Countdown to Grand Canyon National Park's Centennial

 by Roger Clark, Grand Canyon Director

On this day, August 25, 2016, as we commemorate 100 years since Congress passed the National Park Service Organic Act establishing the National Park Service, let us begin a three-year countdown. 

It took another three years before Congress protected the Grand Canyon as a national park in 1919. Before that, this small part of the Grand Canyon was managed by the U.S. Forest Service as a national monument. And there was a politically strong group of business interests who opposed any further protection of the then nascent icon of our national park system. 

Our countdown to Grand Canyon National Park’s centennial celebration will share stories leading up to its enactment on February 26, 1919, and it will relate today’s stories as they unfold.

Today, August 25, 2016, finds us in the midst of a campaign for a Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument. This monument will help to permanently protect land and waters sacred to Native Americans, sensitive habitats, and historic places surrounding Grand Canyon National Park. As the ranking member on the Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Grijalva has been a leading voice in helping to establish the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument. The monument is supported by regional tribes and by people in Arizona and across the county.

“Establishing Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument will protect the natural and cultural resources of the Grand Canyon region and diversify our national parks system at the same time,” says Congressman Grijalva. “That’s why I’ve been working with Native American and environmental advocates for the past 18 months to highlight the importance of getting this done before President Obama leaves office. Naming this monument will defend our magnificent open spaces from privatization, save our cultural heritage from vandalism and neglect, preserve centuries of history, and tell an important story about the future of our public lands. I look forward to seeing it through.”

Like so many who advocated for protecting Grand Canyon a century ago, Congressman Grijalva’s commitment is fueled by personal experience: “There are places that are beyond words.” Congressman Grijalva wrote last month. “Places that are beyond description. Places worthy of reverence and permanent protection. Without a doubt, the Grand Canyon is one of them. Through my father's eyes, I saw the natural world for what it is: a constant source of inspiration regardless of how much time we spend there. Even if we only rarely hike through wilderness or canoe down wild rivers, it is our responsibility to protect those experiences and ensure the lasting conservation of the natural world. “ 

In future episodes of our countdown to Grand Canyon National Park’s centennial, we’ll report on historical events leading up to its creation as a national park, and we’ll keep you updated on the campaign to create the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument and ongoing efforts to protect this special place.