Help Glen Canyon Look Its Birthday Best In 2016 And Beyond

The National Park Service invites you to help Keep Glen Canyon Clean and looking its birthday best for the National Park Service Centennial in 2016. A community and partner collaboration to improve resource conditions at Lake Powell will be underway throughout 2016.

Breathtaking scenery and spectacular recreation are what Lake Powell is all about. However, park neighbors, including local photographer and author Gary Ladd, have noted that the Lake Powell experience is all too often marred by litter, human waste, graffiti, fireworks, serious injury and even death. Enough is enough! With 1 ¼ million acres and 2 ½ million annual visitors, park rangers at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are asking for your help.

Know Before You Go

The Know Before You Go public outreach campaign focusing on unsafe and illegal activities is launching for the 2016 boating season. Information will be shared with boaters at all Lake Powell marinas.

The new Powell Watch asks visitors to keep a watchful eye on park resources. Tips from the public are key to detecting and prosecuting damage to the park's vast and often remote resources. If you see something, say something!

If you happen to be in a remote area with poor cell phone reception for phone calls, a new messaging service will allow you to text non-emergency tips to park dispatch at 928-614-0820. Calling 9-1-1 or hailing via VHF radio are other emergency communication options on Lake Powell. Pick up your Powell Watch wristband with contact numbers at the Love Your Lake Community Cleanup or at launch ramps throughout the year.

Adopt A Canyon

Local tour and service providers have signed up to Adopt a Canyon on Lake Powell, including McNabb Fishing Guide Service, Hidden Canyon Kayak, Lake Powell Paddleboards, Four Corners Adventures, National Outdoor Leadership School, the Wildland Trekking Company, Aspiro, Far Out Expedition, and Zion Adventure Company. As canyon stewards, these companies will remove trash from their canyons throughout 2016.

After a two-year hiatus, the True GRIT (Graffiti Removal and Intervention Team) will be back in action. Teams of volunteers will be on the lake removing unsightly graffiti from canyon walls. True GRIT is a partnership with the Glen Canyon Natural History Association.

The Trash Tracker program will be back for a 27th season in 2016. Teams of volunteers will be on the lake picking up trash and educating visitors. The Trash Tracker program is a partnership with Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas.

A Canyon Hosts program slated for later in the summer will expand the National Park Service presence on the lake. Volunteers on houseboats throughout the lake will fly a National Park Service flag, and provide information and assistance, similar to campground hosts.

"Happy Centennial and thanks for doing your part to keep Glen Canyon looking its birthday best," said Acting Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent Billy Shott. "I hope to see you out at the Love Your Lake Community Cleanup Day, and please help us keep an eye on park resources by participating in Powell Watch."

http://www.nps.gov/glca

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