U.S. SENATE—Today, U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) urged Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to permanently fill the park superintendent role at Grand Canyon National Park.

The park has lacked stable leadership since Superintendent Christine Lehnertz resigned on March 14. In a letter sent to Secretary Bernhardt, McSally asked to expeditiously fill the role in addition to addressing sexual harassment and recent deaths in the park.

“Filling the role of Park Superintendent at the Grand Canyon is a particularly pressing matter given that tragically, four deaths have already occurred at the park this year alone,” McSally wrote. “Additionally, the Grand Canyon National Park has been at the center of an alarming problem the National Park Service (NPS) has with sexual and workplace harassment. A leadership vacuum threatens to undermine long-term operations at the park as well as the ability to provide much-needed oversight of critical personnel issues.”

On March 28, McSally pressed then-Acting Secretary Bernhardt on the disturbing history of sexual harassment and recent turmoil at Grand Canyon National Park following the resignation of Superintendent Christine Lehnertz.

The letter also comes on the heels of four recent visitor deaths at Grand Canyon National Park.

Her letter is available to download HERE and below:

Secretary Bernhardt:

I am writing in regards to the lack of permanent leadership at the Grand Canyon National Park following the resignation of the park superintendent in March of this year.  As you know, the Grand Canyon is Arizona’s marquee tourist destination as well as a national treasure.

Filling the role of Park Superintendent at the Grand Canyon is a particularly pressing matter given that tragically, four deaths have already occurred at the park this year alone. Additionally, the Grand Canyon National Park has been at the center of an alarming problem the National Park Service (NPS) has with sexual and workplace harassment. A leadership vacuum threatens to undermine long-term operations at the park as well as the ability to provide much-needed oversight of critical personnel issues.

During your confirmation hearing, you agreed to work with me on issues regarding sexual harassment and to ensure that NPS employees would be treated with honor, respect and dignity. This ongoing issue must be addressed as harassment and bullying should not be tolerated at any agency.  I appreciate your leadership implementing measures to prevent harassment and increase strict accountability and transparency in all levels of NPS leadership. 

I would ask that you fill the position of Park Superintendent at Grand Canyon National Park as soon as possible to provide stable leadership for our state’s unparalleled asset. I again extend an invitation for you to visit the park with me at any time and look forward to working with you on this and many other issues.

Thank you very much for your attention to this important issue, and I look forward to your timely response.  

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