U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Congressman Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ-01) on Monday introduced bipartisan legislation to modify the boundary of the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument near Flagstaff to improve management of its buildings.“Sunset Crater is a geological gem that attracts more than 200,000 tourists, hikers, and researchers to Northern Arizona each year,” McSally said. “My bill will improve the visitor experience by streamlining management of Monument facilities and reducing bureaucratic barriers between theNational Park Service and the Forest Service.”
“I’m pleased to join Senator McSally to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral effort that will cut red tape for both the National Park Service and Coconino National Forest and ensure that visitors from around the world can continue to enjoy the natural beauty and geological significance of Sunset Crater,” O’Halleran said.
Read the bill text HERE.
Background:
- The Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument’s visitors center, bunkhouse, and other outbuildings are located just outside the monument’s boundary on Coconino National Forest land. The National Park Service currently operates this area under an Interagency Agreement where any repairs, maintenance or ground disturbance needs approval by the Forest Service.
- Transferring ownership of the land from National Forest Service to National Park Service will streamline management and operations of the monument and remove a significant bureaucratic compliance burden for both agencies.
- The land transfer comprises approximately 97 acres and is immediately adjacent to the monument.
