The Canyon in Danger
The Grand Canyon in Trouble
Why it's in Danger
The reason the Grand Canyon is in danger is because of the 76 mammals, 299 birds and 41 reptile species that have been found. Rare or threatened birds are listed under the United States Endangered Species Act of 1973. Also, over 1,000 plant species have so far been identified from the park. Eleven plant species listed as in danger in the United States are in the park, including Palmer amsonia, goldenweed, plains cactus, scouler catchfly, wild buckwheats, primrose and clute penstemon. In addition, 15 other plant species are recommended for consideration as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
General
Dug out of the Colorado River, The Grand Canyon is about 1,500 meters deep. It was formed by the Ice Age which created a cutting blade which made the Grand Canyon. This amazing canyon is found in Arizona. These Canyons are nearly 2 billion years old.
Made as a national park in 1919 by an act of congress. It was first protected in 1893 as forest reserve in which mining, lumbering, and hunting were allowed. The park was upgraded to a reserve in 1906, giving protection to its wildlife. It was named a World Heritage site on October 24, 1979. Teddy Roosevelt is the one that called it "one of the great sites that every American should see
How we are Helping the Grand Canyon
Facts
The Grand Canyon is 277 miles in length
The widest point in the Grand Canyon stretches 18 miles
The Grand Canyon is about 6000 feet deep
Rock found at the bottom of the Grand Canyon is about 2 billion years old
It was the 17th national park to ever be established.
- While the Grand Canyon is neither the widest, longest nor deepest canyon in the world, it is an extremely popular tourist destination with around 5 million visitors come every year.