Reduce Grazing Pressures

Estancia Valle Chacabuco was purchased with all of its livestock included, 20,000 sheep and 3,000 cows. One of the first priorities of Conservacion Patagonica was to eliminate the grazing of livestock from the property. After three years of following a strict strategic plan for reducing the livestock, all but a few sheep for employee consumption has been removed from the project area. This process was planned such that the sheep and cattle market in Chile would not be adversely affected.

Restoration Goals

Our central goal has been to follow a seven to ten year restoration plan developed for the future national park. The removal of exotic plant species is an ongoing effort, along with the initiation of the removal of fence lines, as the elimination of livestock has made this feasible. Evidence of wildlife rehabilitation is rapidly following the removal of fences and the opening up of previously closed off habitat.

Removal of Buildings

Any non-essential buildings are in the process of being taken down and materials that can be recycled for future use are donated to neighbors or towns close by.

Volunteer Program

An important aspect of our ten-year project is our Volunteer Program. The program is geared toward groups and for individual involvement in restoration projects and the development of this new national park. Fence removal, elimination of exotic species, species census and other activities are the types of work volunteers undertake. We encourage participation in this active program. For more information click here.

Public Access Infrastructure

One of Conservacion Patagonica's commitments is to develop good public access infrastructure for the proposed national park. To this end, funds are being raised to include a park visitors center, administrative housing, campgrounds, volunteer bunkhouses, trails, signage and maintenance facilities typical of good national parks elsewhere. Work has begun in 2005 and continues at a steady and productive pace.