Community News · Cochise County
Chiricahua National Monument Becomes Arizona's Fourth National Park
President Donald Trump signed legislation on Tuesday upgrading the Chiricahua National Monument in Cochise County to Chiricahua National Park. U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum celebrated the designation, which makes it the nation's 64th national park and Arizona's fourth. The change aims to boost tourism and economic growth in southeastern Arizona, particularly for the town of Willcox. While supporters praised the new status, the Association of National Park Rangers criticized the Interior Department for alleged staffing cuts and deferred maintenance issues.