Prescribed Fires Will Enhance Forest Health At Grand Canyon

October 9, 2002 (NPS): The following prescribed fires may be ignited when conditions allow:

South Rim	Acres	General Location
Hance	340	7 miles southeast of Grand Canyon village, along Desert View Drive
Watson	2000	6 miles southeast of Grand Canyon Village, along Desert View Drive

North Rim	Acres	General Location
Walhalla	2000	5 miles southeast of North Rim developed area
Bright Angel	100	throughout North Rim developed area

Fire managers are making preparations so that, under favorable conditions, up to four prescribed fires may be undertaken this fall at Grand Canyon National Park. These fires are designed to enhance forest health. They are ignited when environmental factors such as wind, temperature, relative humidity and fuel moisture levels are favorable. Prescribed fires mimic natural fires by promoting nutrient recycling, increasing habitat diversity, removing excessive fuels, and creating the conditions that many plant and animal species need to flourish. These prescribed fires are intended to be low intensity burns.

Burn prescriptions are developed with specific objectives in mind. A common goal for these fires will be to remove excessive fuels, thereby reducing the threat of unwanted wildland fires. The fires will be ignited when atmospheric conditions are conducive to rapid smoke dispersal and every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts.

Park resource managers and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality are involved in the process of planning prescribed burns. Every effort is made to ensure the protection of public safety and park resources. Thorough planning helps to minimize health and visibility problems associated with smoke. However, it is impossible to predict weather patterns and smoke behavior with complete accuracy. Smoke impacts may be possible in adjacent communities, including Grand Canyon Village, Tusayan, Cameron and Page. Smoke impacts are possible along the river at night and in the early morning hours. No park road closures are anticipated at this time.

Autumn Colors Prelude North Rim Closure

October 3, 2002 (NPS): The changing of the season is occurring on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Fall colors are currently at their peak.

As colors on the North Rim change it is a reminder that the North Rim's visitor season is winding down. The staff on the North Rim has begun preparations to shut down visitor services and facilities, though the park will remain open to visitors on a day-use basis until snow closes Highway 67 leading into the park.

The National Park Service's (NPS) North Rim Visitor Center will close at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 13th. Ranger programs will be given on October 14th and 15th as indicated in the park publication, "The Guide". The NPS Backcountry Office will remain open until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 31st. Until closure on October 31st, the Backcountry Office hours for information and permits will be 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. Advanced campground reservations for the North Rim Campground will end on October 15th, however, a limited number of campsites with limited services, (portable toilets), will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until snow closes Highway 67. Hikers and cross-country skiers will be permitted to use the park's group campsites throughout the winter months if they have obtained a permit through the Park's South Rim Backcountry Office, or by going to the Visitor Center desk at Pipe Springs National Monument. The South Rim Backcountry Office is open year-round and can be reached by calling (928) 638-7875, Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST. Permit requests can be faxed year-round to (928) 638-2125. Permits are not considered earlier than the first of the month, four months prior to the proposed start date.

Overnight accommodations through the concessioner, the service station and related visitor services will close before noon on October 14th. The last meal served at the rim's Grand Lodge will be breakfast. The final day for mule rides on the North Rim will be October 13th. The Kaibab Lodge, four miles from the park boundary, will be closed after breakfast on October 15th and the Country Store, located outside of the park boundary, will remain open until mid-November, and then will be closed until May 15, 2003.

Arizona Department of Transportation officials have assured the park staff that Highway 67 into the North Rim will remain open to public travel through November 15th, but cautioned that from November 16th on, Highway 67 could be closed for the season on short notice due to major storms and heavy snowfall. After November 15th, visitors are encouraged to call in advance of their trip to check on the status of Highway 67.

During daytime visitation, from October 14th until final closure of Highway 67, only emergency services will be provided by the NPS, and visitors are reminded to pay special attention to their gas gauge, since gas will no longer be available in the park. Gas and diesel fuel will be available at the Country Store through mid-November. Jacob Lake Inn, restaurant and gas station, 44 miles from the park, remains open year-round.

The South Rim and Inner Canyon facilities remain open year-round.

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