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Grazing

Grazing continues a 100+ history of ranching in the Valles Caldera area, but must be managed to protect the purposes and values of Valles Caldera National Preserve established by its enabling legislation.

 

Excerpt from Enabling Legislation:

Public Law 113-291, Sec. 3043

"(6) Grazing.--The Secretary shall allow the grazing of livestock within the Preserve to continue--(A) at levels and locations determined by the Secretary to be appropriate, consistent with this section; and (B) to the extent the use furthers scientific research or interpretation of the ranching history of the Preserve."

 

Valles Caldera Seeks Applications for 2018 Livestock Program

Valles Caldera National Preserve has opened the application period for its 2018 livestock grazing program. Livestock grazing on the preserve is authorized by Congress for the purposes of scientific research and/or interpretation of the ranching history of the preserve.


The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking permit applications to graze livestock on the preserve for a four-month grazing season (June 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018). All livestock operators are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed for compliance with NPS requirements, and a selection will be made by random drawing from the group of qualifying applications.

The NPS will authorize between 93 and 352 livestock Animal Units per Month (AUM), depending on range conditions during the spring, within a grazing area totaling approximately 1,350 acres. The 2018 livestock program may be delayed or canceled if the preserve experiences significant drought conditions. The NPS closely monitors the grazing program to mitigate and prevent impairment of the preserve’s natural and cultural resources.

Applications and associated documents can be found in the links below. They can also be obtained by sending an email to [e-mail], in person at the Valle Grande Entrance Station during normal business hours, or by calling the NPS permit coordinator at 575-829-4100, ext. 4.

Applications must be received by 4:30 pm on Tuesday, February 20, 2018. The selection by random drawing from qualifying applications will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 26, 2018 at the preserve’s administrative headquarters located at 090 Villa Louis Martin, Jemez Springs, NM 87025. Applicants and the general public are welcome to attend. However applicants do not need to be present to be eligible for selection.