North Rim Reopens Wednesday

Reopening of the North Rim at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located in Colorado, has been closed since July 10 due to a fire caused by a lightning strike. However, the North Rim of the park will be opening to the public starting Wednesday. This comes after the fire was contained and declared out, allowing for the area to be reopened without any damage or burned land.

Stuart West, the superintendent of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, explained that the closure was necessary to ensure the safety of both firefighters and visitors. The decision to reopen the North Rim was based on thorough testing of the burn site to assess any potential dangers. Additionally, the park is monitoring the possibility of the fire spreading from the South Rim to the North Rim.

West emphasized that the situation differs between the South and North sides of the park. “What a lot of parks will have are active fires, and they still open up parts of the park. And that’s what we’re doing here,” he said. He expressed confidence that the fire will remain on the south side, as the fire on the north rim is already out.

Rusty Stark, the fire management officer of the BLM of the Colorado Southwest District, added that the lightning strike occurred in a location that provided some natural protection. “We were really fortunate where that lightning strike occurred. It occurred between the canyon wall and a road, and it was sheltered from the wind much more than the South Rim Fire was,” he stated.

The park is divided by a river, which makes it difficult for visitors to cross into the South Rim area. As a result, the park encourages visitors to stay on the North Rim. However, the South Rim remains closed until further notice. As of Tuesday, the fire had burned through 4,232 acres and was 41% contained. Fire crews are assessing various factors, including the severity of burn spots and the impact on the surrounding environment.

Jennifer Gibson, the post-wildfire coordinator for the National Park Service, mentioned that hydrologists are analyzing the watersheds and soil burn severity. They are also looking at potential runoff and values at risk, such as structures, prehistoric sites, and habitats of threatened or endangered species.

West acknowledged the challenges faced by local businesses that rely on park visitors. “All the small businesses that cater to visitors, you know, we understand the kind of position they’re in. And we want to do everything we can to get the park open as soon as we can, as soon as we can make it safe for the public,” he said.

The North Rim will offer 13 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and follow all guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The reopening of the North Rim is highly anticipated, as the park contributes significantly to the local economy. It generates approximately $32 million annually, with an additional $90 million coming from Curecanti National Park.

West noted that while the park may not look the same, it offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the resilience of nature. “It will be good for visitors to see what nature is about,” he said.

As the park continues to monitor conditions and work towards the safe reopening of the South Rim, visitors are advised to check for updates and follow all safety protocols. The goal is to ensure that the park remains a valuable resource for both the community and the environment.