Goals & Objectives: This project will create plans for the first trail to be constructed in the nation’s newest NPS unit (as of Oct.1 2015), the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The property (89,000-acres which encompasses the oldest and smallest resurgent caldera in the US) currently has no constructed trails, a downfall that is particularly threatening to resource preservation. The main goals of the project will be to (1) construct an interpretive trail(s) that prevents artifact theft, protects nearby delicate ruins/species, is ADA accessible, provides the visitor with useful resource information/signage, complies with NEPA and (2) provides the park with an accurate and current picture of visitation demographics.

Theoretical Justification, Social Benefit, or Significance: This is a unique opportunity to construct an interpretive and accessible trail on a relatively pristine piece of federal land. The Valles Caldera National Preserve was recently handed over to the NPS on October 1st, 2015 and is expected to have record-breaking visitation in the coming years. However, current infrastructure cannot protect cultural or environmental resources from the impacts of this anticipated visitation. Unlike other National Park Units, we do not have extensive existing interpretive signage, trails, or visitor use information. Many future management plans are in the process of being developed at this time. VALL also must translate the NEPA policies developed for the Valles Caldera Trust (former experimental federal agency managing the property) to the more generalized interpretation of NEPA upheld by the NPS. The environmental policy implications are complex and fascinating. This is an once-in-a-lifetime situation that will provide VALL (and the National Park Service as a whole) with a fresh and creative template for developing future plans on this new park unit. Additionally, successful completion of this project will enable VALL to mitigate damage/loss of critical cultural resources in the area, while providing in-demand public access, and visitor demographic information.

Specific Activities & Duration: Specifically, we would like to have the team conduct a visitation and site survey that is not influence by (but is compliant with) existing NPS protocols. It is anticipated that students will need to visit the Preserve for 1-3 weeks for data collection and site survey. This project is contained and achievable for a 4-5 member team. The Preserve can provide housing; however, students may need a 4x4 vehicle.

Integrative Approach: We need extensive input from BEC students to encourage appropriate trail/park behavior in a culturally sensitive area located in the valley of a dormant volcano. Furthermore, there will be a critical need for design and construction skills held by Landscape Architecture students. Environmental Policy students are especially important to this project for two major reasons: (1) The Valles Caldera Trust (previous managing agency of property) is the only federal land management agency that has never been sued for NEPA compliance. Many members of the Trust NEPA team are still present and have valuable insights on how to honor the intent of the law, prevent litigation, and involve the public in meaningful ways (2) The team will need a strong voice to uphold the intent of NEPA in the planning of this project. The Valles Caldera Trust was also awarded the 2015 Environmental Excellence, NEPA Excellence award, alongside much coveted Resilient Landscapes funds. Finally, there is a potential role for Conservation Ecology due to the anticipated location of trails and prevalence of endangered species -namely the Jemez Mountain Salamander.