Big News in Outdoor Equity and Trail Improvement Projects!
Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division
ORD Newsletter | November 20, 2024
Dispatches from New Mexico's
Outdoor Recreation Division
In the Outdoor Recreation Division’s biweekly newsletter, find the latest on office and New Mexico’s outdoor recreation initiatives.
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Letter from the Deputy Director
We are pleased to announce the latest awardees of the Outdoor Equity Fund and Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant programs.
This year, we saw a record-breaking number of Outdoor Equity Fund applications, with requests totaling over $3 million in a single round! With $851,400 available, we were able to support 43 organizations that serve 15 counties across New Mexico. More than half of these grants are going to programs providing outdoor activities and education for Tribal and rural communities, reaching nearly 11,000 young New Mexicans. In addition, these projects have attracted $2 million in matching funds! You can read more about this year’s awardees in our latest press release .
We also just announced the second round of awards for the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant program. Highlights include post-fire restoration of over 350 miles of trail, youth career development, and projects in 10 counties. This round also marks our first-ever Tier 3 grant of $1 million awarded to the City of Carlsbad! In total, we’re investing $4.3 million through the Trails+ Grant this cycle, and the next round of applications is already open. For questions about applying, feel free to reach out to our Outdoor Recreation Planner, Carl Colonius .
Through these programs, we’re working together to make outdoor spaces accessible and equitable, conserve New Mexico’s natural beauty, and support community health and our future environmental stewards. Thank you for being a vital part of these efforts across New Mexico—we couldn’t do it without you, and we look forward to your continued support as we work together to make a lasting impact.
Happy trails,
AJ Jones
Deputy Director
In Other News
Hit the Slopes!
Anticipated opening dates for New Mexico ski and snowboarding destinations:
Sipapu Ski Resort – November 22
Ski Santa Fe - November 23
Red River - November 27
Taos Ski Valley - November 28
Ski Apache - November 30
Angel Fire Resort - December 13
Enchanted Forest Ski Area - December 20
Sandia Peak Ski Area – December 28
BLM, Cochiti Pueblo announce reopening of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
The national monument in northern New Mexico was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, and after nearly four years, will re-open to the public on November 21, 2024 !
Learn More
New Mexico Outdoor Ventures Wrap-Up
All 15 stories from the Outdoor Recreation Division’s collaborative New Mexico Outdoor Ventures project are now live on the ORD website! Take a journey through inspiring stories of New Mexico’s outdoor recreation businesses, highlighting their unique contributions to our state’s vibrant outdoor industry.
Read the Stories
Less Traveled Trails Explores NM with Backpacking, Hiking, and Snowshoeing Expeditions
Brian Johnson's Santa Fe-based guiding company, Less Traveled Trails, offers overnight backpacking outings, one-day hiking trips, and more in New Mexico's backcountry wilderness areas.
Check Out the Article
Bicycling Group Pushes Santa Fe City Council to Improve Infrastructure
The Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee seeks to have 20% of Santa Feans commuting to work by bike and have 90% of arterial streets include bike lanes by 2050.
Read More
The Economic Future of Outdoor Recreation in Cibola and McKinley Counties
Trail use in the mountains and mesas of Cibola and McKinley counties has been increasing in recent years. In partnership with Cibola Trails Alliance, Cibola Outdoors, the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments, Adventure Gallup, and the U.S. Forest Service, Headwaters Economics modeled the trail use and associated economic impact.
Learn More
Seeking Communities for Building Healthy Families Program
The Mountain West Prevention Research Center is seeking 6-8 communities to partner with them on a project to implement their Building Healthy Families program, which will help families achieve healthy lifestyles. Applications to participate in this project are due November 22 .
Apply Here
Trail Highlight
Pecos Riverwalk
Carlsbad, NM
Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache) and Mescalero Apache lands
About the Trail: Enjoy the Pecos River on this 3.3-mile paved loop in downtown Carlsbad. This developed trail is great for walking, running, birding, biking, and casual exploration. There are plenty of shaded spots with benches and picnic tables, a playground for kiddos, and a frisbee golf course.
Know before you go: Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. There are numerous parking areas along the trail and access to restrooms in several spots. There is one road crossing that can be a bit busy.
Where to go afterward: Head to Aquino’s Deli to fuel up with tasty Italian sandwiches, pizzas, and desserts.
Industry Careers
Outdoor Recreation Positions Throughout New Mexico
Ancestral Lands is looking to fill numerous positions across New Mexico
New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration seeks paid summer interns
Ski Apache is looking to hire for multiple positions
NM State Land Office is searching for a Biologist/Conservationist (SLO #10117579)
NM Department of Environment is hiring an Environment Scientist & Specialist Operational position (NMED #12060)
Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is hiring for numerous firefighter positions
SasquatchXC Campers has multiple positions in Farmington
New Mexico Wilderness Alliance seeks a Nancy Morton Wilderness Intern in Albuquerque
Western New Mexico University is looking to fill an Outdoor Leadership faculty position in Silver City
Conservation Corps New Mexico is hiring a Crew Leader and Assistant Crew Leader…