Detailed Analysis & Comment Guidance
Background
The Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP) has released its Draft General Management Plan and Environmental Assessment – a critical document that will guide resource protection and visitor management for decades. This incomparable landscape holds cultural, ecological, hydrological, and geological treasures that demand careful stewardship as visitation continues to grow.
TAKE ACTION
1. Attend the Public Meeting:
Virtual meeting August 13, 7-8:30 PM MT (details here)
2. Submit a Comment
Deadline: August 31, 2025
Method: Comments must be submitted through this official web form
Note: The proposed management plan document can be found at the bottom of the official web form.
The form asks for feedback in three areas:
- Accuracy and adequacy of the Environmental Assessment
- Opportunities to better explain alternatives and analysis
- Other comments
What We Support in the Draft Plan
✓ Smart Visitor Center Location: Concentrating facilities near the entrance allows visitors to learn about the Preserve’s significance before entering, promoting better stewardship.
✓ Maintaining Unpaved Roads: Keeping most roads unpaved (except the entrance road and Sulphur Creek Road to Sulphur Springs) preserves the area’s character.
✓ Backcountry Vehicle Quota System: The 35-vehicle daily limit protects resources and visitor experience – this system works and should continue.
✓ Limited Backcountry Infrastructure: Not expanding development in backcountry areas protects wilderness values.
✓ Sulphur Springs Boardwalks: These will protect both visitors and extremely sensitive geothermal features that have been degraded by foot traffic.
✓ Robust Tribal Consultation, Relations, and Management: Providing for ongoing government-to-government meetings, collaboration, and management decisions with Pueblos and Tribal Nations.
✓ Pueblo of Jemez Partnership: Incorporating the Settlement Agreement recognizing Jemez’s aboriginal title to Banco Bonito is essential.
Major Concerns with the Draft Plan
🚨 Unnecessary Road Construction
- New Sulphur Springs to Valle Grande Road: ~5 miles of new roads would fragment wildlife habitat with minimal recreation benefits
- New Redondo Meadow Road & Trailhead: Would increase impacts in culturally significant southwest areas important to Jemez Pueblo and critical elk habitat
🚨 Fragmented Wilderness Protection
- Plan divides large wilderness-quality areas with “self-guided zoning corridors”
- Opening corridors to mechanized use reduces primitive recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat connectivity
- Should consolidate individual wilderness units into larger, contiguous protected areas
🚨 Missing Critical Assessments
- No Wilderness Eligibility Assessment: Current zoning could limit acreage eligible for future wilderness designation
- No Wild & Scenic River Eligibility Assessment: Despite stating interest in this designation
- No Backcountry Camping Plan: Should develop a permit system for low-impact designated sites
Key Talking Points for Comments
Prioritize Conservation Over Access
“The preservation of cultural resources, watersheds, and critical wildlife habitats must take precedence over access and convenience. The Preserve already has an extensive road network – there’s no need for expansion.”
Protect Large Unfragmented Areas
“Conserving large portions of the Preserve free from motorized and mechanized use is critical. Dividing wilderness-quality lands with improved trails and mechanized corridors would harm wildlife behavior and habitat connectivity.”
Respect Cultural Significance
“Meaningful consultation with affiliated Pueblos and Tribes regarding sensitive cultural features must guide all planning decisions, especially in areas like the southwest corner near Redondo Meadow.”
Address Resource Threats
“Trespass cattle impacts on riparian areas and watersheds are unacceptable and must be addressed through range riders and improved fencing before planning for increased visitation.”
Sustainable Visitation
“Daily and seasonal access must stay at levels that minimize adverse impacts. Increased use demands increased public education and law enforcement throughout the Preserve.”
Comprehensive Planning Approach
“The NPS should integrate wilderness and wild & scenic river assessments into this general management planning process rather than treating them separately.”
Why This Matters
The Valles Caldera is one of the country’s greatest public land treasures. As visitation explodes, this plan must serve as the framework to protect irreplaceable cultural sites, wildlife corridors, pristine watersheds, and unique geological features from being loved to death.
The window for public input closes August 31, 2025. Your voice can help ensure this special place receives the protection it deserves for future generations. COMMENT NOW!
