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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE VALLES CALDERA NATIONAL TRUST FOR FISCAL YEARS 2004-2009 

BACKGROUND 

The Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-248) provided for the acquisition of the Baca Ranch 

located in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. The Act designated the acquired lands as the Valles Caldera 

National Preserve and created the Valles Caldera Trust to manage the 88,900 acre tract. The Preserve was 

established to protect and preserve the scientific, scenic, geologic, watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, heritage, and 

recreational values of the Preserve, and to provide for multiple use and sustained yield of renewable resources within 

the Preserve. In addition, the Act requires the tract to continue to be managed as an operating ranch. Below 

highlights the annual plan for fiscal years 2004-2009: 

Preserve Goals 

Valles Caldera National Trust (VCNT) 

Accomplishments & Plan Priority 

Protect and preserve for future generations the 

scientific, scenic, historic, and natural values of 

the Baca ranch, including rivers and 

ecosystems and archaeological, geological, 

and cultural resources; and recreational values 

of the Preserve. 

From FY2000-2004 a large number of inventory projects were 

completed, such as Watershed Health, Fisheries surveys, 

Initial Water Quality Survey and Vegetation Map. In FY2005-

2006, monitoring programs will be implemented for water 

quality and vegetation change from wildlife and livestock use. 

Additionally, ground-truthing of satellite imagery for rangeland 

and forest conditions will be undertaken and completed in 

FY2006. HIGH 

Manage public use, access to and the 

occupancy of the Preserve. 

In FY2004 conducted a road inventory of 76 miles to 

determine the condition and length. In FY2005, approximately 

114 miles will be inventoried. In FY2006 plan to inventory 

approximately 300-500 miles. The road inventory will be used 

to develop a Transportation Plan. Efforts to develop the Plan 

will begin in FY2007 and will be completed in FY2008. 

VERY 

HIGH 

Establish a demonstration area for an 

experimental management regime adapted to 

this unique property which incorporates 

elements of public and private administration in 

order to promote long term financial 

sustainability. 

In FY2002 Johnson Control conducted a Structural Analysis, 

which documented the existing building and structural 

integrity. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that 

the majority of the facilities are historical and are in need of 

major renovation to bring to building code. In FY2006, plan to 

conduct a cultural resource assessment to assess and identify 

the usability of the facilities. In FY2006-2007, the Trust will 

use this data to develop a Master Facilities Plan. HIGH 

Multiple use and sustained yield of renewable 

resources within the Preserve. 

In FY2004 wildlife/fisheries monitoring were conducted on the 

Preserve. Data collected thus far has indicated that sustained 

yield is being accomplished. In FY2006 will complete the first 

identified high risk area for Hazardous Fuels Reduction by 

thinning a total of 445 acres of Ponderosa Pine stands. Forest 

product use will be coupled with thinning projects for forest 

health and fire prevention, and contribute to forest restoration, 

where applicable. HIGH 

Achieve a financially self-sustaining operation 

within 15 full fiscal years of the date of 

acquisition. 

Implement financially sound business practices. Develop and 

implement a Business Plan that incorporates an annual 

budget (revenue and expenses) tied to plan of work for 5 

years. This plan will be revised annually. 

VERY 

HIGH 

Meet public safety standards applicable to 

units of the National Forest System and the 

State of New Mexico. 

Follow and enforce the VCNT Health and Safety Manual. This 

manual refers to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 

1970 and the Federal Worker 2000 Presidential Safety 

Initiative. The manual addresses, Responsibility, Reporting, 

Inspecting, Emergencies, Health and Wellness, Job Hazard 

Analysis, Contractors, Researchers, Volunteers, Visitors, etc. 

and it also contains appendices. Continue efforts to conform 

to the Highway Safety Act on all of the roads that are open for 

public use programs. Apply the public and employee 

standards applicable to the units of the National Forest 

System Lands. 

VERY 

HIGH 
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Preserve Goals 

Valles Caldera National Trust (VCNT) 

Accomplishments & Plan Priority 

The Board shall meet in sessions open to the 

public at least three times per year in New 

Mexico. 

The Board will continue to hold at a minimum three public 

sessions. 

HIGH 

Interpretation of the Preserve and its history for 

the public. 

Science and cultural education programs have increased 

annually, and are approaching capacity of existing facilities. 

Potential plans for educational and outreach facilities 

considered for expansion of public participation and education. 

In FY2005, the Master Plan for Interpretation of the Preserve 

will be completed and used internally as a planning tool. This 

document will be critical for the Trust to plan for infrastructure, 

facilities and programs. 

VERY 

HIGH 

Operation of the Preserve as a working ranch. 

The Trust has implemented programs that are consistent with 

a working ranch since 2002. Programs such as elk hunting, 

fishing, livestock grazing, hiking, equestrian, along with tours 

and special events have had very positive results. 

Development of the infrastructure has occurred by upgrading 

some of the facilities on the Preserve. In FY2003, Phase I of 

the Headquarters Water System was completed to develop an 

infiltration system and treatment facility for surface water. In 

FY2004-2006 will complete Phase II to connect 1 mile 

distribution line to all buildings in operation, which will allow 

the buildings in that area to have potable water. The Trust has 

been working to develop a planning document to manage fire 

use on the landscape along with working on specific projects 

to thin ponderosa pine stands to reduce fire threats. 

VERY 

HIGH