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.

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!

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.

  • Clear signs along the Crest
    CRC’s Stewardship Program replaced many of the posts and signs along the Chiricahua Crest Trail this spring. The project grew out of discussions between…
  • Spring trail maintenance
    The CRC Stewardship Program joined forces with the Chiricahua Wilderness Trail Crew, the Portal-Rodeo Hiking Group, Wild Arizona, and the Coronado National Forest to…
  • Stewardship: A Year in Review
    CRC’s Stewardship Program had an active 2023. Working with partner organizations, we amassed over 750 hours of volunteer time. In the winter, we installed…
  • Summer and fall stewardship work
    A walk along the Crest Trail in the Chiricahuas, with its expansive views, is an experience not soon forgotten. This sublime trail, #270 Rustler…
Portal Peak after the rain © Narca Moore

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

  • Dirk Sigler, President
  • Curt Bradley, Vice President
  • Eskild Petersen, Treasurer
  • Elly van Gelderen, Secretary
  • Wynne Brown
  • Philip Hedrick
  • David Hodges
  • Noel Snyder
  • Helen Snyder

Our Advisory Council

  • Amy Amoroso
  • Josiah Austin
  • Jim Downer
  • Diana Hadley
  • Paul Hirt
  • Michele Lanan
  • Greg Magee
  • Narca Moore
  • Jonathan Patt
  • Kim Vacariu
  • Alice Wakefield
  • Richard Webster