VCNT News:

Jemez Springs – The Valles Caldera Trust has issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate’s passage of legislation transferring management of the Valles Caldera National Preserve to the National Park Service:

The Valles Caldera Trust’s Board and Executive Director are committed to a smooth transition to National Park Service management of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. In addition, the Board of Trustees hopes to see the continuation of the staff-led science-based adaptive management program which oversees the landscape restoration, grazing and hunting programs, among others.

Jorge Silva-Bañuelos, Executive Director of the Valles Caldera Trust, said, “I am proud of the work of the Valles Caldera Trust’s staff who over the past fourteen years initiated highly-successful programs to study, interpret, and restore the Preserve’s landscape while developing quality recreational experiences for hikers, bikers, hunters, anglers, and others – visitation which now surpasses 100,000 people annually.”

“I look forward to working with the National Park Service during the six-month transition to continue the positive work of the Trust and to ensure a seamless transition for the Trust’s employees and visitors alike,” added Silva-Bañuelos.

The Valles Caldera Trust oversees the 88,900-acre Valles Caldera National Preserve, located in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. The Preserve was purchased by the federal government in 2000 under the Valles Caldera Preservation Act, and it is known for its huge meadows, abundant wildlife, meandering streams, remarkable scenery and science-based adaptive management. More information about the Preserve can be found at www.vallescaldera.gov.