Since the [New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division]’s inception in 2020, ORD has awarded over $15 million in grants across 29 New Mexico counties and 10 Tribal communities. In the program’s first year, ORD funded six projects, followed by 25 projects in 2021, and 59 in 2022. We are on track to award more than 75 grants for the program’s fourth year, and applications for the fifth year are now open.
Source: New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
Letter from the Outdoor Recreation Planner:
As we wrap up the 2024 fiscal year with the Trails+ Grant program, we want to acknowledge some milestones.
Since the program’s inception in 2020, ORD has awarded over $15 million in grants across 29 New Mexico counties and 10 Tribal communities. In the program’s first year, ORD funded six projects, followed by 25 projects in 2021, and 59 in 2022. We are on track to award more than 75 grants for the program’s fourth year, and applications for the fifth year are now open.
This progress demonstrates the state’s alignment with ORD’s mission.
Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant projects extend beyond trail creation. We have funded massive group shelters in small communities like Cimarron, Springer, and Lovington, creating spaces for community gatherings. Environmental education is now being taught in outdoor classrooms funded by Trails+ in Taos, Mora, and Silver City. Grant funding has also supported river access and on-river signage in San Juan County, Carlsbad, and on the Rio Grande with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. And, of course, we also fund various trail projects.
We have some exciting changes to the program for the next fiscal year:
- We’ve added a new Tier 3
- Tier 1: Up to $100,000
- Tier 2: Up to $500,000 for more regional projects
- Tier 3: $500,000 to $1 million for larger-scale projects
- Nonprofits with capacity are now eligible for Tier 2 grants. Capacity is defined in our Grant Guide.
- Current grantees on schedule with their projects can now apply for an additional Trails+ Grant in the next consecutive fiscal year.
See our Grant Guide on our Trails+ Grant page for all the details. We hope you can join us for the online information session on August 1, 2024, at 3 pm. Applications are being accepted now and will be reviewed in three rounds.
We look forward to working with you to get outside!
Carl Colonius
ORD Outdoor Recreation Planner
Grant Roundup:
| Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant was created to grow outdoor access for New Mexicans and preserve wild places within our state. This grant invests in conservation-minded, shovel-ready projects. Examples include trail design or construction, signage, river access, whitewater amenities, outdoor classroom infrastructure, trailhead improvements, picnic shelters, and wildlife viewing areas. Eligible applicants include Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations; municipalities; counties; nonprofits; public preschools/schools/districts; colleges/universities; soil and water conservation districts; acequia and land grant associations. Projects must show demonstrable benefit to the local community, either by attracting and/or retaining residents or attracting visitors. The project must be open for public use.* *Projects on Tribal lands are eligible and do not have to be open to the public but should be open to Tribal members. Deadline: First round of applications for FY25 closes September 30, 2024. Transportation Alternatives, Recreational Trails, Congestion Mitigation Air Quality, and Carbon Reduction grant programs NMDOT manages the Transportation Alternatives, Recreational Trails, Congestion Mitigation Air Quality, and Carbon Reduction grant programs that support the expansion of active transportation options and increase safety for bicyclists and pedestrians across New Mexico. These are federally funded programs which operate on a reimbursement basis. The four programs provide approximately $27 million in funding to local and Tribal governments across the state annually. Deadline: Varies per program. National Forest Foundation Grant Programs Through its on-the-ground conservation programs, the National Forest Foundation supports action-oriented projects that directly enhance the health and well-being of America’s National Forests and Grasslands and that engage the public in stewardship. Nonprofit organizations dedicated to addressing natural resource issues on National Forests and Grasslands can apply for support to complete projects through three distinct grant programs. Additionally, the NFF provides funding opportunities that address specific strategic initiatives aligned with their mission and goals. Deadline: Varies per program. The Pollination Project The Pollination Project exists to uplift grassroots changemakers whose work helps build a kinder, more compassionate world. They don’t have narrowly defined criteria for projects they fund, as your work fits general guidelines, the team will consider any effort that moves us towards a better world. They fund individuals, informally organized groups and organizations, and formally registered or incorporated nonprofit organizations based anywhere in the world. Open on a rolling basis. |
| Industry Careers |
| Outdoor Recreation Positions Throughout New Mexico |
| Western New Mexico University has faculty openings in Wildland Fire Science and Outdoor Leadership San Juan College seeks a Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation New Wave Rafting is offering its Guide Training Program Department of Game & Fish is hiring a Wildlife Habitat Biologist (DGF#5067) Taos Sky Valley is looking for a Sawyer and a Ski Patroller Taos Sky Valley is looking for a Bike Mechanic Tree New Mexico is looking for a Planting Event Coordinator New Mexico Environment Department is hiring a Chief Information Officer New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts has multiple positions available Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department has numerous exciting openings at seven state parks Talking Talons has a new Co-Executive Director position Mountain Kids! is hiring a Camp Counselor and Program Director New Mexico Forestry Division is hiring for numerous Forestry and Wildland Fire Crews positions Heritage Inspirations Tour Company is hiring Santa Fe, Taos, and ABQ Regional Guides Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is hiring a New Mexico Stewardship Coordinator Conservation Corps New Mexico is hiring Field & Local Crew/Leadership in Las Cruces Boy Scouts of America has job openings in Cimarron and Roswell Boy Scouts Great Southwest Council has a job opening for a Ranger at Gorham Scout Ranch in Chimayo Scouting America has job openings in Cimarron and Roswell Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails is hiring for several positions If you have outdoor recreation jobs you would like to add to our careers section, email them to ORD Deputy Director AJ Jones. |
