You have now had a chance to explain what a caldera is –
more specifically what the Valles Caldera is and explain why this feature is
both unique and worthy of preservation and management. When the Valles Caldera National Preserve was
formed, its management was assigned, through legislation and a set of mandates
and guidelines, to the Nature Preserve Trust (check this). The documents behind this are all available
to you on blackboard. Unfortunately many
of these documents are long and often difficult to read. How about you use this Blog question to
provide entries that explain, in your own words what the preserve is mandated
to do. You can list these if you wish,
as a series of bullets but spend some time explaining them. Also, as you read the posts of other students
begin a dialogue that helps correct errors or misunderstanding, reasserts
existing statements, adds to the lists of others (or yourself), and generally
adds to the group’s understanding of what the Valles Caldera Trust is supposed
to be doing.
I am a little unsure of what the question is stating here, but I'll throw out some information about what the Nature Preserve Trust does. Please add your ideas and feel free to let me know if I am completely off track. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Nature Preserve Trust was appointed by congress to protect and preserve the Valles Caldera and all of the varietal prospects it comes with. The Trust was also appointed to provide multiple access and yield of renewable resources within the preserve.
The President of the Trust was directed to appoint seven different trustees, two of which have to be from New Mexico. Each of these appointed trustees are assigned a certain expertise or knowledge in the following areas of management: livestock, game and nongame, forest lands, nonprofit conservation activities, financial, and state or local government activities.
With these trustees appointed, the trust instilled six goals to accomplish. These missions are as follows:
Making the preserve a functioning ranch, which has been a long-standing use of the caldera. Keeping the land as a working ranch will help with the stewardship or resources for both ecological and economic sustainability.
Goal to protect the preservation of all the factors that make up the beauty of the caldera including, but not limited to scientific, geologic, scenic, and wildlife. This goal protects all of the beautiful things the caldera has to offer along with the history.
Goal to achieve balance in the resources that the caldera provides by multiple use and the yield of resources within the preserve. This goal was placed forth by congress and the forest services.
Goal to open up the caldera to the public using all of its characteristics to create recreational activities for the public, but ensuring protection of the parks preservation.
Goal to utilize renewable resources that benefit the surrounding landscape ecologically and socially. This means the communities close to the preserve, cooperation with the National Forest land, and other individuals or groups that might help the Trust economically in the future.
Goal for the Trust to try and become economically independent as long as it does not hurt the preservation of the park in any way and it based on the existing market conditions.
With these goals in mind the Trust also kept these responsibilities as according to the Valles Caldera Preservation Act:
1. To provide management and administrative services for the preserve
2. To establish and implement management policies to achieve the purposes and requirements of this title
3. To receive and collect funds and make dispositions for the management and administration of the preserve
4. To cooperate with federal, state, and local governmental units and with Indian tribes and pueblos to further the purposes of the preserve.
Valles Caldera National Preserve . (2005). Valles Caldera National Preserve. Retrieved April, 2012, from Valles Caldera : http://www.vallescaldera.gov/education/
Valles Caldera Trust. Valles Caldera National Preserve - Framework and Strategic Guidance for Comprehensive Management. n.d.
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DeleteI think this is what you want. Feel free to comment with suggestions.
ReplyDeleteThe management regime, appointed by Congress in the Valles Caldera Preservation Act in 2000 is intended to make the Valles Caldera Natural Preserve and Trust “capable of developing an operational program for appropriate preservation and development of the land and resources of the Baca ranch in the interest of the public” (Public Law 106 102(a):11). The purpose for which the Preserve is established are to protect and preserve the scientific, scenic, geologic, watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and recreational values of the Preserve, and to provide for multiple uses and sustained yield of renewable resources within the Preserve (Public Law 106 Section 105(b) 2000).
Section 108 (D) The resource management of the Trust includes these activities:
1) Operation of preserve as working ranch (the Baca ranch)
• This includes maintenance of roads, water access, cattle runs, fenced areas, equipment, ect
2) Protection and preservation of scientific, scenic, geologic, watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural and recreational values of the Preserve
• Historic/cultural: history of habitation and use of the resources within the Caldera, as well as how it could apply to surrounding areas
o native American use/significance (culture, NEPA, modern use)
o excavation, survey, ethnographic studies
3) Multiple use and sustained yield of renewable resources at Preserve
• Timber harvesting, hunting, water use, ranch land use
• Native American land use for religious, cultural reasons, which can restrict access for the public on those days
4) Public use of and access to the Preserve for recreation
• Hiking, tours, fishing, equestrian, hunting permits
5) Renewable resource utilization and management alternatives that, to the extent practicable:
a. Benefit to local community and small businesses
• Tourism (local and non-local use, including restaurants, hotels, gas, permits, tours, ect.)
b. Coordination with surrounding National Forest System land
• Use of timber resources on each to preserve the healthy mix of range and timberland and their species diversity in both natural and working ranch environments
6) Generation of income based on existing market conditions
You two are really getting into this. I appreciate it very much. :-)
ReplyDeleteIn the 2000 “Valles Caldera Preservation Act” (Public Law 106-248) Congress established both the Valles Caldera Preserve as part of the National Forest System and the Valles Caldera Trust to manage the Preserve. The purpose of creating the preserve and trust is to “protect and preserve the scientific, scenic, geologic, watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and recreational values of the Preserve” (Sec. 105b) for current and future generations, while at the same time managing the land as an operational ranch, with the hopes of eventually becoming financially self sustainable.
ReplyDeleteMore explicitly the Trust is charged with:
1. Operations administration, including budget management, collection of fees, accordance federal and local laws, and insurance policy management,
2. Preservation/stewardship/development of land and resources using sound scientific principles,
3. Creating interpretative center and material about the Preserve and it history for the public,
4. Management of public use of the Preserve including hunting, fishing, hiking, and horse-back riding,
5. Maintenance/repair/ improvements for roads and structures.
In the Trust’s statement of Management Principles (December 13, 2001) they seem to add two more charges:
6. Maintaining good relationships and communications with the neighbors, Native Americans, governmental agencies and the public,
7. Creating a positive impact on the surrounding areas.
Of these, the preservation, stewardship, and development of lands and resources is the most complex and challenging task. It includes operation as a working ranch, and the preservation of the “scientific, scenic, geologic, watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and recreational values” (Public Law 106-248 Sec. 108). Besides ranching, other uses of the preserve included timbering, hunting, and fishing, all of which could increase the financial viability of the Preserve.
Another way to look at it is that the Trust is to mange the Preserve as both a National Forest, with access to the public and preservation of the landscape, and as a financially viable ranch, while taking into consideration the impacts of both on the ecology, geology, religious and cultural claims on the Preserve of Native Americans, and the effects that the Preserve will have on its neighbors. This is a very tall order, however, if the Trust succeeds in their tasks, this is a model that could be adopted for other ecologically threatened areas across the US.
The Caldera is run by a board of trustees as a branch of government somewhat like an incorporated village, town, or city. The governing board is called a trustees hence the name the trust. They mandate what is to be done on this prestine land. Seven of the nine trustees are appointed by the President of the United States. This land is to be used as a ranch and it will be open to visitors. This will be used as a scientific study area. This is a not profit organiztions but quasi governmental agencey that can accept donations.
ReplyDelete1. Mandates for the use of the Caldera are to the continued use as a working ranch.
•Runs a sustainable level of livestock, adjusting numbers as necessary;
•Makes resources available for other revenue-generating activities such as bird watching, hunting, fishing and other low-impact recreational activities;
•Applies adaptive management on the day-to-day basis to ensure resource protection; and
•Monitors the impact of its activities.
The main purpose of what the Preserve is mandated to do according to the Valles Caldera Preserve and Trust Act 2000 is, “to protect and preserve the scientific, scenic, geologic, watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and recreational values of the Preserve, and to provide for multiple use and sustained yield of renewable resources within the Preserve” (Valles Caldera Trust, 2003). In order to achieve this, 9-Board-Member-Trustees whom are appointed by the President have a number of objectives to complete their main goal. These objectives are according to the Valles Caldera Preserve and Trust Act, (The Valles Caldera Trust):
ReplyDelete1) Operate the preserve as a working ranch
2) Protect and preserve the scientific, scenic, geologic, watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and recreational values of the preserve
3) Provide multiple use and sustained yield of renewable resources within the preserve
4) Provide public use of and access to the preserve for recreation
5) Provide renewable resource utilization and management alternatives that, to the extent practicable
6) Optimize the generation of income based on existing market conditions, to the extent that it does not unreasonably diminish the long-term scenic and natural values of the area or the multiple use and sustained yield capability of the land
From these objectives, I will explain what I understand:
First Objective:
Most of the Valles Caldera consists of the Baca Ranch which contains a rich history in ranching. Implementing the Preserve as a working ranch will enable protection and preservation of the land as well as providing multiple use and sustained yield, recreation and generation of income (The Valles Caldera Trust).
Second objective:
Preserving and protecting of the Caldera is of great importance. Studying and learning the history, culture, wildlife, along with other attributes are crucial for keeping the preserve intact and allow it to be passed onto future generations (The Valles Caldera Trust).
Third Objective:
The third goal represents the use and management of the preserve. This allows achieving a balance on the use of the lands resources while allowing any sort of adjustment that may needs to be met under any conditions. Also the goal allows the use of lands within the reserve for religious and uses by Native Americans.
Fourth Objective:
The preserve contains beautiful and scenic locations providing several activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting and horseback riding.
Fifth Objective:
The purpose of providing renewable resources in utilization and management for the preserve is in order to provide with economic savings. Doing so can help benefit local communities and small businesses; and enhance coordination of management objectives with those on surrounding the National Forest System land (The Valles Caldera Trust).
Sixth Objective:
The purpose of this last objective is for the preserve to be self-sustainable within the next 15 years. This has to be conducted through use of all other main objectives.
References
The Valles Caldera Trust. The Valles Caldera National Preserve: Framework and Strategic Guidance for Comprehensive Management. The Valles Caldera Trust.
Valles Caldera National Preserve And Trust Act, PUBLIC LAW 106–248 (106th Congress July 25, 2000).
Valles Caldera Trust. (2003, July 17). National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Procedures of the Valles Caldera Trust for the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Retrieved April 13, 2012, from Federal Register: The Daily Journal of the United States Government: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2003/07/17/03-18080/national-environmental-policy-act-nepa-procedures-of-the-valles-caldera-trust-for-the-valles-caldera#h-11
The Valles Caldera Preservation Act (2000) which allowed the federal government to purchase the privately owned land, Baca Ranch, also implemented around 2005 the Valles Caldera Trust. Known as the “Trust” it is comprised of 9 members two of which shall be the supervisor of the Santa Fe National Forest (U.S Forest Service) and the superintendent of the Bandelier National Monument (National Park Service) (Bylaws of the Valles Caldera Trust, 2005). The other seven members shall be appointed by the by the president of the U.S. in which the qualifications indicate they shall have specific enterprise or represent an organization or government entity, none shall be employees of the federal government, and at least five of the members must be residents of New Mexico. Appointed trustees serve a term of 4 years and may not serve more than 8 years in a row (Bylaws of the Valles Caldera Trust, 2005).
ReplyDeleteThe general purpose of why the Trust was created was to protect and preserve the scientific, scenic, geologic, watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and recreational values of the Valles Caldera National Preserve, and to provide for multiple use and the sustained yield of renewable resources within the Preserve (Bylaws of the Valles Caldera Trust, 2005). Section 106 (b) addresses the four main purposes of the Trust are:
1. To provide management and administrative services for the Preserve;
2. To establish and implement management policies which will best achieve the purposes and requirements of the Act;
3. To receive and collect funds from private and public sources and to make dispositions in support of the management and administration of the Preserve; and
4. To cooperate with Federal, State, and local governmental units, and with Indian tribes and Pueblos, to further the purposes for which the Preserve was established.
The Trust has received about $16 million in federal funding to operate and maintain the Caldera in hopes of doing the following:
A. protecting and preserving the Caldera’s scientific, scenic, historic, and natural values, including rivers and ecosystems, and archaeological, geological, and cultural resources for future generations
B. providing opportunities for public recreation;
C. providing for sustained yield management of the ranch for timber production and domesticated livestock grazing insofar as those were consistent with its other responsibilities; and
D. becoming financially self-sustaining within 15 years of the purchase date—that is, by 2015.
The Trust has made significant progress especially concerning meeting its goals to preserve and protect the Caldera for future generations as well as to provide for public recreation and sustained yield management (Valles Caldera, 2005). The specific overall progress thus far from the Trust includes:
(1) established a basic organization with about 25 staff;
(2) Drafted policy and procedures and contracted with the Department of the Interior’s National Business Center for accounting services;
(3) Begun engineering and construction efforts to address infrastructure problems—roads, water systems, fences, and buildings;
(4) Established interim grazing and recreation programs; and
(5) Implemented an adaptive management approach that focuses on making management decisions based on scientific data.
Though there has been significant progress the Trust still has a lot of work to meet the rest of the goals necessary by 2015 to make the Caldera financially self-sustaining. Specifically the Trust has not developed the following:
a. Strategic and performance plans with measurable goals and objectives.
ReplyDeleteThis includes deciding on the level of activities (hiking, hunting, and grazing) and ensuring that these activities that are being allowed aren’t harming the land natural resources that are also a major part of the preservation of the Caldera. There needs to be a balance though between providing sufficient activities that draw in people to the Caldera to yield revenue all while keeping the lands resources abundant and safe.
Only providing revenue through public activities aren’t going to cut it but the Trust also needs to find other means of revenue, possibly through private donations.
b. Plans to manage program risks.
According to the Government Accountability Office (GOA) the Trust has not addressed program risk, including fire and legal liabilities (Valles Caldera, 2005). This is a big issue especially not having a fire plan which would include how to respond and evacuate people if this was during a time when visitors where in the Caldera. Due to no liability coverage the Trust has restricted the number of visitors allowed in the Caldera, which doesn’t allow for a sufficient and accurate analysis of how well the Preservation Act is going. By restricting the amount of visitors into the Caldera doesn’t allow the Trust to really see the full potential revenue that could be being brought in, thus not reporting accurate information which in the end could mean the Caldera being returned to private land.
c. Mechanisms for monitoring progress.
Also according to the GOA the Trust has not had annual financial audits or performance reports. This part is essential to tracking how well this Preservation act is going. With no documented accounts there is no evidence to support how financial and other goals are being met. The main concept of this Preservation act is by 2015 this area can be fully financially self-sustaining. By the Trust not coming up with written documentation of these essential components it’s basically ensuring that the Preservation act seems as if it isn’t fulfilling the need that the government was hoping for and will be turned back over to private land.
Overall these last three issues that the Trust needs to work on are essential to the Caldera being financially self-sustaining. Also the Trust’s effort to raise revenue is affected by the frequent changes in board members and key staff. Every time a new member comes in they have their own ideas to solving issues and bringing in revenue but aren’t in term long enough to implement their ideas. Thus nothing is really getting done or allowing the Trust to move forward in their goals to succeeding Preservation of the area.
Sources
Bylaws of the Valles Caldera Trust. (2005). Retrieved April, 2012, from http://www.vallescaldera.gov/about/trust/docs/trust_bylaws.pdf
Valles Caldera. (2005). In United States Government Accountability Office. Retrieved April, 2012, from http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d0698.pdf
Wow Alexxis This is a really good post nice work. I dont think this preserve will be fully financial self sustaining without full commercializtation as the GOA claim
DeleteThe Valles Caldera Preservation Act was approved and signed by President Bill Clinton in 2000. It was placed under a 9-board member of trustees called The Valles Caldera Trust, to manage the preserve. The property of the Baca ranch was purchased by the U.S. Government, and a section of land (5046 acres) was made available to purchase by the Santa Clara Pueblo simultaneously. It was agreed by the parties that there would be no “inappropriate development” to occur along the caldera rim. (Valles Caldera Trust, 2003).
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera Trust: “Protect and preserve the scientific, scenic, geologic, watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and recreational values of the preserve, and to provide for multiple use and sustained yield of renewable resources within the preserve, consistent with this title” (Valles Caldera Trust, 2003).
Purpose of the Valles Calderas Trust: (106th Congress, 2000)
1. To authorize purchase of the Baca ranch. Also to authorize land purchase by the Santa Clara Pueblo for religious purposes.
2. To protect and preserve descendants, the scientific, scenic, historic, and original values of the Baca ranch. Also to protect and preserve the water bodies, living environments, archeological sites, geological sites, and cultural resources of the Baca ranch. This portion of the Trust document, describes all the elements that are to be protected and preserved by the Valles Caldera Preservation Act.
3. To ensure that there are openings to the public for recreational purposes (i.e. fishing, hiking, hunting, etc)
4. To establish a management system that incorporates supervision of the area and self-sufficiency. The trust will be responsible for creating an administration that will be responsible for ensuring the care and longevity of the preserve is financially sustained.
5. The trust will also be responsible for utilizing and managing the natural resources of the Baca ranch (i.e. timber, livestock, and grazing land.
References:
Valles Calderas Trust. (2003). Valles Caldera National Preserve: Framework and Strategic Guidance for Comprehensive Management. Valess Caldera Trust. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
106th Congress. (2000). Title I – Valles Caldera National Preserve and Trust. Public Law 106-248, 598-613. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
In 2000, the United States government purchased the Baca Location. However, the preserve is not operated by a federal agency, even though the former private cattle ranch was bought with tax dollars. Instead, it's governed by a nine-member board, seven of which are appointed by the president of the United States (5 residents from New Mexico) and the other two seats are occupied by the Supervisor of the Santa Fe National Forest and the Superintendent of Bandelier National Monument. The nine members collectively serve as the Valles Caldera Trust board of trustees. The Valles Caldera Trust is the current manager of the preserve. The preserve is essentially mandated to protect the land and cultural resources, provide recreation, run cattle, sustain yield of renewable resources, all while making the preserve financially self-sustaining by 2015.
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera National Preserve was found to be a unique experiment in the administration of public land. Public Law 106–248 authorizes the creation of the Preserve from which several findings and purposes were established for the management of the Preserve (Valles Caldera Trust, 2003). Public Law 106–248, The Valles Caldera Preservation Act, created the Valles Caldera Trust, a completely owned government corporation, to manage the Valles Caldera National Preserve also known as the tract of land previously referred to as the Baca Ranch. A nine member Board of Trustees was appointed by the government which governs the Trust and the Executive Director oversees management of the Trust and the Preserve. These nine member duties include the following;
ReplyDelete* Development of the Valles Caldera Trust as an institution
* Development of programs and plans for the Valles Caldera National Preserve to achieve the goals set forth in the Valles Caldera Preservation Act
* Following formal assumption of management authority, which Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman direction and supervision of the day-to-day stewardship of the preserve.
(Valles Caldera National Preserve, 2003)
With accordance of these duties the nine member and the Valles Caldera Preservation Act state that Congress established the preserve in order “to protect and preserve the scientific, scenic, geologic, watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and recreational values of the preserve, and to provide for multiple use and sustained yield of renewable resources within the preserve, consistent with this title” (VCPA sec. 105[b]). Consistent with this purpose, the act further instructs the trust to pursue six goals. (VCPA sec. 108 [d]). These goals/purposes include the following and are also summarized in my own words (i’s);
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ReplyDelete1. Operation of the preserve as a working ranch, consistent with goals 2 through 4;
ReplyDeletei. This goal is set forth so that whatever the dominate use of the caldera was previously is then continued now and in the future which is ranching. This goal highlights on stewardship of resources as the foundation for sustainability. In the end, this goal goes hand in hand with other goals of the Act so that they are accomplished.
2. Protection and preservation of the scientific, scenic, geologic, watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and recreational values of the preserve;
i. This goal is mandated so that protection and integrity of the preservation is stayed intacted for the future inhabitants and population.
3. Multiple use and sustained yield of renewable resources within the preserve;
i. This goal explains that the Act would like to achieve a balance in its use of resources of the preservation as well as running resources in a way that does not impair the production of the land.
4. Public use of and access to the preserve for recreation;
a. Provide recreation to the public such as hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, and hunting, etc.
5. Renewable resource utilization and management alternatives that, to the extent practicable-
a. Benefit local communities and small businesses;
b. Enhance coordination of management objectives with those on surrounding National Forest System land; and
c. Provide cost savings to the trust through the exchange of services, including, but not limited to, labor and maintenance of facilities for resources or services provided by the trust; and
i. This goal explains that the trust should attempt to utilize renewable resources and benefits with the coordination of the surrounding areas and agencies.
6. Optimizing the generation of income based on existing market conditions, to the extent that it does not unreasonably diminish the long-term scenic and natural values of the area or the multiple use and sustained yield capability of the land. The trust’s goals, and particularly the interrelationships among the goals, deserve elaboration.
i. This goal explains that the trust should become financially self-sufficient within 15 years with adhering to the goals listed above.
(Valles Caldera National Preserve, 2003)
In the end, according the Act, the Trust operates the Preserve as a working ranch and is to plan to achieve a financially, self-sustaining operation within 15 years, consistent with the goal/purposes of the Act (Valles Caldera Trust, 2003). This entire context stated above is what the Vales Caldera Preservation Act mainly mandates.
Valles Caldera National Preserve Valles Caldera National Preserve Framework and Strategic Guidance. - Los Alamos : The Valles Caldera Trust, 2003.
Valles Caldera Trust Federal Registar, Notices [Journal]. - Los Alamos : National Environmental Policy Act, 2003. - 137 : Vol. 68.
The Valles Caldera National Preserve was established by legislation. Along with this came a set of mandates and directives that drive the preserve. While the Valles Caldera Preservation Act spells this out in extreme detail, I feel that the Management Principles, which were adopted in December 2001, succinctly sum up what the preserve was established to do. This document breaks it down into ten principles that the preserve was established to follow. Here is my summary of these principles.
ReplyDelete1. The first management principle deals with administrating the preserve with the future in mind, thus living up to the name preserve. The Valles Caldera National Preserve has many unique features which were discussed in the previous blog post and they recognize the value of these unique features to future generations and have made preserving these a priority.
2. The second principle, which closely follows behind the first, mentions the preserve’s “unique since of place”. Due to this, they are committed to protecting this by maintaining it’s ecological, cultural, and aesthetic qualities.
3. The third management principle deals with the business aspects of managing the preserve. While it would be easy and inexpensive to preserve an area by closing it off and denying access, that goes against the very ideas behind why the preserve was established. They are charged with maintaining this access and managing it with good business sense. This will ensure that the preserve is not a drain on the taxpayer’s dollars and allow it to remain and continue its mission.
4. We live in a dynamic world and the forth principle recognizes this and the need for the preserve to adapt and change as their needs change. It also spells out that changes will be based on “sound science” and not simply the desire or the newest administrator or elected official. I think that this is a very important idea and will be a positive force behind the preserves decisions.
5. The preserve is a large, sensitive area with a lot of history in northern NM. Here they recognize that their actions will have an impact on the surrounding area, but they make a commitment to making these impacts positive and productive. This will ensure their lasting stature in the surrounding community.
6. This principle relates the significance of the preserve to Native American groups in the area. This has been an area of religious significance for many, many years and this principle establishes the rights of these groups to continue to practice their spiritual beliefs in traditional ways within the preserve. There is another provided document that goes into more detail on this topic. Again, I think that it is important to not only protect the physical environment here, but the variety of uses that the preserve has offered over the years.
ReplyDelete7. In order to move forward and be significant in the future, the preserve recognizes that it can’t do it alone. This management principle directs the preserve to be an active partner with those who seek to help and advance the preserve’s goals.
8. This really ties together the previous principle with some of the earlier ideas of protecting the local ecosystem and not being a burden on the neighboring area. With a variety of landowners surrounding the preserve, activities will have an impact the entire region. Recognizing this, the preserve sets out to work with their neighbors to keep the preserve the regional harmony.
9. The preserve is also an area of rich scientific discovery. As such it’s important to allow educational and research opportunities to those who wish to learn from what the preserve has to offer. By recognizing this, they establish the opportunity for learners from a variety of interests to use the preserve’s resources for such discovery.
10. Finally, they are committed to the quality of the experience had by their visitors. This quality takes precedence over the quantity of visitors. This is an important idea when it comes to achieving many of the principles mentioned above. In order to maintain the local harmony, usage cannot grow unchecked. By maintaining the variety of principles outlined above, the preserve ensures a quality experience. At the same time, by focusing on this, they ensure the success of those vary principles.
I believe that this summary of the management principles encompasses most of what has been outlined through the various laws and mandates that established and guide the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
----Valles Caldera Trust Management Principles, December 13, 2001
In 2000 when congress passed the Valles Caldera Preservation Act, it simultaneously established the Valles Caldera Trust to oversee the newly acquired land located on the Baca ranch. The overall objective for the trust committee is to make decisions that are in the best interest of the preserve and surrounding land. The act outlined six goals that the board should use to make their decisions, these goals are as follows:
ReplyDelete1. Operation of the preserve as a working ranch, consistent with goals 2 through 4;
2. Protection and preservation of the scientific, scenic, geologic, watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and recreational values of the preserve;
3. Multiple use and sustained yield of renewable resources within the preserve;
4. Public use of and access to the preserve for recreation;
5. Renewable resource utilization and management alternatives that, to the extent practicable—
a. Benefit local communities and small businesses;
b. Enhance coordination of management objectives with those on surrounding National Forest System land; and
c. Provide cost savings to the trust through the exchange of services, including, but not limited to, labor and maintenance of facilities for resources or services provided by the trust; and
6. Optimizing the generation of income based on existing market conditions, to the extent that it does not unreasonably diminish the long-term scenic and natural values of the area or the multiple use and sustained yield capability of the land.
In general the goals give the trust the duty of providing a functioning ranch open to the public that protect the resources that are the causes of creating the preserve. Also in order to have a board of trustees that were competent in the fields that are needed to manage a preserve there are specific requirements to be on the board. The board is comprised of nine members, seven of which are appointed by the president and have specific experiences that will allow for knowledgeable voting for the preserve. The other two will be the supervisor of the Santa Fe National Forest, and the superintendent of the Bandelier National Monument. This board’s responsibility is to fulfill the requirements of the preserve outlined when the act was passed.
The board of trusties has 9 members, 7 of these members are selected by the President of the United States. 5 out the 7 trusty members must be residents of New Mexico. The trusties are selected because they have a specific expertise in a certain field and hold this title for four year terms, with 2 consecutive terms being the most (8 years being the maximum). Both The Santa Fe National Forest supervisor and the Bandelier National forest Superintendent are voting member of the Valles Caldera Trust Board. This board is required by law to meet a minimum of three times a year in an open to the public forum ("Valles Caldera National Preserve" 2005).
ReplyDeleteThe trust has goals in mind. I feel they are
• Keeping the Valles Caldera as a functional ranch
• Preserving the historic land
• Protecting the species that are threatened or endangered
• Maintaining the land for scientific research
• Allowing the land to be a place in which we can all visit and take in the beauty
• Making enough money to maintain the ranch by hunting tags, tours, hikes
• Keeping the land as natural as possible
• Maintaining the land for its rich natural resources (example: H20, minerals, fish, elk)
• Work hard at not becoming a national park
Valles Caldera National Preserve, "Valles Caldera National Preserve." Last modified 2005. Accessed April 15, 2012. http://www.vallescaldera.gov/about/trust/.
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ReplyDeleteLet's if it stays.
ReplyDeletePart One:
ReplyDeleteThe preserve is mandated to do many things, and although in my mind, I can generalize the overall picture very easily, however, it is much more complicated than that! The goal of the management of the Valles Caldera Preserve is to make it available to the public for public use and activity, serve as a recreational park, maintain the balance between human and nature, maintain wildlife and its resources, and most of all do all of these things without disturbing the natural land and habitat. In the event that logging and mining were to occur, the management is responsible for making sure they are complying with all of the safety laws and regulation in regards to the Valles Caldera Preserve. Here is a list of ideas or paraphrases from the Valles Caldera Trust Management Principles document which was adopted December 13, 2001.
*Directing our efforts toward the benefit of future generations with the long term in mind.
Their goal is make this national preserve a fresh site for now and the future. They would like to do everything they can towards preserving the quality and uniqueness of the land throughout time and its use. The main idea of this principle is to keep this land safe and ready for whatever it is that the future holds, and to make it feasible for beneficial opportunities.
*Preserve is unique and cannot be found anywhere else, important to keep it in the best conditions possible.
This principle focuses on the fact that this area is unique, and one of a kind. It cannot be reproduced, or copied, and it’s history is its own and can never be changed. It is important to take care of this land as best as possible in order to ensure that the reserve will remain in resilient conditions.
*Strive to avoid negative impacts and bring about positive impact.
This principle adheres to overseeing all aspects and activities that occur within this preserve, and to avoid any type of functions, ideas, activities, goals, programs, projects or agendas that will endanger or harm the welfare of the reserve. The goal is to only promote and bring about projects, ideas, and programs etc. that will produce positive results and impacts on the land. If there is any activity or project that occurs on the preserve that is known to devalue the land or ruin it in any way, they will no longer allow that type of project or activity etc.
*Recognize, respect, and protect religious aspects of Natives who live near the area and carry out ceremonies based on their beliefs and spirituality connected to the preserve.
The native Indians that inhabited any of this land previously or used it in any way for religious purposes involving their culture are given access rights to the reserve. In order to use a specific or special location during a specific or special time requires the application of documents to the proper authorities two weeks ahead of time. The native people have rights to the access the land and are allowed to proceed with their desired religious activities or ceremonies so long as the events are accepted and authorized by the preserve manager. In some instances where a tribe requests access for only one day, a two week notification is not required.
Part Two:
ReplyDelete*Communicate clearly in all aspects with those who desire or inquire to know more about the ongoing project (for advancement purposes or for public knowledge etc.), as well as possibly begin partnerships if the opportunity provides beneficial.
The goal of the communication management principal is to inform the public and also those private sectors of ongoing updates, projects, procedures, and information involving the Valles Caldera. There is a website that has tons of information regarding the Valles Caldera, and provides many useful tools to navigate through the research of the preservation. There are also different ways that you can volunteer which allows the public to have direct access and first hand experience with what is going on at the preserve. Other educational activities and programs are in the works which will provide more insight as to what the preserve does and how it functions. This is seemingly like having an open door policy, so long as your objective is to bring about positive impact and changes to and for the preserve.
*To the best of their ability the area around the preserve is to be treated with the same amount of respect as well as understanding the ecosystem as a whole, and making decisions that will not hurt other parts of our world to make a small change in this remote location. The goal is to understand how each living thing on earth correlates with the next, and we need to respect that and not destroy it by making selfish decisions for individual gain opposed to community gain. Community/national awareness is a key fundamental of the management of this project.
This management principle ensures that each decision made for the Valles Caldera is made with a lot of time allotted and plans to follow through with making those decisions. In order to change anything or add new projects and activities or access to the preservation, they must think about how it will affect the rest of the world.
Part 3
ReplyDelete*Striving to provide opportunities for research and education relating to the reserve.
As stated previously, the management strives to produce, and create programs that will serve as educational and research purposes. They would like to allow the opportunity to build and grow, and teach others, students, and the community about the natural habitat of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. These research and educational activities and/or programs should and will only be implemented if they prove to benefit the well being of the preserve and do not oppose any threats or harm.
*Provide quality service and or access opposed to the quantity. They strive to make entry affordable to all and fair as well. They want to make it a well-balanced use of revenue and income, proportioned amount of visitors, as well as the right to limit the activities or shut them down due to potential harm to the well-being of the preserve.
The purpose of this principle is to ensure that the quality of the reserve is preserved and not the quantity. To over work it, over use it, and over charge people to access the resource for profit and financial gain would be criminal and not in compliance with the best interest of the park. This is a nonprofit organized trust, and it mandates that the reserve only generate income self-sufficiently in compliance with all of the interests, laws, and safety regulations to all, which means that if there are too many people visiting in the park or participating in projects, research, or any other activity, are subject to being shut down and or removal. The only way that this preserve will be open to the public and other private sectors for these uses is if they maintain that the preserve will be managed properly, respectfully, and in compliance with the agenda to keep this area in the best condition possible. Money and tourist attractions are not fundamental function of the park, so therefore, there is a balance and check system to make sure of this, such as quiet days where there is no vehicle activity allowed for certain periods of time, sometimes even more than a day.
*I meant "do not pose" not "oppose" in the last sentence, in the first paragraph, of part 3.
DeleteValles Caldera National Preserve
ReplyDeleteBlog Questions Part II
President Clinton signed the Valles Caldera Preservation Act in the year 2000 bringing a little less than 100,000 acres into the National Forest System. This created the Valles Caldera National Preserve and Valles Caldera Trust creating a new experiment in public land management of the Baca Location #1 or Baca Ranch, which as far as I can remember was always called Valle Grande. The trust established a set of bylaws and management principles to maintain the preserve in the best interest of the environment and public good while being self sustaining.
Bylaws:
1. To provide management and administrative services.
2. Establish and implement management policies which best achieve their purposes and requirements.
3. Receive and collect funds from private and public sources to make dispositions in support of their management and administration.
4. Cooperate with Federal, State and local government including Indian tribes and Pueblos, to further the purposes for which they were established.
Management Principles:
1. Will administer the Preserve with the long term in mind, directing efforts toward the benefit of future generations.
2. Recognize that the Preserve possesses a rich sense of place and qualities not to be found anywhere else, commit to the protection of its ecological, cultural and aesthetic integrity.
3. Will strive to achieve a high level of integrity in the stewardship of the lands, programs and other assets. This includes adopting an ethic of financial thrift, discipline and exercising good business sense.
4. Will exercise restraint in the implementation of all programs, basing them on sound science and adjusting them consistent with the principles of adaptive management.
5. Recognize the unique heritage of northern New Mexico’s traditional cultures, be a good neighbor to surrounding communities, striving to avoid negative impacts from Preserve activities and generate positive impacts.
6. Recognize the religious significance of the preserve to Native Americans, the trust bears a special responsibility to accommodate the religious practices of nearby tribes and pueblos, and to protect sites of special significance.
7. Recognize the importance of clear and open communication, commit to maintaining a productive dialogue with those who would advance the purposes of the Preserve and, where appropriate, to developing partnerships with them.
8. Recognize that the Preserve is part of a larger ecological whole, will cooperate with adjacent landowners and managers to achieve a healthy regional ecosystem.
9. Recognize the great potential of the Preserve for learning and inspiration, will strive to integrate opportunities for research, reflection and education in the programs of the Preserve.
10. In providing opportunities to the public, will emphasize quality of experience over quantity of experiences. In doing so reserve the right to limit participation or to maximize revenue in certain instances, commit to providing fair and affordable access for all permitted activities.
These are very high goals and standards of conduct that the Preserve has; will they be able to meet them? In my opinion from what I’ve read so for probably not, there is more information I have yet to interpret so I’ll hold my final opinion till then.
The Valles Caldera Trust has several clearly outlined responsibilities as summarized below:
ReplyDelete• First and foremost the Trust is mandated to protect all areas of the Preserve for current and future generations. Protected aspects of the Preserve include the ecological, cultural, historical/archaeological, and geological. The Trust is committed to ensuring that the ecology is maintained in the best way to preserve the natural beauty of the area as well as minimize negative impact to the surrounding community. The many historical sites within the park are recognized by the Trust and NEPA, the National Environmental Policy Act, provides protection for these historical features.
• The Trust is mandated to provide access to Native American Tribes for the purpose of allowing their historical cultural and religious rights to the area under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.
• The Trust is an establishment of an experimental management system that while wholly owned by the government is run in conjunction with the public allowing for self sufficiency and flexibility. The Trust is mandated to manage the Preserve in a manner that is efficient and financially responsible. This stewardship requires effective management decisions regarding public access, forests and other natural resources, livestock grazing, and operation of onsite facilities such as the Visitor’s Center.
• Lastly, the Trust is mandated to protect public access. There are opportunities for research and education as well as recreation. The Trust retains the right to limit public access in order to provide the best experience for every person who visits the Preserve.
The Valles Caldera Preservation Act was signed by President Clinton on July 25, 2000. As fast as possible, the very same day the purchase of the property was done. The board of trustees of the Valles Caldera Trust adopted the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures by August 8, 2001.
ReplyDeleteThe act was consisted of six major goals:
1. The ability of the Baca ranch to operate as a “working ranch”. This goal looks a little too general though. A working ranch definition contains the concept of sustainability and stewardship in it and what is meant here is ecological and economic sustainability of the ranch so it can operate and still be available for the future generations to use.
2. Protecting the valuable features of the preserve. These values as described in the previous assignment contain “scientific, scenic, historic, and natural values”. So the general view is to protect all the stakeholders that benefit from the ranch at the current moment including scientists, ranchers and general public who benefit from the recreational values as public goods, and also for the future generations.
3. Preserving multiple use and sustainable yield. This goal is based on the Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act of 1960. It implies that also the management practices should catch the highest benefits for the caldera; these benefits are not necessarily the economic benefits. It indicates that the management decisions should be flexible and consider the balance of all the resources in the caldera not to damage the sustainable yield of the resources as preserving it is one of the major goals of the preservation.
4. Keeping public use and recreational values. This goal implies that the preserve should support and protect the recreational values as it has several recreational values to the public, like hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, and hunting.
5. Utilization and management of renewable resources. This goal is about utilizing the renewable resources of the preserve to benefit local and adjacent communities. It also implies the Trust should communicate and cooperate with surrounding agencies and individuals if it would be cost saving to the preserve.
6. Optimizing the generation of income based on existing market conditions. This last goal could be misunderstood. It suggests that “the trust to strive to become financially self-sufficient within 15 years” and that all the actions must be “subjected to rigorous economic evaluation.” Although it doesn’t mean that for the sake of economic benefits, the way it is defined by the public, they should sacrifice the other values of the preserve. Although from an economic point of view everything could have a monetary value and we can find monetary values for every single use of the Valles Caldera and then make our decisions based on the cost benefit analysis.
References:
Valles Caldera National Preserve(2005), Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://www.vallescaldera.gov/about/trust/trust_ref.aspx
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Procedures of the Valles Caldera Trust for the Valles Caldera National Preserve, Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 137 / Thursday, July 17, 2003 / Notices
The Valles Caldera Trust has been tasked with preserving the caldera as mandated by public law. The trust has put together a list of management principles that define how they will go about providing preservation to the caldera as prescribed in the documented laws and regulations. This list of management principles was adapted by the Valles Caldera Board of Trusties in December of 2001.
ReplyDelete(1) We will administer the Preserve with the long view in mind, directing our efforts toward the benefit of future generations;
This item defines the need to look to future generations and how they will be able to benefit from the decisions that the trust puts in place today. This major task must take all other points of the management principles into consideration in order that changes will not negate what the caldera offers today.
(2) Recognizing that the Preserve imparts a rich sense of place and qualities not to be found anywhere else, we commit ourselves to the protection of its ecological, cultural, and aesthetic integrity;
As mentioned in the previous blog; the Valles Caldera is yet another example of the unique qualities that can be found throughout New Mexico. The caldera is a place of that offers great cultural, natural and historic experiences for those who find themselves with the opportunity to explore the caldera.
(3) We will strive to achieve a high level of integrity in our stewardship of the lands, programs, and other assets in our care. This includes adopting an ethic of financial thrift and discipline and exercising good business sense;
The Valles Caldera is a land of magnificent opportunity for recreation and scientific exploration. As such, the caldera has a need to identify potential financial expense, as well as environmental degradation. The trust acknowledges this and, with this item, will be looking for ways to keep those impacts from becoming destructive.
(4) We will exercise restraint in the implementation of all programs, basing them on sound science and adjusting them consistent with the principles of adaptive management;
This item points to an identified need to examine any and all decisions regarding the caldera for their eventual impact on preservation. This means that outside exploration and input will be a must for the Valles Caldera Trust.
(5) Recognizing the unique heritage of northern New Mexico’s traditional cultures, we will be a good neighbor to surrounding communities, striving to avoid negative impacts from Preserve activities and to generate positive impacts;
As the caldera opens up to more human activity, the surrounding areas will be affected. These potential effects must be identified and explored to ensure that the impacts caused by this increased activity will not be detrimental to the communities, human and non. Possible positive impacts should also be explored to find ways that the surrounding areas can benefit from the trust’s decisions.
(6) Recognizing the religious significance of the Preserve to Native Americans, the Trust bears a special responsibility to accommodate the religious practices of nearby tribes and pueblos, and to protect sites of special significance;
The Valles Caldera has a great religions importance to the Native Americans of the area. As changes to the caldera are put into place, this principle must always be kept at the forefront of the decision-making process.
(7) Recognizing the importance of clear and open communication, we commit ourselves to maintaining a productive dialogue with those who would advance the purposes of the Preserve and, where appropriate, to developing partnerships with them;
ReplyDeleteAs many of the other principles point out, the need for outside involvement is very important to ensuring that the decisions of the trust are clear, well thought out, and will provide for forward movement in their plans to preserve the caldera.
(8) Recognizing that the Preserve is part of a larger ecological whole, we will cooperate with adjacent landowners and managers to achieve a healthy regional ecosystem;
This goal goes hand-in-hand with the trust identifying the need to work with the surrounding areas to ensure that their decisions have a positive impact on the region as a whole.
(9) Recognizing the great potential of the Preserve for learning and inspiration, we will strive to integrate opportunities for research, reflection and education in the programs of the Preserve;
The Valles Caldera is a rich and wonderful landscape for scientists from all areas to conduct research and learn more about the caldera itself, and the world we live in as a whole.
and
(10) In providing opportunities to the public we will emphasize quality of experience over quantity of experiences. In so doing, while we reserve the right to limit participation or to maximize revenue in certain instances, we commit ourselves to providing fair and affordable access for all permitted activities.
Offering recreational potential to the public must be done in a manner that will have the least detrimental impact on the caldera, while ensuring that the experiences are affordable to all who wish to take advantage of them. The trust also recognizes that more does not been better.
Taken individually, each principle identifies mandates goals. As a whole, the management principles offer a way to look at the big picture. Each principle relates to every other one in that all ten must be considered at every step.
Valles Caldera Trust. Valles Caldera Trust Management Principles, December 1
The most important aspects of Valles Caldera National Preserve are to protect and preserve geologic, cultural, wildlife, recreational, and historic values in the Valles Caldera.
ReplyDeleteTo achieve the preserve and protecting this area, management principles of Valles Caldera according to the Valles Caldera Trust should be considered that are as follows (Adopted: December 13, 2001)
1- Administration of preserving during long time for future generation benefits.
2- Commitment to preserve this valuable area because of several reasons such as ecological, cultural and uniqueness of this area.
3- Striving to high integrated stewardship on the any programs relate to preserving and Valles Caldera.
4- Essentiality of adaptive management in implementation of science in Valles Caldera.
5- Unique heritage of New Mexico’s traditional cultures should be recognized. Also, all of the activities should lead to have positive impacts on surrounding communities.
6- Religious significance of the Native Americans should be respected and Trust has special responsibility in this regard.
7- Recognizing the importance of communication between the involving groups.
8- Essentiality of having cooperation between landowners and managers to achieve a healthy ecosystem.
9- In the program of preserve, research and education have to be integrated.
10- Emphasize on the quality of experience more than quantity of experience has to be done in providing opportunities for public.
this is me Abdelaziz I do not know why it said Unknown??????????
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera Preservation Act was signed in 2000 by the U.S. President and gave way for the government to purchase private property, the Baca Ranch, and it implemented the Valles Caldera Trust. The trust was set up to have 9 members, seven of which were appointed by the President of the trust with specific qualifications necessary, with a minimum of two being residents of New Mexico (Public Law 106-248, 2000). Two of the members must be the supervisor of the Santa Fe National Forest and the superintendent of the Bandelelier National Monument (Public Law 106-248, 2000)
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera Trust is government owned corporations allowed to conduct business within the United States and its purposes are as follows:
(1) to provide management and administrative services
for the Preserve;
(2) to establish and implement management policies which
will best achieve the purposes and requirements of this title;
(3) to receive and collect funds from private and public
sources and to make dispositions in support of the management
and administration of the Preserve; and
(4) to cooperate with Federal, State, and local governmental
units, and with Indian tribes and Pueblos, to further the purposes for which the Preserve was established. (Public Law 106-248, modified 2005, section 106).
The trust was established to protect the land from overall destruction over time, all the while allowing land use for education as well as using renewable resources. Serving the community and its members to its fullest potential without compromising its integrity. The Trust entitles the government as sole owner but allowing experts to have a voice in the management of its area.
Reference:
Public Law 106-248. (2000). Valles Caldera National Preserve and Trust.
Rebecca Martin here
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera Preservation Act came about in the year 2000. It was formed to preserve the historic link between the Valles Caldera and the Baca Ranch. The Baca Ranch is located predominately on the Valles Caldera. The owners of the Baca Ranch showed some interest in selling it so The Valles Caldera Preservation Act stepped forward with these things in mind:
• Buy the Baca Ranch as a federal piece of land
• Protect and preserve the Baca Ranch and all the resources that go along with it
• Make sure the public has access to the land for recreation
• Make the land sustainable financially
• Make the land sustainable for timber and ranching
The trust was set up as a governing body to:
• Manage the area
• Collect funds
• Ensure that the previous items are taken care of
• To cooperate with governments, meaning not only at state and federal levels, but also at Native American Governmental levels