VCNP News:

JEMEZ SPRINGS — Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP) is initiating the development of a General Management Plan, which will establish a blueprint for future operations, visitor use and protection of park resources and values.

“We are thrilled to embark on this major and long-awaited planning effort as it will help us realize our vision of making Valles Caldera a premier national park destination that is welcoming to all,” park superintendent, Jorge Silva-Bañuelos said.

The General Management Plan will address all four statutory requirements for national park units, including measures for resource preservation, development types and levels, carrying capacity, and potential boundary modifications. In addition, the plan will evaluate visitor circulation and access (including key trail linkages), define primary visitor experiences, proactively address visitor use management and accessibility enhancements, and produce a development concept for the Valle Grande District.

All actions will be developed and evaluated in accordance with National Park Service planning standards and legal requirements and will build upon previous planning undertaken at the park, including a management zoning effort that took place from 2019-2021. The park also will integrate climate change adaptation planning throughout the process.

The park intends to emphasize consultation with American Indian tribes and pueblos who have ancestral and contemporary connections to Valles Caldera, while also seeking input and feedback from the public at various stages of the process.

To facilitate this goal, the park is launching a park planning page on its website to highlight major planning efforts and how the public can stay involved in the process.