Grand Canyon National Park

By Ashkan Shahsavar Haghighi

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon

Criteria (1)

(vii): Widely known for its exceptional natural beauty and considered one of the world's most visually powerful landscapes.

(viii): Within park boundaries, the geologic record spans all four eras of the earth's evolutionary history, from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic.

Criteria(2)

(ix): Grand Canyon is an exceptional example of biological environments at different elevations that evolved as the river cut deeper portraying five of North America’s seven life zones within canyon walls.

(x): The park’s diverse topography has resulted in equally diverse ecosystems. The five life zones within the canyon are represented in a remarkably small geographic area.

Plant life found in the Grand Canyon National Park

1,737 known species of vascular plants

167 species of fungi 64 species of moss 195 species of lichen

Threats to the site:

The introduction of non-native plant and animal species into the park, which compete with native flora and fauna.

Air pollution created by burning fossil fuels, drifts into the canyon from metropolitan areas and nearby coal powered plants, affecting the visibility and air quality of the park.

The faeces of cattle and human waste have polluted some streams.

What is being done:

Park scientists have developed pest management techniques to eradicate and relocate non-native and pest species.  

A nearby coal-fired power plant has installed scrubbers in smoke stacks to reduce air pollution.

Fences have been erected along the park boundaries to keep out cattle and hikers.

Special no flight zones have been created to limit noise pollution.

Controlled burn-offs are used to restore forest landscapes and reduce wildfire hazards. 

Management of the Grand Canyon National Park:

The National Parks Service (NPS), which is a branch of the USA federal government, manages the Grand Canyon National Park .

NPS are responsible for preserving the natural and cultural sites of the park, protecting the wildlife and native fauna and regulate and monitor the public use and enjoyment of the park.

The NPS works together with other non-profit agencies to fund restoration, preservation and protection of the park's scenery, natural areas and wildlife.

Bibliography http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/ http://blog.eurekatent.com/grand-canyon-

national-park/