As Grand Canyon National Park resumes normal operations following the lapse of appropriations, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the entire Grand Canyon community—residents, partners, and local organizations—who stood together during an exceptionally difficult time. 

This government shutdown placed real strain on families, employees, and businesses here at the Grand Canyon. Yet even in the most challenging moments, the strength of our community was unmistakable. 

Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) played an extraordinary role throughout the shutdown, offering steady support when it was most needed. Their generosity provided community dinners, essential funding to sustain key park projects, and donations that directly supported local services relied on by many during this period. GCC’s commitment to this community is deeply appreciated, and we thank them for continuing to show up for Grand Canyon residents. 

We also extend a heartfelt thank-you to the Grand Canyon Food Pantry and the Canyon Closet, both of which worked tirelessly to provide food, household essentials, and relief to families navigating uncertainty. Their compassion and dedication helped ensure that no one in our community felt alone. Inside the park, our Incident Management Team, along with excepted and exempted employees, kept essential functions operating with limited staff and complex restrictions. Their work ensured public safety, maintained critical systems, and helped position the park for a smooth reopening of all operations. 

While uncertainties remain—such as budget decisions and ongoing hiring constraints—we move forward together. The reopening of the federal government allows us to return to the place and mission we deeply value, and the Continuing Resolution ensures that employees will receive their back pay. 

This has been a challenging year, but the resilience, generosity, and unity shown across the Grand Canyon reminds us what makes this community extraordinary. Thank you for supporting one another, and for supporting this park we all care about so deeply.