Grand Canyon National Park Seeks Public Comment on Environmental Assessment for Mather Campground Rehabilitation

Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Joseph F. Alston today announced the release of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the rehabilitation of Mather Campground located on the South Rim within Grand Canyon Village. The National Park Service (NPS) is soliciting comments from those who may have issues or concerns regarding the proposal.

The purpose of the proposal is to provide universal accessibility and a high quality visitor experience within Mather Campground. The EA describes two alternative sites for relocating campsites, five alternative configurations for renovating the campground entrance, rehabilitation of eleven comfort stations, and conversion/rehabilitation of twelve to fifteen campsites to universally accessible campsites. Accessible sites would be evenly distributed throughout the campground and would meet Americans with Disability Act requirements. Accessible picnic tables, grills, and campsite signs would be added to each of these sites.

A no action alternative is considered in addition to two action alternatives. Both action alternatives include the same actions for campground accessibility upgrades and restroom rehabilitation. In addition, each action alternative describes one of two options to expand a campground loop to accommodate the closure of several campsites due to their close proximity to roadways or potential transit corridors. Each action alternative also describes four options for reconfiguration of the campground entrance to minimize the problems occurring during registration during peak seasons.

Mather Campground currently has 319 sites, six of which are currently identified as accessible sites. Visitation to Grand Canyon National Park has ranged between 4.4 to 4.9 million visitors annually over the last five years. Campsites often fill well in advance from approximately mid-March through the end of October. This proposal is intended to improve the overall experience of campground visitors.

Copies of the EA can be obtained by writing to the Superintendent, Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023, Attn: Sara White, Compliance Officer. The document will also be posted on the park's website at www.nps.gov/grca/compliance/. Comments will be accepted for 30-days and should be sent to Sara White at the above address by April 12, 2002. For questions or additional information, please contact Debbie Lutch, Project Compliance Officer at 928-774-0095.