Governor Richardson Announces Plan to Establish Pecos Canyon State Park

Press Release

Governor Richardson Announces Plan to Establish Pecos Canyon State Park

Governor Bill Richardson today announced his support for establishing Pecos Canyon State Park. The new state park would be comprised of state-owned lands in Pecos Canyon north of the Village of Pecos and joins the 35 existing state parks.

"Pecos Canyon State Park is the 5th State Park that I have established and will join the 35 state treasures that make up our world class State Park system," said Governor Richardson. "I am confident this new state park will be a treasure for years to come for New Mexicans and visitors to share."

The Governor will support legislation in the 2009 session to establish Pecos Canyon State Park.

Proposed legislation would authorize the New Mexico State Parks Division to enter into an agreement with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish allowing State Parks to legally manage recreation on lands currently owned by the State Game Commission.

"State Parks has been celebrating its 75th anniversary throughout 2008," said State Parks Director Dave Simon. "I can't think of a better way to commemorate it - this is a gift to the people of New Mexico."

The State Game Commission owns approximately 186 acres in six different locations along 17 miles of Pecos Canyon that are extremely popular for fishing access and other wildlifeassociated recreation, including day-use and overnight camping. A 20-mile stretch of the Pecos River, from its headwaters high in the Pecos Wilderness on the Santa Fe National Forest south to
Terrero, is already a designated under the National Wild & Scenic River System.

"We worked hard to provide money and manpower to this area, but we always knew it needed more attention," stated Joanna Prukop, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources. "So I am pleased that the Governor and local Legislators have recognized the need to
support Pecos Canyon and we are moving forward to create New Mexico's 36th State Park."

Other state parks established under Governor Richardson's administration include: Eagle Nest Lake, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Mesilla Valley Bosque, and Cerrillos Hills/Galisteo Basin.

Under Governor Richardson's administration, General Fund budget support for State Parks has increased 73 percent - from $7.7 million in fiscal year 2004 to $13.3 million in fiscal year 2009.

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