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- By Native News Online Staff
The two Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, both Democrats, on Tuesday introduced legislation to designate Chiricahua National Monument in Cochise County as Chiricahua National Park, a move supporters say would permanently protect the area’s landscape while boosting tourism and economic opportunities in rural southeastern Arizona.
The Chiricahua National Park Act would elevate the monument’s status and make it Arizona’s fourth national park, joining Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest and Saguaro national parks. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House by Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz.
Established in 1924, Chiricahua National Monument encompasses more than 12,000 acres of towering rock formations, deep canyons and diverse wildlife in Cochise County. The legislation also includes protections for traditional cultural and religious sites, requiring consultation with Tribes and ensuring continued access for traditional cultural and customary uses.
“Protecting Chiricahua means preserving a one-of-a-kind landscape while delivering an important win for southeastern Arizona’s recreation economy,” Kelly said. “This is about keeping this place special and making sure nearby communities and small businesses benefit even more from it.”
Gallego said the designation would help expand tourism and economic growth in the region.
“Chiricahua’s unique landscape brings in visitors from around the world,” Gallego said. “I’m proud to introduce this bill to designate Chiricahua as a national park in order to bring even more tourism to the area and create new economic opportunity in Cochise County.”
The legislation has drawn support from conservation groups, local governments and Tribal nations.
“HECHO proudly supports Senator Mark Kelly’s introduction of the Chiricahua National Park Act,” said Camilla Simon, executive director of HECHO. “This legislation has bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment across parties and chambers to preserving one of Arizona’s most extraordinary landscapes. Designating Chiricahua as a national park will strengthen conservation efforts, increase tourism, protect Tribal access, and grow the outdoor recreation economy in Southern Arizona, supporting local jobs and small businesses throughout Cochise County.”
Supporters of the bill include the cities of Willcox, Sierra Vista, Benson and Bisbee; Huachuca City; the Cochise County Board of Supervisors; the San Carlos Apache Tribe; the Mescalero Apache Tribe; the National Parks Conservation Association; HECHO; the Sky Island Regional Partnership; and the Arizona Trail Association.
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