Recent polling data reveals a strong consensus among Arizona residents in favor of transforming the public lands surrounding the Grand Canyon into a national monument.
The survey indicates broad support across political lines, underscoring the shared belief in the importance of safeguarding water resources and indigenous heritage sites. The designation is seen as a significant move to shield these areas from potential harm caused by energy exploration and mining activities.
In the recently conducted survey, a substantial majority of participants, amounting to 75%, expressed their endorsement for the proposal to assign national monument status to the area.
This approval was widespread across different political affiliations:
- Democrats (89%)
- Independents (73%)
- Republicans (65%)
A mere 12% voiced opposition against such a move, according to the poll administered by Impact Research, a public opinion firm, on behalf of the Grand Canyon Trust.
Last month, Representative Grijalva, along with Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, introduced a bill to establish a monument spanning approximately 1 million acres of federal lands currently under the management of the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service.
In response to this, the Grand Canyon Trust conducted a poll to gauge public opinion. The poll followed an April appeal made by the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, consisting of 12 member nations, urging President Biden to create the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.
“The fact remains that across political affiliations and demographics, the support is strong and powerful for permanent protection of the Grand Canyon from uranium mining and extraction in general,” Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said during a press call. “Added to this is the need to make sure that we continue to protect the finite resource of water, which is the Colorado River.”
Where Exactly Would the New National Monument Be?
The proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument would include approximately 1.1 million acres of state and federal land to the north and south of the existing Grand Canyon National Park. Areas of note included in the proposal are the Tusayan district of Kaibab National Forest, House Rock Valley, Yellowstone Mesa, and the upper reaches of Kanab Canyon.
Map Credit: https://keepitgrandaz.org/map/
Petition to support Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument is available here.
