Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park can now learn more about the role wildland fire plays at Grand Canyon. The short film "Living with Fire in the Grand Canyon" highlights the importance of returning fire to Grand Canyon's fire-adapted ecosystem.

"Grand Canyon National Park has one of the most active fire management programs in the National Park Service," said Grand Canyon Chief of Fire and Aviation Jay Lusher, "and this film helps us tell our visitors the story of fire at Grand Canyon."

The National Park Service would like to remind everyone that the best way to enjoy Fourth of July at Grand Canyon National Park is safely. Visitors and residents are encouraged to contribute to a safe and enjoyable park experience on Fourth of July by drinking responsibly and not driving under the influence. With the holiday fast approaching, visitors and residents are also reminded that fireworks are prohibited within Grand Canyon National Park at all times.

Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Chris Lehnertz invites Flagstaff area residents and park lovers to a Community Conversation on July 11 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Coconino Center for the Arts in Flagstaff. Superintendent Lehnertz will be joined by several park staff members at the event.

Lehnertz said, "We have plenty of issues and projects that require official public meetings and public comments. We would like to slow down a little, meet people and start regular community conversations to visit about the park and listen to our nearby communities."

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MST
SUNDAY JUNE 25

* AFFECTED AREA...Grand Canyon Country.

* TEMPERATURE...Upper 90s near 6500 feet including the south
rim, 110 to 116 degrees near the Colorado River including
Phantom Ranch.

* IMPACTS...A prolonged period of hot temperatures is ongoing
and significantly increasing the potential for heat related
illness. Those without access to adequate air conditioning and
hydration are most at risk.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Summer marks the time of year elk cows give birth to calves. Elk cows protecting their calves can become aggressive toward humans. The NPS reminds visitors to view elk and all wildlife from a safe distance. Please never approach, pet, or pose for a picture with wildlife at Grand Canyon. To safely view large animals such as elk, maintain a distance of at least six arms' lengths (75 ft/22 m). Drivers should pull off the road completely and safely to view wildlife and avoid motor vehicle accidents and traffic jams. -NPS

The 27th annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from Saturday, June 17 through Saturday, June 24, 2017 on the 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 this country.

Repairs to the damaged water pipeline serving Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim were completed ahead of schedule this week, allowing lodging for those with prior reservations, campgrounds, and other services to open May 15 as normally scheduled.

Grand Canyon National Park invites the public to celebrate the 47th anniversary of Earth Day during National Park Week fee-free days on Saturday, April 22, 2017.

Grand Canyon’s Earth Day celebration will feature information on local and national environmental initiatives, games, a recycled art walk, recycled arts and crafts activities, and a litter clean-up. All Earth Day activities are free, open to the public and will take place at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center plaza near Mather Point between 10 am and 2 pm.

Grand Canyon National Park will join national park sites around the country in celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with free entrance to the park. Entrance fees will be waived for all visitors arriving to Grand Canyon National Park on Monday January 16, 2017.

As the National Park Service (NPS) prepares for a second century of service, Grand Canyon National Park celebrates the significant accomplishments of the NPS centennial celebration and looks ahead to its own park centennial in 2019.