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!
- Proposal to change Chiricahua National Monument to a National Park headed to full US Senate voteAfter several attempts, it’s looking more likely that the Chiricahua National Monument may become Arizona’s fourth national park. Senate Bill S.736, co-sponsored by Sens….
- South Fork trail restoration completeSuccess is sweet. The saga of South Fork reached a new milestone in April when the crew of Wild Arizona completed the rebuilding of…
- New leadershipThe Chiricahua Regional Council is pleased to announce the election of board member Dirk Sigler to serve as Vice President of the organization. As…
- Condolences on death of Jim KolbeChiricahua Regional Council sends our deep condolences to the family of Congressman Jim Kolbe. We are still profoundly grateful for the vital help he…
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.
- 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…
- CollaborationWe value our collaboration with the Forest Service and are happy for the contributions our stewardship group has made this year with the work…
- Progress on South Fork TrailA team of four volunteers led by John Sumner continued trail work in the Chiricahua Wilderness last week. The plan at this stage of…

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
- Josiah Austin
- Jim Downer
- Paul Hirt
- Narca Moore
- Alice Wakefield
- Richard Webster