Chiricahua Renamed A National Park, Putting Spotlight on Sky Islands of Arizona

Phoenix, AZ—Chiricahua National Monument in southern Arizona has officially been renamed as Chiricahua National Park following Congressional approval of the bipartisan Chiricahua National Parks Act, signed into law today. 

Originally added to the National Park System through the Antiquities Act in 1924, Chiricahua is called the “Wonderland of Rocks” for the unique rock formations and volcanic stone pinnacles it protects. Chiricahua is one of Arizona’s Sky Islands, a series of mountain ranges that protect rare ecosystems, plants and animals found nowhere else. The Sky Islands also include national park sites Coronado National Memorial and Fort Bowie National Historic Site. 

The National Park Service now stewards 64 National Parks, a part of 433 national park sites across the country that also include national preserves, monuments, seashores, lakeshores, recreation areas, historic sites, scenic trails and more.  

NPCA will continue to work with Congress and the National Park Service to make sure Chiricahua, and all of our national park sites, have funding and staffing restored so the agency is equipped to protect our shared heritage, cultural resources, landscapes and wildlife, and the incredible visitor experiences our parks offer. 

Statement from Christina Hazard, legislative director at the National Parks Conservation Association

“Chiricahua protects thousands of years of history and incredibly unique geology, where visitors can explore trails through rock pinnacles and experience some of the best birdwatching in the world.  

“From Chiricahua National Park to Coronado National Memorial, the National Park Service stewards these rare Sky Island ecosystems that are unlike any other landscape in the country. Keeping these places well cared for means America’s newest National Park needs restored staffing and funding, and we will continue to work with Congress to make sure Chiricahua can remain protected for generations to experience.” 

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.9 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.