THE CASE FOR RESPONSIBLE AND RESPECTFUL GRAND CANYON TRAIL USE The Grand Canyon is a national and global treasure. How can we preserve this magnificent place, enjoy it safely, respectfully and responsibly, and at the same time mitigate the impact of growing trail use? Supporting that cause is a core mission of this group and its members. Backcountry permitting and overall visitations (see NPS statistics) has been reasonably steady in the past 20 years, but (longer distance) day use appears to have increased in the past 10 years, in parallel with overall trail and backcountry use and across the board and around the world. While I believe that 99.9% of the time increased day use has had no negative impact on the park, staff and users, there is a concern among Parks management that growing demand and several incidents have put a strain on limited corridor trail resources (e.g. toilets and Phantom Ranch facilities) that requires a response. A use review has been underway this year. What can you do as a runner/fast hiker who loves to explore the Corridor Trails (where R2R and R2R2R is done on) to minimize impact and need for restrictive regulation/permitting so you can keep enjoying the Canyon the way you can right now? here are three suggestions: 1. Be a shining example for responsible and respectful Grand Canyon use on the trails and in the Park! a. adhere and promote the Parks Trail Courtesy Leave No Trace Practices: nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/courtesy.htm b. dont run in clusters of more than 4 or 5 people together (within a few feet distance of each other) c. use the Phantom Ranch Canteen for purchases and keep the surrounding area open for actual guests staying at the Ranch. 2. Be friendly to all and be ready to assist others on the trail who need help 3. become more actively involved in helping to positively steer Grand Canyon trail use through the current challenges and possible changes. The Grand Canyon FB group is a great platform for that and there are other groups (e.g. the Grand Canyon Association, the media and other user forums) who would benefit from seeing the day use and running community portrayed in an example setting, positive way. I understand that some of you may be concerned or dismayed that runners are being unfairly blamed and at the thought of possible restrictive permitting requirements on the horizon, but I see this in a positive light. We have an opportunity to step up our game and positively contribute to keeping the Grand Canyon and other parks accessible for responsible and respectful use for ourselves and the next generation of runners and adventurers. btw, I did an interview with Competitor Magazine a few weeks ago in which I set out to have that same message come across and do my part to support positive change. The article shows several different perspectives and if it incites not just emotion but also positive action, it has done its job. runningpetitor/2014/07/news/grand-canyon_108186
Posted on: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 06:13:47 +0000
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