Media Contact: AJ Jones
AJ.Jones@edd.nm.gov
505-709-8037
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 16, 2024
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
Acting Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper
Director Karina Armijo
Outdoor Recreation Division Celebrates 5 Years of Accomplishments
The division has invested over $20M in the OR industry
SANTA FE, N.M. – As the Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) of the New
Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) commemorates its milestone
5th Anniversary this April, we reflect on a journey marked by
innovation, growth, and unwavering commitment to the state’s outdoor
economy.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham created ORD in 2019, identifying outdoor
recreation as a key target sector to diversify the economy. At that
time, there were eight Outdoor Recreation Divisions nationally. Today,
21 of 50 states (42%) have outdoor recreation offices.
“Since I signed the law that created the Outdoor Recreation Division
five years ago, New Mexico has become a national model for increasing
investment in outdoor trails, infrastructure, and resources to create
jobs and bring more opportunities to rural communities,” Gov. Michelle
Lujan Grisham said. “I look forward to building on this foundation as
we expand our partnerships and build a robust and resilient economy for
all New Mexicans.”
The division’s investments in New Mexico’s land, water, and cultural
heritage through strategic initiatives in this dynamic sector continue
to be a consistent economic driver.
According to 2022 data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA),
New Mexico’s outdoor industry employs over 28,000 people and
contributes $2.4 billion annually to the state GDP. The BEA report
marked 2022 as the largest recorded measure for outdoor recreation
contribution to GDP and outdoor recreation compensation in New Mexico
since the agency began tracking the sector in 2012.
“New Mexico’s rich natural and cultural resources are a tremendous
economic benefit to our state and every citizen,” Acting EDD Cabinet
Secretary Mark Roper said. “ORD’s efforts over the last five years
have led to increased access to, participation in, and discovery of the
endless positive impacts of outdoor recreation. The connection between
people enjoying the outdoors and increasing our state’s financial
strength is a powerful cycle leveraged by ORD’s work.”
The division’s mission to increase equitable access to the outdoors
for all New Mexicans, ensure healthy outcomes, environmental
stewardship, and economic prosperity is demonstrated through record
grant funding reaching communities statewide and through strong programs
that uplift individuals in the state’s OR industry.
Since 2019, some of the top achievements of ORD initiatives include:
* Creating the first-of-its-kind Outdoor Equity Fund, a grant program
that has funded nearly 250 organizations with $5.7 million and
introduced over 72,000 young New Mexicans to the outdoors.
* Awarding over $13 million to 134 projects in 26 counties through the
Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant, an outdoor infrastructure funding
program supporting projects that enhance community outdoor recreation
opportunities and contribute to economic development, prosperity, and
wellness.
* Awarding $874,000 through the state’s first Outdoor Marketing
Grant program, funding 41 recipients in 17 counties to magnify marketing
initiatives that increase outdoor participation, stewardship, and
access.
* Sponsoring a paid high school outdoor internship program that has
placed 67 students in outdoor industry jobs with 14 New Mexico
employers, catalyzing over $177,000 in funding to better connect
underserved and nontraditional student interns to college and careers.
* Conducting the New Mexico Uplift Initiative, a year-long statewide
outdoor recreation asset and project audit creating county-by-county and
state-level recommendations and best practices for equitable outdoor
access to improve residents’ and visitors’ quality of life.
* Ensuring outdoor recreation was considered under Gov. Lujan
Grisham’s 30 x 30 Executive Order.
* Successfully leading a petition to designate 125 miles of rivers in
New Mexico as Outstanding National Resource Waters based on their
“outstanding” recreational significance to the state.
* Awarding two $50,000 grants to incubators to assist early-stage
outdoor businesses.
* Investing $60,000 in three programs to support 70+ companies through
the Outdoor Recreation Business Accelerator grant.
* Hosting the annual Adventure Pitch competition, an outdoor business
entrepreneur event that has awarded $35,000 in cash prizes to startups
pitching their outdoor recreation business ideas.
* Reigniting collaboration and serving as an active leader in the
designation of the Rio Grande Trail, driving the project forward.
* Developing a statewide cradle-to-career education and workforce
development strategy, in partnership with the National Park Service’s
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program, to identify New
Mexico outdoor industry career opportunities and create pathways for our
state’s youth.
“Our commitment to sustainability and conservation while expanding
access and supporting our outdoor recreation economy has remained
steadfast,” ORD Director Karina Armijo said. “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.”
ORD plans to continue its strong track record of funding projects that
increase access and connect people to the outdoors. An additional $10
million of FY25 Trails+ Grant funding was designated during the 2024
legislative session.
This year’s legislative session marked another historic milestone for
New Mexico with the passing of Senate Bill 9, allocating $300 million
for the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund. The fund creates the state’s
first-ever dedicated source of recurring funding for land and water
conservation, agriculture, and outdoor recreation projects.
ORD is gaining momentum fueled by the state’s notable investment in
outdoor recreation. The division looks forward to the next chapter as it
continues to build a more vibrant, sustainable, and connected outdoor
community in New Mexico.