The move to elevate Chiricahua National Monument to national park status took another step forward as the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands reviewed a bill championed by Representative Juan Ciscomani. The "Wonderland of Rocks," as it's locally known, stands to see an economic uptick for the Willcox area with this potential redesignation, according to Ciscomani's testimony.
Speaking with an eye toward fiscal responsibility, Ciscomani and the Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture President, Monica Preston, both mentioned that the change would not seek additional taxpayer funds. "The redesignation of this site does not require additional federal funding attached to it," Preston said in a statement obtained by AZPM. This new status is expected to bolster the tax base for both the park and the city.
Yet, concerns have surfaced from the San Carlos Apache Tribe, particularly regarding the preservation of sacred sites. Deputy Attorney General Justine Jimmy addressed the subcommittee with requests that the bill include measures to protect tribal practices and historical significance. Increased tourism can bring undue pressure on sacred lands where tribal members pray and perform ceremonies. "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 explained, as reported by AZPM.
Local government figures such as Mayor Michael Laws of Willcox have voiced their support for the bill, noting its critical influence on local economic revival following the 2008 recession. "Since the recession in 2008, Willcox has struggled to keep pace with other communities and attract new development," Laws penned in a letter to Rep. Ciscomani. An increase in national monument visitation by 10% post-recession is indicative of the potential positive impact on local businesses that a national park designation could sustain.
Introduced in March of the previous year, H.R. 1479, The Chiricahua National Park Act also has a companion bill in the Senate. The bipartisan effort includes sponsorship from Democratic Senator Mark Kelly and Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema, and the Senate’s Committee on Energy and Natural Resources approved the bill last July.
