Chiricahua National Forest

Chiricahua National Forest
Map showing the location of Chiricahua National Forest
Map showing the location of Chiricahua National Forest
Location in Arizona
Map showing the location of Chiricahua National Forest
Map showing the location of Chiricahua National Forest
Location in United States
LocationCochise County, Arizona and Hidalgo County, New Mexico, United States
Coordinates32°0′47″N 109°20′27″W / 32.01306°N 109.34083°W / 32.01306; -109.34083
EstablishedJuly 1, 1902

Chiricahua National Forest was established as the Chiricahua Forest Reserve in Cochise County, Arizona by the United States General Land Office on July 1, 1902, with 169,600 acres (686 km2). After the transfer of federal forests to the U.S. Forest Service in 1905, it became a national forest on March 4, 1907. On July 1, 1908, it absorbed Peloncillo National Forest, including lands in Hidalgo County, New Mexico. On July 1, 1917, Chiricahua was absorbed by Coronado National Forest and the name was discontinued.[1]

The forest included part of the Chiricahua Mountains, one of the Madrean Sky Islands. A portion of the national forest lands were transferred to the National Park Service with the establishment of Chiricahua National Monument in 1924. The remaining lands are presently administered by the Douglas Ranger District of Coronado.[2]

  1. ^ Davis, Richard C. (September 29, 2005). "National Forests of the United States" (PDF). Forest History Society.
  2. ^ "About Us". Coronado National Forest. U.S. Forest Service. 2008-08-24.