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Contact: Rita Garcia, 954-848-6740
Jemez Springs, NM - The National Park Service added Valles Caldera National Preserve to the list of parks with "significant thermal features" under the Geothermal Steam Act. The Preserve is only the 17th park unit to make the nationwide list. Valles Caldera was nominated for recognition in 2016, and following a public review and comment period, received nearly unanimous public and tribal support.
"This designation provides well-deserved recognition of these special volcanic features will help the preserve access resources to support their protection and promote scientific study and educational programs for the public," said Valles Caldera superintendent, Jorge Silva-Bañuelos. The designation can be used to legally limit drilling and geothermal development in areas nearby that might damage thermal activity inside the preserve.
Valles Caldera National Preserve, located in the center of hte Jemez Mountains volcanic field in northern New Mexico, contains numerous volcanic geothermal features, including sulfuric acid fumaroles, mud pots, hot springs, and cold springs. In one site alone, Sulphur Springs, there are seven named sulfuric acid springs within a 20-acre area. These springs include such colorful descriptive names as Kidney and Stomach Trouble Spring, Footbath Spring, Ladies' Bathhouse Spring, Laxitive [sic] Spring, Turkey Spring, Lemonade Spring, and Electric Spring. No other sulfate-based acidic hot springs occur in the State of New Mexico, and they are rare throughout the rest of the United States.
The listing process is explained at Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 62 / Friday, April 2, 2021 / Notices.
About Valles Caldera National Preserve
About 1.25 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 13-mile wide circular depression now known as Valles Caldera. The preserve is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. The area also preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich ranching history.
About the National Park Service
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 420 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us on our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.
Last updated: April 1, 2025