Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

At Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the natural world tells its own story. Decades of scientific observation have documented changes to this landscape — changes that are visible to every visitor who walks these trails. The interpretive materials now under review present this documented scientific record.

From the internal review records: “Lone Rock 3P - The wayside says Climate change and increased water needs to support agriculture and power has altered this water playground. In 2022, this iconic geologic feature lived up to its name and water receded from its base. A year plagued with drought and low snowpack painted a bleak and dry scene. But as the seasons change the mountains filled with snow again. The following spring the ...”

Why this matters: The environmental changes documented at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are based on decades of scientific observation and measurement. Visitors can see these changes with their own eyes. Removing references to documented science from interpretive materials doesn't reverse the changes — it only leaves visitors without the information they need to understand what they're witnessing.

Long before Glen Canyon National Recreation Area became a national park, this land was home to Indigenous peoples whose connection to it spans thousands of years. The interpretive materials now being reviewed tell their story — often developed through years of formal tribal consultation, as required by federal law.

From the internal review records: “Navajo Bridge wayside text - Though California Condors survived ice age extinctions, they were nearly wiped out by unwitting humans. Years of shooting, harmful pesticide use, and especially lead poisoning reduced the entire population to just 22 individuals in the 1980s! ... Lead poisoning remains the biggest threat to condors, causing half of all diagnosed condor deaths. Fortunately, ma...”

Why this matters: The Indigenous history presented at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was developed through formal tribal consultation — a legal requirement under federal law. The language being reviewed was often specifically requested by tribal nations whose ancestors lived on this land for thousands of years. Revising it without renewed consultation would violate both the spirit and the letter of that process.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in AZ preserves a piece of American history that the public has trusted the National Park Service to protect and interpret. The interpretive materials at this site have been developed over years by historians, subject-matter experts, and park staff — and are now being reviewed under Secretary's Order 3431.

From the internal review records: “Lees Ferry wayside text - The crossing became a key rustic outpost as settlers emigrated into Arizona. It also provided a veil over Lee, who arrived at the ranch a fugitive for his involvement in the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre. Lee's frequest absences left Emma and their children as the driving force behind all operations. The law caught up with Lee in 1874 and he was later executed.”

Why this matters: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is part of a network of over 400 national parks that serve as America's classrooms. The interpretive materials here were developed by subject-matter experts to help visitors understand the full story of this place. When historically accurate content is removed, the public loses access to its own history.

Long before Glen Canyon National Recreation Area became a national park, this land was home to Indigenous peoples whose connection to it spans thousands of years. The interpretive materials now being reviewed tell their story — often developed through years of formal tribal consultation, as required by federal law.

The flagged materials include content from “Day Saints.”, targeted for review under the current directive.

Why this matters: The Indigenous history presented at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was developed through formal tribal consultation — a legal requirement under federal law. The language being reviewed was often specifically requested by tribal nations whose ancestors lived on this land for thousands of years. Revising it without renewed consultation would violate both the spirit and the letter of that process.

Long before Glen Canyon National Recreation Area became a national park, this land was home to Indigenous peoples whose connection to it spans thousands of years. The interpretive materials now being reviewed tell their story — often developed through years of formal tribal consultation, as required by federal law.

Among the content targeted: “Even my grandmothers and grandfathers and their grandmothers and grandfathers did not come to this place. They lived farther away in the canyons, closer to Rainbow Bridge and Navajo Mountain, where it was easy to hide from soldiers and other tribes.” — language that the administration has flagged for review under its directive to review historically accurate interpretive materials.

Why this matters: The Indigenous history presented at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was developed through formal tribal consultation — a legal requirement under federal law. The language being reviewed was often specifically requested by tribal nations whose ancestors lived on this land for thousands of years. Revising it without renewed consultation would violate both the spirit and the letter of that process.

Long before Glen Canyon National Recreation Area became a national park, this land was home to Indigenous peoples whose connection to it spans thousands of years. The interpretive materials now being reviewed tell their story — often developed through years of formal tribal consultation, as required by federal law.

From the internal review records: “Film is planned to include multiple perspectives including positive and negative impacts to Native Americans due to the creation of the Glen Canyon Dam and GLCA”

Why this matters: The Indigenous history presented at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area was developed through formal tribal consultation — a legal requirement under federal law. The language being reviewed was often specifically requested by tribal nations whose ancestors lived on this land for thousands of years. Revising it without renewed consultation would violate both the spirit and the letter of that process.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in AZ preserves a piece of American history that the public has trusted the National Park Service to protect and interpret. The exhibit panels at this site have been developed over years by historians, subject-matter experts, and park staff — and are now being reviewed under Secretary's Order 3431.

From the internal review records: “Enough Water for Everyone? Lake Powell's deep canyons can store more than 27 million acre feet (33,305 million cubic meters) of water. That may be a surprising amount of water, but it is not limitless. Demand for water in the West is outgrowing the Colorado River's supply. So many depend on this important water source, we need to think carefully about how we use it - every drop is precious.”

Why this matters: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is part of a network of over 400 national parks that serve as America's classrooms. The interpretive materials here were developed by subject-matter experts to help visitors understand the full story of this place. When historically accurate content is removed, the public loses access to its own history.

At Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the administration has flagged books and publications sold in the park bookstore for review under Secretary's Order 3431. Among the titles targeted: Does Desparage Hunters / or tell a success ??. These works, selected by park staff and partner organizations for their educational value, are now under scrutiny.

The flagged materials include content from “Exhibits 6”, targeted for review under the current directive.

Why this matters: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is part of a network of over 400 national parks that serve as America's classrooms. The interpretive materials here were developed by subject-matter experts to help visitors understand the full story of this place. When historically accurate content is removed, the public loses access to its own history.