On May 12, Navajo President Russell Begaye took office. The next day he issued a firm statement against Escalade. Begaye’s vice president, Jonathan Nez, added “any attempts to pass legislation to proceed with the development would be vetoed by the president.”

Save the Confluence family members expressed relief and thanked the new leaders for ending their “nightmare” under the Ben Shelly administration: “We believe ‘the two mighty’ rivers, the Colorado and the Little Colorado, have spoken.” They concluded that “while the president’s stance is being recognized as good and welcome news, we will remain cautious of the Navajo Nation Council.”

As you know, protecting the Grand Canyon requires constant vigilance. The Forest Service is currently seeking public comments on whether to pave the way for a large subdivision and several million square feet of retail space near Tusayan, within half a mile of Grand Canyon National Park. You have until June 2, 2015 to comment.

The Grand Canyon Trust pledges our ongoing assistance to Save the Confluence families and efforts to permanently protect the confluence and Grand Canyon from inappropriate development.

Thanks to all for your enduring support to Keep the Canyon Grand.

With gratitude,

Roger Clark

Grand Canyon Program Director

P.S. Your donations make this work possible. Make a gift today.

Photo courtesy of Jack Dykinga