Valles Caldera National Preserve
The one million-year-old Valles Caldera (15-mi diameter) is the centerpiece of the Jemez Volcanic Field in North Central New Mexico. The caldera was formed when the volcanic pile collapsed in response to a huge eruption of ash from the magma chamber. Subsequent resurgence of magma formed domes along the caldera ring fracture, including Redondo Peak, which is over 3000 feet above the caldera floor.
Today the Baca Ranch encompasses most of the Valles Caldera. After two years of negotiations, the White House reached an agreement to buy the 95,000 acre ranch for $101 million to permanently protect as national preserve lands. A bill appropriating the money was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Clinton late in 1999. Authorizing legislation, called the Valles Caldera Preservation Act, H.R. 3288/S. 1892, passed the House and Senate and was signed by President Clinton on July 25, 2000.
The Valles Caldera National Preserve is managed by a board of trustees appointed by the president and is open to the public with reservations only. Members of the Valles Caldera Trust hold regular board meetings to share information with the public as they formulate plans for the Preserve. For more information and for reservations call 505-661-3333 or visit www.vallescaldera.gov. |
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