Bingaman & Udall Seek National Park Service Study on Future of Valles Caldera

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today asked the National Park Service to assess the potential for including the Valles Caldera National Preserve in the National Park System.

The senators point out that the trust that governs the Valles Caldera is set to expire in 2020. In anticipation of that date, various ideas about the future management of the preserve are being investigated.

In a letter to National Park Service Acting Director Daniel Wenk, the senators said they believe it is useful to consider making Valles Caldera a preserve within the National Park Service. A National Park Service preserve is managed similarly to a national park, but it allows for hunting.

"Anyone who has seen the Valles Caldera knows it is a special place," said Bingaman, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. "Management by the National Park Service could be one of many options we evaluate to ensure the preserve's remarkable resources are protected."

"The Valles Caldera is a treasured piece of New Mexico that captures our state's history, wildlife and beauty," said Udall. "We must evaluate every viable option to ensure that this incredible landscape remains both protected and accessible for future generations to enjoy."

The senators asked the National Park Service to complete their study within a few months.
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today asked the National Park Service to assess the potential for including the Valles Caldera National Preserve in the National Park System.

The senators point out that the trust that governs the Valles Caldera is set to expire in 2020. In anticipation of that date, various ideas about the future management of the preserve are being investigated.

In a letter to National Park Service Acting Director Daniel Wenk, the senators said they believe it is useful to consider making Valles Caldera a preserve within the National Park Service. A National Park Service preserve is managed similarly to a national park, but it allows for hunting.

"Anyone who has seen the Valles Caldera knows it is a special place," said Bingaman, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. "Management by the National Park Service could be one of many options we evaluate to ensure the preserve's remarkable resources are protected."

"The Valles Caldera is a treasured piece of New Mexico that captures our state's history, wildlife and beauty," said Udall. "We must evaluate every viable option to ensure that this incredible landscape remains both protected and accessible for future generations to enjoy."

The senators asked the National Park Service to complete their study within a few months.