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ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE VALLES CALDERA NATIONAL TRUST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005 

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 (VCNP) and created the Valles Caldera Trust (VCT) 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 accomplishments for fiscal year 2005, and planned goals for 2006: 

Preserve Goals Valles Caldera Trust 

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. 

In FY2005, monitoring programs were implemented for water 

quality, and a large-scale research program was initiated to 

evaluate prescribed fire in VCNP grasslands. Additionally, 

ground-truthing of satellite imagery for rangeland productivity 

was undertaken. A radio telemetry study on VCNP predators 

has begun with a coyote monitoring project to evaluate 

impacts on elk calf mortality. Large-area archaeological 

surveys were conducted on one of the VCNP’s interior 

mountains. A draft Elk Management plan was written in 

collaboration with New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish, National 

Park Service, and USDA Forest Service for the Jemez 

Mountain area. In FY2006, monitoring studies will expand to 

include elk calf survival, black bear and cougar predation 

rates, and increased hydrological modeling. Other monitoring 

projects will continue for climate, water quality, rangeland and 

forest productivity, changes in post-fire habitats, and stream 

communities. 

VERY 

HIGH 

Manage public use, access to and the 

occupancy of the Preserve. 

In FY2005, approximately 10,000 visitors came to VCNP for 

recreation and special events; 20 different recreational 

programs were conducted. Income from recreation user fees 

totaled ~$540,225. Public volunteers gave >1,000 hours of 

time to assist with recreation and education programs. For 

public access planning, >175 miles of forest roads were 

inventoried. In FY2006 the plan is to inventory approximately 

300 miles. The road inventory will be used in the future to 

assist in the development comprehensive plans, such as 

recreation, transportation and fire management plans. 

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 these to building code. In FY2006, 

the plan is to complete a Historic Structure Report, to assist in 

future planning for the Preserve. 

HIGH 
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Preserve Goals Valles Caldera Trust 

Accomplishments & Plan 

Priority 

Multiple use and sustained yield of renewable 

resources within the Preserve. 

In FY2003 – 2005, wildlife/fisheries monitoring were 

conducted on the Preserve. Data collected thus far has 

indicated that sustained yield is being accomplished. Starting 

in FY2004 through FY2005, the Trust completed the first 

identified high risk area for Hazardous Fuels Reduction by 

thinning a total of 325 acres of Ponderosa Pine and mixed 

conifer stands. An additional 120 acres are planned for 

thinning in FY2006 along with the development of an 

interpretive area on forest health for the public. 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 VCT 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. To comply, in FY2005 the 

Trust completed the upgrade of 6 miles of road which is 

needed for public access programs. These efforts will 

continue In FY2006 and beyond. 

VERY 

HIGH 

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 

was completed. Starting in FY2006, this document will be 

used as an internal planning tool in the areas such as 

infrastructure, facilities and public 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 FY2003-2004, 

Phase I of the Headquarters Water System was completed to 

develop an infiltration system and treatment facility for surface 

water. In FY2005 Phase II was started and will be completed 

in FY2006, connecting a 1 mile distribution line to all buildings 

in operation, which allows the buildings in that area to have 

potable water. In FY2006, the VCT will research the 

possibilities of a different grazing system, e.g. Steer Program 

versus existing Programs. 

VERY 

HIGH