Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 5-9, 2022

Community level LOW–masking requirement indoors OPTIONAL

On Thursday, September 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the Coconino County Community Level and it remains LOW. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

The Department of the Interior sent another major update to the COVID guidance late last week which was shared a couple of weeks ago by the NPS Deputy Director of Operations. We are reviewing this information and hoping to apply all the changes soon.

WASO has also submitted new COVID guidance for concessionaires with building capacity and social distancing being discontinued. We are working with the park’s concessionaires on these changes. Stay tuned for more information soon.

New bivalent vaccines now available

On September 1, the CDC announced updated recommendations for Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters for people age 12 and up. The updated booster dose is a bivalent formula that both boosts immunity against the original coronavirus strain and also protects against the newer Omicron variants that account for most of the current cases.

The CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible stay up-to-date on vaccinations by getting an updated bivalent booster dose at least 2 months after their last COVID-19 shot—either since their last booster dose, or since completing their primary series. Pfizer’s updated booster shot is authorized for individuals 12 and older, and Moderna’s is authorized for adults 18 and older.

The COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine recently authorized by the CDC will be available beginning Thursday, September 8 in Coconino County and moving forward. More information is available at the county’s website here.

As a result of the recent FDA and CDC emergency use authorizations (EUAs) of Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine bivalent boosters, the monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are no longer available as booster doses for individuals 12 years of age and older, but the vaccines continue to be authorized for use as a primary vaccination series for eligible individuals.

For more information on the different types COVID vaccines, please visit CDC’s webpage here.

There were 4 new cases reported in the park this week. This week’s new cases bring the park total up to an estimated 372 cases, and 447 cases for the 86023 zip code, since the beginning of the pandemic.

Total COVID cases in Arizona for the week of August 25 to August 31 was 8,661, an increase of 156 cases from the previous week. For the seven-day rolling average, the state is averaging 1,237 cases per day.

The National Park Service Public Health Program has released a webpage with Monkeypox information for NPS staff and communities we work with. The information covers the basics, risk factors, prevention, and responses to exposure of confirmed or non-confirmed cases, and Public Health Office responses.

• NPS Article-One Health and Disease: Monkeypox
• Monkeypox sharepoint site (NPS employees only)

Follow the park’s social media from September 8-12 to see the collaborative effort between parks and programs across the service. This year’s campaign continues to celebrate the individuality of Grand Canyon by showcasing park style, chic rangers, and stunning spreads. After all, who fashions fashion better than us? (NPS File/L. Cisneros)

Pipeline repairs continue; water conservation measures remain in place for South and North rims

On Saturday, September 3, our Water Utilities Crew received reports of several major water pipeline issues throughout the inner canyon. As a result of a major break north of Phantom Ranch along the North Kaibab Trail, water conservation measures went into effect beginning on September 3 for both the North and South rims. Also on Saturday, a valve located at the Roaring Springs pumphouse broke, creating a large water leak which affected the SCADA software and electronic capabilities to pump water to the North Rim.

On Thursday, September 8, our crews attempted to recharge the pipeline, however, another break occurred North of Phantom Ranch in an area known as “the box.” As a result of the failures listed above, potable water availability is extremely limited in the inner canyon with water currently off at Supai Tunnel, Manzanita rest area, Cottonwood Campground, Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, and Three-Mile Resthouse. Operations at Phantom Ranch closed on Thursday, September 8 and will be closed on a 2-day rolling basis until water delivery is restored. For the most updated information on water availability in the inner canyon, visit the park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page here. For information on Phantom Ranch operations, please visit Xanterra’s website here.

As a reminder, water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms, and at the campgrounds.

This Week’s Cultural Demonstrators at Desert View

Join us this Friday, September 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to meet cultural demonstrators, Jerilynn Yazzie – Navajo Silversmith and Beader, and Kyle Yazzie – Navajo Painter.

Jerilynn Yazzie learned to make jewelry from her mother and grandmother, and her community while growing up and in school. She also credits her fellow jewelry makers, who have shared their knowledge. Jerilynn started with very minimal resources, but now her knowledge of her craft has expanded beyond her expectations. She specializes in working with shells, turquoise, unique gemstones, juniper berry seeds, and vintage coins.

Kyle Yazzie is an acrylic painter. His mother taught him the basics of painting when he was 10 years old, and she has been the greatest influence on his work. He draws inspiration from his culture, stories, the landscape, and other people’s art. He always has his eyes and ears open and is ready for new inspiration.

Grand Canyon Celebration of Art starts Saturday

For the past 13 years, September hosts the Grand Canyon Celebration of Art where 25 renowned artists are invited to paint “en plein air” (outside on location) for a week on the South Rim of the park. This year, the artists will be at work Saturday, September 9, through Friday, September 16.

They are tasked with capturing ever-changing colors and light as the sun moves across the intricate layers of the canyon. Interested visitors and park residents can watch and learn from them. Most artists prefer to paint mornings and evenings when the canyon is most vibrant.

Paintings produced during this special event are shared with the public during a four-month sale and exhibition online, and at Historic Kolb Studio. The proceeds go towards a fund to establish a dedicated art exhibit venue on the South Rim.

Tusayan Shuttle ends for season beginning September 10

The last day of service for the Tusayan (Purple) Route Shuttle will be Friday, September 9. The Fall shuttle bus schedule will be available on the park website and the NPS Mobile App beginning on Saturday, September 10.

Bison operation underway on North Rim

This week our Bison Live Capture Incident Management Team mobilized to process and transfer bison from the North Rim to tribes throughout the Great Plains states. Since live capture efforts began in 2018, 124 bison have successfully been transferred to the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC) and six different ITBC member tribes.

In January 2022, NPS wildlife biologists and the U.S. Geological Survey-Fort Collins Science Center completed a population estimate of the Kaibab Plateau herd at 216 animals. The park’s goal has been to reduce the herd to under 200 animals, and we are optimistic we might accomplish this goal in the near future.

When the herd is reduced to fewer than 200 animals, we are committed to continuing to work collaboratively with co-operators and tribal partners regarding the long-term management of the bison herd on the Kaibab Plateau.

NPS EMS/Safety Audit – September 12-16

Next week, a team of auditors will be in the park to review the NPS’s Environmental Management System and Safety Program. These audits are conducted at the request of our regional office through a third-party contractor every 3 to 5 years.

The audits help to insure a safe environment for park staff and visitors alike, and will help us gain insight into what the park is doing well (related to environmental management and safety) and where we can improve. We would like to thank Kim Park, the Park’s Environmental Management System Coordinator, Christina Ryan-Miller our new Safety Manager, and all staff helping to support this effort!

Arizona State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) site visit

The SHPO and key staff were in the park this week, meeting with park management and park staff from various park programs including PEP, FMD, SRM, and Commercial Services. Park managers consult with the SHPO on projects and programs to fulfill our legal requirements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The intent of consultation is to preserve and protect historic properties and minimize any adverse impacts that could result from our actions.

Additionally, we work with SHPO to evaluate properties in the park to determine what may be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. This includes individual buildings, historic districts, trails, roads, archaeological sites, and other types of properties. We would like to thank Catherine Lentz, the Park’s Section 106 Coordinator, for her efforts to cultivate the strong working relationship we have with the SHPO and staff.

For more information, visit: The official page of Arizona’s State Historic Preservation Office website here.

Clinic transitions to winter hours this week

Beginning Tuesday, September 6, the Grand Canyon Clinic will be transitioning to its winter hours. The new hours are, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic will now be closed on weekends and holidays.

For more information, please visit North Country Healthcare’s website here.

Grand Canyon Music Festival continues this weekend

This Friday, September 8, and Saturday, September 9, the Grammy Award Winning Catalyst String Quartet will perform at Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Doors open at 7 p.m. and concerts start at 7:30 p.m. Friday’s concert is a celebration of the quartet’s 10th anniversary and includes works by the father of the string quartet, Franz Joseph Haydn, as well as newly commissioned works by contemporary, and often experimental composers. Saturday’s concert entitled “Uncovered Plus”, presents an assortment of lesser known, yet intriguing works by composers, classical, and contemporary.

Since 2001, Grand Canyon Musical Festival has extended its outreach to work with talented music students from the Navajo, Hopi and Salt River Pima communities. The Native American Composter Apprentice Project develops musical literacy and enhances critical thinking and decision-making skills through the study of music composition.

On Sunday, September 11, at 5 p.m., at Shrine of the Ages Auditorium, Catalyst String Quartet will present a concert of this year’s apprentice composers’ works. This world premiere event is free and open to the public.

Xanterra

• Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Canyon Coffee House at the Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Burger, breakfast 8:00-10:30 a.m., lunch 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., dinner 4-9 p.m.
• The Arizona Steakhouse, Tuesday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Kennel-daily from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• The Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge
• Breakfast, 6:30-10:00 a.m.
• Lunch, 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Dinner, 4:30-9:30 p.m.
• Lounge, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
• Patio (limited menu), 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Food Truck, located in front of the El Tovar/Hopi House Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (weather permitting)
• Maswik Pizza Pub, located inside Maswik Lodge, is now open Friday through Tuesday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The pizza pub is closed weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Delaware North

• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli-7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Camper Services: Laundry and shower hours, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. due to limited water availability (will resume normal hours when conservation measures have been lifted).
• The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7 a.m.-10:45 a.m., dinner, 5 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Beginning Tuesday, September 6, the Grand Canyon Clinic will be transitioning to its winter hours. New hours are, Monday through Friday from 8a.m. to 5 p.m.  Grand Canyon Clinic is closed on weekends and holidays.
• Bright Angel Bikes
• Rental: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Cafe-8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): Daily from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., operations held outside of the GCVC building
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Visitor Center Plaza, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, Yavapai Geology Museum, Verkamps, and Kolb Studio 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.,
• Kennel Operations: Overnight boarding is only available from Friday through Sunday nights. Pick-ups and day boarding are available on Mondays. Contact Xanterra Switchboard or Xanterra Fire and Security for afterhours pick-ups.
• Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
• The Desert View Deli, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The Desert View Service Station Retail Store, daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Information Table (staffed by NPS), 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (as staffing levels allow).

North Rim*

• North Rim Lodge Dining Room, Breakfast: 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner: 4:30-9:45 p.m.
• In addition to regular breakfast service in the dining room, the Grand Canyon Lodge at North Rim is offering a breakfast buffet daily from 6:30-8:00 a.m.
• Deli in the Pines, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Roughrider Saloon, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Coffee Saloon, 5:30-10:30 a.m.
• North Rim General Store: 7 a.m.-8 p.m., planning on closing October 15, 2022 for the winter season
• North Rim Service Station, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• GCC Bookstore/Visitor Center, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Roaring Springs Kiosk information, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

*All North Rim concessions services will be closing for the season on October 15, 2022

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

• View from the Bright Angel Point Trail (NPS Photo/L. Derr)
• Water utilities crew works to fix a broken section of pipeline in late August along the North Kaibab Trail (NPS Photo)
• Jerilynn Yazzie and her jewelry along with Kyle Yazzie (NPS Photo and photo courtesy of Kyle Yazzie)
• Celebration of Art artist Peggy Immel painting at Desert View Watchtower (Photo courtesy of GCC)
• Bison during the 2021 live capture operation (NPS Photo/L. Cisneros)
• SHPO along with NPS staff members during a site visit to Desert View on September 8 (NPS Photo)
• Catalyst String Quartet (Photo courtesy of GCMP)