Following fires and floods, Grand Canyon National Park is sorting out solutions to ensure the North Rim and its ecosystem recover. And they are seeking the public’s help.

The National Park Service opened a 30-day public involvement period Oct. 6 as it begins developing a long-term plan for the North Rim following the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire and more recent flash flooding, according to a park news release.

The goal is not simply to rebuild what was there before. Park officials are looking at how the North Rim can better withstand future fires, floods and other emergencies while preserving the character that has long distinguished that side of the Grand Canyon.

That could mean changes involving utilities, visitor facilities, infrastructure, employee needs, public safety and emergency preparedness, according to the release.

For now, however, the National Park Service is looking for ideas rather than presenting a final plan.

Public comments will be used to help refine redevelopment concepts and eventually develop alternatives for a comprehensive North Rim recovery plan.

“The North Rim has experienced extraordinary challenges over the past year, and those experiences have reinforced how important it is that we plan thoughtfully for its future,” Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Ed Keable said in the release.

“We have an opportunity to listen, learn and build a long-term vision that respects the North Rim’s history while strengthening its resilience and ensuring it can continue serving visitors, employees, and surrounding communities for generations.”

The planning comes after a difficult stretch for the North Rim.

The Dragon Bravo Fire caused extensive damage in 2025, triggering a major recovery effort. More recent flash floods have added another challenge and highlighted concerns involving infrastructure, utilities and emergency preparedness in one of the park’s most remote areas.

Those immediate recovery efforts are continuing and are separate from the longer-term planning process now getting underway, according to the National Park Service.

Grand Canyon National Park remains open on both the North and South rims, although some affected inner-canyon areas remain closed while recovery work continues.

The National Park Service plans to hold virtual and in-person public meetings throughout October to explain the redevelopment concepts and hear from residents, visitors and others interested in the North Rim.

The public comment period runs through Nov. 6.

Planning documents, meeting information and instructions for submitting comments are available through the National Park Service’s North Rim Recovery Plan project website.