Associated Press – Friday, 11 March 2011 05:24

NM senators introduce legislation

The push is being renewed to transfer management of the Valles Caldera National Preserve in northern New Mexico to the National Park Service.

U.S. Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall introduced legislation Thursday that directs the Park Service to take over management of the preserve in a way that protects the area’s natural and cultural resources.

The two New Mexico Democrats say hunting, fishing and cattle grazing would be permitted under the bill. The measure also ensures access by area tribes.

The senators first introduced the legislation last year.

The federal government bought the 89,000-acre former cattle ranch in 2000. A nine-member board currently runs the preserve with a mandate of protecting the land, providing recreation while also allowing cattle grazing and making the preserve financially self-sustaining by 2015.

Read more: ABQNews: Push to Transfer Valle Caldera Management Renewed http://www.abqjournal.com/abqnews/abqnewseeker-mainmenu-39/27855-push-to-transfer-valle-caldera-management-renewed.html#ixzz1GKjcqQP3