Timeline of Milestones
NM Outdoor Recreation Division Established
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division into law on April 2, 2019, launching a statewide effort to grow outdoor recreation as an economic engine and expand job opportunities.
Outdoor Equity Fund
Also established in 2019, the Outdoor Equity Fund became the nation’s first statewide grant program to expand outdoor access for underserved youth.
New Mexico joins the Confluence of States
On October 24, 2019, New Mexico joined the bipartisan Confluence of States coalition to advance best practices in outdoor recreation, conservation, workforce development, and public health.
Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant Created
The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant was established to expand equitable access to outdoor spaces, fund trail and recreation infrastructure, and support local economies statewide.
New Mexico 30 x 30 Executive Order signed
Governor Lujan Grisham signed Executive Order 2021-052, committing New Mexico to conserve 30% of lands and waters by 2030 to support biodiversity, cultural traditions, outdoor access, and community wellbeing.
Cradle to Career Outdoor Industry Strategy completed
In 2021, ORD completed the Cradle-to-Career Outdoor Industry Strategy, establishing a statewide education-to-career pathway in outdoor industries, especially for Tribal and rural youth.
New Mexico's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Completed
New Mexico completed its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), guiding future investments to enhance public land access, community health, and sustainable outdoor tourism and recreation infrastructure.
Adventure Pitch
ORD hosted the first Adventure Pitch competition at the Outdoor Economics Conference in Farmington, NM, to support outdoor entrepreneurs, drive innovation, and strengthen New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy.
Outstanding National Resource Waters designation
ORD led a successful petition to designate 125 miles of New Mexico rivers as Outstanding National Resource Waters to protect water quality and recreation.
New Mexico Uplift Initiative completed
Completed with Public Land Solutions, the New Mexico Uplift Initiative produced county-specific recommendations to improve public land access, outdoor experiences, and economic opportunity through recreation.
Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund established
The Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund created to invest long-term in outdoor recreation, conservation, and community projects and strengthen local economies.
Legacy Fund Receives $300M Appropriation
The Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund received a historic $300 million state appropriation to expand equitable outdoor access, support recreation and conservation projects, and invest in New Mexico communities.
ORD Celebrates 5 Years
ORD marked five years of expanding equitable access to public lands, funding community-led projects, and creating sustainable jobs through the outdoor recreation economy.
ORD Director 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 help advance equitable outdoor access and outdoor economy policy nationally.
ORD hosts Adventure Pitch Fest
ORD debuted Adventure Pitch Fest as a standalone, public outdoor industry event featuring fast-paced pitch competitions that elevate local business innovation.