Chiricahua National Monument in southeastern Arizona — known for its dramatic rock spires, diverse wildlife, and deep cultural significance to the Chiricahua Apache and other Tribes — would be redesignated as Chiricahua National Park. The boundaries wouldn't change, but the upgrade to national park status typically brings more visibility, visitor interest, and funding. The bill also requires the Park Service to protect traditional cultural and religious sites within the park and provide access to Tribal members for customary uses, with the ability to temporarily close small areas to the public when needed for those activities.
Congressional Summary
Chiricahua National Park ActThis bill redesignates the Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona as the Chiricahua National Park.The bill directs the National Park Service (NPS) to (1) ensure the protection of traditional cultural and religious sites in the park, and (2) provide access to those sites by members of Indian tribes for traditional cultural and customary uses. Upon the request of an Indian tribe, the NPS may temporarily close to general public use one or more specific areas of the park to protect traditional cultural and customary uses in the area by members of the tribe. The closure must be limited to the smallest practicable area for the minimum period necessary for the traditional cultural and religious activities.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in Senate
- Action Date
- 2026-01-28
- Date Added
- 2026-04-09