The Navajo Nation is negotiating with a Scottsdale developer to build a luxury resort and aerial tramway near the confluence of the Little Colorado and Colorado rivers. The site of the proposed development – north and west of Tuba City, Ariz., – is a majestic piece of the Grand Canyon’s East Rim that few have seen. That could change if the proposal to build restaurants, hotels, an RV park, a tram to the canyon floor and a half-mile river walk inside the Grand Canyon goes … [Read more...] about Navajos Considering Grand Canyon for Economic Development
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Grand Canyon Shuttle Service Resuming
The National Park Service (NPS) will again offer shuttle bus service between Grand Canyon National Park and the neighboring town of Tusayan, Arizona in 2012. The Tusayan Route shuttle will be available from May 12 through September 7 and will run at 15-minute intervals between 8 a.m. and 9:30 p.m., daily. Each day, the first bus will leave Tusayan at 8 a.m. from the IMAX, while the first bus will leave the Grand Canyon Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. The last buses will leave both Tusayan and … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Shuttle Service Resuming
Bear Aware Week Underway in Northern Arizona
May 1st-May 7th is Bear Aware Week at Bearizona Wildlife Park. During Bear Aware Week, the park provides information to visitors about how to live and recreate in areas that are inhabited by black bear. The first 100 people to download and complete the Bear Aware Quiz from our website before they visit the Park during that week will receive a prize before exiting the bear enclosure. The Bearizona gift shop will showcase Bear Aware materials, as well as free information … [Read more...] about Bear Aware Week Underway in Northern Arizona
Earth Day 2012: Green Parks Sustainability
National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis today released the Green Parks Plan to focus the bureau on sustainable management of national parks and key environmental issues ranging from reducing energy and water consumption to limiting waste to lowering emissions of greenhouse gases. “The Green Parks Plan is a comprehensive approach to sustainability that will reduce the National Park Service’s carbon footprint through actions taken in every park and office,” Jarvis said during … [Read more...] about Earth Day 2012: Green Parks Sustainability
Economy Could See Boost from Potash Mining
During the 1960s and 1970s, two companies called Arkla Exploration and the Duval Corporation explored Northern Arizona for potash in the Holbrook Basin by drilling over 100 holes. The Holbrook Salt Basin is a project area that rests approximately seven miles east of Holbrook, Arizona. A report was released with compelling evidence that the location held a substantial amount of potash. Potash is a material that is mined and typically used by farmers for fertilizer. In just 2007 alone, farmers … [Read more...] about Economy Could See Boost from Potash Mining
Sale of Plastic Water Bottles Banned in Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park is eliminating the in-park sale of water packaged in individual disposable containers within 30 days under a plan approved today by National Park Service (NPS) Intermountain Regional (IMR) Director John Wessels. Free water stations are available throughout the park to allow visitors to fill reusable water bottles. The park’s plan calls for the elimination of the sale of water packaged in individual disposable containers of less than one gallon, including … [Read more...] about Sale of Plastic Water Bottles Banned in Canyon
Mixed Reactions to Ban on New Uranium Mining
Conservation groups are applauding the Obama administration’s final decision this week, protecting 1 million acres of public land around Grand Canyon National Park from new uranium mining. Today’s Interior Department “record of decision” establishes a 20-year ban on new uranium mining and mining of current claims without valid permits across 1 million acres (more than 1,500 square miles). The ban will protect Grand Canyon’s springs and creeks, as well as imperiled species like the humpback chub, … [Read more...] about Mixed Reactions to Ban on New Uranium Mining
Arizonans Concerned About Tusayan Developments
For years, Flagstaff and Williams have billed themselves as the gateways to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon – the conduits through which tourists must stop, rest, eat and, most importantly for local businesses, spend money. However, as the tiny town of Tusayan gears up for a big residential and commercial development that will place hotels and restaurants mere minutes away from the park, those roles may be set to change. Stilo Development Group USA, an Italian real estate firm, has … [Read more...] about Arizonans Concerned About Tusayan Developments
Winslow’s Route 66 Plaza Moving Forward
Plans for a showplace park in Winslow celebrating the history and car culture of Old Route 66 are a step closer to reality, but the city still has miles to go before the tourist destination becomes a reality. Visitors from all over the world already flock to tiny Standin’ On the Corner Park to stand on the corner and take photos next to a life-size bronze guitar player named “Easy” or the red flatbed Ford parked on the street and reflected in the slightly suggestive John Pugh mural that faces … [Read more...] about Winslow’s Route 66 Plaza Moving Forward
AmeriCorps Crews Working at Slide Rock State Park
A team of young adults has been working in Northern Arizona, restoring the apple orchard at Slide Rock State Park. Upon arriving from their headquarters in Denver, this AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team received training to identify which species needed to be removed and instructions for operating machinery such as wood chippers. These species include New Mexico locust and blackberry shrubs which have overcrowded the orchard, making it nearly impossible to harvest the … [Read more...] about AmeriCorps Crews Working at Slide Rock State Park