Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 7-11, 2022

COVID News

Masking requirements lifted while community level remains in low or medium

Masks still required on public transportation

As of Thursday, March 3, masks are no longer required in either indoor or outdoor locations, both for the public and federal employees while the local community level remains in either low or medium. Visitors and employees are always welcome to wear a mask if it makes them more comfortable.

Please note that this standard is flexible depending on conditions in Coconino County. It is possible that we may return to a mask requirement under this guidance if COVID conditions in Coconino County returns to a high condition. We all need to be prepared to be flexible under this new system.

Masks are still required on all public transportation, including park shuttle buses. This guidance is driven by the Department of Transportation, and we will keep you informed when and if requirements change. Masks also continue to be required at the Grand Canyon Clinic facility.

Building occupancy levels, physical distancing, vaccination status, and other COVID precautions have not been addressed in the guidance to date. Guidance is evolving and we will pass on any changes in these areas as we learn more.

Updates on local community levels for Coconino County will be posted and updated on the main www.nps.gov/grca webpage under the ‘Alerts’ section. This information will be updated weekly on Thursdays by the CDC, and we know we need to remain flexible and be ready to shift back into a mask mandate posture with little notice if local conditions warrant.

Additional COVID tests now available through USPS

Starting this week, U.S. households will be able to place a total of 2 separate orders for free, at-home COVID-19 rapid tests (4 tests per order) through the U.S. Postal Service.

More information, including steps to place an order, are available by visiting https://www.covidtests.gov/.

Grand Canyon Clinic Update

TESTING

COVID-19 testing at the Clinic is offered through curbside appointments Mondays and Fridays from 2-3 pm and Wednesdays from 11 am to 12 pm. Patients will need to be seen by a provider for these appointments. Patients are encouraged to call ahead and get on the curbside appointment list, whenever possible. Patients can also walk in and see a provider at any other time to be evaluated for COVID.

COVID-19 VACCINES

As of this week, the clinic may not continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines beyond the month of March unless there is a method to order lower quantities. The current minimum order for the clinic is 150 doses and the current demand is less than 10 doses for the community per month. We will share more information on changes as they become available.

BUILDING RENOVATIONS

The Clinic building is still under construction renovations which has limited the number of rooms and patient capacity. Local residents are encouraged to call ahead to determine current wait times for non-urgent care needs. The renovations are expected to be completed by April 6, 2022.

Arizona and Grand Canyon Community Statistics

Arizona Department of Health Services is transitioning COVID-19 data reportingfrom daily to weekly. The first reporting week began on March 2. The new weekly data will be updated every Wednesday.

The first weekly totals for the week of February 24 to March 2, is a total of 9,647 for the week, which is an average of 1,378 cases per day for the seven-day rolling average for the week.

Coconino County reports the Grand Canyon community is 73% fully vaccinated as of March 4.

Public Health Contacts

Ronan King, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Public Health Service

Mobile: (202) 891-8599, Email: ronan_king@nps.gov

For all email correspondence, please also cc: Chris Glime, Captain, U.S. Public Health Service

Mobile: (202) 641-3518, Email: christen_glime@nps.gov

Successful prescribed fire treatment of Paria Beach this week

On Tuesday, March 8 Fire and Science and Resource Management staff from Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the U.S. Forest Service – Kaibab National Forestsuccessfully treated 5 acres of riparian vegetation and tamarisk with prescribed fire along the banks of the Colorado River at Lees Ferry.

Staff reported that the prescribed burn went as planned and managers are very happy with the results. The objective of the prescribed burn was to remove 90% of the dead tamarisk to assist future restoration efforts. The thicker underbrush was also removed making it easier for future chainsaw crews to access the site.

Grand Canyon Wildlands Council was awarded grant funding through the Arizona Water Protection Fund for the Paria Beach Riparian Restoration project. The project will restore native riparian ecosystem function and natural riverside habitats, enhance visitor experiences, allow for archaeological site erosion protection, and engage underserved and underrepresented youth in ecological restoration efforts.

Many thanks to all staff from four different parks and the Kaibab National Forest in accomplishing this first step in our efforts to restore the area with native vegetation!

March is Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month and a time for us to honor and celebrate the many women who have helped to shape our nation and the National Park Service. The national theme for Women’s History Month in 2022 explores the role of women of all cultures in providing both healing and hope throughout history.

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we would like to highlight the great feat of accomplishing goals and dreams, specifically one woman’s journey of doing it by herself.

On March 27, 2021, Jen Hogan, a Park Ranger at Grand Canyon, accomplished her dream and was the first non-native woman to solo on a “continuous below-the-rim” hike through the entire length of Grand Canyon National Park. She started at the easternmost boundary of Lees Ferry, and hiked about 1,000 miles in just 77 days, finishing at the westernmost boundary, Pearce Ferry. More people have landed on the moon than have completed a through hike of the Grand Canyon!

There is no trail that spans the entire length of this rugged landscape, which makes for an incredibly challenging journey. Jen states, “You don’t conquer The Canyon. If you’re lucky enough, and graceful enough you can navigate it.”

Thank you to Jen for her work in protecting the Grand Canyon and being a continuous inspiration to women and Grand Canyon explorers alike!

Spring E-Bike Rentals on the South Rim—what to know

Local residents might see a few more e-bikes on the Greenway this spring—Bright Angel Bikes has a new fleet of 40 Electra Townie Go 7D, e-bike rentals available beginning this Saturday, March 12. These are Class 1 e-bikes which means they only provide assistance to the rider while pedaling and travel only up to 20 mph (similar to speeds on a normal bicycle but with less effort).

According to Bright Angel Bikes owner, Wes Neal, “Riders on Class 1 e-bikes are reaching the same top speeds as traditional bikes but can maintain a higher average speed over the course of their ride. We felt this was the best fit for the Greenway Trail system where you have a mix of pedestrians, traditional cyclists, wheelchairs, etc. On the Hermit Road in particular the higher average speed of the e-bikes reduces the number of shuttle bus/ bike interactions as riders are able to stay out in front of the shuttles between stops.”

Visitors can go online to rent their bike for either a full or half day on the Bright Angel Bikes website. There is a limited number of bikes available and reservations ahead of time will be important for visitors as this type of bike and experience continues to grow in demand.

E-bikes are also available for rental in Tusayan at GC Bikes, located within the Grand Canyon Airport Terminal. More information and availability can be found by visiting the GC Bikes website here.

GCC Spring Artist in Residence announces drawing workshops for the public

Daniele Genadry, the Spring Artist in Residence through the Grand Canyon Conservancy, is an artist whose practice focuses on the relationship between painting and photography. She has been examining the potential of an image to, “generate its own temporality and sensitize our perceptions.”

A graduate of Dartmouth College and the Slade School of Art in London, Genadry currently works in the U.S. and Lebanon and teaches at the American University of Beirut. Daniele states, “The question of scale, as well as how mediated imagery—photographs, virtual tours, and videos—can enhance or affect the experience of the place, are things I plan to examine in relation to painting while in residency at the canyon.”

Join Daniele Genadry for a Drawing Workshop at Bright Angel Trailhead. Participate in various drawing exercises and activities, such as blind contour, memory, and other mapping approaches. This event is free and open to the public. *Supplies will be provided. Details on these events found below:

GCC Announces 2022 Celebration of Art

Grand Canyon Conservancy has announced that the 14th annual event will take place in the park and online, September 10, 2022, through January 16, 2023.

The Celebration of Art at Grand Canyon is a wonderful tradition, providing a vibrant experience for visitors, a venue for artists inspired by the canyon, and a successful fundraiser to benefit the creation of a future art venue at the South Rim. Art plays a critical role in the appreciation of our national parks, and this event helps to keep the artistic tradition part of the Grand Canyon experience. A full announcement on this event can be viewed here.

NPS Safety Office reminder—taking breaks

It is important to take small breaks throughout your workday – whether you are painfully desk-bound or experiencing the ever-changing elements while working outdoors.

Have a timer (set one on your phone, buy a fun sand timer next time you are at the store, etc) that you can set for an hour. Each time it goes off (or the sand has emptied out of the top), stop what you are doing and change it for five minutes. If you are sitting at your desk – stand up and stretch, walk around your area, or dance. If you are digging a trench, put down your tools, have some water, and take a silly photo with your co-workers.

These small breaks will help you maintain focus, and keep you energized throughout your day.

Please contact acting NPS Safety Manager, christina_ryan-miller@nps.gov for more information.

Support Grand Canyon’s travel basketball team this Saturday, March 12!

Navajo Tacos meals will be for sale in Tusayan at the Ice Rink near McDonalds. Each plate, including a dessert and drink will be offered for $10 and deliveries may be made for orders of three or more plates. Please call or text 928-699-7292 or 928-699-9410 ahead of time.

Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Kaibab Learning Center kicks off t-shirt fundraiser

The Kaibab Learning Center (KLC). is launching a t-shirt fundraiser to raise funds for the daycare center. KLC is a non-profit organization with a goal of providing educational based daycare programs for children (infants through school-age) that are developmentally appropriate in a safe and nurturing environment.

Child and adult merchandise is available in multiple colors and styles by following this site. Questions on this fundraiser can be directed to KLC Director, Denise Vazquez at klccanyonkids@gmail.com.

NPS job opportunity for local residents!

Are you a local within a 90-mile commuting distance of Grand Canyon? Our NPS Commercial Services Division at Grand Canyon National Park is currently seeking applicants for a Concessions Management Assistant from now through March 16 or when 50 applications are received.

Under the local hire program, only persons who have either lived or worked in or near Grand Canyon for the past two years may apply for consideration (excluding Flagstaff). These individuals, by virtue of having lived or worked in the area, have special knowledge and expertise concerning the natural and/or cultural resources of the public land and its management. Local hire eligibility will be determined by the hiring official via the job interview and the resume submitted by the applicant.

For more information, check out the job announcement here (as of today, the announcement is still open)!

Town of Tusayan Library Services begin March 11

The Town of Tusayan is excited to announce beginning on March 11, the Town will begin hosting library services at the Townhall Building. Regular scheduled hours will be on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every Friday there will be Storytime at 11am.

More information on these services can be found in this flyer.

Blood Drive at Grand Canyon Rec Center-March 18

The Grand Canyon Rec Center will once again be hosting a community Blood Drive, sponsored by Vitalant. The event will occur on Friday, March 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Effective March 14, 2022, masking will become optional for donors, visitors and fully vaccinated staff as allowable by local regulations. Vitalant will continue to support those who need to or prefer to wear a mask by providing complimentary masks at all Vitalant locations. Contact 1-877-25-VITAL (258-4825) (Blood Drive Code: grandcyn) or follow this link to register: Grand Canyon Community Blood Drive. Spots are limited, so sign up soon!

A full flyer for this event can be found here.

North Country Healthcare’s ‘Lunch and Learn’ slated for March 23 at Rec Center

On Wednesday, March 23, North Country Healthcare will be hosting a ‘Lunch and Learn’ at the Grand Canyon Rec Center from 12-1 p.m.

This event will feature speakers on the topics of stress, drugs, and alcohol. All community members are welcome to attended and are invited to learn about these topics as well as interact with speakers and attend programs. North Country Healthcare will also have a provider attending this event and patients are able to meet and greet as well. More information on this event is available in this flyer.

Please note, new operational changes are highlighted in red.

South Rim

Xanterra

Delaware North

Other

Desert View

The following park closures remain in place:

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance)

Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.