Humans bring in lots of impact such as new species, waste, and air pollution. This affects many things in the grand canyon. The water has become dirty and the air is polluted. Sometimes people and animals come into the park that can disturb other things in the canyon. Some areas have been affected by loud noises. The rumbling of aircraft passing by and wildland fire suppression.
The most human impact on the Grand Canyon has happened recently in the 20th century. The canyon was always a well known area since 1900 due to many explorers and scientists that wrote about their visit. In 1919, the park was established and the amount of visitors increased greatly. Now, around 5 million visitors come by each year.
Because of the air pollution caused by humans, there is a haze that makes it hard to see the canyon in some areas. The haze is from small particles in the air caused by coal-burning power plants. Forest fires also can cause very bad visibility issues. Another cause is pollutants that fall out as nitrogen and sulfur deposition. Organic compounds, soot, and dust also contribute to the reduction of the visibility.
Solution
Although there are many rules for the visitors, a good solution would be to make more guidelines and be stricter about waste management from the visitors. Also, a good way to educate the visitors for not only the grand canyon, but also for future use is to have them watch a mandatory video on how to properly waste in the park. This can help everyone know what they can or can't do.
Here are the rules provided at the Grand Canyon:
"Preservation of Natural Features The first law of a national park is preservation. Disturbance, injury, or destruction in any way of natural features, including trees, flowers, and other vegetation, rocks, and all wildlife, is strictly prohibited. Penalties are imposed for removing fossils and Indian remains, such as arrowheads, etc. Camps Camp or lunch only in designated areas. All rubbish that will burn should be disposed of in camp fires. Garbage cans are provided for noninflammable refuse. Wood and water are provided in all designated camp grounds. Dogs, Cats, or other Domestic Animals Such animals are prohibited on Government lands within the park except as allowed through permission of the Superintendent, secured from park rangers at entrances. -National Park Service ( http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/brochures/1936/grca/sec1.htm ) Click here for the rest of the rules |
As you can see here, the only rules mentioned are in the brochure. Since there are designated campgrounds, areas around the campground can be polluted. If there are more warning about the guidelines of proper wasting, people would be more aware. Also, some domestic animals are allowed with permission of the superintendent. I think they should let no animals in because of the waste that they can leave behind as well. |