Victory for Grand Canyon: Forest Service Rejects Mega-Mall Project That Would Spell Disaster

The U.S. Forest Service rejected a proposal to widen roads and build infrastructure through the Kaibab National Forest that would have paved the way for a sprawling urban development near the southern entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. Stilo Development Group, an Italian corporation, sought to construct more than 2,100 housing units and 3 million square feet of commercial space including hotels, a spa and a conference center in the tiny town of Tusayan, a plan that would have threatened water resources and put wildlife in harm’s way.

Dave Uberuaga, superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, called the proposal one of the greatest threats to Grand Canyon in the nearly 100-year history of the park. Such sentiment has been broadly echoed by American Indian tribes, local residents, city leaders, and local and national environmental organizations.

“This is a great day for Grand Canyon National Park, and those who love its stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The Forest Service was right to say yes to the public interest by protecting one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth, and no to the bloated development plans that threatened the park.”

“Stilo’s proposal endangers water, wildlife, and wilderness that make the Grand Canyon a landscape revered in America and around the world.”

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