Great day for the Grand Canyon, as U.S. Forest Service rejects development outside the park

Media Contacts
Margie Alt

Environment America

WASHINGTON, DC – Today the U.S. Forest Service denied an application for a road easement that would clear the way for hundreds of homes, retail shops and hotels outside Grand Canyon National Park. The AP reported that Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio said the road proposal was deeply controversial and opposed by most of the people who submitted comments on it.
 
Margie Alt, executive director of Environment America, issued this statement:
 
“It’s a great day for Grand Canyon National Park and all those who stood up to protect it. This year, we celebrate the centennial of our National Park Service, so today’s victory is particularly sweet.
 
“A major development right outside the Grand Canyon would spoil the purpose of our national parks, which were created to preserve our natural wonders for the benefit and enjoyment of all, not the short-term gains of a few developers or polluters.
 
“We applaud the Obama administration for heeding the call of the many citizens who opposed this damaging proposal, and for helping to ensure that one of the seven wonders of the world remains wonderful for future generations.
 
“But the Grand Canyon region and the Colorado River running through it also face other threats, including toxic uranium mining just six miles outside the Park’s entrance. That’s why the next step is for the president to protect the entire Grand Canyon area — along with precious wildlife and the drinking water source for tens of millions — for the next 100 years and beyond.”