The Santa Fe New Mexican published an op-ed Saturday by Phillip A. Young, a “retired National Park Service senior special agent and former State Historic Preservation Division archaeologist and SiteWatch coordinator who lives in Santa Fe.” Young asserts in his op-ed his support for a National Park Service takeover of the Valles Caldera.
The Valles Caldera Trust has been soliciting opinions, and I think it would make an excellent addition to our National Park system. The preserve is next to the National Park Service’s Bandelier National Monument, and it has extensive experience with national preserves, managing them from Alaska to Florida.
The enabling legislation asked the trust to seek financial self-sustainability in 15 years. They have tried to manage the preserve in a manner to achieve that objective; it has fallen short. Most public lands and open space do not generate the income needed to be self-sufficient.
Public lands and preserves provide opportunities for encounters with our heritage and for the soul: wildlife, the peace of quiet, the lung-full of fresh clean air, the azure sky. These direct benefits are worthy of public cost. The preserve could also benefit gateway communities like Jemez Springs. Sustainable economic opportunities abound around our open lands in tours, lodging, restaurants, etc.
Click here to read the full op-ed.
