Get Outdoor Arizona (GO AZ) business coalition celebrates President Biden’s designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument!
The new National Monument formally protects nearly a million acres of federal public lands around Grand Canyon National Park from uranium mining and secures its sacred areas and outdoor recreation opportunities for generations to come.
This monument is a BIG win for Arizona’s businesses and the campaign to create it, led by the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, was supported by many of our members and other local businesses.
"My business, Canyon Coolers, relies on the revenue generated by outdoor recreation — especially that revenue brought in from activities in and around the Grand Canyon. Millions of people from Arizona and around the world visit Northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon every year. As a business owner and employer in Arizona whose livelihood depends on a healthy outdoor recreation industry, I strongly believe in the designation of a national monument in the Grand Canyon area adjacent to the national park." – Jason Costello, Founder and CEO of Canyon Coolers, a GO AZ member
Gateway communities near national monuments usually get a huge lift to diversified business opportunities, increased spending on recreational opportunities, population and visitor growth, stronger employment, and higher per-capita income (read more here). Meanwhile, the Grand Canyon National Park alone pours $710 million into Arizona’s economy and draws in nearly 4.5 million annual visitors (source).
The Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument will only help cement Arizona, and our local businesses, as the outdoor recreation capital of the Southwest.
Get Outdoors Arizona is the business voice of Arizona’s outdoor recreation. We are a coalition of Arizona businesses that recognize how important public lands and outdoor recreation are for sustainable, vibrant local economic opportunities. Arizona’s unique outdoor recreation experiences contribute to a higher quality of life and create an environment where businesses can thrive.
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Additional Resources
Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument Official Map
Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument FAQ (PDF - GO AZ Factsheet)
Uranium Mining near the Grand Canyon (PDF - GO AZ Factsheet)
Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation (PDF - GO AZ Factsheet)
Monument Campaign Background (Grand Canyon Trust blog)
