About the Chiricahua Regional Council
The Chiricahua Regional Council is a citizen’s watchdog group that monitors public agency actions and other issues affecting the Chiricahua, Peloncillo and Dragoon Mountains, and nearby areas of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and adjacent northern Mexico.
We protect valuable, intact habitats and champion the region’s natural and cultural integrity. Dark skies, open space, outstanding species diversity, corridors that link habitats, our ranching heritage––all of these values make our region what it is. Together, these treasures draw tens of thousands of visitors annually, all contributing to nature tourism, which underpins our regional economy.
The CRC promotes responsible land use and wise, science-informed stewardship of our unique natural heritage. Our broad constituency includes scientists, ranchers, birders, naturalists, astronomers, artists, residents, visitors, and many others, who value our region’s spectacular qualities.
A brief history of the origins of the CRC is available here. Our bylaws are available by request.
We cordially invite you to join our efforts.
CRC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization: your donations to our work are tax deductible.
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The cliffs above the South Fork of Cave Creek © Narca Moore -
Spring poppies in the San Simon Valley © Eskild Petersen
Current Issues
Learn more about our current priority issues and how you can take action to protect the beautiful and sensitive areas in and around the Chiricahua mountains!
- Nature on the board: Portal in the newsWhile this may not technically be a “current issue” in the normal regard, we thought you all would enjoy this article about Portal, Friends…
- New Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National MonumentWild Arizona, a partner with CRC in conservation and trailwork, announces today’s proclamation by President Biden, establishing the new Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni –…
- Objection to Chiricahua Access ProjectOn July 17, 2023, the Chiricahua Regional Council joined the Center for Biological Diversity, Natural Allies, Wild Arizona, and Conservation CATalyst, to submit objections…
- Peloncillo FireScape ProjectThe USFS recently announced a Scoping notice for the Peloncillo FireScape Project. (See below.) More detailed information is available on the project website and…
Stewardship Projects
The Stewardship Program at the Chiricahua Regional Council rests on the principle that people and non-profits collaborating together can have a positive impact on the land.
- Summer and fall stewardship workA walk along the Crest Trail in the Chiricahuas, with its expansive views, is an experience not soon forgotten. This sublime trail, #270 Rustler…
- Trail work with Wild Arizona – July, 2023The day started very promisingly with light rain in the Portal area and a magnificent double rainbow. Would the day bring the return of…
- Portal-Rodeo Hiking Group Work EventWith creeks flowing and the skies promising rain, the Portal-Rodeo Hiking Group elected to spend their monthly trail maintenance day working in the canyon…
- Spring trailwork updateIt’s been a busy and productive Spring for trailwork in the Chiricahuas. The completion of the South Fork Trail project in mid-April was quickly…

Become a Member
A one-year Chiricahua Regional Council membership costs $25. When issues arise affecting the Chiricahua–Peloncillo–Dragoon region, we inform our membership of the problem and recommend actions to remedy the situation. These notices come at irregular (and, thankfully, infrequent) intervals––however, when action has been needed, our members have risen to the challenge and have been very effective at protecting the local biological and cultural values.
Our Board of Directors
- Wynne Brown, President
- Dirk Sigler, Vice President
- Eskild Petersen, Treasurer
- Michele Lanan, Secretary
- Curt Bradley
- Philip Hedrick
- David Hodges
- Noel Snyder
- Helen Snyder
Our Advisory Council
- Amy Amoroso
- Josiah Austin
- Jim Downer
- Diana Hadley
- Paul Hirt
- Greg Magee
- Narca Moore
- Kim Vacariu
- Alice Wakefield
- Richard Webster