From: FS-Cibola PAO <SM.FS.CibolaPAO@usda.gov>
Date: Mon, Dec 11, 2023 at 11:54 AM
Subject: NEWS RELEASE New Mexico National Forests Announce New Statewide Recreation Pass for purchase starting on December 11
To:
NEWS RELEASE
Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands
2113 Osuna Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
(505) 346-3900
Media Contact:
Southwestern Region, New Mexico National Forests Announce New Statewide Recreation Pass
For purchase starting on December 11
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Dec. 11, 2023 —Today, the USDA Forest Service Southwestern Regional office in conjunction with the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) announced the Enchantment Pass, a new recreation pass specifically for day use sites on the national forests of New Mexico.
The Enchantment Pass has been designed to increase access for underserved communities and to support inclusivity on National Forest System lands within New Mexico by proving and affordable option as some site fees across the state are increasing to keep up with increased demand for infrastructure maintenance. The pass will be accepted at designated sites and areas, such as day use sites, parking areas, picnic sites, and trailheads on the Carson, Cibola, Gila, Lincoln and Santa Fe National Forests.
Starting Monday December 11, 2023 the Enchantment Pass may be purchased for $40 per year at the following Cibola NF & NGs Offices:
Mt. Taylor Ranger District: 1800 Lobo Canyon Rd., Grants, NM 87020 (505-287-8833)
Magdalena Ranger District: 203 First St., Magdalena, NM 87825 (575-854-2281)
Mountainair Ranger District: 40 Ranger Station Rd., Mountainair, NM 87036 (505-847-2990)
Sandia Ranger District: 11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059 (505-281-3304)
Kiowa/Rita Blanca National Grasslands: 714 Main St., Clayton, NM 88415 (575-374-9652)
Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 2113 Osuna Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 (505-346-3900)
“The USDA Forest Service, Southwestern Region is pleased to introduce the Enchantment Pass for use on the National Forests of New Mexico. During the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season, New Mexico National Forest day-use sites are the perfect places to enjoy the serenity of nature,” said Southwestern Regional Forester Michiko Martin. “We encourage people to get outside with friends and family to enjoy the calming sights and sounds of the forest. The Enchantment Pass will bolster outdoor recreation activities throughout the state, boost rural economies and increase access to recreational opportunities for everyone.”
The Enchantment Pass advances the Forest Service mission by balancing the short- and long-term needs of people and nature by providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality by connecting people to the land to one another.
Priced significantly less than its national equivalent, America the Beautiful Interagency Passes, the Enchantment Pass will appeal to families and residents who wish to frequently frequent day use sites. America the Beautiful Interagency Passes are also accepted at all locations where the Enchantment Pass is accepted.
Revenue generated from the Enchantment Pass will be reinvested into local forest recreation sites in the form of trash pickups, septic and toilet pumping, painting, cleaning, addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance, conducting patrols, maintaining highly used trails, cabin/lookout rentals, campsites, and more.
For more information about the pass and finding more purchasing locations, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r3/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fseprd1126246
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