Park Taking Comments on Air Tour Noise

South of Point Imperial | Photo courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park - by Mike Quinn — South of Point Imperial | Photo courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park by Mike Quinn

Grand Canyon National Park recently released a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) that tackles the highly-polarized issue of aircraft noise throughout the park. As is typical with such announcements, neither natural quiet advocates nor air tour operators will agree with all the proposals and provisions.

The park has been trying for years to balance the interests of the many stakeholders that have a keen interest in this issue. This EIS is the latest attempt to uphold the mandate of the 1987 National Park Overflights Act which strives to restore and preserve natural quiet in our nation’s natural treasures.

About Mike Buchheit
Mike Buchheit was the director of the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for over 25 years, a professional landscape photographer and instructor, a freelance travel writer, and a popular lecturer on a wide variety of Grand Canyon-related topics. As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he called home.
As a long-time resident, 3,000-mile hiker, and frequent river runner, the Iowa native has gained an intimate knowledge of the park that he calls home. You can see some of his beautiful work on his Grand Canyon Prints website.