About VCNP
The Valles Caldera Trust was created by the Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2000 to preserve and protect the historic Baca Ranch of New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains. The groundbreaking legislation that provided for the federal purchase of this 89,000-acre ranch nestled inside a volcanic caldera also created a unique experiment in public land management.
A nine-member board of trustees is responsible for the protection and development of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Seven of its members are appointed by the President of the United States. In addition, the current Superintendent of nearby Bandelier National Monument and the Forest Supervisor of the Santa Fe National Forest also serve on the board. All board decisions are made in public meetings.
In August of 2002, the management authority for the new piece of public land was transferred to the Valles Caldera Trust.. With the prospect of the opportunities presented by a blank slate, the board began its work. This work includes continuing ranch operations while opening the preserve to visitors. We are using science-based adaptive management to inform our management and decision-making on the preserve.
Today, the Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Valles Caldera Trust are still works in progress. With a small but creative staff, we’re working to find ways to meaningfully include the public in the development of our programs and planning. We strive for efficiency in our operations,
A non-proft, 501-c-1 organization, the trust can accept donations.