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Officials To Celebrate Valles Caldera's Transition

nps.gov

State, federal and tribal officials will be gathering this weekend to mark the official transition of Valles Caldera National Preserve to the National Park Service.

U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell will be joined by members of New Mexico's congressional delegation, Native American leaders and other local officials for a celebration at the preserve Saturday.

Valles Caldera is home to vast grasslands, the remnants of one of North America's few super volcanoes and one of New Mexico's most famous elk herds.

The federal government purchased the property in 2000 with the goal of operating it as a working ranch while developing recreational opportunities for the public. Legislation signed last year cleared the way for the property to transition from trust management to the Park Service.

Officials say public access is expected to increase with the change.

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