A bill has been reintroduced in Congress that would make Chiricahua National Monument in southern Arizona the state’s fourth national park. According to co-sponsor Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, it would promote conservation, boost tourism and create economic opportunities in the region.
Chiricahua was established as a national monument by President Calvin Coolidge in 1924 under the Antiquities Act.
The area is known for hundreds of standing rhyolitic rock formations that are remnants of a massive volcanic eruption 27 million years ago.
The monument is located in Cochise County and is a popular hiking, camping and wildlife viewing site. The legislation has the support of nearby cities like Benson and Bisbee along with the Cochise County Board of Supervisors.