VCT News:
Jemez Springs — The Valles Caldera Trust (Trust) has released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed Public Access and Use Plan (PAUP.)
The plan aims to expand visitor access while preserving the natural and cultural resources of the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
In June of this year, the Trust opened a 60-day public comment period on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that featured six public access alternatives.
A total of 125 written comments from agencies, pueblos, organizations and individuals were submitted.
The DEIS was revised in response to the comments and identifies Alternative 3A: Entrada del Valle Visitor Center with Primary Access via Shuttle System as the preferred option.
The alternative designates a location for a full service visitor center in the southwest corner of the Valle Grande near the entrance of N.M. 4.
All public comments, responses to comments, errata, changes and additions to the Draft EIS are documented in the appendices of the FEIS. The FEIS and appendices are available on line at http://ow.ly/f4fp0 .
The appendices are also available at the following public libraries:
- Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Library
- Cuba Public Library
- Espanola Public Library
- Jemez Pueblo Community Library
- Jemez Springs Public Library
- Los Alamos County Library
- New Mexico State Library
- Rio Rancho Public Library
- White Rock Public Library
A 30-day no-action period began November 5, 2012.After the waiting period the preferred alternative will be officially documented in a record of decision.
For more information, contact the project leader, Marie Rodriguez at 505/661-3333 or email mrodriguez@vallescaldera.gov.
The Valles Caldera Trust oversees the Valles Caldera National Preserve, formerly the privately owned “Baca Ranch.” The 88,900 acre property is located in the Jemez Mountains in northern New Mexico. It was purchased by the federal government in 2000 under the Valles Caldera
National Preservation Act. The property is known for its huge meadows, abundant wildlife, meandering streams and remarkable scenery. More information about the preserve can be found at www.vallescaldera.gov.
