Outdoor Recreation Division Marks Five Years of Outdoor Adventure
Updates from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division
ORD Newsletter | March 27, 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.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
Letter from the Director
April marks a significant milestone – the fifth anniversary of the creation of New Mexico's Outdoor Recreation Division. Five years ago, on April 2, 2019, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law the establishment of the division and the groundbreaking Outdoor Equity Fund to expand outdoor opportunities to underserved youth.
Since then, our division has been dedicated to preserving and investing in our state's natural treasures while fostering a culture of exploration, appreciation, and stewardship. To date, ORD has granted over $13 million through the Trails+ Grant program to 134 projects in 26 counties, introduced over 72,000 young New Mexicans to the outdoors via over $5.7 million in Outdoor Equity Funds, and supported outdoor-related events and programs with $874,000 through the Outdoor Marketing Grant.
Our commitment to sustainability and conservation has remained steadfast while expanding access and supporting our outdoor recreation economy.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to our success – from our dedicated staff to our valued partners, stakeholders, and residents of New Mexico. We have achieved so much through your support, dedication, and passion.
As we celebrate this milestone, let us reflect on the accomplishments of the last five years and look forward to the next chapter in our journey toward a more vibrant, sustainable, and connected outdoor community.
Karina Armijo
ORD Director
In Other News
ORD Makes News with Awards of $873,872 in Outdoor Marketing Grants
“ORD is proud to support diverse outdoor recreation events through the OMG program. The much-needed funding will lead to individuals strengthening their connections to the outdoors and families continuing to build traditions of being outside together,” ORD Director Karina Armijo said.
The recent news about our Outdoor Marketing Grants made a few headlines over the past weeks:
Popular outdoor events share state marketing grants
Four Santa Fe groups get state Outdoor Marketing Grants
Economic Development Department Awards First-Ever Outdoor Marketing Grant; Sandoval Co. Gets $13K
Press Release
New Mexico State Parks Consider Public Feedback, Postpones Fee Hearing
The New Mexico State Parks Division had reached out to customers to provide important information regarding proposed changes to its fee structure and park rules. Public comment is encouraged in writing by March 29, 2024, EMNRD-ParksComments@ emnrd.nm.gov or EMNRD-State Parks Division, 1220 S. St. Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505.
With over 800 comments received, the scheduled April 1, 2024, public hearing on fees has been postponed. State Parks plans to review public input and revise the proposed fee changes in the coming months. Once the review and revision are complete, recommendations will be presented through a rule revision process, including additional public meetings and another public comment period.
Fee Study
AllTrails Announces Public Lands Program with New Trail and Land Management Resources
AllTrails' free Public Lands Program directly supports over 250 land management agencies. Land managers are already seeing benefits, such as decreases in search and rescue-related incidents, as they can more easily communicate with visitors regarding pertinent safety updates and send real-time alerts. The new program also gives land managers the ability to view trail use, which can help them plan programs and maintain trails based on detailed trend information.
Learn More
Trail Highlight
Be sure to tag @NMOutdoorRec when you get #NMOutside
Fir and Little Apache Loop Trail
Lincoln National Forest, near Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Mescalero Apache, Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache) Land
Trail Uses: Hiking, trail running, camping, wildlife and wildflower viewing, and picnicking
About the Trail: Fir and Little Apache Loop Trail is connected to and around numerous campgrounds (Apache, Lower Fir, Upper Fir, Saddle, and Silver) allowing you to spend the night or have a weekend adventure just outside Cloudcroft, New Mexico. From NM 244, you'll start on Fir Trail 122. After nearly two miles, the trail becomes Little Apache Trail 124. This second segment returns you to the trailhead after 5.4 miles and 757 feet in elevation gain. If you spend the weekend and wish to stretch your legs further, numerous great trails are nearby. Looking for something different? Cloudcroft is ranked the ninth-best disc golf destination in New Mexico.
Know before you go: Always carry the 10 essentials on a trail adventure. Practice Leave No Trace ethics and bring plenty of water.
After the trail: If you aren’t cooking at your campsite, and you are craving pizza, try Cloudcroft Brewing Company . And if BBQ is more your flavor, check out MAD Jack’s Mountaintop Barbeque .
Industry Careers
Outdoor Recreation Positions Throughout New Mexico
Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department has numerous exciting openings at 10 State Parks
Talking Talons has a new Co-Executive Director position
Taos Land Trust is hiring Project Lead, Crew Lead and Crew Member positions for the 2024 Youth Conservation Corps Season
Bureau of Land Management has openings in Farmington and Las Cruces and is seeking an Environmental Protection Specialist
Mountain Kids! is hiring a Camp Counselor and Program Director
New Mexico Forestry Division is hiring for numerous Forestry and Wildland Fire Crews positions
New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is looking for a Stewardship & Outreach Manager and Wilderness Ranger
Heritage Inspirations Tour Company is hiring Santa Fe|Taos|ABQ Regional Guides, Santa Fe Ambassador, &…