NM State Parks expands public access at Percha Dam through an amended lease agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation

Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department officially announces an amendment to the 2018 lease agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) that adds 165 acres of land to Percha Dam State Park in Sierra County.

Under the updated lease agreement, the land owned by Reclamation, is now managed by New Mexico State Parks for preservation and recreation purposes. It’s located just north of Percha Dam along the Rio Grande in Caballo. 

“With the acquisition of the property, State Parks will work to update the Management Plan for Percha Dam State Park. The plan update will include adding the new acreage, in addition to taking public input about other potential changes because of this new acreage,” said Saul Baquera, NM State Parks Southwest Region Manager. “Our initial plans call for enhancing the property recreational activities by adding walking trails and bird blinds throughout the property.”

Under New Mexico State Park management rules, hunting is no longer allowed within the acquired property boundaries (see Figure 1). All New Mexico State Parks are closed to hunting except in designated areas for specific species. For available hunting areas and species, please consult with each park prior to your hunting trip and refer to the 2024-2025 Hunting Rules and Information Booklet available for download now from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish here. 

NMSP rules and regulations 19.5.2.21 NMAC; state that visitors cannot possess a firearm in a NMSP with a cartridge in the mechanism unless the area is designated for hunting. Additionally, discharging a firearm within a state park is not allowed except for licensed hunters in the designated hunt areas. For more information on hunting opportunities, go to emnrd.nm.gov and click on Hunting under State Parks Activities.
Percha Dam State Park offers camping, interpretive trails, education programs, picnicking, and more. To make a camping reservation, go to reserveamerica.com.