Win for the Grand Canyon: American Rivers Applauds Navajo Nation Council Vote
November 1, 2017
Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145, akober@americanrivers.org
Washington, DC – American Rivers today applauded a significant step toward protecting the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon from harmful development. On Tuesday, the Navajo Nation Council voted 16-2 to reject construction of the Escalade tramway and resort in the heart of the canyon.
American Rivers named the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon America’s Most Endangered River® of 2015 because of a battery of threats encroaching on the Grand Canyon, one of our nation’s most iconic national parks and an irreplaceable national treasure. The proposed Grand Canyon Escalade project would create a massive development and tramway with noise, trash, and pollution scarring the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers.
Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers, made the following statement:
“This is a major win for everyone who loves the Grand Canyon. We applaud the Navajo Nation Council’s vote and are grateful to the Save the Confluence families and everyone who has spoken out against this terrible proposal over the past three years.”
“The Grand Canyon should be protected for all of us, for all time. While today is a moment for celebration, we must remain vigilant. American Rivers will continue to defend the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River to ensure a positive legacy for future generations.”
ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS
American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers and conserves clean water for people and nature. Since 1973, American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects and an annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® campaign. Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 275,000 members, supporters and volunteers.
Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.