Annual Report 3 - New Mexico - Energy, Minerals and Natural ...

State Parks Division
A Message from State Parks Division Director Dave Simon
ANNUAL REPORT 2010
David J. Simon
Division Director
New Mexico State Parks provide outstanding settings for recreation and places where visitors can develop understanding and respect
for nature and culture. Looking back at 2010—and the eight years of the Richardson administration—State Parks saw considerable
achievement in these efforts, despite challenges posed by prolonged drought and the national/state economic situation.
New Mexico State Parks are the best recreation value, close to home. Since 2003 New Mexico added four new state parks and expanded
seven parks, protecting over 9,600 acres. In 2010, the 35 state parks attracted over 4.7 million visitors, a 23 percent increase in visitation
over the past eight years. With a 95 percent satisfaction rate, State Parks deliver excellent visitor services.
New Mexico has invested nearly $40 million in park facilities since 2003, completing numerous basic infrastructure, visitor service, habitat
restoration, and renewable energy projects statewide. New Mexico has dramatically strengthened boating laws and safety education
efforts. State Parks constructed over 50 miles of new trails and launched the visionary Rio Grande Trail Project. The Outdoor Classroom
Program reached over 85,000 students in 55 school districts and has earned “A” grades from teachers.
Along with these many successes State Parks still faces many challenges. Tragedy, in the form of drowning, still strikes too often.
Meanwhile, State Parks has doubled efforts to increase boating safety awareness and, New Mexico is bracing for the expected arrival
of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in our lakes. State Parks is working closely with Department of Game & Fish on AIS education and
prevention.
Regardless of the challenges, the beauty, value, and inspiration of New Mexico State Parks are on full display 365 days of the year.
State Parks celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2008 and took center stage nationally in 2010, by hosting the state park directors’ annual
conference. One state park director said after her visit: “Thank you to your outstanding staff for organizing and presenting a memorable
and informative conference for the directors of America’s State Parks. I returned home with renewed energy and enthusiasm for our
mission and with the knowledge that we are truly part of a state park family nationwide of dedicated and talented professionals, who
share a tireless commitment so that the next generation of Americans will have access to clean air, clean water and unspoiled, healthy
landscapes.” Another said: “Words will not do justice to my experience in New Mexico, but let me try…Amazing! Awesome! Rewarding!
And perfect come to mind.”
In the parks profession, these are words that warm one’s heart, and make it all worthwhile. Indeed, words can’t do justice to the New
Mexico State Parks and its dedicated employees. New Mexico State Parks are definitely worthwhile and merit absolutely everything we
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