Today, the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands heard testimony from Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) in support of a bill that would turn Chiricahua National Monument into Arizona's fourth national park.
The attraction that’s also known as the “Wonderland of Rocks,” is a key driver of economic activity in Willcox, the congressman said, stating that the redesignation would multiply the economic growth of the area.
Ciscomani also emphasized that the proposed redesignation would not impose additional financial burdens on taxpayers or expand federal jurisdiction.
“The redesignation of this site does not require additional federal funding attached to it and it is well known that the national park designation would likely accelerate the tax base for the park and city,” said Monica Preston, president of the Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.
In addition to stimulating tourism and economic growth in southern Arizona, Ciscomani assured that tribal interests would be a priority in the process.
During her testimony, Deputy Attorney General Justine Jimmy of the San Carlos Apache Tribe expressed concerns about the potential impact of increased tourism in the park and underscored the importance of preserving access to ancestral lands where tribal members pray, perform ceremonies and seek sanctuary.
Jimmy advocated for the inclusion of specific language in the bill to safeguard traditions, culture and history to ensure indigenous access to sacred sites within the park.
“A National park designation would ramp up foot and vehicle traffic, as well as infrastructure development on this land, which would jeopardize burial sites, ceremonial areas, site lines and animal, plant life, Jimmy said. “Further the Park Service would increase the number of personnel managing and patrolling the park, leading to difficulties for tribal members seeking access to the land.”
Jimmy pointed out that while existing laws prohibit the destruction of cultural resources, the discretion of park personnel can still pose challenges for protecting specific areas of importance.
Earlier this year, Michael Laws, the Mayor of Willcox voiced his support for the redesignation in a letter to Rep. Ciscomani, stating that it would be imperative to the growth of businesses in the city.
“Since the recession in 2008, Willcox has struggled to keep pace with other communities and attract new development. However, the community has rallied around tourism as the primary focus for our economy,” Laws wrote.
Laws also noted that visitation to the national monument has increased by 10% since the recession and that redesignating it as a national park would likely continue to boost visitor numbers, bringing economic benefits to small businesses in Cochise County.
H.R. 1479, The Chiricahua National Park Act was introduced by Ciscomani in March of last year.
A companion bill in the Senate, co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Mark Kelly and Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema was approved by the Senate’s Committee on Energy and Natural Resources last July.
