Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 30-June 4, 2022

The CDC Community Level tracks a county’s ability to provide health care to COVID patients. We continue to register Low at the community level, and we have been at this level since early March.

The Coconino County Community Transmission looks at the number of COVID cases and positive tests. Coconino County is now High. Arizona has 13 counties in High, 1 in Substantial, and 1 in Moderate, 0 in Low.

Total cases in Arizona for the week of May 19 – 25, was 11,498, which is an average of 1,643 cases per day for the seven-day rolling average. There were approximately 16 new cases reported in the park this past week. That brings the park total up to an estimated 258 cases, and 426 cases for the 86023 zip code, since the beginning of the pandemic.

Have you had your booster?

You might be asking the question, who is eligible to get a booster?

According to the CDC:

Recommended 1 Booster

• Everyone ages 5 years and older should get 1 booster after completing their COVID-19 vaccine primary series.

Recommended 2 Boosters

• Adults ages 50 years and older
• People ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised

For information on vaccine availability in Coconino County and in your local area, visit the county’s website here or the CDC’s vaccination page.

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Cultural Demonstration Programresumes in person beginning this week! The Cultural Demonstration program provides an opportunity for visitors and community members to interact with Tribal artisans from Grand Canyon’s Traditionally Associated Tribes – and for them to share their history and crafts, along with the skills, knowledge, and efforts involved in creating each craft. This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy and ArtPlace America.

This week, on Thursday and Friday, June 2 & 3, we welcome Zuni fetish carver, Jimmy Yawakia and Zuni inlay jeweler, Duran Gasper. They will be located at the Desert View Welcome Center under the large shade structure at the north end of the main parking lot from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. In addition, park rangers are staffing an information desk at the same location, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information on the Cultural Demonstration Program, please visit the park’s website here.

Below are the two demonstrators’ profiles:

Jimmy Yawakia first started carving as a child, using whatever materials he came across. His stepfather and brother taught him to carve, and he recalls serpents fashioned form the roots of the cottonwood tree as his first successful efforts. He later moved on to carving in antler and then in turquoise and coral. To Jimmy, his fetishes are “his children,” and he can talk quite specifically about the meaning of each fetish he has carved. He thinks deeply about the stone and its meaning, and through a spiritual synergy with his materials, which often involves praying with the material, he creates a carving which evokes the spiritual essence of the animal.

Duran Gasper is a Zuni Jeweler. He learned cluster work from his mother, Rose Gasper and learned inlay from his brother, Arnie. Over the years he has perfected his craft and is now one of the finest Native American jewelers specializing in pieces with stone inlay and sterling silver channel inlay. His work is beautiful with its complexity and perfection.

Grand Canyon fire restrictions and exceptions for local residents

Due to increased fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park, the Town of Tusayan, as well as the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests have transitioned to Stage 2 fire restrictions as of May 26. Under Stage 2 restrictions, building or maintaining an outdoor fire and smoking are prohibited (see exceptions below).

Additionally, operating or using any internal combustion engine such as chainsaws, wood splitters, weed eaters, generators, welders, or any other devices that can cause a fire are prohibited. This prohibition does not include street legal vehicles.

Exceptions:

• Permits for work with these devices can be granted through the GRCA hot work permit process managed by GRCA Structure Fire. For more information and to submit a hot work permit, either see this attached flyer or fill out this online form.
• For local residents, outside smoking will be permitted in designated areas clear of vegetation and at least 30’ feet from buildings. These areas include sidewalks, parking lots, or large graveled areas and these areas must be equipped with a cigarette disposal receptacle with a lid and dirt and/or sand inside. The receptacle should also be affixed or arranged so that it does not move during high winds.

More information on fire restrictions and fire danger ratings, please visit the park’s fire information page here. The map below from the National Interagency Fire Center shows the wildland fire potential outlook for June 2022.

The Coconino Center for the Arts in Flagstaff has begun exhibiting “Night Visions VIII,” an international juried art exhibition, now in its 8th iteration. The exhibit is an artistic celebration of our night skies, co-produced with the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition.

From our Interpretation Division, the audience-centered film, Night Requiem, was submitted and accepted into the exhibition. We are pleased to announce that Grand Canyon’s piece was awarded Best of Show! This is the second time we’ve received this honor. A $1,000 donation will be made to the Division of Interpretation soon.

Special thanks for Rader Lane, the Interpretation Division, and GCC for their help and support in creating this piece and their efforts to continue Grand Canyon’s Dark Sky Initiative!

Summer School begins: traffic safety reminders

The official last day for the Grand Canyon Unified School District was Wednesday, May 25, however, Summer School will be held in-person beginning Wednesday, June 1 through June 30, 2022. The hours for summer school will be Monday-Thursday from 7:50 a.m.-2 p.m. each day.

As a reminder, there will still be children traveling to and from the school during this period and many more children out and about in residential areas during the summer days ahead.

Please drive slowly through streets adjacent to the school, including: Albright Avenue, Boulder Street, Coconino Street, and Center Road. As always, drive below the speed limit in residential areas and help keep our children and community safe.

Upcoming external Environmental and Safety Audit

GRCA has a Third Party External Environmental and Safety Audit in September. A small team has gotten together to send out reminders for important things to look for in your work center to help the park prepare for this audit.

If you are interested in helping with this endeavor or joining the GRCA team, please contact kim_park@nps.gov or christina_ryan-miller@nps.gov.

South Rim District Report Available

See what South Rim Patrol has been up to over the past few weeks by reading the latest South Rim District Report here.

• South Rim District Report for period ending May 21, 2022

Native Artisans Vendor Market Launches at Tusayan Museum

The Native Artisans Vendor Market held its inaugural weekend at the Tusayan Museum over Memorial Day weekend. Working with the Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Economic Development program, GRCA is replicating a successful program which occurs in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and takes place at the Oak Creek Overlook, near Sedona, AZ.

NACA’s Economic Development program operates vendor programs at other locations in Northern Arizona, where Indigenous artisans showcase and sell their authentic and beautiful arts and crafts. These carefully crafted items include jewelry, ornaments, pottery, sculptures, and much more.

The Vendor Market is the first of its kind at Grand Canyon and will be held on weekends during the summer, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as on Mondays of holiday weekends.

Blood Drive at Rec Center on June 14

The Rec Center will again be hosting a community blood drive through Vitalant on Tuesday, June 14 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointments are strongly suggested, and to schedule, individuals can visit www.donors.vitalant.org with blood drive code: “grandcyn.”

More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer and also through the Grand Canyon Rec Center.

Rotary Club Grant applications open for local non-profits

The Grand Canyon Rotary Club will be awarding grants up to $500 to non-profit organizations that need funding for a program and/or project that will benefit the Grand Canyon/Tusayan communities.

Applicants should send a brief letter describing the program/project by June 30, 2022. Award recipients will be announced at the July 4th community event in Tusayan. For more information on this grant, please see the attached flyer here.

Coconino County Health and Human Services offers ‘Youth Mental Health First Aid’ on June 6

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents ages 12-18. You’ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to young people who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

For more information on this virtual event taking place on June 6, please see the attached flyer.

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.
• Effective June 2, hours for the El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge has been adjusted.
• 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., due to low staffing levels, dinner service will not be available until further notice

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Beginning Saturday, May 28, the Grand Canyon Clinic will be shifting to its summer hours. After this date the clinic will be open 7 days a week with hours of 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): This week, indoor operations at GCVC will resume. Hours will be daily from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (see more information above)
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores (Visitor Center Plaza, Yavapai Geology Museum, and Verkamps) 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
• Grand Canyon Community Library: The library has resumed construction work and they are planning to reopen to the public in the near future.
• Until the library officially reopens, staff are conducting limited library operations, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on the south side of the building. On Fridays library staff are in Tusayan, providing library services at the Tusayan Town hall from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., including story time, arts and crafts and activities for children at 11 a.m.

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
• Xanterra Food Truck

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

• View looking north at Desert View Point and the Colorado River on Sunday, May 29, 2022. Strong winds lofted dust and pollen into the atmosphere during the afternoon. (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Photo of Jimmy Yawakia, Zuni fetish carver (NPS Photo)
• Photo of Duran Gasper, Zuni inlay jeweler (NPS Photo)
• Two separate vendors at the Tusayan Museum Market on Saturday, May 28 (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Photos of Ed Keable and Sarah Reich near the Bright Angel Trailhead (NPS Photo)