Graham Supervisors OK resolution opposing national monument designation

Chiricahua National Monument - Tom Fournier Photo/Pexels

SAFFORD — The Graham County Board of Supervisors are asking the White House to take input from locals when federally-protected space is designated.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the board voted unanimously in favor of a resolution “Opposing abuse of the Antiquities Act.”

“I like the idea of having lands set aside and designated, I’m just opposed — philosophically opposed — to it being done unilaterally,” Supervisor Paul David said.

The Antiquities Act was signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, giving the president the authority to designate federal lands as national monuments, which prohibits significant commercial development — such as logging, grazing and mining — as well as prohibits the removal of artifacts.

“I think it’s very concerning what happens in these kinds of situations and we need to voice our opposition,” said Supervisor John Howard.

There are 139 historical monuments in the United States, including 19 in Arizona, the second most in the nation behind California with 20. None of Arizona’s national monuments are located in Graham or Greenlee counties.

Currently, U.S. Sen. John Kelly, D-Ariz., and U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., are leading an effort to change the Chiricahuas in northern Cochise County from a national monument into a national park. Chiricahua National Monument was designated in 1924 by President Calvin Coolidge.

S.736, introduced by Kelly, has moved through Senate committee hearings and been placed on the legislative calendar. The most recent action on H.R.1479, introduced by Ciscomani, was a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands last September.

If the change is approved, the Chiricahuas would become the fourth national park in Arizona, along with the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest and Saguaro.

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