State Parks Division Director Toby Velasquez

EMNRD News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico State Parks, a division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) announced Thursday, the postponement of the public hearing on its fees scheduled for April 1, 2024.

This decision allows additional time to review and consider more than 800 public comments and feedback received regarding fee increases. The new date for the public hearing will be announced in the near future.

“We traveled statewide to engage with our valued customers and understand their viewpoints,” State Parks Division Director Toby Velasquez said. “With over 800 public comments in hand, it’s clear that there’s a consensus for enhancing our fee structure. These insights will greatly enrich our revision process.”

Feb. 14, 2024, State Parks announced a series of informational meetings to present a recently completed fees study and recommendations for changes to park entry fees. Through a series of 12 informational meetings held statewide, State Parks gathered valuable input from the public.

State Parks plans to review the public input received and revise the proposed fee changes in the coming months. Once the review and revision is complete, recommendations will be presented through a rule revision process, which will include additional public meetings and another public comment period.

State Parks will continue to receive public comments on the proposed fee changes through March 29, 2024.

The Fees Study and related information are available to view or download in PDF format on the EMNRD website.