We haven't had much in the way of good news for tourism in Arizona for quite a while now.
Much of that is, sadly, the result of poor public policies that have tainted the state's image and kept tourists at bay.
Finally, though, we hear of some good policy news coming through at the federal level: a 20 year ban on uranium mining in the Grand Canyon is expected to be put in place. At least, that's the great hope.
If you didn't know that uranium mining was being done at all in the Grand Canyon, don't consider yourself in the minority. Most folks would reasonably assume that protected lands would not be available for such an ill-considered use, especially at one of the world's great natural treasures.
And yet, it seems, greed knows no conscience.
Fortunately, many in Arizona have spoken up against allowing the current, temporary ban to expire. Those good citizens have included a group of B&B owner/innkeepers in Arizona who have been advocating for preservation of the lands that not only were set aside to be, um, protected, but for consideration of the full impact tourism dollars have on other industries in the state.
Good work guys. The treasure you're saving belongs to us all. Thanks for speaking up.
H/T Richard Svendsen of the Starlight Pines Bed and breakfast.
