Matt Snider hikes into a remote worksite in the inner canyon. (NPS Photo)
GRAND CANYON — Matthew Snider, Compost Crew Leader at Grand Canyon National Park, has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 National Park Service (NPS) Excellence in Natural Resource Stewardship through Maintenance award. This award recognizes an employee for outstanding contributions in natural resource management by a Facilities Management employee. This award is given to one individual, once a year.
In 2021, Snider led the Grand Canyon National Park Compost Crew in the evacuation of 22 tons of human compost from the more than 28 composting toilet facilities dispersed throughout the park. Under Snider’s supervision, the team of four hike more than seven miles per day in a variety of weather conditions, ranging from temperatures over 118 degrees to well below freezing. Donning full body suits and protective gear, they transfer human compost out of the park’s remote backcountry which are helicoptered to Flagsaff, AZ and utilized as fertilizer for a nursey. If these composting toilets were not maintained for visitor and employee use, the inner canyon would be irreversibly damaged by human waste.
“Matt is a true asset to the entire NPS Facilities Management and his role leading the Composting Crew is invaluable in preserving the wilderness character of Grand Canyon’s remote backcountry” said Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Ed Keable. “Having this network of composting facilities is important as it reduces pollution, minimizes the risk of disease transfer, and keeps the park clean and enjoyable for our visitors.”
Snider has served the NPS for 20 years as a trail crew worker, trails supervisor, and compost lead. The Cultural and Natural Resource Awards Programs recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals in understanding, protecting, and managing park resources. For more information on this and other awards, visit: Director’s Awards for Natural and Cultural Resources (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
— 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.