Introduction
A quick search analysis of helicopters and Grand Canyon National Park reveals that there are hyped arguments concerning helicopters hovering around the Grand Canyon. From parties has in the recent past raised concerns in an effort to preserve the “natural quietness” of the region. For example, survey results conducted by the Grand Canyon National Park Service showed a remarkable need of maintaining the sanctity and natural silence the Park offers to innumerable visitors. Decreasing the frequency and number of aircraft excursions that upset the sense of amity pervading throughout the Canyon is the one sure way of preserving the stillness of the area. Nevertheless, there are numerous sides to the issue despite park service compounding its efforts to lessen the noise from helicopters flying overhead above the Canyon. Air tour operators have uphold that there is increased demand for flight tours in the Grand Canyon and shutting down the operations will end in the forfeiture of hundreds of jobs. (National Geographic). Therefore, despite the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Park Service (NPS) issuing various rules, the number of aircraft tours in the area has considerably increased.
Regarding the issue, the skies above the Grand Canyon is getting ever more crowded. Even in the quietest parts of the park, the natural sanctity has been compromised. The time has, therefore, come to safeguard the clout of the Canyon. The NPS, in cooperation with the FAA, should take the subsequent actions. Firstly, they should place a finite cap on the frequency of air rides over the National Park. Secondly, they should enforce curfews limiting air tours to early mornings and late evenings. NPS should further increase flight free zones and compel air tour operators to invest in quieter technology aircrafts.
When researching the words uranium and Grand Canyon, one issue was apparent. Uranium mining is causing irreparable harm to cultural and natural resources in Grand Canyon’s watersheds.
According to Grand Canyon Trust, there are several documented impacts of uranium mining in the Grand Canyon Region. Research indicates that the over five decade activity has resulted to polluted aquifers and surface waters, conversion of natural beauty into industrialized recreation areas, fragmented wildlife habitats, and distressed archaeological and sacred sites. For instance, study shows that the Canyon Mine is instigating irreversible damage to the Red Butte Traditional Property and threatening the sole source of drinking water for Havasupai people. The environmental damage is further compounded by the mining activities of Pine nut and Kanab North Mines. The former is believed to pump extremely polluted ground water into uncovered surface ponds used by wildlife. The latter is accused of irradiating the immediate soil. Due to fluctuations in global uranium prices, the dormancy periods of the “Zombie” is causing unexpected and severe damage to the edaphic life forms, water resources, wild animals, and traditional cultural properties. (Grand Canyon Trust).
In the light of the findings, I believe that the Grand Canyon is being exploited for a number of reasons. Firstly, the natural quiet of the region is increasingly being compromised. Even though air tour riders are unaware of it, they compromise this power not only for themselves but to every Canyon visitor who comes specifically for contemplative recreation. Secondly, the continued human activities in the area notably the uranium mining is causing unforeseen damage to the Canyon. Of my diverse experiences at the Grand Canyon Park, I aptly concur that uranium mining is one of the most exploitative human activity being conducted within the Canyon. Mining that requires enormous uncluttered pits spreads harmful radioactive emissions through the air, and trickles toxic radioactivity chemicals into the environment. The operation has contaminated rivers, sickened a greater portion of the population and considerably diminished the natural environmental and ecological good of the park.
The experience at the Grand Canyon is multi-faceted. However, one notable experience was the power of place the park offered. Defined as the absence of man-made sounds, the natural quiet of the park allows the amusement of the area and is ultimate to the undiminished Grand Canyon experience. The highlight of this expedition was the unravelling of the natural quietness of the region. The Canyon provides natural settings for contemplative recreation that has lived to be essential to many people. Therefore, the one lesson from the trip is that for humanity to have diversity, the human race must preserve some areas for quite. The wilderness and national parks however are the solitary places where humankind can protect the natural quiet.
Works Cited
Grand Canyon Trust. "Grand Canyon Issues | Uranium Mining | How uranium mining has contaminated Grand Canyon." Grand Canyon Trust: Grand Canyon & Colorado Plateau Conservation & Environmental Advocacy. N.p., 2014. Web. 24 Nov. 2014. <http://explorethecanyon.com/grand-canyon-natural-quiet-issue-picks-up-noise/>.
McCarthy, Jim. "Grand Canyon issues: Natural Quiet and Overflights." Home page: Grand Canyon Chapter Sierra Club, Arizona. N.p., 2001. Web. 24 Nov. 2014. <http://www.grandcanyontrust.org/grand-canyon/uranium_issues.php>.
National Geographic. "The Grand Canyon’s ‘Natural Quiet’ Issue Picks Up More Noise." Grand Canyon South Rim, National Geographic Visitor Center, IMAX Movie. N.p., 2 Aug. 2012. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.
