President Biden's August 8th visit to the Tusayan area made history as he signed a proclamation declaring more than a million acres of land surrounding the Grand Canyon National Park as a National Monument. The area is now known as the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.

Here is a link to the proclamation language.

Air Force One landed at  the Grand Canyon Airport late Monday afternoon and the President was believed to have spent the night in Tusayan before heading to Red Butte for the Tuesday morning signing. Much of the monument status is intended to protect the area from uranium mining.

Mayor Clarinda Vail attended. Other attendees included members of Congress, tribal leaders and environmentalists. 

Rep. Raul Grijalva was there. He had previously called on President Biden to issue the proclamation he has also introduced legislation to provide a framework for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. The legislation, along with the Senate companion bill sponsored by Senator Kyrsten Sinema, outlines how the national monument designation will operate claiming it will still ensure existing uses like hunting and grazing.The House Bill, HR 4850 was introduced July 12. Here is a link to the text.

Mayor Vail said, "“Uranium mining has many negative impacts and under the mining act of 1872, would provide nothing in funding for these impacts to the local region. We look forward to future discussions with our native neighbors and State & Federal officials on any new developments to the Kaibab National Forest area surrounding Tusayan and Grand Canyon National Park. The services that the Kaibab National Forest Service provide to Tusayan and our area are essential for our area in forest management, flood control, fire protection, at will camping, grazing permits, hunting permits, off-road & trail access and more.We would like to see the Forest Service remain in charge of these vital services to our community.”

The monument practically surrounds the community. Here is a link to a map of the proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument area
https://www.grandcanyontrust.org/map-proposed-baaj-nwaavjo-itah-kukveni-grand-canyon-national-monument

The monument status could have profound  jurisdictional concerns in and around Tusayan when it comes to issues such as fire protection, as well as how the land would be managed under the designation.