Title
Proclamation for Valles Caldera Day (accepted by Dave Krueger, Valles Caldera Chief of Interpretation and Public Information Officer)
Body
WHEREAS, Los Alamos County has proudly supported Valles Caldera National Preserve, one of three National Park Service sites in the local area; since its establishment as public land on July 25, 2000; and
WHEREAS, Valles Caldera National Preserve was established as a unit of the National Park System on December 19, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Valles Caldera National Preserve is the location of a world-renowned volcanic caldera and resurgent dome; and
WHEREAS, Thirty-eight current-day Tribes and Pueblos have spiritual and cultural ties to the park; and
WHEREAS, the park preserves and protects 88,900 acres of wildlife habitat, cultural sites, and recreational opportunities for all to enjoy; and
WHEREAS, Valles Caldera National Preserve is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, a park with significant thermal features, and a National Natural Landmark; and
WHEREAS, the park educates diverse audiences through relevant, science-based programming with support of Los Amigos de Valles Caldera and the Pajarito Environmental Education Center; and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service works with tribal partners to renew ecosystem processes and be a leader in sustainability initiatives with the goal of being a climate-resilient park; and
WHEREAS, the park adjoins Los Alamos County lands and is treasured by residents and visitors as a valuable natural, historical, recreational, and educational resource; and
WHEREAS, Los Alamos County is recognized and promoted as the primary gateway to Valles Caldera, providing support services such as lodging, restaurants, shopping, and additional cultural and recreational experiences to tourists from around the world who seek out this unique, north-central New Mexico attraction; and
WHEREAS, management of this resource directly affects Los Alamos County’s economic development initiatives, particularly around tourism marketing.
NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby declare December 19, 2024, the 10th anniversary of National Park Service management of Valles Caldera National Preserve, as
“VALLES CALDERA DAY”
in Los Alamos County and ask each resident to join me in observing this important day and raising awareness and support for this significant volcanic and cultural site right on our doorstep.
DATED this 3rd day of December, 2024.