You are here

Home » Valles Caldera National Preserve

Valles Caldera National Preserve

Interior Secretary Told NPS Director Sams Violated "Protective Mandate" By Allowing Eagle Kill

National Park Service Director Chuck Sams violated his agency's "protective mandate" for wildlife when he allowed the Jemez Pueblo to kill a bald or golden eagle inside Valles Caldera National Preserve last fall, according to a number of retired Park Service managers and wildlife biologists.

Most Overlooked National Park System Units

There seem to be countless national park stories in the media about "best this" or "best that," or "most underrated" park. More often than not, those stories revolve around the 63 "national parks" that go into the 428 units of the National Park System. What about the remaining 365 units? Let's take a look at some of the most overlooked parks in that universe (and we hope you'll help!).

The East Fork Of The Jemez River Flowing Through Valle Grande In Valles Caldera National Preserve

A narrow stream flows through a vast grassland meadow in Valles Caldera National Preserve

"About 1.2 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created a 13-mile-wide circular depression in the earth 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."

National Park Service

Update | Jemez Pueblo Quickly Given OK To Take Eagles From Valles Caldera National Preserve

In a move viewed as unprecedented and apparently against agency regulations, National Park Service Director Chuck Sams signed off on a request to allow the Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico to kill either a bald or golden eagle in Valles Caldera Preserve for cultural purposes.
PDF icon vall_eagle_take_ea_october_2023.pdf PDF icon signed_vall_eagle_take_fonsi_with_nid_october_20231.pdf

Court Rules Jemez Pueblo Can Use Part Of Valles Caldera National Preserve

A split 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has given the Jemez Pueblo rights to use a portion of Valles Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico as their ancestors did, a ruling that raises the prospect that tribes elsewhere in the United States will seek to regain their traditional homelands.
PDF icon vall-jemez_pueblo_10th_circuit.pdf

A $25 Million Boost For Bison

Mythic, iconic, and nomadic, bison are an American relic, the continent's largest mammal that once roamed from Canada to Mexico, from Nevada to Virginia. Reduced in number from an estimated 60 million to just thousands, the species is being given a $25 million lifeline from the Biden administration to bolster its genetics and herds.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.