Just read this in the print magazine (which I highly recommend--it's still a beautiful experience).<p>The TL;DR is that there are private or Native American properties that abut the Grand Canyon National Park, where development is much less restricted. The three examples from the article are:<p>- A Native American tribe permits unlimited helicopter flights into the canyon from their reservation, causing constant noise.<p>- Another Native American tribe is seeking to build a tram (wire gondola, like a ski lift) from their property on the edge of the Canyon down to the confluence of the Little Colorado, and build a mini-mall down there on the river's edge--which is currently totally wild and unchanged.<p>- Uranium mining and commercial tourism development could over-draw or pollute the aquifers that feed springs and seeps that water vegetation within the Canyon.<p>Mentioned only briefly in the story is the tremendous development that has <i>already</i> been permitted or committed by the National Park Service itself. The "village" at the lip of the Grand Canyon is a maze of paved roads, schlocky tourist trap gift shops and restaurants, paths, and hotels--even a train station! In this way we have already lost a significant portion of the Canyon.<p>The National Park Service has the mission to preserve the parks for future generations. In many parks they have instead developed--or permitted others to develop--the most scenic areas with concrete, asphalt, buildings, cars, and parking lots. Yosemite Valley is Exhibit A.<p>Then, having damaged the natural landscape, they use the "preserve" mission to <i>further</i> develop things--having installed a path, they then pave it to prevent erosion. Having installed a wood building that ages, they then replace with a concrete and steel building. Having intalled a road, they enlarge the parking lots. Etc.