Jemez Springs, NM — 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 on the preserve's website (www.nps.gov/vall). They can also be obtained by sending an email to vall_info@nps.gov, 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.
About Valles Caldera National Preserve
About 1.25 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the approximately 13-mile wide circular depression now known as the 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. Visit us at www.nps.gov/vall and on Facebook www.facebook.com/VallesCaldera/.
About the National Park Service
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.