MORE: New Mexico leaders seek COVID-19 relief funds for outdoor industry
The Division requested about $3.22 million to fund its Great New Mexico Trails Package, an appropriation that would provide stimulus funding to local communities and agencies with the intention of developing and maintaining hiking trails throughout the state.
A second appropriation of about $1 million was made for the Division’s Outdoor Equity Fund to support programs intended to provide grant funding for youth programs center on outdoor recreation.
OPINION: Our wild lands and rivers are some of the best places for us to invest
Division Director Axie Navas said outdoor recreation was one of the state’s fastest-growing industries and would be instrumental in driving state revenue as it recovers from the economic stress of the pandemic.