Chiricahua Monument Upgraded to National Park Status, Solidifying Tribal Access to Cultural Sites

If you’ve ever been to the Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona, get ready for a title change. The Chiricahua National Park Act is a straightforward piece of legislation that officially redesignates the existing monument as the Chiricahua National Park.

This isn't just a name change on a sign. Section 2 of the bill confirms that the boundaries, funding, and administrative rules stay exactly the same as they were for the monument, ensuring a smooth transition. Every existing legal reference to the monument will now simply be treated as a reference to the new National Park. For the average visitor, the experience on the ground won’t change overnight, but the National Park designation often brings greater national attention and potentially more robust long-term funding opportunities.

More Than a Name Change: Securing Cultural Access

The most significant real-world impact of this bill is found in Section 3, which focuses on protecting traditional cultural and religious sites within the newly designated park. The bill mandates that the Secretary of the Interior must protect these sites and consult with Indian Tribes when doing so, following existing laws for cultural protection.

Crucially, it solidifies access rights for members of Indian Tribes to use these protected areas for traditional cultural and customary purposes. This is a direct nod to existing law (Public Law 95-341), but putting it front and center in the park's founding legislation makes the commitment clear.

The Fine Print on Public Access

Here’s where the bill touches the general public: Section 3 allows for temporary, localized closures. If an Indian Tribe requests it to conduct traditional activities, the Secretary may temporarily close specific areas of the park to the general public.

Think about it this way: If you plan a hike and find a trail closed for the day, it might be due to this provision. However, the bill is very specific about limiting this inconvenience. Any such closure must be limited to the smallest area possible and for the shortest time necessary for the traditional activities. This is a necessary balance—protecting the ability of Tribes to practice their traditions while minimizing disruption to the public’s enjoyment of the park. It’s a clear example of policy ensuring that cultural preservation takes precedence in a very specific, limited way.