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Sam Penrod Reporting Some of Utah's scenic beauty is getting worldwide attention again. This weekend, the US Postal Service released a stamp featuring one of Utah's national parks. The postage stamp is of Bryce Canyon, and was taken by Utah photographer, Tom Till. It is exciting news right now in Southern Utah.
The 63 cent postage stamp is the newest issued by the post office, designed for letters to Canada and Mexico. Its release is prompting locals and tourists to Bryce Canyon to get their stamp and a special cancellation.
The picture for the postage stamp was taken at Inspiration Point, which is one of the most popular lookout areas in all of Bryce Canyon. Nature photographer Tom Till of Moab took the photo last year. Park rangers believe that from the shadows, it was taken early in the morning.
Colleen Bathe, Bryce Canyon National Park: "On the photograph, you can actually see a number of the hoodoos and they call this the silent city, and that is what is featured on the photograph."
With five National Parks in Utah, park rangers at Bryce Canyon are extremely proud.
Colleen Bathe, Bryce Canyon National Park: "I am getting phone calls from my counterparts at other parks who are very jealous that we have our own postage stamp."
Businesses that serve Bryce Canyon tourists are also thrilled. About 40-percent of visitors to the park each year are from other countries.
Bob Syrett, Ruby's Inn: "I think it is going to give the state of Utah great publicity, especially Bryce Canyon. You can see here at the bottom, Bryce Canyon, Utah."
They say the scenic views of the canyon sell itself, but distributing this image worldwide will give more people another reason to visit Bryce Canyon, which they call one of the most scenic places on earth.
Bob Syrett, Ruby's Inn: "Obviously we are elated about having this canyon on the stamp. I don't know who the people are who made the decision, but I'd buy them a steak dinner if I could find them."
That decision to turn Bryce Canyon into a stamp was made by a nine member postal service committee back in Washington DC. The last time Utah was featured on a postage stamp was back in 2002. Certainly this one will also become a collector's item.
