Bryce Canyon National Park and Southern Utah University (SUU) solidified an agreement between the two entities at a ceremony on the rim of Bryce Canyon National Park. On Wednesday, July 26 relay team members representing Bryce Canyon National Park and Southern Utah University started at Sunset and Sunrise Points and met at the halfway point, each team passing the agreement to the SUU Board of Trustees. Coincidentally, it was the same location that the Olympic Torch was passed in 2002. The agreement will formalize and expand the partnership between the park and SUU that has been in effect for over 20 years. The park has hired many SUU students and alumni. In addition, a number of SUU professors have presented programs to the public and training to park staff for many years. Park staff have presented as speakers in classrooms at SUU. The park will be an experiential classroom for professors and students to explore natural and cultural sciences as well as social sciences. It will also provide an exposure to the mission of the National Park Service; to conserve the scenery, natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment of future generations for those who are involved in the partnership. The Bryce Canyon Natural History Association has been a catalyst in formalizing this agreement along with the High Plateaus Institute. This is an institute where scientists, educators and agency managers, and members of the public can participate in scientific activities and translate those activities into practical information that advances knowledge of this region’s natural and cultural resources. It was exciting to see the educators, students and park staff intermingled on the rim of Bryce Canyon National Park overlooking the amazing landscape of Bryce. |
Last updated: February 24, 2015