H.R. 6380: Chiricahua National Park Act

This bill, known as the Chiricahua National Park Act, aims to officially designate the Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona as a unit of the National Park System, renaming it as the Chiricahua National Park. The key provisions of the bill include:

Designation of Chiricahua National Park

The bill designates the Chiricahua National Monument as the Chiricahua National Park. This designation establishes the park's boundaries as those of the existing monument, effective from the date of the bill's enactment. Any references to the Chiricahua National Monument in U.S. law and documentation would now refer to it as the National Park. Additionally, any available funding for the monument will also be applicable for the newly designated National Park.

Administration of the Park

The Secretary of the Interior will be responsible for the management of the National Park. The administration will follow existing laws and regulations that apply to units of the National Park System.

Protection of Cultural and Religious Sites

The bill provides for the protection of traditional cultural and religious sites within the National Park. This includes:

• The Secretary shall ensure these sites are protected according to the laws applicable to the National Park Service.
• Consultation with Indian Tribes will be required to align with laws that protect cultural and religious sites.

Access for Indian Tribes

The bill also addresses access to these cultural and religious sites for members of Indian Tribes. The Secretary is required to ensure:

• Access for traditional cultural and customary uses by Indian Tribe members.
• The possibility of temporarily closing specific areas of the National Park to the general public to protect traditional uses, upon request by an Indian Tribe.

Such closures would be minimized in area and duration to the smallest practicable extent necessary for the activities of the Indian Tribes.

Definitions

The bill provides definitions for key terms, including:

• Indian Tribe: Defined as per the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
• Secretary: Referring to the Secretary of the Interior.

Relevant Companies

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