Kahtoola Applauds Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s Visit to Proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument

May 22, 2023

Flagstaff, Ariz. (May 22, 2023)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Kahtoola, headquartered in Flagstaff, Arizona, celebrates Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s historic visit on May 20 to the proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument, and stands alongside the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition in calling upon President Joe Biden to protect the area.

The proposed 1.1-million-acre monument has cultural connections to at least 12 Tribes and Nations, and the Indigenous-led proposal dates back decades to numerous efforts to permanently protect the Grand Canyon region from new uranium mining and other harmful development. Kahtoola recognizes the importance of the opportunities the Grand Canyon region provides for outdoor experiences and traditional uses of all types, from hiking, hunting, fishing and camping to grazing and Tribal uses like plant and firewood gathering. A national monument would maintain these existing uses while protecting the region’s clean air, land, and water.

Owner and founder Danny Giovale says, “As a local business in the outdoor industry who cares deeply about the environment, our local Tribal communities, and a thriving outdoor economy, Kahtoola applauds the Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland for coming out to visit the proposed Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. Haaland’s site visit shows that she understands the importance of personal connection to place and the value it adds when addressing the local people and the environmental and human health threats we face if these lands are not protected. As one of our nation’s most iconic landscapes, permanent protection from uranium mining is essential to ensure healthy waterways, ecosystems, cultural values, and natural resources. Many people depend on these lands as a way of life and Kahtoola supports a co-managed, sustainable, multi-use approach that ensures these lands remain healthy and intact for all generations to come. We are celebrating Haaland’s visit and sincerely hope that President Joe Biden uses his authority under the Antiquities Act to protect these lands and honor the 12 Tribal Nations by designating Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.”

Kahtoola encourages other outdoor industry businesses to take action in calling for the establishment of the national monument by visiting KeepItGrandAZ.com.

About Kahtoola:

Founded in Flagstaff, Arizona in 1999, Kahtoola’s vision is to expand the benefits of the outdoors to everyone through exceptional product design and social and environmental responsibility. Kahtoola’s gaiters, hiking crampons, and flexible footwear traction systems, including MICROspikes®, EXOspikes™ and NANOspikes®, are built to enable safer and more rewarding experiences in the outdoors, while the brand’s conservation, sustainability, and philanthropy initiatives foster healthier environments and empower disadvantaged communities by lowering economic and social barriers. For more information, please visit kahtoola.com.

Media Contact:

Catherine Donovan

Terra PR

323-708-6953

CatherineD@terrapublicrelations.com

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