Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 1-5, 2022

Community level transitions to MEDIUM–masking requirement indoors OPTIONAL

On Thursday, August 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the Coconino County Community Level to MEDIUM.

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.  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 conditions in Coconino County returns to a HIGH community level. We all need to be prepared to be flexible under this new system.

Visitors and employees are always welcome to wear a mask if it makes them more comfortable.

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

We will keep employees, our stakeholders, and the public informed of any new developments as soon as they become available. For those wishing to post this signage outside of buildings and in workspaces, please see the attached signage.

There were at least 15 new cases reported in the park this past week. This week’s new cases bring the park total up to an estimated 344 cases, and 443cases for the 86023 zip code, since the beginning of the pandemic.

Total COVID cases in Arizona for the week of July 21 to 28 was 17,249. For the seven-day rolling average, the state is averaging 2,513 cases per day.

Some of you have noticed and commented on the fact that the Community Level statistics used by GRCA is not always the same as statistics the Coconino County reports. We want to take a moment to explain why that sometimes happens.

• The data used to determine the County’s Community Level lags a week behind the CDC data and does not include non-resident cases (i.e. visitors, short-term employees, etc.).  Not including non-residents may skew the data, resulting in a lower community level of transmission.
• The CDC provides timely, inclusive information that encompasses all affected persons, regardless of their official residency. If you test positive and you are in the county, you are counted no matter where your home is located. Whereas the weekly numbers reported in the county data only includes county residents.
• Grand Canyon National Park is required to follow CDC community levels and guidance rather than local county data.

The Coconino County Health and Human Services most recent report shows the county at the Medium level of community transmission. This is the information most of us hear on the news, read in the newspaper, or see on the county website. When the CDC also matches the County level, you will see GRCA respond accordingly.

GRCA receives more than 4.5 million visitors annually. Our visitors are often here for longer than a day. Whether they are here longer than a day or not, our visitors interact with those of us who live and work here in ways that can allow for transmission of the virus. Therefore, it makes sense for us (and other parks) to include non-residents in our statistics.

We hope this clarification is helpful in understanding why our determination of community levels may be different than those reported by Coconino County.

Water Conservation Measures Instituted

Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement mandatory water conservation measures due to diminished water resources on the South Rim. Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible.

All visitors and residents must implement water conservation measures immediately in homes, hotel rooms, and at the campgrounds.

Mandatory water conservation includes:

• No watering lawns/plants

• No washing cars, boats, bikes or any outside vehicle

• Run dishwashers or washing machines with only full loads (in eco mode if available)

• Utilize dry precleaning methods to scrap off food items before thoroughly washing dishes.

• Fill the sink with water while washing dishes to avoid running water

• Take shorter or less frequent showers

• Turn off the water while you shave or brush your teeth

• Use low water cleaning techniques and reduce toilet flushing to the minimum necessary

• Camper services shall implement limited hours for showers and laundry services

• Employee and concessionaire laundromats will implement limited hours

• Report drips, leaks, or other water loss to appropriate offices

• Remove outside hoses from spigots when not in use

For the most up-to-date information on water availability in the inner canyon, please visit the park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.

Dragon Fire transitions to monitoring mode

On Saturday, July 30, the management of the Dragon Fire officially transferred back to a local Type 4 team. The Dragon Fire is still holding at approximately 1,362 acres and is still burning within heavy dead and downed fuels. We have a wildland fire module assigned to the incident as well as our Grand Canyon Fire Effects crew that has been routinely monitoring the fire and its impacts.

Due to recent monsoon activity, the spread of the fire has been minimized. However, we are aware that as the weather and fuels gradually dry out, fire activity may increase. The Widforss trail as well as the Widforss use area has reopened to the public as of Tuesday, August 2. All other closures for the Dragon Fire remain in effect.

Again, we would like to extend a huge ‘thank you’ to the North Rim staff as well as members of the North Zone interagency fire team who stepped up to help with the successful management of this fire since, July 18, when the fire started.

The 27th Annual North Rim, Native American Heritage Days will take place on the grounds of Grand Canyon Lodge, this Friday, August 5, through Sunday, August 7.

Heritage Days provide visitors and staff with the opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, Arizona Strip, and the Grand Canyon region. Starting around 9:30 a.m. each day, special programs will be presented by tribal members on a variety of subjects, including, astronomy, cultural connections, and Native American music and dance performances. A variety of cultural artisan demonstrations will also be taking place, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

Some of this year’s demonstrators will include:

• Richard Graymountain from Southern Paiute – Basket Weaving
• Jessica Lomatewama – Hopi – Katsina Carving and Basket Weaving
• Henry Nez Dine (Navajo) – Silversmith Jewelry making
• Duane Maktima – Hopi/Laguna Pueblo – Silver Jewelry/metalsmithing
• Leann & Tavavee Shearer “Kaivavich” Kaibab Paiute – traditional clothing creation
• Lyle Harvey Dine Navajo – Loom Construction/Weaving

A full flyer of all the Heritage Days Demonstrators is available here.

Heritage Days began in 1993 as “Paiute Days” which celebrated the Paiute, the tribe most associated with Grand Canyon’s North Rim. In 1997, the event was expanded to include all 11 of Grand Canyon’s Associated Tribes with cultural ties to the canyon.

The schedule for each day is available on the Park’s website and mobile app, by clicking on the “calendar” button. A full flyer on the event is also available here.

Local Firewise Cleanup: August 6-7

The next Firewise Residential Cleanup Weekend will be held August 6 & 7. We need your help in preventing wildfires!

Here’s how you can make a difference

• Clear debris from around your residence, up to 30 ft.
• Rake up pine needles
• Remove all dead, woody materials
• Move firewood away from contact with structures (more than 10 ft is recommended)

Trash bags are available. If needed, contact Paul Carter at 928-699-4102

If you need loaner tools, call Fire and Aviation—Nate Martone at 928-379-0817 or Kacie Dodds at 707-359-8744, or Housing/Maintenance—Ed Hazlett at 928-864-8827.

Park staff will be moving and hauling debris to the dry dump area at the landfill on the W-2 Road. Please pile all pine needles and woody debris in a vehicle accessible area for the crew to pick up for disposal.

More information, including a complete flyer is available here.

This week, Jeremiah Boyd was selected as the new Park Aviation Officer and Paul Ryan as the new Assistant Fire Management Officer. Both will be duty stationed at the South Rim. Jeremiah has already assumed the duties of his new role and Paul will arrive to the South Rim in September.

Hand and Power Tools – NPS External Audit Prep

1. Ensure power cords and strain relief are in good condition – if not, replace the tool or repair according to manufacturer specifications – do not use electrical tape to cover up these problems.
2. Properly dress striking tools to prevent metal from breaking off and hitting employees.
3. Ensure all guards are in place and in good working order.
4. Compressed air hoses should be equipped with nozzles that limit pressure to below 30 psi.
5. Properly secure all stationary power tools, such as drill presses, grinders, power saws, etc.
6. Do not overextend power tools that are plugged into the wall – this damages cords and damage outlets.

For more information, please contact christina_ryan-miller@nps.gov.

South Rim District Report Available

See what South Rim Patrol has been up to the past few weeks by reading the latest South Rim District Report below:

South Rim District Report for period ending 7-30-2022

North Country Health and Wellness event–August 11

On Thursday, August 11, North Country Healthcare will be offering a Health and Wellness Event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free baseline blood tests, free health screenings, mammograms, and information on low-cost and free wellness programs are included.

More information, including a flyer is available here.

KLC T-Shirt Fundraiser

The Kaibab Learning Center, a non-profit daycare center here in Grand Canyon, is offering a t-shirt and sweatshirt fundraiser to benefit the center.

More information, including a full flyer is available here.

August Calendar now available for the Grand Canyon Rec Center

See all the fun events happening this month at the Rec! A full flyer of the vents are attached here.

Xanterra

• Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Bright Angel Coffee Shop, 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 has newly expanded hours and will now be open from 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)

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. – 9 p.m.
• The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7 a.m.-10:45 a.m., dinner, 5 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• 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: now with expanded hours to include Saturdays. The new hours for the Community Library are 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.-5 p.m. daily
• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
• The Desert View Deli, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Desert View Service Station Retail Store, adjacent to the gas station re-opened this past Monday, August 1. The store will be open 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 now 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.
• North Rim Service Station, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• GCC Bookstore/Visitor Center, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Roaring Springs Kiosk information, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The following closures are in place:

• Maswik South Lodging
• Maswik Pizza Pub

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

• Sunset from Shoshone (Photo courtesy of Sarah Acomb)
• Dragon Fire monitoring (NPS/Fire Effects)
• North Rim Heritage Days, taking place this weekend, begins with performances by Dineh Tah’ Navajo Dancers, this evening and tomorrow morning. Photo by Ryan Williams, Museum of Northern Arizona
• Photos of Jeremiah Boyd and Paul Ryan (provided by Jeremiah Boyd and Paul Ryan)