The bill designates the Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona as Chiricahua National Park. It ensures protection of traditional cultural and religious sites within the park, directing the Secretary to consult with Indian Tribes. The Secretary must provide access to these sites for tribal members' traditional cultural and customary uses. Additionally, the bill permits temporary closure of specific park areas upon request of an Indian Tribe to protect traditional cultural and customary uses. It defines "Indian Tribe" and "Secretary" as per specific legislative references.
Chiricahua National Park Act
This bill redesignates the Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona as the Chiricahua National Park.
The bill directs the National Park Service (NPS) to (1) ensure the protection of traditional cultural and religious sites in the park, and (2) provide access to those sites by members of Indian tribes for traditional cultural and customary uses.
Upon the request of an Indian tribe, the NPS may temporarily close to general public use one or more specific areas of the park to protect traditional cultural and customary uses in the area by members of the tribe. The closure must be limited to the smallest practicable area for the minimum period necessary for the traditional cultural and religious activities.