Big win for the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon
March 5, 2016
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(Washington, DC) American Rivers applauded the U.S. Forest Service today for acting to protect the sensitive water resources of the Grand Canyon. The agency denied a request by the town of Tusayan for road and utility easements, essentially stopping a major development project that could have threatened the seeps, springs and groundwater that feed the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
American Rivers named the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon number one on its list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2015 due in part to this threat.
The proposed Tusayan project included a spa, dude ranch, hotels, and more than 2,200 homes – representing a 1,000 percent expansion of the current population.
The President of American Rivers, Bob Irvin, made the following statement:
“Today, the Forest Service acted to protect one of our nation’s foremost natural treasures. The decision helps safeguard the waters of the Colorado River and the springs and waterfalls that make the Grand Canyon such a special place. While threats to the Colorado River remain, this is an important victory for America’s Most Endangered River of 2015.”
“We will continue to work with local Native American tribes and partners including Grand Canyon Trust to preserve the Grand Canyon for generations to come.”
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 250,000 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.