Survey will help shape five-year plan for investing in recreation sites 

SANTA FE – The New Mexico State Parks Division is conducting an online survey to gauge public opinion on how to improve the state's outdoor recreation landscape. 

The survey results will be incorporated into a new Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The SCORP must be updated every five years for the state to continue receiving funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal grant program that has helped pay for more than 1,200 outdoor recreation and conservation projects across New Mexico since 1968. New Mexico's next SCORP will cover years 2027 through 2031. 

"From neighborhood parks to remote camping areas, New Mexico's outdoor spaces are deeply tied to our quality of life," said Toby Velásquez, State Parks Division director. "This survey gives communities a voice in deciding what matters most to them—whether that's improving existing parks, expanding access in rural areas, protecting natural and cultural resources, or creating new outdoor opportunities." 

States Parks will conduct separate surveys for the public and potential LWCF grant recipients.  Survey responses will specifically help identify: 

Recreation needs in urban, rural, and Tribal communities. 

Gaps in access, safety and accessibility. 

Priorities for improving existing parks or developing new opportunities. 

How New Mexicans use and value outdoor spaces today. 

It takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes to complete the surveys, which are available in both English and Spanish. The surveys close April 15. 

The surveys are accessible via these links: 

Public survey (for recreation site users) https://bit.ly/NMSCORP  

Potential LWCF Applicants (Local & Tribal Governments) https://bit.ly/NM_LWCF   

To learn more about the SCORP and the Land and Water Conservation Fund go to https://www.getoutsidenm.org/.