Chiricahua National Park Act Introduced to Congress

Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick has introduced the Chiricahua National Park Act into Congress. The bill would establish Chiricahua National Monument as a national park.

A change in status means the park would be able to receive additional funding to support infrastructures such as expanded parking lots and campgrounds. The change would not affect the protections for the site, as national parks and monuments are protected at the same level. 

Chiricahua National Monument was first recognized as a National Park Service site in 1924. Dubbed a "Wonderland of Rocks," the monument expands over 12,000 acres and, as of 2017, saw more than 63,000 visitors a year.

In a post on her Facebook page, Kirkpatrick said she is looking forward to working with her colleagues to move the bill and get it signed into law.