COVID-19 Impacts on the New Mexican Outdoor Economy

In late May 2020, the Outdoor Recreation Division surveyed 128 outdoor recreation businesses throughout the state about how the public health crisis has impacted their revenues and staffing. We also asked them to weigh in on the strategies that would help them best recover.

Read the full report here.

Financial Resources

The State of New Mexico is adjusting its business-loan guarantee programs in order to make capital more available to business owners whose operations are severely impacted by the Covid-19 health emergency. We’re also partnering with the Small Business Association (SBA) on disaster relief loans.

• For a list of state resources, visit the New Mexico Economic Development Department website. We will continue to update this page as our department responds to the health emergency.

• For more information on SBA assistance, read the fact sheet on the program and contact us with any questions.

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Public Land Closures

Many state and federal land management agencies have closed all or part of their recreation sites in an effort to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Below you’ll find an updated list of the closures on public lands throughout the state.

Be fire safe and check for fire restrictions - as the weather becomes warmer and drier, the potential for wildfires increases. For fire prevention or restriction information, visit this website.

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Visitors may continue to enjoy BLM trails and open space areas. The health and safety of staff and visitors in these facilities is our number one priority. We continue to remind our visitors to follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s CDC’s guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including maintaining social distancing, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and staying home if you feel sick. Visitors are encouraged to “pack it in and pack it out” as future trash pickup may be limited due to limited staff availability in some areas.

For a full list of developed recreation facility closures, visit the BLM’s website.

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
The health and safety of our visitors and staff is our top priority. New Mexico State Parks, our managing partner for most Reclamation lands and water in NM, has closed all parks. Due to this closure, day and overnight use within state park boundaries, including most boat ramps and facilities at our reservoirs, are closed. More information on the New Mexico State Parks closure can be found at  New Mexico State Park Closures. While Reclamation lands and waters outside New Mexico State Park boundaries generally remain open to the public, we ask that visitors follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for social distancing and prevention of spread of Covid-19. Recreation, including bankline fishing and hiking, is allowed with proper social distancing on Reclamation lands outside New Mexico State Parks.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
The health and safety of visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners are the number one priority of the National Park Service. Where it is possible to adhere to federal, state and local public health guidance, outdoor spaces will remain accessible to the public and entrance-fee free. Visitor services such as visitor centers are generally closed. Park rangers remain on duty protecting the parks, and normal rules and regulations continue to apply. 

• Current alerts about closures or changes to services in New Mexico’s national parks can be found here. Information regarding current operations is being updated in real time as we monitor and follow the latest CDC guidance. Please note, most park facilities are temporarily closed.

• Visit our New Mexico National Parks page for quick links to general information about each of New Mexico’s 15 National Park units.

• The NPS urges visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.

• Visitors can be assured that we continue to monitor facilities and services in national parks and maintain high standards related to the health and wellness of staff and visitors. The NPS Office of Public Health along with park and concession staff are working to maintain clean and healthy facilities in parks in accordance with CDC guidance. 

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

STATE LAND OFFICE
State trust lands are home to extraordinary landscapes and historic sites, and are currently accessible to permit holders that follow the Covid-19 guidelines of not gathering in groups of 5 or more and maintaining social distance of 6 feet or more. To lawfully access these areas on state trust land you must purchase a recreational access permit from the New Mexico State Land Office. Permits cost $35 and are valid for one year.

To purchase a recreation access permit and find the full list of outdoor recreation guidelines from the State Land Office, visit the Office’s website.

STATE PARKS DIVISION
On May 28, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s (EMNRD) State Parks Division announces nine additional State Parks reopening for day-use only beginning May 30th. An additional five Parks will open June 1st.

Overnight use and campgrounds remain closed and all events through June 19 have been canceled. In addition, there will be capacity limits at many reopened State Parks.

The additional parks open for day-use beginning May 30th are: El Vado Lake, Leasburg Dam, Percha Dam, Heron Lake, Eagle Nest Lake, Conchas Lake, Santa Rosa Lake, Bottomless Lakes, and Sugarite Canyon State Parks. On June 1st Hyde Memorial, Rio Grande Nature Center, Navajo Lake, Elephant Butte Lake, and Pecos Canyon State Parks will reopen for day-use. Camping reservations will be cancelled and refunded through June 19th.

Our staff will be managing for the use of State Parks in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Additional information about social distancing and hygiene will be posted throughout parks to ensure visitor safety. State Parks is committed to ensuring that facilities are clean and sanitary and will take extra precautions to enhance their cleanliness.

Days and hours of park day-use openings vary across the system. For details on specific parks information visit the State Parks website and know before you go. Visit the official State Parks website for answers to a list of FAQs.

U.S. FOREST SERVICE
In alignment with current federal, state and local guidance on social distancing and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has closed all developed recreation sites on National Forest System lands in New Mexico. Most other areas are still open to recreation – including dispersed camping. The Forest Service is encouraging the public to recreate responsibly by staying close to home and practicing “leave no trace” principles. For a full list of restricted and closed areas on National Forest System lands in New Mexico, visit this website.

To see what recreation opportunities have reduced services or are closed please visit the Interactive Visitor Map.