Chiricahua National Monument could become a national park

Some residents of Southern Arizona have launched a campaign to have Chiricahua National Monument southeast of Willcox redesignated as Chiricahua National Park, and they’re getting support from a member of Congress.

U.S. Rep. Martha McSally says she is planning to introduce legislation to authorize the change, which requires an act of Congress.

Chiricahua Monument — a preserve of 11,985 acres known for its spectacular rock formations, scenic viewpoints and extensive network of trails — would “have no significant changes other than a name change,” said Allen Etheridge, superintendent of the monument. Designation as a national park “wouldn’t change boundaries or increase the budget.”

Bob Gent, a member of the Sierra Vista Tourism Commission and coordinator of the Campaign for Chiricahua National Park, said he and others in Southern Arizona strongly believe that a redesignation is merited.

“Chiricahua National Monument truly is a geologic wonder of the world, and it deserves national park status,” Gent said. “It’s unique in its scenic beauty.”

He said park status could bring economic benefits.

“Basically, all the chambers of commerce in the Cochise County area are in support of this,” Gent said. “We think it’s a good idea to attract visitors to Arizona. As a tourism commissioner, one of my jobs is to let people know that Arizona is a beautiful place to visit. What better way to do that than to have a new national park declared?”

LOCAL SUPPORT

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Kevin Dahl, Arizona senior program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association and a supporter of the Chiricahua proposal, said, “I think it is significant that the strong voice for changing Chiricahua National Monument into a national park has come from business and political leaders in Cochise County.

“The history of our national park system is filled with stories of such strong local support — for instance, when Saguaro National Monument was established by President Herbert Hoover in 1933, and then when Congress expanded its borders and made it a national park in 1994.”

CONGRESSIONAL ACTION

McSally, a Republican representing Arizona’s Second Congressional District, said she is planning to introduce legislation for national park status in “the near future.”

“Making Chiricahua into a national park is a win-win for Southern Arizona,” McSally said. “The designation would recognize the incredible history, diversity and beauty of this area, and help attract further business and tourism to our communities.”

Chiricahua was designated as a national monument in 1924 by President Calvin Coolidge.

McSally noted that designation as a national park, unlike national monument designation, “requires an act of Congress. I’m aiming to introduce legislation in the near future designating Chiricahua a national park.

“My staff and I are currently working with the relevant committee of jurisdiction, the Natural Resources Committee, and other offices to make sure this bill has a chance to move forward in the House once it’s introduced,” she said.