Tag: National Park Service (NPS)

Prescribed Fire Planned for South Rim of Grand Canyon beginning May 10

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2023 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon National Park fire managers—working with personnel and resources from Saguaro, Rocky Mountain National Park as well as Dinosaur National Monument, anticipate initiating prescribed fire treatments from May 10-12, on the South Rim, as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow.

On Wednesday, May 10, ignitions will occur on the Grapevine segment, approximately 0.5 miles south of the Duck on a Rock Overlook along Highway 64 (Desert View Drive). The Grapevine project area totals an area of 865 acres and is bound by the Kaibab National Forest’s boundary to the south and the E4/Long Jim Canyon Road to the north. Following completion of the Grapevine project, crews will initiate ignitions on the Lonetree project area, totaling an area of approximately 926 acres. Ignitions may be complete as early as Friday, May 12, but may be extended based on favorable weather conditions.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 24-28, 2023 — Town of Tusayan Cinco de Mayo event on May 5 and more news, events

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2023 • Comments Off

Tusayan’s first annual Cinco de Mayo celebration will take place on Friday, May 5 at the Squire Resort. The fiesta takes place from 3 to 7 p.m., is family-friendly, free, and open to the community.

There will also be lawn games, piñatas, a Mariachi band and a variety of authentic Mexican foods for guests to enjoy. The drive-in movie, Coco, will be begin at 5:30 p.m.

The Cinco de Mayo event is new this year and reflects the town’s goal of offering more activities and recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike. A full flyer with more details on the event is available here.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 17-21, 2023

by Community Contributor • April 20, 2023 • Comments Off

California Condor Update

Free-flying California condors in Arizona continue to be confirmed with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

As of April 17, 2023, 20 condors have died in the Arizona-Utah flock; HPAI has been confirmed for 10 of those condors. Eight birds were captured and brought in for supportive care. Four of those condors died shortly thereafter and are included in the total of 20 deceased birds. Four condors are still receiving supportive care and have shown improvement.

Report bird mortalities to NPS wildlife immediately so that bird die-offs can be investigated and tested for avian influenza. Report dead wild birds to Grand Canyon Dispatch at 928-638-7805 and they will call the on-call wildlife specialist to assist.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 27-31, 2023

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2023 • Comments Off

Fundamentals Program returns to Albright Training Center

A redesigned NPS Fundamentals Program has relaunched! The staff of Horace M. Albright Training Center (HOAL), a National Park Service employee development facility located within the park, are excited for the return of NPS’s keystone Learning and Development program: NPS Fundamentals. The NPS Fundamentals Program has been redesigned into a three-part training opportunity for new permanent employees in agency. The program serves as the foundation for all careers in the NPS. The program’s mission is to invest in new employees, deepen their understanding of the NPS mission and operations, and build their commitment to the NPS core values.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 20-24, 2023

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2023 • Comments Off

Rockfall frequency increases; flash flood warnings remains in effect throughout Northern Arizona

Recent storm impacts have created near impassable road conditions throughout much of Coconino County, especially in flooded roadways adjacent to creeks. Although these areas are limited within park boundaries, please be aware of the increased likelihood of rockfall and flash flood activity within the inner canyon as temperatures rise and active snowmelt occurs.

This week there were three reported sizeable rockfalls along the Bright Angel Trail reported by staff at the Backcountry Information Center. The trail remains passable to hikers. It is likely these events will occur on a routine basis in the coming weeks/months.

If you observe an active rockfall along a trail, please notify Grand Canyon dispatch as soon as possible at 928-638-7805. If you have a camera or phone, photos of the rockfall can be helpful to staff on Trails and the Backcountry Information Center.

For a more comprehensive list of backcountry trail updates, visit our park website here.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 13-17, 2023

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon Trails Update and Flash Flood Safety

Possible flash flood and rockfall activity this week and throughout the next month

Increased precipitation and seasonal snow-melt may lead to enhanced flood risk along creek drainages in the inner canyon. Backpackers and hikers should be especially aware of elevated flows in rivers, creeks, washes, and low water crossings. Low water crossings may become impassable due to flooding or flood damage.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 6-10, 2023

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon Trails Update

Trails into Grand Canyon remain snow-packed and icy. As many of us know, rain, snow, and ice can increase the risk of rockfall on backcountry trails. Foot traction and trekking poles are strongly recommended for those planning to hike into the canyon in the coming weeks. 

In the wake of the highest snow accumulations in decades, it is imperative hikers demonstrate the highest level of preparedness for evolving and extreme winter weather conditions. On most trails, expect snow packed and icy trails for roughly the first three miles, with some sections retaining drifts of snow. Every hiker needs to evaluate not only their individual level of skill and preparedness, but that of their group as a whole, for extreme winter conditions.

On the North Kaibab Trail, staff reported conditions below the Coconino Overlook are virtually impassable. Hikers should expect deep snow above Redwall Bridge and mountaineering conditions above Supai Tunnel. Hiking is not recommended in the upper North Kaibab Trail at this time. Conditions may improve as temperatures warm this week, but given the volume of snow, expect travel on the North Kaibab to remain very challenging for some time.

For a more comprehensive list of backcountry trail updates, visit our park website here.

Grand Canyon National Park Announces Tips for Spring Break Travel and Shuttle Bus Schedule

by Community Contributor • March 7, 2023 • Comments Off

Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park can expect long lines and full parking lots during the spring break season, which spans from early March through mid-April. As a result of increased visitation, traffic regularly backs up at all entrance stations, with wait times of up to one to two hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking lots begin reaching capacity by 12 p.m. and shuttle bus wait times may be prolonged.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb .27-March 3, 2023

by Community Contributor • March 3, 2023 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon National Park experienced its eighth busiest year ever in 2022 with 4,732,101 visits. Last year’s visitation was more than 200,000 above the previous year at a 4.5% increase. Grand Canyon also went from the fourth most visited national park to the second most visited. (#1-Great Smoky Mountains National Park).

Visitation to Grand Canyon reached its highest level ever with approximately 6.4 million visits in 2018. Although 2022’s reduced visitation lessens the stress on the park’s resources, park operations still rely on the revenue from all income sources. Fewer visitors translates to reduced revenue for park programs. Federal Lands Recreational Enhancement Funds (aka FLREA), transportation fees, and concession franchise fees are still reduced compared to pre-pandemic years. Funds from these sources support many programs across the park and park managers continue to work on programming costs with these smaller revenue projections in mind for this fiscal year.

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 13-17, 2023

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Cultural Demonstrator this weekend at Grand Canyon Visitor Center

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 17, 18, and 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by and meet Zuni fine art painter, Anthony Gchachu. He will discuss how he conceptualizes and executes his paintings.

Watch him work and learn how Zuni culture and art have influenced his unique painting style that uses layered acrylic paints to create texture, depth and movement to generate emotions.

This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 6-10, 2023

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Emergency contact information may be crucial in case of a natural disaster and/or weather closure notification/event, or other crisis situations. The Grand Canyon Public Affairs Office in conjunction with Grand Canyon Dispatch are beginning to implement a solution towards the goal of enhancing information-sharing and keeping our NPS staff, partners, and residents connected and informed.

The Everbridge platform will help us achieve this goal by sending real-time texts, emails, and/or calls. The Department of Interior approved this platform in 2019 and many NPS units already use it for notifications.

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2023

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2023 • Comments Off

This week, the National Park Service (NPS) released details on 2023 investments that will improve access and facilities across the country, enhance climate and fire resilience, and further connect people with their national parks.

In the coming years, NPS and federal partners will make investments that will support Grand Canyon’s Shuttle Bus Maintenance Facility, Bus Fleet Replacement and Charging Infrastructure project.

The project aligns with the sustainability and climate change goals of converting the federal fleet to zero emission vehicles. It consists of acquiring 10 new battery electric buses (BEB) and 20 new near-zero emission compressed natural gas buses (CNG) to replace the aging fleet; installing charging infrastructure to support the electric buses, including a solar parking canopy; and replacing an obsolete and undersized vehicle maintenance facility.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 23-27, 2023

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2023 • Comments Off

Winter safety tips!

South Entrance Station

We have received multiple reports of park employees and/or residents driving through the south entrance station without stopping. As a reminder, when the bypass lane is closed or inaccessible due to snow, all vehicles are required to come to a full and complete stop when driving through any of the lanes of the entrance station. A failure to stop is not only hazardous but could result in a serious accident to employees who routinely move between booths.

Parking – Safety Concern

Please do not park vehicles on roadways.
Vehicles parked inappropriately compound already hazardous conditions and they impede the plowing of roadways.
Please use designated parking areas.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 16-20, 2023

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

Winter storm recap; additional storm system will move through Thursday evening into Friday

Winter weather has yet again hit us hard on the South Rim, and even more so on the North Rim. As of Tuesday, the North Rim has received more than 72 inches of snow for the winter season. As of Thursday morning, State Route 64/Desert View Drive has reopened; Hermit Road remains closed. Please continue to check the Dispatch Roads Line at 928-638-7496 for the latest road conditions and closure updates.

As we continue to dig ourselves out of the accumulated snow, conditions will improve with another fast-moving storm system Thursday evening into Friday, likely bringing another 3-5 inches of additional accumulation.

This amount of snow removal requires all hands-on deck. Please help us acknowledge the continued hard work of NPS and concessionaire road and trail crews as they remove snow from roads, trails, and sidewalks throughout the park. Additionally, our interpretation and visitor and resource protection staff have assisted in snow removal and aiding stranded and unprepared visitors.

Thank you all for your continued efforts; your work has not gone unnoticed!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 9-13, 2023

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Winter Weather Returns; National Weather Service issues Travel Risk for impending weekend storm

According to the National Weather Service-Flagstaff, winter weather returns to the area this weekend, with periods of heavy snowfall likely beginning Saturday night across the high country. Snow levels will gradually fall from 6000–7000 feet Saturday evening to 4000–5000 feet Tuesday. One to two feet of snow is possible in the high country by the end of next week.

Prepare for an extended period of poor travel conditions next week!

REMEMBER – PLEASE KEEP ROADWAYS CLEAR OF VEHICLES; PARK IN YOUR DRIVEWAY AND FOR THOSE ON APACHE ST, PARK IN THE ALLEY. ALLEYS AND RESIDENTIAL ROADWAYS WILL BE PLOWED

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 2-6, 2023

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2023 • Comments Off

COVID Updates

Masks Optional
As of January 5, Coconino County has remained in MEDIUM CDC Community Level. Masks are optional in all public buildings. We encourage individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to practice physical distancing from others while in indoor common areas.

Total new COVID cases in Arizona for the week of December 29-January 4 was 6,187 which is an increase from the week before at 4,973. There were three new COVID-19 cases reported in the park this week.

As a reminder, be sure to promptly report any illness, to include possible COVID-19 symptoms, COVID exposure, or a positive COVID test to your supervisor and our Public Health Consultant, Ronan King. Ronan can be reached at: 202-891-8599 or Ronan_King@nps.gov.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: December 26-30, 2022

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2022 • Comments Off

New Year’s Eve fundraising event for 8th Grade Washington D.C. Field Trip

Grand Canyon Community Rec Center is hosting a New Year’s Eve Fundraiser Party to support the Grand Canyon Middle School D.C. Trip!

Live band, Juniper Hill, starts at 9:30 p.m. Pre-admission tickets and 50/50 raffle tickets available for purchase at the Grand Canyon Recreation Center. More information on the event can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 19-23, 2022

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2022 • Comments Off

Weekly Call Updates

For the next two weeks, all employee calls as well as stakeholder/community calls will be canceled in observance of the holidays.

We will start the New Year with a new weekly call format beginning on January 11, 2023. There will be just one call each week, on Wednesday at 11 a.m. for both NPS employees and community members.

Wednesday all employee and community call from the Superintendent’s Office:

TIME: 11 a.m. Arizona Time

CALL IN: 877-491-6221

PARTICIPANT CODE: 7074828#

If you would like a calendar invite sent by email with this information, please email the public affairs office at grca_public_affairs@nps.gov.

Have a happy and safe holiday season!

-Grand Canyon Office of Communications

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Dec. 12-16, 2022

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Volunteer to support the Grand Canyon Community this holiday season!

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, Delaware North will be having a wrapping party to wrap the angel tree gifts from 1-5 p.m. in Yavapai Lodge atrium. All angels on the DNC Angel Tree have been adopted this year and donations should be dropped off before this Friday, Dec. 16 to the General Store. More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here.

On Wednesday, Dec. 21, Delaware North will be making food boxes in the Canyon Village Market Deli starting at 3 p.m. The food boxes will accompany the angel tree gifts to each family. More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here.

Both events are open to the community and participation is highly encouraged!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 5-9, 2022

by Community Contributor • December 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Throughout December, Grand Canyon National Park is featured alongside three other national parks in the East Room at none other than the The White House. The East Room décor reflects the communion we find in nature. As part of the fireplace mantel displays, visitors see four iconic National Parks from around our country represented: The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Shenandoah National Park.

As the largest room in the White House, the East Room has hosted public receptions, ceremonies, bill signings, and other memorable occasions. More information on 2022 White House decorations can be found here.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2022

by Community Contributor • December 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Cultural Demonstrator this weekend at Grand Canyon Visitor Center

Beginning December 2 and lasting through the end of February 2023, cultural demonstrations will be held in Grand Canyon Village in the lobby of the South Rim Visitor Center. Demonstrations during the winter months will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

This weekend, the Cultural Demonstration Program presents renown musician and flute maker, Aaron White. He is of two Nations, the Dine of Northern Arizona (Blacksheep Clan) and The Northern Ute tribe Whiteriver band. Award winning Artist/Singer/Songwriter, Grammy nominated musician, and recent recipient of the Native American Music Award, Aaron has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years.

Aaron will demonstrate the ancient art of reed flute making at the South Rim Visitor Center Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 2 through 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by and watch Aaron work and learn how reed flutes have deep ties to the history and culture of the Southwest.

Cultural Demonstrator Series transitions to Grand Canyon Visitor Center for winter season starting Dec. 2

by Community Contributor • November 23, 2022 • Comments Off

Starting on Dec. 2, 2022, through Feb. 26, 2023, the Cultural Demonstrator Series will transition to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC) on the South Rim. Every Friday through Sunday, artists from traditionally associated tribes of Grand Canyon will be in the lobby from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Moving demonstrations from the Desert View Watchtower to the GCVC will increase interactions with artists and the public during months of slower visitation. After Feb. 26, 2023, the Cultural Demonstrator Series will transition back to the Desert View Watchtower.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 21-25, 2022

by Community Contributor • November 23, 2022 • Comments Off

As of November 17, Coconino County is now in Medium CDC Community Level. This change is not unexpected. We have seen COVID spikes in the fall for the last two years, and unfortunately, this year this has happened a little earlier than in past years. As a reminder, the CDC and World Health Organization still considers us to be in a pandemic, and that it does not look to be ending anytime soon.

The DOI has set specific guidelines for us to follow based on the CDC Community Level. The primary change for Medium Community Level is to communicate the concerns of spreading COVID and areas where people gather. Therefore, we will post new signs on all building entrances that state that we are in Medium CDC Community Level, and we encourage individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to practice physical distancing from others in indoor common areas. Additionally, all building entrances should have signs stating that masks are optional and to practice physical distancing.

Finally, the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones is to be vaccinated and boosted. If you have not received the newly developed and distributed COVID bivalent vaccine, we encourage you to do so. These vaccines have been scientifically proven to be safe and to help prevent COVID illness—and, for those that do become sick, the bivalent vaccine helps protect from serious or long-term COVID illness.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 14-18, 2022

by AmigosNAZ.com • November 17, 2022 • Comments Off

ark visitors and residents are invited to attend a special celebration in honor of Native American Heritage Month. The event takes place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium, beginning at 6:30 pm, and promises to be an evening filled with cultural dancing and perspectives.

Four dance groups will perform:

The Dineh’ Tah Navajo Dance Troupe,
The Hopi Sinom Traditional Singers & Corn Dancers,
The Guardians of Grand Canyon – Havasupai Ram Dancers,
and the Dishchii’bikoh – Apache Crown Dancers.
Grand Canyon’s Indigenous employees and community members have presented this annual event for more than 20 years. It is free, open to the public, and is sponsored by Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon Conservancy, as well as local businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Nov. 7-11, 2022

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2022 • Comments Off

Honoring our NPS Veterans

Through legislation passed 68 years ago on June 1, 1954, November 11 became Veterans Day—a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

At Grand Canyon, we deeply appreciate our veterans for their military service and their continued service as NPS employees. We are thankful for their sense of comradery, mission focus, and can-do attitude, and we are proud to work beside every veteran on our team. Grand Canyon National Park employs 65 veterans with a combined 294 years of creditable military service.

Many of our veterans have seen multiple deployments and have made countless sacrifices throughout their military service.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 24-28, 2022

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2022 • Comments Off

Tamale Sale-GRCA School
Fundraising efforts for 8th grade class underway

The fundraising for the 8th grade trip to Washington D.C. has officially begun!

The vision of the Washington, D.C. field trip is to engage students as citizens in American Democracy. The mission is to provide 8th grade students at Grand Canyon School an opportunity to capstone their 8th grade civics curriculum by engaging with locations that exhibit how people of the past and present change the world through the processes in American Democracy.

For more information, please see the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap Up: Oct. 17-21, 2022

by Community Contributor • October 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Successful vaccine event in Grand Canyon; Flu and COVID vaccines available October 25 in Tusayan

The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccine Team came to the park on Tuesday for a flu and COVID vaccine event. Thank you to the Grand Canyon Rec Center for hosting this event and the Mobile Vaccine Team who successfully vaccinated more than 100 individuals. The team will next be at the Tusayan Fire Department on October 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Due to popular demand of these events, please arrive early to ensure you receive assistance.

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines will be available at this event (to include the new COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine) for those ages 6 months and older. See the attached flyer for the Tusayan event here.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Oct. 3-7, 2022

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2022 • Comments Off

The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccine Team will be coming to the park next on Tuesday, October 18. The event will take place at the Grand Canyon Rec Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The team will also be in Tusayan at the Tusayan Fire Department on Tuesday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines will be available at this event (to include the new COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine) for those ages 6 months and older. See the attached flyer for the Grand Canyon event here and the Tusayan event here.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Sept. 26-30, 2022

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2022 • Comments Off

The Weekly Wrap Up is getting a new look!

Beginning next week, the Grand Canyon Office of Communications will be transitioning to a new email distribution platform called GovDelivery. This transition is necessary for us to meet the Department of Interior’s new policies for email distribution.

The Wrap Up as well as news releases from our office will have a new layout and feel. If you are not receiving email communications from our office (through the Wrap Up or news releases), please check your junk email folder or email us directly at grca_public_affairs@nps.gov.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 19-23, 2022

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2022 • Comments Off

National Public Lands Day this Saturday, September 24

This Saturday, September 24th marks Public Lands Day and a Fee Free Day on all NPS lands.

The public is invited to celebrate National Public Lands Day at 1 p.m. (Mountain Daylight Time) September 24 by observing the release of captive-bred California condors into the wild at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

The event also will be live streamed via The Peregrine Fund’s YouTube channel beginning at 12:30 p.m. (MDT). Viewers can set a reminder to join the release, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. (MDT) noon local time in northern Arizona (Mountain Standard Time) but ultimately depends on when the birds choose to leave their release pen. There will be a picture-in-picture set up with a camera trained on the release pen; videos and interviews with condor biologists and conservationists who work with these massive birds will be included. Viewers also will be able to have their questions answered live by the team.

The historical California Condor population declined to just 22 individuals in the 1980s when the greater California Condor Recovery Program was initiated to save the species from extinction. As of May 2022, there were 113 condors in the rugged, canyon country of northern Arizona and southern Utah. The total world population of endangered California condors numbers more than 550 individuals, with more than half of them winging across the skies of Arizona, Utah, California and Mexico.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 12-16, 2022

by Community Contributor • September 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Hispanic Heritage Month begins Thursday, September 15

September 15 marks the month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month when we recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Hispanic Americans in the United States.

Hispanic, Latino, Latina, and Latinx Americans have helped to shape the National Park Service since its beginning in 1916. The tradition continues today with Hispanic and Latino Americans working as employees, volunteers, interns, and partners in many career fields of the National Park Service, including natural and cultural resource management, law enforcement, interpretation, administration, and much more.

Please join me in recognizing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and ongoing contributions of Hispanic Americans here at the Grand Canyon National Park and throughout the country.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 5-9, 2022

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Follow the park’s social media from September 8-12 to see the collaborative effort between parks and programs across the service. This year’s campaign continues to celebrate the individuality of Grand Canyon by showcasing park style, chic rangers, and stunning spreads. After all, who fashions fashion better than us? (NPS File/L. Cisneros)

Grand Canyon National Park initiates water conservation for both North and South rims

by Community Contributor • September 6, 2022 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will re-implement mandatory water conservation measures on both the North and South rims of the park. This is due to diminished water supplies as a result of a major pipeline break discovered…

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2022

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Community level LOW–masking requirement indoors OPTIONAL

On Thursday, September 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the Coconino County Community Level to LOW. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

Grand Canyon management has received updated information from the DOI and NPS on COVID guidance. We are reviewing this information and hoping to apply changes soon.

Additionally, the NPS Washington office has submitted new COVID guidance for concessionaires that removes mitigations that have been in place for building capacity, social distancing, and masking. We are working with the park’s concessionaires on these changes and expect most facilities to increase capacity indoors. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Business Opportunity Announced for Providing Guided Multi-Day Interpretive Whitewater River Trips along the Colorado River through Grand Canyon

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Ed Keable has announced the Prospectus Release for the 16-contracts to provide guided interpretive multi-day whitewater tours within Grand Canyon National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. These tours will provide guides, boats, gear, meals and interpretation of Grand Canyon’s spectacular natural and cultural resources. The released prospectus outlines this business opportunity, describes the existing 16 contracts, and provides details on how to submit a responsive proposal.

Bat tests positive for rabies along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2022 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon National Park biologists have received confirmation that a bat collected along the Colorado River in mid-August has tested positive for rabies. Wildlife managers generally report an increase in human-bat interactions in summer months. Individuals who have had physical contact with a bat are advised to seek medical attention and be assessed for appropriate medical treatment.

Rabies is a serious disease that can kill both animals and humans. Humans can contract rabies through contact with an infected animal’s saliva, such as a bite or scratch. Possible rabies infections should be considered in animals that exhibit unusual or aggressive behavior or that are not afraid of humans. All mammals are susceptible to rabies, including bats, skunks, and foxes. Although primarily nocturnal, bats observed flying during daylight is not indicative of a rabid bat.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 22-25, 2022

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Special Evening Program at Desert View Thursday, September 1

On September 5, Desert View will have its last sunset talk for the summer season.

The sunset talk on September 1 at 5:45 p.m. will feature Cultural Demonstrators, Bennard and Frances Dallasvuyaoma from Hopi. Their program will highlight the Hopi connection to Grand Canyon and also their personal connection through past relatives who have worked in the park.

Frances and Bennard Dallasvuyaoma are a husband and wife team who both left successful careers to become full-time jewelers. Their innovative jewelry is a dramatic blend of both ancient and contemporary traditions, techniques and materials. Cut and polished by hand, the natural gems and stones are set in a modern version of the ancient mosaic style. “We design each piece of jewelry to signify balance and harmony,” said Bennard. “When we talk about balance and harmony, we mean that there is an order to everything and nothing is in disarray.”

Frances and Bennard will also be demonstrating as part of the Cultural Demonstrator’s Program on September 1 and 2 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Desert View. Both are amazing Hopi silversmiths and enjoy mixing traditional and contemporary styles into their work.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 15-19, 2022

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2022 • Comments Off

On Thursday, August 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the Coconino County Community Level to LOW. People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

Updates on local community levels for Coconino County will be posted and updated on the main nps.gov/grca webpage under the ‘Alerts’ section. This information will be updated weekly on Thursdays by the CDC.

We will keep employees, our stakeholders, and the public informed of any new developments as soon as they become available. For those wishing to post this signage outside of buildings and in workspaces, please see the attached signage.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 8-12, 2022

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2022 • Comments Off

On Thursday, August 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the Coconino County Community Level to LOW. People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

Please note that this standard is flexible depending on conditions in Coconino County. It is possible that we may return to a mask requirement under this guidance if conditions in Coconino County returns to a HIGH community level.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 1-5, 2022

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

Native American Heritage Days take place this weekend on North Rim

The 27th Annual North Rim, Native American Heritage Days will take place on the grounds of Grand Canyon Lodge, this Friday, August 5, through Sunday, August 7.

Heritage Days provide visitors and staff with the opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, Arizona Strip, and the Grand Canyon region. Starting around 9:30 a.m. each day, special programs will be presented by tribal members on a variety of subjects, including, astronomy, cultural connections, and Native American music and dance performances. A variety of cultural artisan demonstrations will also be taking place, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

Some of this year’s demonstrators will include:

Richard Graymountain from Southern Paiute – Basket Weaving
Jessica Lomatewama – Hopi – Katsina Carving and Basket Weaving
Henry Nez Dine (Navajo) – Silversmith Jewelry making
Duane Maktima – Hopi/Laguna Pueblo – Silver Jewelry/metalsmithing
Leann & Tavavee Shearer “Kaivavich” Kaibab Paiute – traditional clothing creation
Lyle Harvey Dine Navajo – Loom Construction/Weaving

A full flyer of all the Heritage Days Demonstrators is available here.

Heritage Days began in 1993 as “Paiute Days” which celebrated the Paiute, the tribe most associated with Grand Canyon’s North Rim. In 1997, the event was expanded to include all 11 of Grand Canyon’s Associated Tribes with cultural ties to the canyon.

The schedule for each day is available on the Park’s website and mobile app, by clicking on the “calendar” button. A full flyer on the event is also available here.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — July 25-29, 2022

by Community Contributor • July 28, 2022 • Comments Off

Community level HIGH–masking requirement indoors remains in place

As of Thursday, July 28, Coconino County remains in High Community Level and masking requirements will remain in place at least until Thursday, August 4.

The CDC Community Level tracks a county’s ability to provide health care to COVID patients. In Arizona, 10 counties are in High. Across the United States, 42% of counties are in High, 38% of counties are in Medium, and 20% are in Low. Due to the High Community level, masks are required indoors within all government facilities, vehicles and shuttle busses, as well as commercial facilities operating within the park.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — July 18-22, 2022

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2022 • Comments Off

In this edition:

Community level HIGH–masking requirement indoors remains in place
Arizona and Grand Canyon Community Statistics
Vaccine Clinics in Grand Canyon and Tusayan on August 2
Reporting COVID symptoms is critical to limiting exposure and keeping our staff and community safe
Water conservation begins for South Rim Friday, July 22
Dragon Fire grows to 200 acres on North Rim
Tuweep day use pilot reservation program takes effect Thursday, July 21
Transcanyon Waterline Project Contract Solicitation
Closure of southwest boundary/Rowe Well Road beginning August 2
Desert View Construction update
Tusayan Pueblo Stabilization-2022
More …

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — July 11-15, 2022

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Project update-Grand Canyon school fiber project

Last month, Commnet completed a fiber optics project that will now bring improved high-speed capability and bandwidth to the Grand Canyon School from Williams. Now that Commnet has completed the fiber optic project servicing the school, the park is exploring ways to utilize the incoming improved telecommunications services for park administrative functions.

New NPS owned/operated telecommunications infrastructure may be installed, or additional telecommunications infrastructure owned and operated by a commercial entity could occur–which must be authorized through the Right-of-Way permitting process. A sub-group of park staff from the Telecommunications Inter-Disciplinary Team are meeting later this month to identify next steps for improving telecommunications capabilities for Grand Canyon.

We will keep park staff and our community informed of the progression of this project, as well as other future telecommunications updates.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 4-8, 2022

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Masking requirement indoors remains in place

Grand Canyon NP has been directed by the Department of Interior (DOI) to use Center of Disease Controls (CDC) COVID Community Levels to put in place guidance and masking requirements to protect our community, park employees, and visitors. Last week the CDC COVID Community Levels were High for the first time since this metric was used. Consequently, we were required to implemented masking for all individuals over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status, in all park buildings and in public transportation per DOI policy. As of Thursday, July 7, Coconino County has transitioned into Medium Community Level.

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: June 20-24, 2022

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2022 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon Star Party 2022 underway for 2022

The 32nd annual Grand Canyon Star Party is currently underway and is being held through Saturday, June 25, on both South and North rims. National parks such as Grand Canyon are protective havens for some of the last remaining dark skies in the United States. This is the first onsite event since 2019.

The event is sponsored by the National Park Service, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (South Rim), and the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix (North Rim), with funding from Grand Canyon Conservancy and in partnership with the International Dark-Sky Association.

Amateur astronomers from across the country are volunteering their telescopes and expertise for the enjoyment of park visitors. Numerous telescopes offer views of planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, as well as double stars, star clusters, nebulae, distant galaxies—and the Moon, earlier in the week. By day, keep an eye out for solar telescopes pointed at the sun. Weather permitting, expect spectacular views of the universe!

For additional information on the Grand Canyon Star Party visit http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-star-party.htm, or contact Rader Lane at 928-638-7641.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 13-17, 2022

by Community Contributor • June 20, 2022 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon Star Party 2022

The 32nd annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from Saturday, June 18, 2022, through Saturday, June 25, 2022, on both South and North rims of Grand Canyon National Park. National parks such as Grand Canyon are protective havens for some of the last remaining dark skies in the United States. This is the first onsite event since 2019.

Amateur astronomers from across the country will volunteer their telescopes and expertise for the enjoyment of park visitors. Numerous telescopes will offer views of planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, as well as double stars, star clusters, nebulae, distant galaxies—and the Moon, earlier in the week. By day, keep an eye out for solar telescopes pointed at the sun. Weather permitting, expect spectacular views of the universe!

For additional information on the Grand Canyon Star Party visit http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-star-party.htm, or contact Rader Lane at 928-638-7641.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — June 6-10, 2022

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Cultural Demonstration Program resumes in-person at Desert View

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Cultural Demonstration Program has resumed in person. 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.

On Thursday June 9 and Friday, June 10, from 9 AM to 4 PM, Gerald Lomaventema, Hopi silversmith and Jerrel Singer, Diné painter, will be demonstrating their arts at the Desert View Visitor Center shade structure, just north of the main parking lot. For more information on the Cultural Demonstration Program, please visit the park’s website here.

Below are the two demonstrators’ profiles:

Gerald Lomaventema is a traditional Hopi silversmith. He is known for one-of-a-kind silver overlay masterpieces, with designs inspired by nature and Hopi culture.

Jerrel Singer, a Diné Painter, originally from Tuba City, is an abstract landscape artist. His work captures the light, colors and shadows of the Diné Nation and the Desert Southwest.

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

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Cultural Demonstration Program resume in-person at Desert View

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Cultural Demonstration Program resumes 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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 23-27, 2022

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2022 • Comments Off

Northern Arizona transitions to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions this Thursday, May 26

Due to increased fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests will elevate to Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 26. Under Stage 2 restrictions, building or maintaining an outdoor fire of any kind is prohibited as well as smoking.

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. Exception for locals and contractors: 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.

More information on fire restrictions and fire danger ratings, please visit the park’s fire information page here.

Grand Canyon Implements Stage 2 Fire Restrictions May 26

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2022 • Comments Off

U.S. Department of Interior National Park Service Grand Canyon National Park P.O Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 Contact: Office of Communications 928-638-7779 www.nps.gov/grca For high resolution photos visit Grand Canyon’s Flickr Site. Grand Canyon News Release For Immediate Release May 25,…

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 16-20, 2022

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Desert View Groundbreaking Ceremony and Inter-tribal Working Group meeting

On Tuesday, May 17, we held a ceremony at Desert View to celebrate the near completion of the initial phases of work being done at Desert View to turn it into the park Inter-tribal cultural heritage site.

Members of the Inter-tribal Working Group, Grand Canyon Conservancy, park staff and other partners attended a short celebration of the accomplishments to date. James Uqualla from the Havasupai Tribe, offered a blessing for the work and the efforts for all who have been involved.

In addition to Superintendent Keable, Theresa McMullan from GCC offered words of support, along with individual Working Group members. The Working Group will continue its efforts to develop the exhibit plan for the Desert View Welcome Center and has begun work on the next strategic plan.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 9-13, 2022

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2022 • Comments Off

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, which has increased from Substantial as of Thursday, May 5. COVID transmission in the county is continuing to rise and although we have relaxed mask mandates and other mitigation strategies in the park, we are reminded that the pandemic is not over.

As we continue to make decisions about park operations, we want to emphasize that we are considering the current transmission status and trajectory of cases nationwide. We want to acknowledge and recognize that there is a lot of information being shared by agencies, and some are conflicting. Our goal is to share pertinent information with you and also to use the best data to make decisions about park operations.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 2-5, 2022

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2022 • Comments Off

Fire restrictions remain in Stage 1 for Grand Canyon

Fire restrictions for the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, as well as the Town of Tusayan, will be in effect beginning today Thursday, May 5. Under these restrictions, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove fire, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site is prohibited on these lands. Additionally, smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Smoking is also prohibited in all federal buildings.

Grand Canyon National Park will remain in stage 1 fire restrictions, as we do year-round, which requires that campfires 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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 25-29, 2022

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2022 • Comments Off

A burst of fushia in the inner canyon this week (NPS Photo/D. Yurcik)

This year’s fire season is off and running in the Southwest with four Type 1 Incident Teams already deployed for fires in the region. Earlier this week our wildland fire seasonal staff arrived and began fire training and annual pack tests continued through this week (see photo above).

In the coming weeks, park managers will be coordinating with the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests to assess fire restrictions and determine if the park will need to transition to fire restrictions in the near future. As of Thursday, 4/28, the Tunnel Fire north of Flagstaff, was at approximately 19.075 acres with 43% containment. More information on the Tunnel Fire can be found by visiting the Tunnel Fire Inciweb site here.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 18-22, 2022

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2022 • Comments Off

When emergencies happen, be the first to know.

The Coconino County Emergency Notification System uses Alerts powered by Rave Mobile Safety’s Smart911 to send official, real-time alerts to the public with information about potentially life-saving actions you may need to take to keep you and your family safe.

This service allows you to receive voice, text, and email emergency notifications generated by Grand Canyon Dispatch and public safety officials. More information on this program can be found on the county’s website and a link to sign up can be found here.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 11-15, 2022

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2022 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon and Tusayan April vaccine events

The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccination team will hold its next mobile vaccination event for Grand Canyon and Tusayan on Monday, April 25. The Grand Canyon event will be held at the Rec Center from 9-11 a.m. (see full flyer here) and the Tusayan event will be held at the Tusayan Fire Station from 1-3 p.m (see full flyer here).

As a reminder, the FDA and CDC have approved a second booster dose for individuals who are age 50 or older. They recommend the booster be given 4 months after your first booster.

NPS employees are authorized to take administrative leave up to 4 hours (and 8 hours if traveling) for COVID vaccines, including vaccine booster doses. You may also use this leave to support family members receiving COVID vaccines or booster doses.

Grand Canyon National Park — Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 4-8, 2022

by Community Contributor • April 7, 2022 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon Visitor Center changes in operations

Due to low staffing levels, there will be modified operations to Grand Canyon Visitor Center information desk hours this spring.

From April 8-23, the outdoor GCVC Information Desk will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday to Monday. Please note, the building is still closed to the public and the GCVC Theater is under construction. Ranger programs will continue at 11 a.m. at the Yavapai Geology Museum Amphitheater, Thursday to Monday through April 23

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 28-April 1, 2022

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Tuweep day-use civic engagement period ends April 6

Last week the park initiated civic engagement to solicit comments on implementation of a proposed day-use reservation system at Tuweep, including all park areas within Toroweap Valley and the Kanab Plateau. A $2 ticket fee per vehicle is proposed and would be available through recreation.gov.

On busy, high visitation days, especially during the weekends, up to 50+ vehicles often travel into Tuweep around the same time of day, causing road congestion, long waits to access the Toroweap overlook, overcrowding in popular locations, impacts to property, and excessive noise. As a result, the overall visitor experience has deteriorated, and sensitive natural and cultural resources have been damaged.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 21-25, 2022

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2022 • Comments Off

Arizona and Grand Canyon Community Statistics

As of March 17, Coconino County community transmission remains moderate, and the community level is low. In Arizona, 13 of the 15 counties have low community levels.

Total cases for the week of March 10-16 is 5,153, which is an average of 736 cases per day for the seven-day rolling average for the week. No new cases have been reported this week within Grand Canyon National Park or in the 86023 zip code.

Coconino County reports the Grand Canyon community is 73.1% fully vaccinated as of March 18.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Photos from Rim to Rim

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2022 • Comments Off

This week we are taking a diversion from our regular communications on COVID-19 and park operations to highlight some of the amazing places (and people) here at Grand Canyon through photographs taken by NPS, GCC, and Xanterra staff over the last several months. From the North Rim, to the Colorado River, to the South Rim, take a moment and enjoy these awe-inspiring landscapes.

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