Presentation by R.L. Gent, member of the Sierra Vista Tourism Commission, regarding the renaming of the Chiricahua National Monument to Chiricahua National Park. 

From: RL Gent [mailto:RLGent@cox.net]
Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2015 6:10 PM
To: Rios, Arlethe G
Cc: RL Gent; Call, Pat G; Hank Huisking; Glen Cobb; Judy Hector; Patrice Graber; English, Ann S; Searle, Richard R; 'Campbell, Julena'; Matt Stoffolano
Subject: Chiricahua National Park
 
Arlethe G. Rios
Clerk of the Board
Cochise County, Board of Supervisors
 
Supervisor Pat Call asked me to give a presentation to the Cochise County Board of Supervisors.   This presentation is a proposal to have the Chiricahua National Monument renamed Chiricahua National Park.  I would need about three or four minutes to give a very short PowerPoint presentation.  If the May 19 or June 6 BOS meetings are available, I can  make a presentation at either of these meetings.   If possible, it would be good for the BOS to send letters.  I also enclose some background information below and a sample letter. 
 
Thank you very much for the assistance.
 
Bob
 
Robert L. Gent, Lt Col, USAF, Ret.
Member, Sierra Vista Tourism Commission 
 
cc:    Chair, Sierra Vista Tourism Commission
         Sierra Vista City Council Liaison, Tourism Commission
         Cochise County Board of Supervisors
         National Park Service, SE Arizona Group
 
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Memo for Board of Supervisors
Cochise County, Arizona
 
Dear Supervisors Call, English, and Searle:
 
Recently the Sierra Vista Tourism Commission voted unanimously to recommend that Chiricahua National Monument be renamed Chiricahua National Park.   Monuments can be declared by the US president, but National Parks require an act of the US Congress.   Therefore we need you to help by writing our Senators and Congresswoman McSally.
 
We believe this designation could strengthen our local and regional economy, boost area tourism, help southeastern Arizona attract businesses and residents to our area.  In addition, this will raise the profile of Cochise County both nationally and internationally.   There would be little expense for making this change, so everyone could benefit with little cost.    
 
A quick review of online documentation shows that we would not be the first asking to convert a National Monument to a National Park.  Grand Canyon, Saguaro, and many others went through the same process.   Also, at present, there is an effort to change Colorado National Monument to a National Park.   Again, National Parks are more difficult and require Congressional approval.    
 
We continue to keep the National Park staff in the loop.  I have several email messages from park staff on this action. We also have a 2013 economic impact statement to the National Park Service of anyone would like to review  this document. 
 
On March 30, 2015, we emailed the 25 members of the Cochise County Tourism Council. This varied group includes Sierra Vista city staff, Chambers of Commerce and others.   To date there has been no opposition to the  suggestion that we move forward with this project.  One member asked about changes in park staffing, rules or boundaries, and according to the National park Service, there would be none.   The Sierra Vista Chamber is now supporting this effort along with others.   Our ultimate goal would be to have as many letters of support as possible, including cities and town around our county and from New Mexico.   
 
We will be briefing the Sierra Vista Tourism Partners on May 19 at 2 pm.  I would be pleased to answer any of your questions, if needed. 
 
With these steps taken, I recommend Supervisor Call send a letter to Congresswoman McSally and to Senators McCain and Flake. 
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Bob Gent, Lt Col, USAF, Ret.
Member, Sierra Vista Tourism Commission
520-378-2915
 
Draft letter to Senator McCain
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 Honorable Senator John McCain
 407 West Congress Street
 Suite 103
 Tucson, AZ 85701
 
 
Dear Senator McCain:      
 
I am writing your to ask you to introduce bipartisan legislation to designate Chiricahua National Monument as a National Park.  This designation could strengthen our local and regional economy, boost area tourism, give southeastern Arizona a boost in attracting visitors and businesses to our area.  This will raise the profile of Cochise County and Arizona both nationally and internationally.  In the longer term,  this action could enhance real estate values.  
 
Chiricahua National Monument is already staffed  by the National Park Service, and there would be no need to change boundaries of staffing.  As a result of this action, there would be no budget impact and no requirement for additional tax revenue.  In short, the potential benefits are significant, and the cost is zero.  This is a rare opportunity where everyone wins. 
 
Local businesses and governments support this action.  For example, the Sierra Vista Tourism Commission unanimously backed this proposal at their recent meeting. Also, the Sierra  Vista Chamber of Commerce supports our action. 
 
Chiricahua NM is a national treasure, and it deserves to be a National Park.   We hope you agree with us.   
 
Please feel free to contact Bob Gent, Lt Col, USAF, Ret., a member of the Sierra Vista Tourism Commission with any questions.  He can be reached at 520-378-2915 or email RLGent@cox.net.  We would appreciate if you would please confirm your intentions of introducing legislation to designate Chiricahua National Monument as a National Park.
 
Sincerely,

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