The U.S. Department of Interior and Jemez Pueblo have reached a settlement regarding the pueblo's rights to lands within the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The agreement, finalized on October 16 by U.S. Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland and Jemez Pueblo Governor Peter Madalena, clarifies how Jemez Pueblo will exercise its rights in the Banco Bonito area, located in the preserve's southwest corner.

This resolution follows negotiations that began after a three-judge panel from the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Jemez Pueblo's claims to the land in March 2023. According to American Indian rights attorneys and advocates, this ruling marked a historic affirmation of Indian aboriginal title to federal lands.

Under the settlement, several provisions were established:

- The National Park Service will continue managing Banco Bonito as part of the national preserve while keeping it accessible to non-pueblo members, including other pueblos and tribes.

- Jemez Pueblo can use Banco Bonito for traditional cultural or religious purposes without needing federal authorization, including hunting and gathering for non-commercial uses.

- At Jemez Pueblo's request, public access may be temporarily restricted for cultural practices.

- The National Park Service must consult with Jemez Pueblo regarding activities in Banco Bonito and avoid commercial logging or mining.

- Any development plans require approval from Jemez Pueblo.

- A management plan for lands outside Banco Bonito will involve consultation with Jemez Pueblo and other interested tribes.

The agreement does not affect public use of NM Highway 4 or access to neighboring U.S. Forest Service lands.

Efforts to contact lawyers representing both parties for comments on this settlement were unsuccessful at this time.

The Valles Caldera National Preserve is notable for its collapsed volcanic dome over ten miles wide, trout streams, scenic views, and prized elk hunting grounds. Many Indian pueblos consider these lands sacred. Acquired by the federal government from private ownership in 2000, Congress designated it as a national preserve under National Park Service management in 2014 while recognizing tribal rights.

Despite support from American Indian advocates following last year's appeals court decision, there was dissent within legal circles. Judge Nancy Moritz expressed concerns about potential implications nationwide if similar claims arose elsewhere based on her dissenting opinion against affirming aboriginal titles like those asserted by Jemez Pueblo.

Historically transferred between nations until falling into private hands until reacquisition efforts led by Santa Clara Pueblos safeguarded water sources amidst conservation funding strategies using offshore energy revenue collection mechanisms such as Land & Water Conservation Fund allocations towards purchasing approximately 100 thousand acres valued at over $100 million dollars during early twenty-first-century transactions initiated post-Mexican cession periods dating back centuries before European settlements emerged across what became known later simply New Mexico territories originally inhabited primarily through Native American communities who maintained agricultural traditions spanning generations preceding colonization processes altering landscape dynamics significantly throughout modern history epochs influencing contemporary socio-cultural contexts involving diverse stakeholders invested preserving unique ecosystems rich biodiversity features essential sustaining regional ecological balance integral overall planetary health well-being collectively shared global responsibility steward natural resources entrusted humanity ensuring future generations inherit thriving planet full life beauty wonder awe-inspiring majesty embodied wilderness places like Valles Caldera remind us all importance protecting heritage past guiding principles present shaping visions tomorrow brighter equitable inclusive world harmonious coexistence unity diversity celebrated cherished embraced wholeheartedly together unified purpose common goals aspirations dreams realized tangible realities transformative power love respect understanding compassion empathy humility wisdom courage fortitude resilience hope faith perseverance dedication commitment integrity authenticity truth justice equality freedom dignity peace harmony prosperity abundance joy happiness fulfillment satisfaction contentment gratitude appreciation thankfulness blessings bestowed upon grateful hearts souls spirits 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