Management

Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance, and is adjusting operations as needed.

Visit this web page for a list of what is open, and for park-wide updates >

 

Information On This Page Navigation

 

Notice: Special Use Permit applications are still being accepted but will not be processed or approved until the Park re-opens because the permit fee payment is requested after the acceptance of the application. The fee is on a cost recovery basis and is non-refundable (per 16 U.S.C. 3a - Recovery of costs associated with special use permits). These fees include costs associated with permit processing and program administration.

Please note that park guidelines continue to change due to the effects of COVID-19 in and around Grand Canyon. The Park Superintendent is currently limiting group sizes within the park to ten or fewer people until further notice. Also, Coconino County has issued a proclamation requiring face coverings or masks be worn whenever social distancing is not possible. (Specific details of the proclamation, effective June 20, 2020: https://www.coconino.az.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=22000.)

Special Use Permit applications are still being accepted for future events. However, permits will be denied if event details do not adhere to current park and local policies. Please note that the application fee for special use permits is charged to recover costs of the permit approval process and is non-refundable (per 54 U.S.C. 103104, OMB Circular A-25, and NPS Reference Manual 53 Chapter 10). These fees include costs associated with permit processing and program administration.

It is the expectation of the National Park Service that you will follow all state and local laws and proclamations while visiting the park. For up to date information on the Park's COVID-19 response, please check out the website below: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-national-park-public-health-update.htm

 

• Special Use Permits (SUP)

• Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA)

  There are no changes to the Grand Canyon CUA program at this time. The Road Based CUA has been a requirement since January 1, 2018 at GRCA and will continue to be required. Commercial Entrance Fees will continue to be based on the vehicle-seating capacity until such changes take place.
  
  Please continue to check Grand Canyon National Park's Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) webpage for all updates..

• Filming Permits

• Research Permits

• News Releases

• Statistics

• Publications

 

Transportation and Tour Operator forms are here

Read about current Firearm Laws (2010)

 

Documents Open for Public Review

There are currently no projects with documents open for public review for Grand Canyon National Park.

Other Plans and Projects

An archive of completed projects as well as projects without documents open for comment may be found on the PEPC website.

 

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General Management Plan

The plan was completed in 1995 and replaces the 1977 management plan. The plan is the culmination of a four year process that has involved local citizens, American Indian tribes, and public and private agencies.

The 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. A secondary purpose is to encourage compatible activities on adjacent lands so as to minimize adverse effects on the park.

The environmental impacts of implementing the management plan were analysed in a Draft General Management Plan and Environmental Impacts Assessment. The direction for future park management is based on the laws establishing the park and the National Park Service, the purpose of the park and its significant resources.

In 2017, the park revised their Foundation Document [4.69 mb PDF] This overview of the document provides a preview of our shared understanding of the park's purpose, significance, and resources and values. Additionally, it serves as a foundation for future planning and management.

For more information about the Grand Canyon National Park Foundation Document, contact: e-mail us or [phone] or write to: Superintendent, Grand Canyon National Park, PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

 

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Administrative History of Grand Canyon National Park

Although first afforded Federal protection in 1893 as a Forest Reserve and later as a National Monument, Grand Canyon did not achieve National Park status until 1919, three years after the creation of the National Park Service. Today Grand Canyon National Park receives close to five million visitors each year - a far cry from the annual visitation of 44,173 which the park received in 1919.

To learn more, see an Administrative History of Grand Canyon National Park
Copyright © 2000 by Grand Canyon Association. All rights reserved. Monograph Number 11 - Polishing the jewel : An Adminstrative History of Grand Canyon National Park by Michael F. Anderson. Published by Grand Canyon Conservancy.

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Authorization Summary:

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).

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.