Kelly, Gallego Introduce Bill to Designate Chiricahua as Arizona’s Fourth National Park

Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego introduced the Chiricahua National Park Act to designate the Chiricahua National Monument in Cochise County as Chiricahua National Park. The bill would permanently protect Chiricahua's unique landscape while supporting tourism and economic opportunities in rural Southern Arizona. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06).

Established in 1924, Chiricahua National Monument spans more than 12,000 acres of towering rock formations, canyons, and diverse wildlife in Cochise County. Designation would make Chiricahua Arizona's fourth national park, alongside Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro National Parks. 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," said Kelly. "This is about keeping this place special and making sure nearby communities and small businesses benefit even more from it."

"Chiricahua's unique landscape brings in visitors from around the world. 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," said Gallego.

"HECHO proudly supports Senator Mark Kelly's introduction of the Chiricahua National Park Act. 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," said Camilla Simon, Executive Director of HECHO.

The Chiricahua National Park Act is supported by the City of Willcox, the City of Sierra Vista, the City of Benson, the City of 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.

Click here to read the full text of the bill.