Management

 

As employees of the National Park Service (NPS) we are tasked with both protecting the land and sharing it with the public. It is a big job that takes a lot of people. Within each national park various offices manage budget and finance, concession operations, visitor protection, interpretation and education, facilities and infrastructure, and the protection and preservation of cultural and natural resources. The Grand Canyon National Park management team consists of a group of administrative and division leaders led by Superintendent Ed Keable.

 

An Interpretation Ranger gives a Sunset Talk at the newly constructed Desert View Amphitheater on Aug. 2, 2022.

NPS Photo.

We enjoy sharing the park with you, so seek us out by stepping inside a visitor center, attending a ranger program, or following our social media channels.

For a better understanding of how the National Park Service manages Grand Canyon, read our Foundation Document, explore our staff and offices, or join our team.

 

NPS Mission

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The NPS cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout the country and the world.

 

Park’s Purpose

As a place of national and global importance, Grand Canyon National Park preserves and protects the natural and cultural resources and ecological and physical processes of the Grand Canyon along with its scenic, aesthetic, and scientific values for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.

 

Laws & Policies

Balancing the contradictory missions of preservation and visitor use can be challenging. Park managers work with local communities, state and federal agencies, the public, and numerous other partners to ensure that visitors can experience Grand Canyon National Park's incredibly diverse and dynamic ecosystems while keeping the promise of preservation for future generations.Some of the main laws, policies, and management plans that guides decision making in the park are listed below. Additional management plans that guide the management of Grand Canyon are available in the park’s Portfolio of Management Plans.

 

The colors of a sunset are visible against the Grand Canyon, as a search and rescue litter team takes a break during a carry out on the Bright Angel Trail.

NPS Photo.

Superintendent’s Compendium of Regulations
Regulations applying specifically to Grand Canyon National Park.

Code of Federal Regulations
Title 36 Regulations covering all National Park Service units.

General Management Plan
Guides the management of resources, visitor use, and general development at the park. The primary purpose of the plan is to provide a foundation from which to protect park resources while providing for meaningful visitor experiences.

Foundation Document
The document describes the park's basic purpose, significance, resources, and values. It serves as the foundation for future planning and management. Foundation Document Overview (1.1 MB) - Foundation Document (9.02 MB)

 

---

Grand Canyon Designation History:

1882 First unsuccessful attempt to establish a Grand Canyon National Park.

1893 Designated a "forest reserve" by President Benjamin Harrison (Presidential Proclamation #45)

1908 Established as Grand Canyon National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt (Presidential Proclamation #794)

1919 Designation of Grand Canyon National Park by an act of Congress on February 26 (40 Stat 1175).

1965 Designation of the Kaibab Plateau, including the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, as the Kaibab Squirrel National Natural Landmark by Interior Secretary Stewart L. Udall

1975 Grand Canyon National Park Enlargement Act an act of Congress on January 3 (88 Stat 2089) (Public Law 93-620)

1979 Designation as a World Heritage Site on October 26

2013 Designated as a Globally Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International

2019 Designated an International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) by the International Dark-Sky Association in June after being awarded Provisional IDSP status in 2016

Learn more about Grand Canyon National Park's Administrative History.