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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up Sept. 25-29, 2023

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

Messages and Grand Canyon News-Week of September 25, 2023

Superintendent’s Corner: UPDATE-Potential Lapse in Appropriations

The federal government, including the National Park Service, is currently funded through midnight September 30. We remain hopeful that Congress and the President can agree on a budget or continuing resolution that would keep the government open.

Based on my time in Washington, I know that a lot of people in the Administration and in Congress are working to fund the government. However, if we are not funded by Sunday and there is a resulting lapse of appropriations, we will begin to significantly reduce operations of the federal government. We have experience in implementing an orderly shutdown, most recently in 2018-19.

If you are a resident of Grand Canyon, you will be able to stay in your assigned housing in the event of a lapse. Family and friends will be able to visit you, and you will be able to come and go from the park as you normally would. For those of you concerned about your personal finances if you do not get paid during a shutdown, Congress passed a law in 2019 requiring backpay for federal employees after a shutdown. You will get paid.

The Park Leadership Team and I are prepared and have already established an Incident Management Team of NPS employees who will be assigned to the continual management of the park in the event of a shutdown. If the lapse does occur, we want to make sure that you know where to go for additional information and the resources that are available to you. We will activate an employee hotline, 928 638-7785, where we will provide up to date information in the event of a lapse in appropriations. We will also send out notifications through Everbridge. If you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time to sign up here using this link.

We will share any operational changes with you as quickly as possible. As additional information becomes available from Region and the Washington Office, we will share that with you.

We appreciate your patience and thank you for your service to Grand Canyon.

Thank you,

Elk Rut safety reminder

Another reminder that September to mid-October is rut, the elk mating season. During this time, bull elk come frequently into the South Rim Village.

Don’t been fooled by their poise and majestic stature—elk are especially aggressive during rut and may perceive anyone entering their space as a threat.

Remember to observe them from at least 100 feet (30 m) away and pay attention to your surroundings while walking in the park. If you find yourself near an elk, try to keep a tree or some other large obstruction between you and them.

Kanabownits Fire grows to five acres on the North Rim

Fire managers on the North Rim are currently managing a lightning-caused 5-acre fire near the Kanabownits area on the Kaibab Plateau. The fire currently has minimal spread and is smoldering and creeping from log to log.

Wildfire is a natural process within the fire adapted ecosystem on the North Rim. By allowing the Kanabownits Fire to carry out this natural process, a variety of resource objectives will be met including reduction of hazardous fuels, promoting forest regeneration, improving wildlife habitat, and restoring a more open forest understory.

A total of 24 personnel is currently assigned to the fire and are containing the wildfire in areas that do not pose threats to park resources or visitor safety.

The NPS Water Utilities Team works tirelessly to maintain and repair critical infrastructure in the park. In the last week, our utility team responded to not only a waterline break in “the box” (north of Phantom Ranch) but also a catastrophic failure of a clarifier at the South Rim Wastewater facility.

The utility team never missed a beat. In both cases, plans were made and executed to avoid disruption in services and maintain compliance with regulatory guidance. What may appear as seamless service to our homes and places of work is due to the number of women and men who sacrifice time with their families and friends to make it look that way. They are a team with no one part greater than the whole.

The utility team is grateful for the support it receives in the park from both visitors and those that live and work here. The next time you see your utility team in action, give them a wave and thank them for the job they do so well.

Piñon nut gathering

Gathering piñon nuts is a wonderful way to experience fall at Grand Canyon!

As a reminder, individuals and families can gather, by hand, piñon nuts for personal use or consumption without a permit and at no charge. Up for a challenge? Each gatherer is allowed to collect twenty-five (25) pounds of piñon nuts, in a shell, per day! This is approximately the volume of one large flour sack or standard size pillowcase.

The nuts produced by these piñons are delicious and nutritious. They have been important to Native Americans and animals for millennia. Piñon nuts are a staple of the Native American diet and continue to have strong cultural significance to many tribes.

Personal use harvesting is allowed anywhere that pinyon pine trees may be found within the park, with the exception within campgrounds or housing areas (except with permission by campers and residents, respectively).

New Behind the Scenery podcast episode available

One day you are walking a quiet trail along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, when suddenly you notice a small plastic box with a blank notebook inside.

On the cover is this prompt: What Does Home Mean to You? After collecting over 400 journal entries, park rangers picked out some of the more interesting quotes, comments, thoughts, and sentiments. They are presented in the new Behind the Scenery Podcast: What Does Home Mean to You?

Listen to the latest episode on Apple podcasts or on nps.gov.

Evening Programs at Shrine of the Ages Auditorium this weekend

Village interpreters will be offering 4 evening programs to park visitors and residents as a wrap up to our summer season. These programs will take place Friday–Monday, September 29 through October 2. The programs will take place indoors at 7:30 pmat the Shrine of the Ages, near Park Headquarters.

Program topics, in order by day: Friday, Ancient Ecosystems; Saturday, Revolution of Fire; Sunday, The Power of Water; and Monday, Over the Edge. In the event of a government shutdown, these programs could be cancelled with little or no notice. See the attached flyer here for more information.

Employee Spotlight!

Vincent Diaz, Tribal Community Relations Coordinator

Gamyu’je, nya mul Vincent Diaz i’j’ki. Nya Hwal’bay hak’sigaela’baaja nyum Wášišiw. (Hello everyone, my name is Vincent Diaz. I am Hwal’bay (Hualapai), and my people are from Big Sandy, hak’sigaela’baaja, the “wide river people” and I am also Wášišiw, “the people from here”.)

I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area but moved back to my homelands of Northern Arizona. My background is in American Indian and water resource policy. My interests include the use and preservation of Indigenous knowledge systems, natural and cultural resource management, and Indigenous water rights and governance. I am involved in various intertribal efforts throughout the Grand Canyon region and work closely with numerous partners within the river community. I also enjoy river rafting and backpacking packing through my homelands in the canyon and making turquoise jewelry.

For the last year I have been interning in the Tribal Affairs program in the Office of Communications, Partnerships, and External Affairs at Grand Canyon National Park. I am based in the Flagstaff, AZ and work at the Coconino Building location. I enjoy working in Tribal Affairs because I am able build relationships with tribal partners and listen to the various Indigenous perspectives regarding the Grand Canyon. My favorite place to visit in the Grand Canyon is Wi’gith’yaya “Medicine Rock” (Vulcan’s Avil) in the middle of the Colorado River near Lava Falls. I look forward to joining the Tribal Affairs team in a more official capacity and working with the 11 associated Tribal Nations.

Grand Canyon Community Corner

Grand Canyon Rec Center announces October Calendar of Events

See all the spooky events the Rec Center has slated for October, including their famous Haunted House October 19-20! For a whole list of events and activities, see the attached flyer here.

For any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to the Rec Center staff at 928-638-3389.

Tusayan Community Gathering slated for Oct. 5

On Thursday, October 5 at 4:30 p.m., the annual Fall Community Gathering will be held at the Tusayan Sports Complex located along Long Jim Loop. Please come and enjoy free dinner, games, and giveaways . There will also be live music from local band Speed Limit.

Call the Tusayan Town Hall at 928-638-9909 or email tusayantownmanager@tusayan-az.gov with questions. A flyer for the event can be found here.

Vaccine Clinic at Rec Center and Tusayan on Oct. 9

On Monday, October 9, Coconino County Health and Human Services will be offering vaccines at the Grand Canyon Community Recreation Center from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Immediately following this event, the mobile team will have a vaccine event at the Tusayan Fire Department from 1-3:30 p.m.

Flu shots and COVID-19 boosters will be available at the event for those ages 6 months and above. No registration is required; however, residents are encouraged to arrive early based on past popularity of these events.

For more information on the Grand Canyon event, see the attached flyer here. More information on the Tusayan event can be found in the attached flyer here.

Want to become a volunteer firefighter?

The Tusayan Fire District is currently recruiting candidates for their 5-week Fire Academy. Training will occur on Sundays from October 15-November 12 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

No training or experience is required and more information can be found in the attached flyer here.

COVID Updates

Total new COVID cases in Arizona reported for the week of September 7 through September 13, is 4,068 —an increase of 1,592 cases from the previous week. The seven-day rolling average is now 581 cases per day. As of September 20, we have 4new COVID-19 cases reported in the park.

Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

As of September 25, 2023, residential households can order one set of 4 free at-home tests again through COVIDTests.gov. Here’s what you need to know:

Limit of one order per residential address
One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. Go to COVIDTests.gov for more details about at-home tests, including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates on current tests.
Orders will ship free starting the week of October 2, 2023

As a reminder, all COVID safety protocols outlined in DOI and NPS COVID Workplan Guidance are still required. Be sure to promptly report any illness, to include COVID-19 symptoms, COVID exposure, or a positive COVID test to your supervisor and our Public Health Consultant, Ronan King at ronan_king@nps.gov, or 202-891-8599.

Operational Hours

*Please note: new changes to operations are indicated in bold/italic

South Rim

Xanterra

Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-10 p.m.
Canyon Coffee House at the Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fred Harvey Burger, Breakfast 6-10:30 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Arizona Steakhouse within Bright Angel Lodge-dinner 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily, lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge-Breakfast, 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner, 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Patio (limited menu), 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Delaware North

Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 6:30 a.m. -3 p.m., The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7-10 a.m., dinner, 5-8 p.m.
Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Camper Services laundry and shower: 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Mather Camp Store: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Other

Grand Canyon Clinic Monday: Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Café 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Thursday-Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Visitor Center Plaza 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily., Verkamps and Yavapai Geology Museum 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Kolb Studio 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Grand Canyon Community Library is now located at Market Plaza in the old Chase Bank building. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Mondays 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesdays 6-8 p.m., Saturdays 2-4 p.m.
Canyon Closet: Open now on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-2 p.m., *new location is located inside the Community Library
Canyon Community Yoga at Grand Canyon Rec Center: Mondays-6-7 p.m., Wednesdays-6:30-7:30 p.m. (full schedule available here, locals use discount code: GCLOCALS when registering)

Desert View

Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.- 7p.m. daily (beginning September 10, will transition to 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily)
The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Desert View Convenience Store (adjacent to gas station), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

North Rim

North Rim Visitor Center (GCC), 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
NPS Backcountry Information Center, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-5 p.m. daily
General Store, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Service/Outfitter Station, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
- Gas pumps 24 hours
Shower/Laundry
- 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily
North Rim Lodge Café, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily
North Rim Lodge Dining Room
- Breakfast – 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m., Lunch – 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Dinner – 4:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
North Rim Lodge Saloon
- Coffeehouse – 5:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., bar – 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Grand Canyon Lodge Gift Shop (Aramark), 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily

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

Photo Credits (in order of appearance)

View from Plateau Point on Sep. 22 (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
Kanabownits fire monitoring (NPS Photo/J. Nez)
Photo collage of water utilities work on South Rim and inner canyon (NPS Photos)
A handful of collected piñon nuts (Photo courtesy of Kelkiyana Yazzie)
A visitor contemplates what home means to them (NPS Photo)
Photo collage of water utilities work on South Rim and inner canyon (NPS Photos)
New NPS employee, Vincent Diaz (Photo courtesy of V. Diaz)

Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

Grand Canyon National Park

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

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