Tourist Overlook, Grand Canyon

Sexual harassment, bullying and other misconduct are rampant among employees at national parks across the country, including at iconic sites such as Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, a congressional committee was told Thursday.

Tribal leaders joined Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., on April 26, urging President Barack Obama to designate 1.7 million acres around the Grand Canyon as a national monument, bypassing Congress in the process.

Grand Canyon National Park officials say the park should break last year’s record of 5.5 million visitors this year, but advocates are worried the park may not be able to handle such large crowds.

The top two officials at Grand Canyon National Park are among those facing disciplinary action following a federal report that found they violated policies on reporting and investigating allegations of sexual harassment in the parkai??i??s river district.

The Grand Canyon is proposing changes to how backcountry areas are managed as more outdoor enthusiasts take to the park's remote terrain.

Arizona officials continue to support a federal court battle to allow new uranium mining operations on a million acres surrounding the Grand Canyon.

Russell Begaye was sworn in Tuesday as president of the Navajo Nation, agreeing to support several of his predecessor's projects including an aerial tram at the east rim of the Grand Canyon and a rail port that could export agriculture and coal from the reservation.

Forest officials are taking public comment on requests for easements that, if approved, would clear the way for a major development just outside the Grand Canyon.

Four Republicans in Arizona's U.S. House delegation are going on record as opposing a push to create a national monument near the Grand Canyon.