Op-ed: Outdoor Enthusiasts Like Me, Protecting the Grand Canyon Means Protecting Our Way of Life

This piece originally appeared as an op-ed in Tucson Sentinel on August 5, 2025.

August marks the second anniversary of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, which protects nearly one million acres surrounding this unique landscape. Despite this designation, the area continues to face various threats. In this op-ed, Adriana Garcia, a member of HECHO's HCLC, discusses why protecting the Grand Canyon region is beneficial for businesses, communities, and essential for preserving the legacy of this awe-inspiring place.

Read her op-ed.