It seems very relevant that articles regarding the future of Valles Caldera National Preserve appear in The New Mexican, just as KNME TV airs National Parks: America's Best Idea. The film relates the history of the creation of Yosemite National Park when the fight was between creating a commercially dominated National Park versus a park for the people. In some ways, this is the question posed for Valles Caldera today.

From my 36 years experience with the National Park Service, there is simply no way that Valles Caldera can operate on a self-sustaining basis without heavy commercialization that could be highly detrimental to the area. In fact, the recent study commissioned by the Preserve Board recommends a "high-end" luxury hotel for the wealthy. The current operation, with the restrictions imposed, is already fast outpricing the average citizen's ability to enjoy the area. I do commend the current board of directors for trying to cope with an almost impossible requirement that the preserve pays its own way.

However, if heavy commercialization does occur, it will never be reversed. Now is the time to plan the future for the area.

To date, little is offered visitors who are able to come to the area. There is essentially no interpretive program. In addition to the scenery, the outstanding geology of the area is of worldwide note. It is now barely mentioned. According to some geologists, "Valles Caldera is the type of example of a resurgent caldera, the best preserved in the world of a complex volcano," even exceeding that of Yellowstone's calderas in the opinion of some specialists.

If funds do not become available soon for trained professionals in resource management, geology, visitor protection, interpretation, law enforcement and planning, the preservation of the area, the wildlife, and visitor enjoyment will suffer. I commend Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall for requesting a study by the National Park Service. Hopefully this will provide valuable data in helping to plan the future for Valles Caldera. It is acknowledged that no change will be forthcoming soon, but planning should be initiated as soon as possible.

Santa Fean Don Dayton served as a park ranger in three National Parks and as superintendent of four National Park areas including White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns.