New Mexico Seeks Public Input on Outdoor Recreation Plan

State Parks Division survey will help shape five-year investment strategy for parks and conservation projects.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The New Mexico State Parks Division is conducting an online survey to gather public input on how to improve the state's outdoor recreation landscape. The survey results will be incorporated into a new Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) that will guide investment in parks, trails, and conservation projects from 2027 to 2031.

Why it matters

New Mexico's outdoor spaces are deeply tied to the state's quality of life, and this survey gives communities a voice in shaping the future of parks and recreation. The SCORP plan is required to receive federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grants, which have supported over 1,200 projects in the state since 1968.

The details

The State Parks Division will conduct separate surveys for the general public and potential LWCF grant recipients. The surveys will help identify recreation needs in urban, rural, and tribal communities, gaps in access and safety, priorities for improving existing parks or developing new opportunities, and how New Mexicans use and value outdoor spaces today. The surveys are available in English and Spanish and take 7-10 minutes to complete.

  • The surveys will be open until April 15, 2026.
  • New Mexico's next SCORP plan will cover the years 2027 through 2031.

The players

Toby Velásquez

Director of the New Mexico State Parks Division.

Land and Water Conservation Fund

A federal grant program that has helped pay for more than 1,200 outdoor recreation and conservation projects across New Mexico since 1968.

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What they’re saying

“From neighborhood parks to remote camping areas, New Mexico's outdoor spaces are deeply tied to our quality of life. This survey gives communities a voice in deciding what matters most to them—whether that's improving existing parks, expanding access in rural areas, protecting natural and cultural resources, or creating new outdoor opportunities.”

— Toby Velásquez, State Parks Division director (therooseveltreview.com)

What’s next

The State Parks Division will review the survey responses and incorporate the feedback into the new Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) that will guide investment in parks and recreation projects from 2027 to 2031.

The takeaway

This public input process will help ensure that New Mexico's outdoor recreation plan reflects the needs and priorities of communities across the state, from urban centers to rural areas. By shaping the future of parks and conservation, residents can help maintain the state's high quality of life and access to nature.