ORD Newsletter | January 3, 2024 | |
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Dispatches from New Mexico's
Outdoor Recreation Division
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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 Director
We are pleased to announce the second round of awardees for the Outdoor Equity Fund and Trails+ grant programs, which allowed us to conclude 2023 on a high note and start the new year in celebration.
In the latest round of the Outdoor Equity Fund, ORD awarded over $1 million to 30 organizations across 12 counties and five Tribal communities. You can read our recent press release to learn more about the awardees and their programs. All but seven of the applicants were first-time awardees for OEF!
As for the second round of Trails+ awardees, we funded $1.74 million in 12 new projects, with almost 70% of the projects located in Tribal or rural areas. You can check our recent press release to learn about the recipients and their trails and infrastructure projects that enhance access to outdoor opportunities and create economic benefits for the respective communities.
At ORD, we are committed to championing a vision where all New Mexicans have equal access to the transformative power of nature. With the announcement of 30 more awardees to the Outdoor Equity Fund and 12 new projects funded through the Trails+ grant in this fiscal year alone, we collectively ensure that outdoor experiences become an inclusive and empowering force for all, fostering a diverse community that thrives in the great outdoors.
Congratulations to all the new grant recipients, and Happy New Year!
Learn more about the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ grant by checking out the grant guide (Spanish version) (English version). Start your application today!
Karina Armijo
ORD Director
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Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund Map | |
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The Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund is New Mexico’s first-ever dedicated source of recurring funding for land, water, agriculture, and outdoor recreation projects. It is made up of ten existing state programs spread across six agencies. Two of those programs are ORD’s Outdoor Equity Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant.
Recently a new interactive map was created to showcase all these amazing projects throughout the state! The interactive map displays past projects funded under different sources. New projects will be eligible for funding through Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund dollars for the first time in the new fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2024. Those new projects may be added at a later date.
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New Monument Proposed in Luna County | |
A proposed new monument in Luna County is making headlines. The new monument would cover 245,000 acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, an area that includes the Mimbres Peaks-Florida Mountains, Good Sight Mountains, Cookes Peaks, and Tres Hermanas. The national monument would be known as Mimbres Peaks National Monument. Advocates have pointed to the creation of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in 2014 as a successful endeavor to bring more tourism and outdoor recreation to the area, while also helping conservation efforts. | |
Be sure to tag @NMOutdoorRec when you get #NMOutside | |
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Alien Run Trails
Aztec, New Mexico
Diné Bikéyah, Pueblo, and Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) Land
Trails uses: Hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and wildlife viewing.
About the Trails: There are a couple of loops to choose from or you can tackle all 10 miles. Aztec boasts over 400 natural arches and windows in San Juan and Rio Arriba Counties, and these trails allow you to view some of these amazing formations. Aztec recommends hiking the trails from either end as an out and back along the southern trail segments following along the mesa edge for the best view of Hartman Canyon. The Alien Run Trails were originally created for single track mountain bike riding, but these beautiful trails are now open and accessible for runners and hikers too. Just be aware of any mountain bikers using the trail at a faster speed.
The trail system consists of two loops, an east loop and a west loop, accessible from different parking areas. There are three parking areas in total. The east loop is shorter with two parking area access points. The loops offer various degrees of difficulty for mountain bike riders. For hikers, the trails are relatively easy with little elevation change.
Know before you go: Plan to practice Leave No Trace ethics. Bring plenty of water and the 10 essentials with you. Facilities are on site at the paved parking area. Day use fee required.
Where to go after the hike: For other hikes in the area, visit Aztec’s website. After your hike, visit the historic downtown Aztec.
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Outdoor Recreation Positions Throughout New Mexico | |
Please email any outdoor recreation jobs you would like to add to our careers section to AJ.Jones@edd.nm.gov. | | |
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Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant
The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant was created to grow outdoor access for New Mexicans and preserve wild places within our state. This grant invests in conservation-minded shovel-ready projects. Examples include trail design or construction, signage, river access, whitewater amenities, outdoor classroom infrastructure, trailhead improvements, picnic shelters, and wildlife viewing areas.
Eligible applicants include Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations; municipalities; counties; nonprofits; public preschools/schools/districts; colleges/universities; soil and water conservation districts; acequia and land grant associations. Project must show demonstrable benefit to the local community, either by attracting and/or retaining residents or attracting visitors. The project must be open for public use.
Note: Projects on Tribal lands are eligible and do not have to be open to the public but should be open to Tribal members.
Open until all funds are expended, apply early.
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Matching Awards Program (MAP) from the National Forest Foundation
This grant program provides funding to support community engagement and completion of appropriate stewardship activities in communities adjacent to US National Forests and Grasslands or adjacent public lands. A one-to-one match is required and the NFF suggests that new MAP applicants submit applications requesting $35,000 or less. Deadline: January 16, 2024.
The Pollination Project
The Pollination Project exists to uplift grassroots changemakers whose work helps build a kinder, more compassionate world. They don’t have narrowly defined criteria for projects they fund, as your work fits general guidelines, the team will consider any effort that moves us towards a better world. They fund individuals, informally organized groups and organizations, and formally registered or incorporated not for profit organizations based anywhere in the world. Open on a rolling basis.
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Taos Ski Valley Chamber
The Taos Ski Valley (TSV) Chamber of Commerce aims to promote and strengthen the economic well-being of the village businesses and chamber members through destination marketing. The TSV Chamber’s mission is to build and deploy an effective mix of digital, social, and experiential marketing assets – all designed to attract out-of-town and local visitors to the Taos Ski Valley to support our business community.
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"Heard Around New Mexico" | |
CNM Ingenuity is looking for startups from New Mexico who exhibit an eagerness to partner with venture investors to scale their business. Entrepreneurs and investors alike are all too familiar with a typical elevator pitch. New Mexico is known more for its elevations than its elevators though. Ski Lift Pitch brings New Mexico’s best startups and world-class VC funds together for a special event. And no, there are no elevators involved. Not the usual kind, anyway. Alongside this year’s Presenting Sponsor, the Outdoor Recreation Division, CNM welcomes pre-seed and seed-stage startups headquartered in or growing in New Mexico to apply. Applications opened on December 4, 2023. | |
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The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) is now accepting nominations for the 2024 awards to be presented at the National Outdoor Recreation Conference in May 2024. The awards recognize outstanding accomplishments in the field of outdoor recreation planning, management, research, and policy. The two awards that are open for nominations are Individual Service Award and Project Excellence Award.
Each individual service and project excellence award nomination will be evaluated based on its advancement of SORP’s six values. Awards can be self-nominated or nominated by a peer, supervisor, or fan! SORP strongly encourages Black, Indigenous, all Peoples of Color, members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and women for nominations. Deadline: February 1, 2024.
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Take on one of the state’s toughest winter events on February 17 in Grants, New Mexico. The Mt. Taylor Quadrathlon is more than a race. It’s a bucket list multi-sport winter endurance party. You can compete solo, as a pair, or as a team. The Quad is a 4-sport race, up and back down the highest peak in NW New Mexico. Registration is open. | |
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Join us May 13-15, 2024, for the inaugural Mountain West Trails Conference at the Uintah Conference Center in Vernal, Utah. The 2-day conference unites trail advocates, volunteers, land managers, industry professionals, users, and community leaders from the Mountain West states. Together, we’ll tackle trail-related challenges, share innovative ideas, and participate in engaging workshops. The conference provides a unique platform to shape the future of trails in the region, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange that will drive the trail experience forward.
We look forward to celebrating our shared passion for trails, addressing key issues, and cultivating a vibrant community of trail enthusiasts. At the Mountain West Trails Conference is where connections are made, ideas flourish, and collective action sparks positive change for the trails we cherish.
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King of the Hill offers 100% trail running at 5k, 10k, 10k rucksack and half marathon distances. The races take place on the beautiful and challenging trails of El Cerro de Los Lunas Preserve and feature beautiful views and large elevation changes on the 10k and half marathon courses. Cash prizes to the top 3 overall male and female in the half marathon, top 3 and age group awards for the 5k and 10k and includes great hospitality (think free breakfast burritos at the finish line!). The event is organized by the Village of Los Lunas Recreation Division.
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Wilderness First Aid CPR, AED, & Injectable Epinephrine/ Wilderness First Responder RECERTIFICATION
Who's it for: Weekend base-campers, day-hikers (who have cell phone coverage), and those looking for basic wilderness first aid instruction. Great introductory course for those considering more advanced training. This class can be used to partially fulfill the requirements for wilderness first responder (WFR) recertification. Includes CPR/AED and epinephrine injection training.
When: February 9-11, 2024
Where: Western New Mexico University campus in Silver City (Phelps Dodge, 124)
Cost: $350 (less for public service professionals)
More information and registration.
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Wilderness First Responder CPR, AED, & Injectable Epinephrine
Who's it for: Certification as a Wilderness First Responder is the industry standard for outdoor professionals including instructors, guides who lead multi-day group trips, Search and Rescue personnel, wildland firefighters, trail crews, conservation crews, rural EMT professionals, and those who take part in other high-risk or extended-stay outdoor activities. This is a required course for all students in the outdoor leadership studies and wildland fire science programs at WNMU.
When: February 16-18 and February 23-25, 2024.
Where: Hybrid course. Part one is online, part two in-person on the WNMU Campus (Phelps Dodge, 124)
Cost: $680 (less for public service professionals)
More information and registration.
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