Recreation

Op/Ed: State Parks Fees Study

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Selena Connealy, Chair
NM State Parks Advisory Board
Albuquerque

More than five million people visit New Mexico’s State Parks in an average year, a testament to the integral role that parks play in the state’s outdoor recreation economy and their essential contribution to our quality of life. Our 35 State Parks give New Mexicans—and out-of-state visitors—a matchless opportunity to experience the beauty, adventure, and unique character of New Mexico’s landscapes.

For the State Parks system to continue providing the best experience for New Mexicans and visitors alike, we must invest in Read More

Daily Postcard: Groomed Ski Tracks At Valles Caldera

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Daily Postcard: Groomed ski tracks between the Entrance Station and Cabin District Wednesday at Valles Caldera National Preserve. This is the last chance to sign up for this weekend’s Winter Soundscapes Ski Tour. During Valles Caldera Winter Fest on Saturday, March 9, join a park ranger for a guided ski tour to awaken your senses to winter soundscapes in the caldera. Registration is required. For this program, participants must bring their own skiing equipment. Learn more and register here. Courtesy/NPS Read More

Animal Of The Month: Deer

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A buck on the lookout. Courtesy photo

COUNTY News:

Today, there are perhaps 300,000 mule deer and the less-common white-tailed deer combined in our state. Food, water, and productive cover govern the numbers of deer. Harsh winters may force deer to lower elevations, while mild summers will place them at timberline.

Suburban areas invite deer in with resources that are more easily accessible than in mature woods. Grassy parks, blooming gardens, and ornamental plants provide good nutrition, leading to excellent physical condition and higher reproductive rates of deer. Safe from hunting Read More

Pajarito Mountain Ski Area Extends Season To March 31

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Pajarito Mountain Ski Area. Courtesy/Pajarito photo

PAJARITO News:

New Mexico winter has been good to Pajarito Mountain in Los Alamos … in fact so good that the ski area has extended its season to include March 30-31. The ski area was planning to close March 24.

Pajarito has received 110” of snowfall so far this season, nearly 100 percent of average snowpack for the year according to OpenSnow.

Local skiers at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area. Courtesy/pajarito

Pajarito Mountain Ski Area. Courtesy/Pajarito Read More

Benedictine Monastery Lake Reopens For Fishing

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NMGF News:

PECOS — After a winter closure, the Benedictine Monastery Lake, near the village of Pecos, will be freshly stocked with trout and reopen for fishing at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 5.

The Benedictine Monastery Lake is part of the Department’s Open Gate Program. Please visit their website for more information about this property.

If you are planning a fishing trip this spring, the Department has several tools to help you. The Weekly Fishing Report provides up-to-date information on fishing conditions at numerous water bodies throughout the state. The Fishing Conditions and Trip

Read More

National Park Service Completes Bandelier National Monument Air Tour Management Plan

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NPS News:

BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT — The National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have completed an air tour management plan for Bandelier National Monument.

The plan prohibits commercial air tours over the park and within one-half mile outside its boundary to protect natural and cultural resources, sacred Tribal places, wilderness areas, and visitor experiences.   

The plan was signed Feb. 29, 2024, and its operating parameters will take effect within 180 days. The operator currently offering commercial air tours over the park may continue Read More

Los Alamos Mountaineers Announce Jim Straight Scholarships For Spring 2024 Climbing School

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Scholarship honoree Jim Straight on Glacier Point Apron at Yosemite National Park, demonstrating the cool nerves and proper balance required to climb run-out friction slabs. Courtesy/Mountaineers

By BILL PRIEDHORSKY
Los Alamos Mountaineers

The Los Alamos Mountaineers are pleased to announce a new scholarship program for their spring 2024 climbing school, in honor of Jim Straight, 1940-2024. Thanks to a generous donation from Suzy Miller and William Straight in honor of their father, the Mountaineers are offering 2 scholarships to help climbing students with their enrollment fees. Read More