IF NEW MEXICO SENATORS TOM UDALL AND MARTIN HEINRICH GET THEIR WAY, THE VALLES CALDERA WOULD BE MADE A NATIONAL PARK. RIGHT NOW IT'S A NATIONAL PRESERVE, BUT MAKING IT A NATIONAL PARK WOULD PROVIDE MORE CONSISTENT FUNDING FOR PRESERVATION, IMPROVEMENTS, AND INCREASED RECREATION.

THE 89-THOUSAND ACRE VALLES CALDERA WEST OF LOS ALAMOS IS A POPULAR HIKING, CAMPING AND FISHING SPOT.

THE TRANSFER EFFORT IS A FOLLOW-UP ON LEGISLATION FIRST PROPOSED BY RETIRED SENATOR JEFF BINGAMAN IN 2010.