We are spending the winter preparing for next summer at the Caldera. We have potential new education programs that may happen. More on this soon.
While everyone is tired of thinking about the trespass cattle ruining the Caldera’s streams, we are teeing up out work for next summer, knowing the cows will be back. We have issued a Freedom of Information Act Request to the US Forest Service to find out how they are enforcing their contracts with the ranchers whose cattle trespass on the Preserve every summer. There are provisions of the contracts, for example, that prohibit the ranchers from allowing their cattle to graze outside the allotment. We want to find out if they enforce these provisions. We suspect not but remain open minded.
The USFS contracts with the ranchers also mention range condition reports that are to be completed. We have asked for copies of these range condition reports. We’ll keep you posted.
Meanwhile, be sure to get up the the Valles Caldera and ski and snowshoe. Though snow is minimal this winter, there is enough to have some fun.
