Timeline of Milestones
NM ORD Established
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed New Mexico’s Outdoor Recreation Division into law on April 2, 2019. At the time, our office joined a dozen other states committed to growing and championing the outdoor recreation economy, which we recognize as an immensely powerful engine to grow wealth and job opportunities in our state.
Outdoor Equity Fund
Also written into the law in 2019 was the first-ever Outdoor Equity Fund, a grant intended to help underserved youth get outside. Our goal is nothing short of transforming the state's economic, social, and environmental future by championing sustainable outdoor recreation and increasing access to it for all New Mexicans, especially those who have been excluded from the traditional outdoor recreation and environmental movements.
New Mexico joins the Confluence of States
New Mexico joined the Confluence of States on October 24, 2019, a bipartisan coalition of states working to advance best practices in outdoor recreation. By joining, New Mexico committed to promote sustainable outdoor recreation, economic development, workforce training, conservation, and public health.
Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant Created
The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant was created to expand equitable access to New Mexico’s outdoor spaces while supporting sustainable outdoor recreation. The program funds trail and recreation infrastructure projects that enhance outdoor experiences, preserve wild places, and generate local economic and job opportunities across the state.
New Mexico 30 x 30 Executive Order signed
In 2021, Gov. Lujan Grisham signed Executive Order 2021-052, committing New Mexico to the “30x30” initiative, which aims to conserve 30% of the state’s lands and waters by 2030. The order recognizes the multiple values of protected lands including supporting the economy, traditional ways of life, biodiversity, clean water, food security, and recreation opportunities that enhance health and wellbeing for all New Mexicans.
Cradle to Career Outdoor Industry Strategy completed
In 2020, the ORD completed the Cradle-to-Career Outdoor Industry Strategy, creating a statewide pathway from pre-K through higher education for students pursuing careers in the outdoor sector. The strategy emphasizes early outdoor access, climate education, and paid work experiences that connect youth, especially in Tribal and rural communities, to sustainable outdoor careers in New Mexico.
New Mexico's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Completed
New Mexico completed its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), establishing a statewide strategy to guide investments in outdoor recreation, enhance equitable access to public lands, support community health and wellbeing, and promote economic growth through sustainable outdoor tourism and recreation infrastructure.
Adventure Pitch
ORD hosted the first annual pitch competition for outdoor recreation businesses at the Outdoor Economics Conference in Farmington, NM. Six finalists pitched their ideas to a panel of judges and three winners hiked off with their share of $15k in cash prizes to expand their businesses.
Outstanding National Resource Waters designation
The ORD successfully led a petition to designate 125 miles of rivers in New Mexico as Outstanding National Resource Waters based on their “outstanding” recreational significance to the state. The waters include the Upper Rio Grande, the Rio Hondo, and the headwaters of the Jemez. The petition was approved by the State Water Quality Control Commission summer 2022. It will protect the water quality of these rivers in perpetuity for hunters, anglers, acequias, birders and everyone else living and recreating along their banks.
New Mexico Uplift Initiative completed
The New Mexico Uplift Initiative, completed in partnership with Public Land Solutions, provided a statewide review of recreation assets and stakeholder input to create county-by-county recommendations. The project aims to improve equitable access to public lands, enhance outdoor experiences, and use recreation to inspire economic investment in communities across the state.
Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund established
The Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, a state-managed fund supported by dedicated state revenues, was established to provide long-term investments in outdoor recreation, conservation, and community projects. The fund helps expand equitable access to public lands, strengthen local economies, and preserve New Mexico’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.
Legacy Fund Receives $300M Appropriation
The Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund received a $300 million state appropriation, providing substantial resources to expand equitable outdoor access, support recreation and conservation projects, and invest in New Mexico communities.
ORD Celebrates 5 Years
The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division celebrated its 5-year anniversary, marking half a decade of growing the state’s outdoor recreation economy, expanding equitable access to public lands, supporting community-led projects, and creating sustainable jobs across New Mexico. Since its founding, ORD has reviewed hundreds of grant applications, awarded millions in funding, and partnered with communities to ensure outdoor recreation benefits all residents.
ORD Director Karina Armijo elected Co-Chair for Confluence of States
On September 24, 2025, ORD Director Karina Armijo was elected Co-Chair of the Confluence of States to serve alongside Nathan Reigner of Pennsylvania, who will serve as Chair. Together, they'll work to advance policies and initiatives that support equitable outdoor access, community-led recreation projects, and the growth of the nation's outdoor economy.
ORD hosts Adventure Pitch Fest
Adventure Pitch was redesigned and branded as Adventure Pitch Fest Fest and debuted as a standalone event open to the public and celebration of New Mexico's outdoor industry. The pitch competition was reformatted to be a more approachable and fast-paced pitch battle, where 8 businesses competed head-to-head delivering 1-minute pitches on specific topics. The winners rode off with their share of $15k.