The proposal for Grand Canyon's development to widen roads and build infrastructure near the famous South Rim was turned down by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The decision of the U.S. land managers gave environmentalists, conservation groups, and the Native American tribes a reason to celebrate following years of debate.
The plan for Grand Canyon's development was submitted in 2014 by the town of Tusayan, a municipal composing of nearly 600 residents on the edge of Arizona's popular national park. The proposal includes building of 2,100 homes, restaurants, hotels, a spa, and an entertainment pavilion near South Rim under Stilo Development, an Italian corporation. However, Grand Canyon's development plan became an issue of debate between its supporters and environmentalists. The controversial issue now comes to end following the USFS' decision to reject the proposal, according to Phoenix New Times.
"This is a great day for Grand Canyon National Park, and those who love its stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The Forest Service was right to say yes to the public interest by protecting one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth, and no to the bloated development plans that threatened the park," Ted Zukoski, Earthjustice attorney said, Reuters reports.
At the height of the contentious Grand Canyon's development plan debate, the USFS claimed that they received a total of 2,447 unique comment letters, two petitions with 105,698 signatures, 85,693 form letters, and 86 other comments.
