Recreation in New Mexico

The New Mexico Tourism Department's "CoOp" Marketing & Advertising program supports our shared vision to grow the tourism economy in New Mexico. Our partners (awarded eligible entities include tourism-related, nonprofit organizations and local and tribal governments): - ACHIEVE greater media buying power by matching state dollars with your own marketing investments - EXTEND the power of New Mexico True with consistent brand standards and efficient production - BENEFIT from our commitment to meet a diverse range of goals and budgets - GAIN support through conscientious and expert service provided from strategy to implementation - RECEIVE performance reporting to measure impact, inform optimization, and summarize year-end results

The Tourism Department partners with communities to Keep New Mexico True by providing funding and technical assistance to municipalities, counties, and tribal governments on litter eradication, waste reduction, and community beautification initiatives. Program Overview The purpose of the  New Mexico “Litter Control and Beautification Act,” NMSA 1978, § 67-16-1 et seq.,  is to accomplish litter control by vesting in the Department the authority to eliminate litter from the state to the maximum practical extent.

The New Mexico Tourism Department is proud to offer and steward the New Mexico True Certified program, an initiative that allows select New Mexico businesses to leverage the magnetic and powerful New Mexico True brand to build their products' recognition and amplify existing marketing messages. The New Mexico True Certified program brings national attention to the quality, care and craftsmanship behind products that are authentically New Mexican, while providing opportunities for businesses of all sizes to integrate the New Mexico True Certified Logo at point-of-sale and on packaging, fulfillment, and marketing materials.

The Tourism Event Growth and Sustainability Program provides specialized support for tourism-related events in the form of cooperative marketing, sponsorship support, and an event accelerator. Grant applications open each Spring.

The purpose of the Destination Forward Grant Program is to support the development and implementation of tourism infrastructure projects throughout New Mexico. The program is composed of two tiers with two tracks under each tier. Each tier and track corresponds to your project’s current phase of development requiring funding and support. Technical assistance is available for each tier and track of the program. Eligible entities for this program include county, municipal and tribal governments, and special districts.

Learn more about traveling in New Mexico.

Reduced Fee Hunting and Fishing License: New Mexico’s service-connected disabled veterans may apply for a reduced fee $10.00 small-game & fishing license–no matter what percentage their disability. Veterans may obtain this benefit by showing proof of disability to the Department of Game & Fish when applying for their hunting and fishing license.

NMWRRS provides on-line access to OSE water right files including digitized water right documents and downloadable reports.

Anyone wanting to use water in New Mexico must have a permit from the State Engineer that can be obtained by contacting your local District Office. To facilitate speedier service, it is always recommended that you call the District Office closest to you to make an appointment.

New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission regular meetings are normally scheduled for the third Thursday of each month. Please check for any dates that may vary from the regular third Thursday meetings. Special meetings may be scheduled at other times as needed. Meeting locations will be announced on the posted agendas.

The Office of the State Engineer is responsible for regulating the construction and plugging of wells and the licensing of well drillers in the state of New Mexico. Any person desiring to engage in the drilling of one or more wells for underground water within the boundaries of any underground source shall file an application with the state engineer for a driller license. It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to drill or to begin the drilling of a well for water from an underground source without a valid, existing license for the drilling of such wells issued by the State Engineer of New Mexico.

Maps prepared by the Office of the State Engineer are available and can be accessed from the following gallery, by subject.

Visit the museums and historic sites all around New Mexico.

The Office of Archaeological Studies conducts archaeological research projects throughout New Mexico with a diverse group of 40 - 50 archaeologists and support staff. Its mission is to identify, interpret, and share information about prehistoric and historic sites across the state.

Preserving New Mexico's historic treasures has enormous impacts on the social and economic well-being of New Mexicans. It is the foundation of the state's vigorous heritage tourism industry and builds healthier local communities.

Its primary function is to provide financial support and technical assistance or arts services and programs to non-profit organizations statewide and to administer the 1% public art program for the state of New Mexico. Other programs include the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts, New Mexico Arts and Cultural Districts, New Mexico Arts Trails, and Poetry Out Loud.

Since its beginnings more than 60 years ago, the State Library has been a leader in the development of New Mexico's public and tribal libraries, helping them to build the programs needed by their communities.

New Mexico is a very popular fishing destination. From fly fishing the San Juan River to bass fishing at Elephant Butte, New Mexico provides great opportunities to spend some time with the family and enjoy some of the state’s extraordinary natural resources.

New Mexico is a world-renowned hunting destination. For many of our most popular hunting opportunities, a large number of hunters apply each year for a limited number of available tags. There are additional over-the-counter-license hunting opportunities throughout the state.

From four-wheelers to dirt bikes to side-by-sides, OHVs are gaining in popularity. It is essential to properly register your vehicle, receive proper education and follow the rules and regulations across New Mexico when using OHVs. Always remember to recreate responsibly.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish offers a wide variety of programs to help the general public learn about wildlife species and recreational opportunities in our state. Find classes near you at the link below.

A large part of managing New Mexico’s wildlife is enforcing laws to help conserve wildlife for future generations. New Mexico’s Conservation Officers work hard to educate people of all ages about the wildlife around them.

The Outdoor Recreation Division works to ensure that all New Mexicans gain from the public health, environmental, and economic benefits of sustainable outdoor recreation. The department is headed by Acting Director Alyssa Renwick.