Valles Caldera, New Mexico

“Remember the Baca Ranch/Valles Caldera purchased by the feds a couple of years ago?

In New Mexico, a Land Management 'Experiment'
At Valles Caldera National Preserve, Locals Dictate Property Uses”

“If that does not sound like a recipe for disaster I don't know what would. I tried to imagine the Tucker County (WV) Board of Commissioners managing the Dolly Sods. It's too frightening to contemplate.

This is going to become a very large issue I expect. Managing federal land requires a lot more than hipshots.

$40 seems a mite steep for backpackers when lumber companies are paying token fees to cut down trees. I guess hikers are gonna foot the bill for lumber tote roads?

The old fox in the hen house scenario blown out of proportion!”

“Am reading. Thanks for your suggestions on places to go, Pathman. I need to figure out if I'm driving or flying (a Jeep checkup Wed. will help with that)... and then I'll probably hit you with some more questions!! THANKS!!”

“It would be well worth getting into the Valles Caldera Preserve if you can swing it. Even if you can't get in, driving through and up to the overlook is worthwhile. It can be made part of a Bandelier/Jemez Mountains day trip.”

“

The Valles Caldera National Preserve
Board of Trustees”

“Who is on the board of trustees?

Bob Armstrong, (game and nongame wildlife and fish populations)...
William deBuys, (cultural and natural history of the region)...
Karen Durkovich, (nonprofit conservation organization)...
Palemon A. Martinez, (livestock management)...
Stephen D. Stoddard, (financial management)...
Thomas W. Swetnam, (sustainable forestry)...
David R. Yepa, (state or local government of New Mexico)...
Leonard Atencio, (federal representative)...
Dennis Vasquez (federal representative)...”

“That really does look like a bunch of seasoned land managers. The want ad must have read: "Experience neither necessary nor desired."”

“I think Swetnam may be my brother-in-law's brother-in-law once removed or something like that.”

“....and that's how the West was won....”

“It is on the itinerary provided, Pathman. I should call and see just how far the effort will go. We'll perhaps just be a bus tour, like mentioned in the story?”

“even a bus tour would be worth the time, especially if the tour guide knows some history and geology.”

“Geobeet, I am also sceptical, but doing it this way may have been a stipulation by the sellers. It is also somewhat unique in that much of what has been preserved was preserved on a ranch.

Some of the unique features of this preserve are noted in the first part of the Valles Caldera Preservation Act”

“Sounds like an interesting place. I just have in innate fear of locals running anything and having it turn out right, but in this case they just might be sensitive to the unique situation.

Sounds like an active lava dome within an old caldera, a most interesting geological site. Hope you guys enjoy. Post some pix.”

“Its an amazing spot . . . huge wide open valley (well . . .not a valley technically speaking it is, of course, a caldera) . . .really cool”

“Someday, I should be able to backpack and XC ski there.”

“LizS, I can't remember if I sent you this, lost your email address (unless fauxpaux is real)

Discover New Mexico.com”

“screwed that up

Discover NM”