Ruling favors Canyon dude rancher

A federal judge has agreed to enforce the terms of a 2007 settlement between a dude rancher and the federal government over the paving of a road to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. U.S. District Court Judge Neil V. Wake ruled Thursday that representatives of the U.S. Department of the Interior need to work with Grand Canyon Ranch Resort owner Nigel Turner and demonstrate that federal officials are abiding by settlement conditions. But Wake refused to grant Turner’s motion for a temporary restraining order to halt further construction for at least 30 days so he could review site plans. Wake said information exchanges between the government and Turner can occur while construction is ongoing and that any objections can be raised in court. The judge wanted both parties to “move forward in good faith” and said he would order further discovery if necessary. Last week, Turner blocked the existing road out of frustration with the government. Turner’s working dude ranch attracts 400 to 500 visitors a day and accommodates about 40 overnight guests, many from overseas. He claims business has suffered as a result of Hualapai tourism traffic and the noise from construction of the new permanent road...more