Chiricahua National Monument one signature away from becoming Arizona’s 4th national park

The Chiricahua National Park Act has passed the U.S. Senate, sending the legislation that would designate Chiricahua National Monument as Arizona’s fourth national park to President Donald Trump’s desk for final approval.

The monument, located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona, preserves the remains of an immense volcanic eruption that shook the region about 27 million years ago. The volcanic material eventually eroded into the unique natural rock formations seen today.

The 12,000-acre preserve 36 miles southeast of Willcox is already protected by the Antiquities Act of 1906, but being upgraded to national park status would draw more tourists to the region, according to leaders from both political parties, local communities, and outdoor and conservation organizations who pushed for the bill.

“This is an incredible day for Willcox, Cochise County and all of southeastern Arizona,” Willcox Mayor Greg Hancock said in a statement. “We would not have been able to get this accomplished without some amazing partners. Senator Mark Kelly and Congressman Juan Ciscomani have championed this effort, worked across party lines and continued pushing it forward. We are extremely grateful for their leadership and commitment to southeastern Arizona.”

The three national parks currently in Arizona are the Grand Canyon, Saguaro and Petrified Forest.

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