Watershed Condition Summer of 2000, Baca Location 1 Purchase, Valles Caldera National Preserve

McWilliams, Steve

A rapid assessment of conditions on the 89,000-acre Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP) was conducted to show the situation at the time of transfer from private to public ownership. This provided information for the caretaker (Santa Fe National Forest) to see potential problems in the interim period before the Board was appointed and the ability to brief the Board on January 11, 2000 on conditions that the Board will assume management responsibility. Riparian/wetland areas along major perennial systems were selected to reflect conditions over the larger upland area of the VCNP. The assessment used a coarse filter qualitative assessment (Proper Functioning Condition/PFC) to cover the area rapidly and locate reference reaches (or a quantitative assessment (Thalwag Watershed Area Linklf-WALK) and benthic sampling. The VCNP has a history of use and that is reflected in the assessment findings. The assessment indicated that the VCNP had areas of impairment on many reaches that impact structure, function, stream health, and biotic potential of the riparian/wetland areas. These observed conditions offer a decision space between existing and a variety of potential desired conditions.