New Mexico State Parks Division Proposes Changes to Fee Structure and Park Rules

State Parks has 35 locations in 25 of New Mexico’s 33 counties. State Parks rely heavily on self-generated revenue through entrance and camping fees, concessions, and other related revenue streams to accomplish its mission of enhancing natural and cultural resources, providing first-class recreational and education facilities and opportunities, and promoting public safety to benefit and enrich the lives of more than five million visitors each year. State Park’s current fees, which are set by rule, have not been updated in decades and have not kept pace with inflation. NM State Parks are decades behind surrounding states when it comes to our fees structure. Adjustments are necessary to better support park operations and maintain our beautiful landscapes with diverse natural and cultural resources for future generations.

To address these concerns, NM State Parks Division completed an extensive evaluation of our fees structure and compared our rates to surrounding states as well as considered the impacts of inflation. The principal objective of the Fees Study was to explore options to adjust fees to address that gap to both improve the agency’s financial position while also enhancing the Division’s mission to maintain affordable state park access for New Mexico citizens and visitors to our state. Based on the completed study, the NM State Parks Division has proposed several revisions to our rules.

Key recommendations from our Fees Study include:

• Elimination of day-use fees for New Mexico residents.
• Implementation of a non-resident day-use fee.
• Eliminating Annual Passes.
• Adjusting camping and utility fees.
• Adjusting boat registration and launching fees.
• Adjusting entrance fees at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park and Smokey Bear Historical Park.

The NM State Parks Division is in the process of soliciting public input on our recommended rule revisions. We are holding informational meetings across the state to provide information on our recommendations to the public. We encourage you to review our recommendations and meeting schedule in full on our website at http://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/public-meetings/. To submit comments on our proposed revisions, please email EMNRD-ParksComments@emnrd.nm.gov or mail your comments to EMNRD-State Parks Division, 1220 S. St. Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505.