Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Appoints New Facilities Manager As Attendance Sets Record

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Glen Canyon) proudly welcomes Rich Sweeting as its new Chief of Facilities Management. With a background in project management and a commitment to environmental stewardship, Sweeting brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Previously serving at Shenandoah National Park and boasting an impressive military career, Sweeting's leadership is poised to enhance the management of one of the National Park Service's most intricate facilities programs.

As Chief of Facilities Management, Sweeting will oversee the maintenance of buildings, trails, utilities, and equipment across Glen Canyon's expansive 1.25 million acres, spanning northern Arizona and southeast Utah. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the park grapples with challenges stemming from fluctuating lake levels at Lake Powell.

Sweeting's extensive experience includes 24 years in the U.S. Army, where he earned numerous accolades for his service. Following his military career, he transitioned to corporate America before dedicating himself to national park management. With a Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management and a suite of certifications, Sweeting is well-prepared to navigate the complexities of his new role.

In his own words, Sweeting expresses enthusiasm for collaborating with partners to address the multifaceted issues facing Glen Canyon. His focus on responsible stewardship aligns perfectly with the park's mission to preserve its natural and cultural resources for future generations.

Glenn Canyon National Recreation Area Sets New Attendance Record

Glen Canyon's significance as a recreational destination is underscored by its record-breaking visitation numbers, with 5.2 million visitors in 2023. This surge in attendance highlights the park's appeal as one of the most visited sites within the National Park Service. Notably, the Lees Ferry District experienced the largest increase in visitation, reflecting the diverse recreational opportunities available along the Colorado River.

The National Park Service recognizes the importance of visitor data in guiding park management strategies. Through initiatives like the Visitation Statistics Dashboard and the Plan like a Park Ranger program, the NPS strives to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the integrity of park resources.

Popular Brown Trout Spring Bonanza Returns

Beyond recreational activities, Glen Canyon remains committed to conservation efforts. The extension of the Brown Trout Incentivized Harvest program, in partnership with the Glen Canyon Conservancy, demonstrates the park's dedication to managing invasive species. Anglers participating in the program can contribute to conservation efforts while earning rewards for their contributions.

As Glen Canyon embarks on this new chapter under Sweeting's leadership, the park remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and providing unparalleled recreational opportunities for visitors from around the world.

For more information about Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and its ongoing initiatives, visit the park's website.