NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Outdoor enthusiasts in the Land of Enchantment may soon have a higher price tag on their adventure. New Mexico State Parks are looking at raising their fees for the first time in decades.
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“While no one likes to see fees for services increase, we all realize that overtime costs for services go up,” said Jared Langenegger, chief of the Field Operations Bureau of the State Parks Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
Trying to keep up with rising costs and inflation, New Mexico is looking at raising rates to get into and recreate inside of state parks. “New Mexico State Parks is an enterprise agency. We’re expected to self-generate revenue to help offset our operating costs,” Langenegger said.
It could be the first rate hike on day-use fees since 2004. “Our camping fees were last increased in 1998 and our boat registration fees were last changed in 1984,” Langenegger said.
The possible change comes after more than a dozen public meetings garnering hundreds of comments. “The best way we can improve our fiscal position and resiliency as an agency is to bring in additional revenue,” Langenegger said. The budget for the state’s parks has remained roughly between $20 and $30 million since 2010. By increasing fees, “We’re looking at a potential increase in revenue of about 4.8 million dollars annually,” Langenegger said.
Some of the proposed changes include doubling per-vehicle and camping fees for non-residents and raising the annual day use-pass rate from $40 to $75 for residents and to $150 for non-residents. Annual camping passes could also go up to $300 for residents and $600 for non-residents. Boating registrations will be roughly doubling and tripling in price depending on the vessel size.
“While no one wants to see increased costs, I think these changes ensure that our state parks remain viable for many years to come,” Langenegger said.
While the State Parks Division said the proposal is widely supported after changes were made to an initial proposal based on community feedback, other wildlife advocates say perhaps everyone in New Mexico should pitch in for the valuable resource: “I think it’s in the best interest of all New Mexicans to support a funding model wherein all New Mexicans payfor these unbelievable important assets that we have rather than just specific user fees,” said Jesse Deubel, executive director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation.
A study the State Park Division conducted found New Mexico’s park fees are substantially lower than several neighboring states. The new fee structure could go into effect in January 2025, but they’re still taking public comment on the plan until October 22
