National Park areas contain much of our national heritage. Caring for this natural and cultural heritage requires thorough and thoughtful planning. The process used to develop a general management plan considers how to pass these irreplaceable resources on to future generations while providing for the best possible visitor experience today.

The General Management Plan (GMP) for Capulin Volcano will guide park management for at least 10-15 years and provides a solid base for management actions. The plan is built on the answers to three questions: WHY are we here? WHAT do we want to accomplish? HOW can we achieve our goals?

The answer first question, WHY are we here? is the legislation and proclamations that established the monument. They are examined to develop statements of purpose, significance, and mission.
The second question, WHAT are our goals? is answered by describing a vision for the future of Capulin Volcano National Monument. First, broad Mission Goals, are tied to National Park Service goals; and then, more specific Management Prescriptions are developed. Management prescriptions are desired future conditions for 1) park natural and cultural resources and 2) visitor experiences. These prescriptions focus on specific geographic areas and resources in the monument described as Resource Opportunity Areas.
To answer this third question, HOW can we achieve our goals? management prescriptions are compared to present conditions to identify strategies or implementation concepts.

Many of these answers will come from the ideas, comments, and concerns of the public. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to be, please send your address to the park.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLANS (GMPs)...

* ARE CONCEPTUAL: GMPs describe an overall direction and broad concept of the future rather than focus on specific programs or facilities.
* VIEW THE MONUMENT IN CONTEXT: The natural and cultural resources and socioeconomic importance of the monument are viewed in local, regional, and national contexts.
* INVOLVE STAKEHOLDERS: A meaningful plan can only be developed from a shared vision of the future. Anyone affected by the park’s activities and whose activities affect the park needs to contribute.
* PRESENT A RANGE OF ALTERNATIVES: A number of possible future directions and feasible alternatives will be considered.
* ANALYZE AND COMPARE IMPACTS AND COSTS: Alternatives will be evaluated so that wise decisions can be made.