VallesCaldera.com – The independent news source about the Valles Caldera

This weekend, the Albuquerque Journal published a column by freelance writer and guide Dave Menicucci, who examines what sort of management the National Park Service might put in place if it takes control of the Valles Caldera and administers it as National Park Preserve, as it is currently studying at the request of New Mexico’s U.S. Senators, Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall.  Menicucci also examines some of the 18 National Park Service preserves nationwide and how they tackle public access, grazing, and hunting:

The acquisition of the Valles Caldera in 2000 was a triumphal accomplishment of New Mexico’s congressional delegation.  But its management model has failed to deliver the intended results.  Clearly New Mexico’s two senators have decided that a fundamental management change is needed.  The question yet unanswered is exactly what kind of management model should be implemented.

If the existing 18 NPS National Preserves are used as indicators for what to expect, then Valles Caldera fees would be substantially reduced, access procedures will be simplified, and recreational activities will be expanded…  If this conversion were realized, it would eliminate the trustees and related staff and replace them with a professional, public-land administrator.

Menicucci also looks at three other options for administering the the Valles Caldera: the National Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service and a modification of the existing management model.  Click here to read this op-ed.