts to the community and park visitors.

External Audit Prep – Tracking Training

The NPS is notorious for not doing a great job of tracking the training we provide – most of us DO the training, but if it is not well documented, then it is difficult to prove that. Please take some time to look at how your departments are currently tracking training and decide if it is adequate – or if there may be a desire, as a department, to switch to something more comprehensive and uniform throughout the park.

Here at GRCA, the Facilities and Maintenance and Science and Resource Management divisions have begun using a training tracker spreadsheet, and that template is available for any section to tailor for their use. If you would like a copy, please contact christina_ryan-miller@nps.gov.

Volunteer Spotlight!

North Rim Star Party VIP Extraordinaire, Steve Dodder

As event coordinator for the Saguaro Astronomy Club, Steve Dodder, has been essential to the success of Grand Canyon’s North Rim Star Party for the past 26 years!

His interest in the stars started at a young age, when he and his family would watch the night skies on camping trips in Canada. “I remember thinking to myself I am going to learn more about that” Steve says. Years later, Steve was laying on the roof of his house in Maricopa, AZ when he felt a spark of inspiration. He’d watched the milky way many times, but that was the moment he decided to learn more. The next day he bought his first telescope and spent two years learning how to use it. He then joined an astronomy club to help educate other amateurs, which led him to the Grand Canyon Star Party.

Steve’s favorite part of the North Rim Star Party is “peoples’ first reaction, when they see something for the first time, when you can feel their strong reaction.” His love for sharing the night skies with others is evident when he talks about the 30 hand-crafted scopes he has made, varying from 4.5-inch solar scopes to 20-inch telescopes. Steve’s passion for astronomy is profound and we appreciate his 26 years of service as coordinator to the North Rim Star Party.

Thank you, Steve, for the inspiration, for showing us that even someone with your incredible depth of knowledge had a learning curve, and for all the amazing work you have done for Grand Canyon’s Star Party!

Town of Tusayan July 4th Events

The Town of Tusayan has many events planned for July 4th, including music, food vendors, a kids corner, Native American Dancers, and a silent auction.

There will be a bike decorating contest and activities for kids at 3:30 p.m., a parade at 4:40 p.m., live music from 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., and a drone and laser show beginning at dusk.

More information is available at the Town of Tusayan website here.

Rec Center July calendar now available!

See all the great events the Rec Center has planned for July!

A Tug-O-War Tournament, a trip to Antelope Canyon, a Glow-in-the-Dark Escape Room, and many more events can be found by viewing the full monthly calendar here.

Canyon Closet reopening July 6

The Canyon Closet will be tentatively reopening to the community on Wednesday, July 6, from 12-2 p.m.

The Canyon Closet is run by the Grand Canyon School PTA and is located on the south side of the Community Library building. The Canyon Closet offers residents clothing items free of charge. More information on the Canyon Closet can be found by visiting their Facebook page here.

NPS job opportunities for locals in Grand Canyon area–last week to apply!

Are you a local resident within a 90-mile commuting distance of Grand Canyon? Our NPS Administrative Division at Grand Canyon National Park is currently seeking applicants for six Budget Technicians. The announcement is open for the next week through July 7, 2022.

Under the local hire program, only persons who live or have either lived or worked in or near Grand Canyon for the past two years may apply for consideration (excluding Flagstaff). Local hire eligibility will be determined by the hiring official via the job interview and the resume submitted by the applicant.

For more information, on these positions, please visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/661541400 or contact shannon_buckmaster@nps.gov.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Bright Angel Coffee Shop, 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Burger, breakfast 8:00-10:30 a.m., lunch 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., dinner 4-9 p.m.
• The Arizona Steakhouse, Tuesday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Kennel-daily from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Rec Center, daily from 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge
• Breakfast, 6:30-10:00 a.m.
• Lunch, 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Dinner, 4:30-9:30 p.m.
• Lounge, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
• Patio (limited menu), 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Delaware North

• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli-7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Camper Services: Laundry and shower hours, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7 a.m.-10:45 a.m., dinner, 5 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes
• Rental: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Cafe-8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): Daily from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Visitor Center Plaza, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, Yavapai Geology Museum and Verkamps, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily., Kolb Sudio reopening July 1 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
• Kennel Operations: Overnight boarding is only available from Friday through Sunday nights. Pick-ups and day boarding are available on Mondays. Contact Xanterra Switchboard or Xanterra Fire and Security for afterhours pick-ups.

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Desert View Watchtower, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• The Desert View Deli, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View Information Table (staffed by NPS), 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (as staffing levels allow).

North Rim

• North Rim Lodge Dining Room, Breakfast: 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner: 4:30-9:45 p.m.
• Deli in the Pines, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Roughrider Saloon, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Coffee Saloon, 5:30-10:30 a.m.
• North Rim General Store: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• North Rim Service Station, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• GCC Bookstore/Visitor Center, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Roaring Springs Kiosk information, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The following closures are in place:

• Maswik South Lodging
• Maswik Pizza Pub
• Kolb Studio–scheduled to reopen July 1, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
• Xanterra Food Truck

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance)

• The flag flying over Grand Canyon. Happy 4th! (NPS Photo)
• A view of Bright Angel Canyon from the North Rim Lodge with dramatic dark clouds above vermilion colored peaks with lightning in the distance. (NPS Photo/L. Cisneros)
• Campers sit at a picnic table at Mather Campground (NPS Photo)
• A K-MAX heavy lift helicopter hauls in materials to Phantom Ranch, fall 2021 (NPS Photo/D. Brenchley)
• Steve Dodder on the North Rim Veranda (NPS Photo/H. Veltkamp)
• A double rainbow over the Black Bridge near Phantom Ranch (photo courtesy of Chad Larrieu)

Feel free to send them to grca_public_affairs@nps.gov orJoelle_Baird@nps.gov for inclusion in the weekly wrap up!