New Data: Outdoor Recreation Adds $3.6B to New Mexico�s Economy
Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division
ORD Newsletter | March 18, 2026
Dispatches from New Mexico's
Outdoor Recreation Division
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Letter from the Director
Greetings outdoor enthusiasts,
New data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis highlights the impact of New Mexico's outdoor recreation industry.
In 2024, the outdoor recreation industry generated $3.6 billion in value added to New Mexico’s GDP, supported 31,454 jobs and accounted for 2.5% of the state’s economy, with $1.7 billion in wages and benefits for New Mexico workers. Read the press release at nmoutside.com/news .
Behind those numbers is a diverse ecosystem of outdoor businesses, tourism partners, land managers, and communities that help make New Mexico such an adventure-rich place to live and explore.
At the Outdoor Recreation Division, we’re focused on strengthening this sector by investing in outdoor infrastructure, expanding access to public lands and trails and supporting the businesses and communities that power New Mexico’s outdoor economy.
Since the Bureau of Economic Analysis began tracking the outdoor recreation economy in 2012, outdoor recreation's contribution to New Mexico' GDP has grown by more than 5%, a reminder that outdoor recreation remains a steady and important contributor to our state’s economy and quality of life.
See you outside,
Karina Armijo
We're Hiring
ORD is searching for a Division Admin Assistant in Santa Fe to help manage operations and support our grant programs that expand access to New Mexico’s outdoors. Visit careers.share.nm.gov and search #10118698 for details. Applications close Monday, March 30, 2026 .
Share Your Input
Help Inform the Future of New Mexico Outdoor Recreation
The state is updating its 5-year outdoor recreation plan, and your input will help guide priorities for parks, trails and outdoor access across the state.
Take the survey by April 15 and share what matters most to you!
Public survey: bit.ly/NMSCORP
Survey for LWCF-eligible applicants (Tribal, state & local governments, schools, s oil & water conservation districts ): bit.ly/NM_LWCF
In Other News
Pollinator project blossoms at Bosque del Apache
Several major bicycle brands are suing customs and border protection after US Supreme Court ruling against tariffs
New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program honors eight trailblazers
Governor signs bill requiring student drivers to take course on bicyclist and pedestrian safety
Get Involved
Community Events
Mar 21: Taos Rally the Valley , Taos
Mar 21: Backyard Refuge Day , Albuquerque
Mar 21: Annual Star Party , Albuquerque
Mar 21: World Water Day Community Cleanup , Silver City
Mar 23: Tourism Commission Meeting , Las Cruces
March 28: Coyote Creek State Park Easter Egg Hunt , Guadalupita
Apr 4: Route 66 100th Anniversary Cruise , Santa Fe
Apr 4: New Mexico Outdoor Festival & Skills Competition , Edgewood
Apr 9-10: Rio Grande Trail Commission Meeting & Site Tour , Las Cruces
Apr 11: Art in the Park at Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park , Las Cruces
Apr 17: Stories from the Land , Taos
Apr 17: Trek to Trail Days , Lordsburg
Apr 23-26: Continental Divide Trail Days , Silver City
April 25: !mira¡ Las Cruces , Las Cruces
Apr 30-May 3: Bosque del Apache Spring Migration Celebration , San Antonio
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Safety & Education
New Mexico law requires anyone younger than 18 operating an OHV on public lands or any ATV or ROV on authorized paved roads to possess an OHV safety permit during use. Visit their website for information on their free safety classes.
Upcoming Webinars, Workshops, and Conferences
Mar 19: Installation Excellence for Trail Aggregate: Tips, Tricks, and Common Pitfalls , virtual
Mar 21: The Fire Circle: A Community Fair on Mitigation, Response, and Restoration , Las Vegas
Mar 23-24: AI for Earth Sciences Workshop , Santa Fe
Mar 26: Harnessing Communications to Educate and Engage Community of Trail Volunteers , virtual
Apr 9: Santa Fe Business Expo , Santa Fe
Apr 14-16: Sustainable Trails Conference , Boise, ID
Apr 24-26: New Mexico Search & Rescue Council ESCAPE , Glorieta
May 19-21: Mountain West Trails Conference , Rock Springs, WY
New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Business Alliance (NMORBA) News
New Mexico’s outdoor economy is growing and it's more important than ever to build up support for our outdoor business community. Be the first to know about funding, networking, and business support opportunities statewide by signing up for the NMORBA newsletter .
Running and Cycling Events
For a list of running races visit runguides.com/new-mexico/runs
For a list of cycling races visit nmcycling.org
Mar 28: Tommyknocker 10 , Silver City
Apr 19: Tour de Optimism , Las Cruces
Apr 25: John Ashcraft Memorial Family Run , Ruidoso
Apr 29: Tour of the Gila , Silver City
Featured State Park
With 35 state parks to discover, there’s no shortage of adventure in New Mexico! From scenic lakes and rugged mountains to historic sites and hidden gems, each park offers something unique.
Pecos Canyon State Park
Lipan Apache, Ute, Puebloan lands
Pecos Canyon State Park, tucked along the Pecos River near Pecos, offers trout fishing, gentle hiking trails, picnicking and wildlife viewing. Scenic overlooks and abundant birdlife make it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and photographers.
Always practice leave no trace principles and plan ahead for your adventure. Familiarize yourself with the 10 essentials and check the State Parks website for important updates and details.
Industry Careers
Outdoor Recreation Positions Throughout New Mexico
Visit www.spo.state.nm.us for updates on state employment opportunitie s.
Visit conservationjobboard.com , EMNRD's Career Resources page , and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable's Workforce Hub for more career resources.
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