Senate Engrossed

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-fourth Legislature First Regular Session 2019

SENATE RESOLUTION 1001

 

A RESOLUTION

 

recognizing the 100th anniversary of Grand canyon national park.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, on February 26, 2019, Grand Canyon National Park marks 100 years since its establishment as a national park; and

Whereas, the Grand Canyon's exposed geologic layers span nearly half of Earth's history and record environments from erupting volcanoes to quiet seas; and

Whereas, Grand Canyon National Park's centennial celebration is an acknowledgment of the Grand Canyon's place in American history, along with the park's historical association with eleven Native American tribes; and

Whereas, the Grand Canyon has been continuously inhabited by indigenous groups for almost 12,000 years.  Six Native American tribes still live in and around the canyon, including the Hualapai, the "people of the pines," who make their home atop the West Rim, and the Havasupai, the "people of the blue-green waters," who live on the canyon floor; and

Whereas, in the early 1800s, expeditions sent by the United States government began to explore and map the Grand Canyon.  In 1869, John Wesley Powell, a one-armed Civil War veteran, led a three-month exploratory river trip through the canyon.  The voyage produced the first detailed descriptions of the Grand Canyon and garnered public interest in this natural wonder; and

Whereas, shortly after Powell's voyage, concern for preserving the Grand Canyon's unique resources began to grow as more people visited and settled there; and

Whereas, President Theodore Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon a national monument in 1908, urging Americans to "let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is.  Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness. You cannot improve on it."; and

Whereas, the Grand Canyon achieved national park status eleven years later, in 1919; and

Whereas, in 1979, Grand Canyon National Park was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; and

Whereas, the Grand Canyon is Arizona's most famous natural landmark, one of the seven wonders of the natural world and a tourism destination that attracts visitors from around the world; and

Whereas, outdoor recreationists seek out the challenges, inspirations and life-altering experiences that the Grand Canyon wilderness provides; and

Whereas, according to the National Park Service, more than 6.2 million people visited the Grand Canyon National Park in 2017, spending $667 million in nearby communities.  Visitor spending at Grand Canyon National Park supports more than 9,400 jobs and has a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $938 million.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the Senate recognize the 100th anniversary of Grand Canyon National Park as an occasion to celebrate its incredible impact on Arizona's citizens, economy, history and global reputation, and to inspire future generations to experience the park and protect its beauty, natural resources and cultural significance.