Kelly Statement on Chiricahua Officially Becoming Arizona’s Fourth National Park

Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly released the following statement after the Chiricahua National Park Act, legislation he first introduced in 2021 to designate Chiricahua National Monument in Cochise County as Arizona’s fourth national park, was signed into law by President Trump: “Today is a historic day for Arizona. 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,” said Kelly. “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.” Background: Kelly first introduced legislation to make Chiricahua Arizona’s fourth national park in 2021 and continued pushing for the designation in subsequent Congresses. Kelly and Senator Ruben Gallego introduced the latest Senate legislation, while Representatives Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) and Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04) advanced the legislation in the House. The House passed the bill in March, followed by the Senate in September. Established in 1924, Chiricahua National Monument spans more than 12,000 acres of towering rock formations, canyons, and diverse wildlife in Cochise County. The designation will protect Chiricahua’s unique landscape for future generations while bringing more visitors and economic opportunities to southeastern Arizona. The law also includes protections for traditional cultural and religious sites and ensures continued access for Tribal members for traditional cultural and customary uses. See what Arizona leaders are saying about Chiricahua becoming the state’s fourth National Park: “This is a moment worth celebrating, not only because Chiricahua is now Arizona’s fourth national park, but also because of how we got here. We are grateful to Senator Mark Kelly for his leadership in advancing this effort alongside Senator Ruben Gallego and Representatives Juan Ciscomani and Greg Stanton. Their bipartisan collaboration helped give Chiricahua the national recognition it deserves for its ecological, cultural, recreational, and economic significance. At a time when our country feels deeply divided, this achievement shows what is possible when we put differences aside and work together to protect the public lands we all share,” said Camilla Simon, Executive Director of HECHO. “I proudly supported the Chiricahua National Park Act, and I’m thrilled to have been part of the effort to make Chiricahua Arizona’s newest national park. As a combat veteran, I know firsthand the healing that can come from spending time on our public lands. A national park in my own backyard has given me a place to find that healing, and I’m excited for more people to have that opportunity at Chiricahua. This designation will bring so much to the surrounding communities, not only economic and recreational opportunities, but also the joy, connection and healing that these special places can provide,” said Eduardo Ramos, veteran, hunter and HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council. “Chiricahua is one of those places you have to see with your own eyes to truly understand. Its landscape is breathtaking, and no matter how many times I visit, that feeling never changes. I had the privilege of being in Washington, D.C., advocating for Chiricahua when we learned that the bill had passed Congress, and being there for that moment was incredibly special. Now, to see what we advocated for become a reality with the President’s signature is something I’ll never forget. I’m proud that more people will have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary place,” said Eddy Corona, President of Outdoor Experience 4 All and member of HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council. “The Chiricahuas in southeastern Arizona are a true hidden gem. Having hiked and camped there in the past, I can attest to its spectacular rock formations, incredible biodiversity, endless night skies, and abundant wildlife. This designation will boost the local economy and encourage more visitors to experience this unique landscape,” said Patty Contreras, Arizona State Representative and member of HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council. “I’ve explored the outdoors throughout Arizona, but the Chiricahuas hold a particularly special place in my heart. I feel a deep spiritual connection to this landscape unlike anywhere else in the state. From the incredible rock formations to the abundance of wildlife, the Chiricahuas are truly one of a kind. It’s one of the few places in Arizona where I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter such a remarkable diversity of wildlife. It’s one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets, and I hope it never loses the qualities that make it so special. I’m excited about this step forward and hopeful that National Park designation will bring greater resources, and lasting protections to this extraordinary place,” said Adriana Garcia Maximiliano, Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council member. “The first time I visited Chiricahua with my family, I was struck by its extraordinary beauty, rich history, and the deep significance it holds for so many Tribal communities. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be magical. As someone who has seen firsthand the benefits of having a national park near our community, I know how meaningful this designation could be for southern Arizona. It will create opportunities for local businesses, bring new tourism revenue, and strengthen the Southwest as a destination for people who come to experience our incredible public lands. But beyond the economic benefits, this is about reaffirming our commitment to conserving these special places for generations to come. National parks allow us to build a stronger economic future for our communities without sacrificing the landscapes, wildlife, and history that make them so extraordinary,” said Sarah Benatar, Coconino County Treasurer. “The balancing rocks at Chiricahua make it one of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth, which is exactly why I’m thrilled to see it become Arizona’s fourth national park. This historic designation will help protect and preserve Chiricahua’s natural beauty for generations to come, while boosting tourism from around the world and growing our economy,” said Arizona House Democratic Leader Oscar De Los Santos.