Audio
Full Steam Ahead: Stop 9 Edge of Vastness
Transcript
Take a moment to enjoy the canyon views. At this point you’re away from the crowds in the village. Look down and you’ll see hikers on the Bright Angel Trail. Is this a peaceful spot in the canyon or is there too much activity around you? The National Park Centennial in 2016 and the Grand Canyon National Park Centennial in 2019 brought yet another spike in visitation. The parks are becoming more popular and available to people but at a cost. The view points are more crowded. Shuttle buses are required as there is not enough parking. Lodging and campsites are constantly impacted. If visitation continues this way how would you solve these problems? Where would people stay? Would you build more on the rim? Away from the rim? Or would you decide not to build at all? Would you develop more viewpoints to accommodate for more people? Would you establish a timed entry system or limit the number of visitors per day? Are the trails are too busy? Would you require permits to hike in the canyon?
Inevitably, visitation will continue to grow at National Parks. Individual parks must continue to adapt in order to accommodate for increasing numbers, whether that means adding more or cutting back. The mission of the Park Service is to preserve and protect natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration this and future generations. At what point will parks have to decide between the visitor and the resource?
Description
The National Park Centennial in 2016 and the Grand Canyon National Park Centennial in 2019 brought yet another spike in visitation. If visitation continues this way how would you solve these problems?
Credit
Grand Canyon National Park
Date Created
09/09/2021
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