The News from Grand Canyon

Small Fre at Grand Canyon National Park

A small lightning-caused fire has been discovered on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park.

The 'November Fire' is burning in ponderosa pine and some fir approximately 6.5 miles north and west of the developed area on the North Rim, according to a U.S. Forest Service news release.

Grand Canyon Flooding Forces Evacuation of 400 People

Officers, deputies and rescuers from eight public safety agencies worked today and Sunday to evacuate more than 400 campers and residents from Supai Canyon after heavy rainfall and the breach of an earthen dam flooded the area. No injuries were immediately reported.

Developers and Conservationists Battle Over National Parks

In a long-running saga that underscores a broader battle over commercial construction in and around national parks, voters in this tiny community just south of the Grand Canyon have thwarted the latest proposal by hotel developers.

Tusayan, with just 500 residents and 174 registered voters, last month narrowly defeated a motion to incorporate as a city, a move that would have given it property-zoning power. The outcome deals a setback to Gruppo Percassi, an Italian developer that long has coveted building permits for ranchland and other property it owns in the area. In 2000, a countywide referendum doomed Percassi's previous project: a $300 million hotel and shopping complex in Tusayan.

The tussle near one of the world's natural wonders is likely to continue, and it isn't an isolated conflict.

Developers and Conservationists Battle Over National Parks

In a long-running saga that underscores a broader battle over commercial construction in and around national parks, voters in this tiny community just south of the Grand Canyon have thwarted the latest proposal by hotel developers.

Canyon Victim from Scottsdale

A man who died after falling 250 feet into the Grand Canyon has been identified as a Scottsdale resident, the Associated Press reported.

Scottsdale Man Plunges to His Death at Grand Canyon

A Scottsdale man fell to his death Monday afternoon from an overlook at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Michael S. Wilson, 47, fell from the first viewpoint along Desert View Drive, a 25-mile stretch that attracts tourists for it scenic views, said Shannan Marcak, a spokesperson for the Grand Canyon Public Affairs Office.

Phantom Ranch Stew

The infamous Phantom Ranch stew has been satisfying hungry hikers and Mule dudes since 1970! The original recipe serves 44 people, but this condensed, family-friendly version serves four to six and is ideal for warming hearts and hearths on brisk autumn afternoons.

Ingredients:

3 lbs cubed stew beef

First batch of ingredients:
1 course chopped onion
1/4 course chopped celery stalk
2 tbsp Burgundy wine
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp beef base
2 1/2 cups water
1 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp whole oregano
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp fresh bay leaves (or, 1 leaf)

Second batch of ingredients:
2 16 oz cans of green beans
1 16 oz can of carrots
3 lbs Irish potatoes (3 cans)
1 16 oz can of whole corn

Method:

Turn your burner to medium heat. Heat your pan until hot. Next, add the 3 lbs of cubed stew beef and simmer until all of the liquid boils off and a dark scum forms.

Add the first batch of ingredients and let simmer for five hours.

Then, add the second batch of ingredients. Bring to a boil. Turn burner to simmer and allow to cool.

Thicken with cornstarch. Stir into stew, and keep on low until serving time. Enjoy!

This recipe originally appeared on www.grandcanyontreks.org Copyright © 1997- 2008, Mike Mahanay.

Phantom Ranch--Behind the Name

Over millions of years, the Colorado River carved a mile deep, 277 mile-long chasm through terrain that geological forces concurrently shaped into a plateau of unparalleled beauty. The site attracts visitors from around the world to see this feat of nature unequalled in its vastness; however, few realize the rich history that has unfolded on the canyon floor. One particular site, named after a pleasantly haunting Native American legend, offers backpackers and mule riders a unique opportunity to stay overnight in the depths of the canyon. Read more to learn how you can enjoy rustic accommodations where societies once dwelled for over a thousand years.

Located on the canyon floor, Phantom Ranch is the site of ceremonial and societal Native American history dating back to about 1050 AD. In the mid-1800s, European prospectors noticed potential in the site, which quickly transformed from ore mines to a tourist destination. By the turn of the century, a Grand Canyon Transportation Company crew was blazing a trail for tourists between the valley floor and the north rim.

The spot would soon be called Roosevelt camp in honor of a visit by the President. Yet, when Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter began designing its rustic cabins, she decided to rename it in honor of a Havasupai legend. According to the tale, this place was visited by a phantom who emerged from an underworld society through the canyon floor and was pleased with what he found. Visitors backpacking or riding mules along Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails will likely feel just like the phantom upon encountering this place. And those who make lodging and food reservations will find convenience, pleasant accommodations and delicious meals before and after a long day on the trails.

Consider ranch accommodations to help you plan your trip appropriately. The ranch is only accessible by mule, foot or river raft. Cabin accommodations are included with the two-day mule trips, while dormitory-style lodging is available to backpackers (a campground is also located nearby). The ranch's friendly staff provides adventurers with outstanding meals (reservations only) before and after a long day on the trails. They'll send you off each day with a delicious sack lunch (lodging rates do not include meals). And a canteen sells a limited variety of items, including snacks, beer and wine, stamps, T-shirts, postcards, first-aid supplies and souvenirs.

Visitors planning an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch are encouraged to make reservations--up to two years--in advance through Xanterra (http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/reservations-427.html). Call 888-29-PARKS (297-2757) within the U.S., or 303-29-PARKS (297.2757) internationally. In terms of dining, Xanterra offers visitors a range of high-quality options, catering to every taste and budget. Dress is casual. From April through October, avoid waiting times by dining early. All restaurants accept American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VISA.

Settlement Repeals Uranium Exploration Near Grand Canyon, Requires Full Reviews of Subsequent Drilling Proposals

The Center for Biological Diversity, Grand Canyon Trust and Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter have reached a settlement agreement with the United States Forest Service and VANE Minerals, a British mining firm, over a legal challenge to uranium exploration approved last December for national forest land immediately south – some within three miles – of Grand Canyon National Park.

Settlement Repeals Uranium Exploration Near Grand Canyon, Requires Full Reviews of Subsequent Drilling Proposals

The Center for Biological Diversity, Grand Canyon Trust and Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter have reached a settlement agreement with the United States Forest Service and VANE Minerals, a British mining firm, over a legal challenge to uranium exploration approved last December for national forest land immediately south – some within three miles – of Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon Facilities Closing Soon for Season

Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Steve Martin announced today that many of the park's North Rim facilities will close for the season on Oct. 15.

The National Park Service will continue park operations through Nov. 30, unless snow closes Highway 67 leading into the park prior to that date. Visitors will no longer be able to access the park by vehicle starting on Dec. 1.

Toyota Donation Supports Environmental, Education and Safety Programs for Grand Canyon National Park

Toyota is providing $500,000 and five hybrid vehicles to the Grand Canyon Association to support a number of environmental, education and safety programs for visitors to the park and high school students across the country, it was announced today.

Scenic National Parks: Grand Canyon Blu-ray Review

Proudly carrying on the trend of natural wonders as high definition eye candy, Questar debuts on Blu-ray Disc with a trio of titles focusing on national parks in the United States. Roughly divided into regional themes, each release contains two hour-long features that overview their subject's natural and human history. The spectacles are dazzling, and the information given, playing at a brisk pace, works well as an introduction for the unfamiliar.

National Parks Travel: Six-Shooters Coming Soon?

There's now one more thing that you may be able to add to your packing list for a trip to a national park. The Christian Science Monitor reports that after the Supreme Court ruled that Americans have a constitutional right to keep a weapon at home for protection in June, many started looking to get restrictions on guns lifted elsewhere.

Town Government Rejected by Tusayan

Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park.

Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues.

"We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.