Arizona officials back redesignating Chiricahua National Monument as a national park

Summary

Representative Siskamani and Wilcox Mayor Greg Hancock testified in favor of HR 6,380 to redesignate Chiricahua National Monument as Chiricahua National Park, arguing the change would raise the profile of the 12,000-acre site and boost local tourism without expanding federal footprint or requiring new funding.

Representative Siskamani and Mayor Greg Hancock told the subcommittee that HR 6,380 would redesignate Chiricahua National Monument in Cochise County, Ariz., as Chiricahua National Park, advancing local tourism and conservation.

Siskamani described the site's more-than-12,000 acres of volcanic formations, campsites and 17 miles of trails and argued "this redesignation is a simple common sense way to give the landmark the recognition it deserves at no cost to the taxpayers and without expanding federal jurisdiction over the land." Mayor Hancock said redesignation typically increases visitation and would significantly benefit Wilcox's local economy.

Outcome: Members heard local economic testimony and technical questions about visitation impacts; no votes were taken during the hearing.