New Mexico works to establish Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund

Before mid-March, New Mexico has a critical opportunity to invest in conservation, recreation, and the outdoors.

New Mexico is one of the few states without a dedicated fund for land conservation, which limits the state’s ability to expand recreation access and prevents it from securing federal funding for conservation and trails. For example, federal funding through LWCF often requires matching funds from the state. Without a conservation fund, New Mexico is leaving money on the table for much-needed projects to protect land and water.

This year, New Mexico has a historic budget surplus, and New Mexico state Senators Neville and Wirth as well as the Governor’s office have proposed establishing a Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund (SB9). This fund could be used for recreation and conservation projects across the state, and would serve as a critical source of matching funds for federal conservation dollars. It would allow New Mexico to carry out projects to invest in the state’s natural resources, including outdoor recreation trails and grants, which would improve trails and park systems for hiking, biking, walking, and riding.

Outdoor recreation is a $2.3 billion economy in New Mexico, employing more than 28,000 people (source). Investments in the growing outdoor recreation economy will benefit New Mexicans. The fund would also be used for projects that protect New Mexico from the effects of climate change, including fires, flooding, and drought.

The New Mexico state legislature has a short season, which ends mid-March, so there’s not much time to advocate for this much-needed conservation fund. Lawmakers are debating the fund now and it’s passed through committee. But if it’s going to pass the full legislature, it’s critical that lawmakers hear from New Mexico’s voters. If you are from New Mexico, now is a very crucial time to voice your support to lawmakers. We’ve made it easy using the tool below: