Preservation Magazine, Summer 2016

Transitions: Threatened—Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon South Rim

photo by: NPS/M. Quinn

The U.S. Forest Service blocked a development proposal near the Grand Canyon in March.

In each Transitions section of Preservation magazine, we highlight places of local and national importance that have recently been restored, are currently threatened, have been saved from demolition or neglect, or have been lost. Here's one from Summer 2016.

In March, the U.S. Forest Service effectively blocked a proposal that would have placed an outsized development project near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The town leadership of Tusayan, Arizona, in partnership with Italian company Stilo Development Group, submitted an application for authorization to construct and improve roads and install utilities on National Forest System land, with the end goal of significant residential and commercial development in Tusayan, 1.5 miles from the South Rim.

Local Forest Service supervisor Heather Provencio cited largely unfavorable comments from federal, state, tribal, and local government agencies and the public in stating that the plan was “not in the public interest.” However, the Forest Service will still consider future proposals that address the agency’s concerns and criteria regarding impact on cultural resources, water quality, and other issues. The National Trust participated in reviews of the development proposal, named the Grand Canyon as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2015, and added it to its portfolio of National Treasures earlier this year.

Katherine Flynn is a former assistant editor at Preservation magazine. She enjoys coffee, record stores, and uncovering the stories behind historic places.

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