Arizona’s Chiricahua Gains National Park Status
Arizona welcomes its fourth national park as Chiricahua National Monument is officially redesignated. President Donald Trump enacted the change after the legislation passed through both the House in March and the Senate in September.
Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona has been a vocal advocate for this change since 2021. In his statement, Kelly expressed his excitement, noting, “Making Chiricahua a national park has been a priority of mine since I first came to the Senate, so I’m thrilled this day has finally arrived. A bipartisan effort from the start, this is a win for the communities in southeastern Arizona and for everyone who worked to protect this extraordinary place so our kids and our grandkids can enjoy it.”
Chiricahua’s new status marks the first addition to the roster of U.S. national parks in six years, bringing the total to 64 nationwide. Arizona’s other national parks include the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro.
Originally established as a monument by President Calvin Coolidge in 1924, the 12,000-acre site is renowned for its unique geological formations such as hoodoos and balancing rocks, as well as its canyons and diverse wildlife. The legislation also safeguards cultural and religious sites, ensuring that tribal members retain access.
Proponents of the redesignation believe it will boost tourism and positively impact the economy of southern Arizona.
Ongoing Legal Challenges in Utah
In related news, a federal judge has revived a longstanding lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments.
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