Valuing Impactful Partnerships
Updates from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division
ORD Newsletter | February 14, 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 Executive Director
ORD values the power of partnerships in achieving remarkable goals. As a member and partner of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), we are proud to support their initiatives, including the recently unveiled second edition of its highly regarded Rural Economic Development Toolkit .
This comprehensive guide is designed to help communities strengthen their economies through outdoor recreation. From economic impact and public health to housing affordability, stewardship, and collaboration, the toolkit is full of new tools to help leaders thrive. This edition of the toolkit seeks to provide strategies for success sourced from communities around the country to achieve intersecting goals: healthy communities, high quality of life, robust businesses, resilient economies, and vibrant outdoor places.
At ORD, we believe this toolkit serves as an invaluable resource for New Mexico communities and their leaders, offering a means to leverage the vast potential of the great outdoors in supporting local economies. It addresses key aspects that align with ORD’s core values—equity and access, conservation, sustainable economic development—that support positive health outcomes and enhance the wellbeing of our communities.
As part of the release of the new Rural Economic Development Toolkit , ORR wants to highlight for federal agencies all the rural communities around the United States seeking support (financial, technical assistance, or otherwise) to diversify their economies through outdoor recreation. If you’d like to have your community included, please fill out their short survey here.
Please reach out if you would like to hear more about the toolkit.
Together let’s strengthen New Mexico’s rural outdoor recreation economy.
Karina Armijo
Executive Director
In Other News
America’s Outdoor Recreation & Explore Acts Are on The Floor
During the current legislation session, two exciting bipartisan Acts are being introduced; a recreation package including the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act in the Senate and the EXPLORE Act in the House.
Bills within the package address:
Modernizing technology to improve visitor experiences.
Streamlining the permitting process.
Reducing park overcrowding by encouraging public recreation in less-traveled areas.
Transforming accessibility for individual with disabilities
Supporting partnerships with gateway communities to help address needs such as parking, housing shortages, accommodation of visitors, and demands on municipal infrastructure…and so much. more!
Bottom line: both acts would increase access and enjoyment of our nation’s magnificent outdoor resources while strengthening the outdoor recreation economy nationwide! Stay tuned for updates.
Trail Highlight
Be sure to tag @NMOutdoorRec when you get #NMOutside
Descansos Loop
Socorro, New Mexico
Pueblos, Mescalero Apache, Tigua (Tiwa), Piro Land
Trail Uses: mountain biking, e-biking, hiking, and trail running.
About the Trail: The Descansos Loop is a 5.6-mile multi-use trail off US 60, just west of Socorro. The loop consists of four trails. Parking is available at the Descansos Trailhead, also known as the Shrine Trailhead. Climb Descansos to connect to Gramont Peak Trail for a beautiful peak view before descending west down to Torreon Spring Road. A left turn will connect you to Black Canyon Trail taking you east where you can complete the loop back to the trailhead. The final section back is a two-track that has an intuitive left at the bottom of Black Canyon. The loop can be easily combined with Chupadera Crossing for a longer ride, or start on Blue Canyon Trail before completing this loop.
Know before you go: Always take the 10 essentials along on a trail adventure. Practice Leave No Trace ethics and bring plenty of water.
Where to go after the hike: Looking for the perfect post-loop fuel? Check out Yo Mama's Grill for great sandwiches, and everything comes with fries!
Industry Careers
Outdoor Recreation Positions Throughout New Mexico
Heritage Inspirations Tour Company is hiring Taos & Santa Fe Regional Guides, Santa Fe Ambassador & E-Bike Shop Manager
Justice Outside is seeking a Directory of Communications and Advocacy
Western Resource Advocates has several exciting positions available
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is hiring a southeast NM Conservation Stewardship Coordinator
Pajarito Environmental Education Center is looking for a Marketing & Communications Manager
Santa Fe Public Schools is seeking a Safe Routes to School Coordinator
The National Park Service is hiring for a Tribal Relations Specialist
GeoSystems Analysis (GSA) is looking for several Field Biologists to conduct raptor and golden eagle nest surveys in Southern NM
Conservation Corps New Mexico is hiring for Spring 2024 crew positions and leads in Las Cruces
Great Southwest Council has a job opening for a Ranger at Gorham Scout Ranch in Chimayo
City of Las Cruces is hiring for an Active Transportation Coordinator
The Institute for Applied Ecology Southwest office, based in Santa Fe, seeks two New Mexico Seed Collection Crew Leaders and Crew Technicians
New Mexico Wildlife Federation is hiring a Farmington Community Organizer
WRA Environmental Consultants is offering a Dream Job
Conservation Legacy is seeking a Logistics Coordinator and Recruitment and Enrollment Specialist in Las Cruces
EMNRD is hiring for several Park Law Enforcement positions and a Project Forester (EMNRD #5331)
New Mexico Wild seeks a Wilderness Intern
Office of the State Engineer is seeking several Water Resource Professionals and an Acequia Projects Manager…