Grand Canyon
Arizona lawmakers introduced legislation outlining details of the new Grand Canyon National Monument
Contributed Article
WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema and Congressman Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07) introduced the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument Act – legislation to establish more than 1 million acres of federal lands as a new Grand Canyon National Monument in Northern Arizona. The legislation directs the specifics of the formation and management of the new Grand Canyon National Monument.
The legislation comes as the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service hold the first community meeting in Arizona to discuss their progress in establishing the new national monument.
“The Grand Canyon is unlike any other place on earth. Protecting this unique natural wonder is critical to our recreation economy and the Arizona communities that depend on it,” said Senator Kelly.
“The Grand Canyon is a national treasure and an important part of Arizona’s history, heritage, and strength. We’re proud to work side by side with Tribes, sportsmen, wildlife groups, and partners across Northern Arizona to ensure the Grand Canyon remains a place for all to enjoy for generations to come, and we’re glad to see the Administration follow our leadership to make the national monument a reality,” said Sinema, lead sponsor of the Grand Canyon National Monument Act.
The bill establishes approximately 1,069,970 acres of federal lands currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service in Arizona as a new Grand Canyon National Monument to protect and enhance the area. The legislation sets standards for the monument, including the formation of a tribal commission composed of one representative from each of the 12 federally recognized members of the Grand Canyon Associated Tribes to help oversee the development.
