Although still in
the planning stages, the Rio Grande Trail will provide hundreds of
miles of new trail to hikers, bikers and joggers. Trail-related
recreation is the most popular outdoor activity in the state with 41
percent of New Mexicans participating in some form of trail activity
every year. This has translated into significant economic gain for the
state—the outdoor recreation retail sales account for 4.6 percent of
gross state product according to Blazing a Trail: The Benefits of a Rio
Grande Trail in New Mexico, a new report released today by Environment
New Mexico. The report highlights the need for trail funding from the
New Mexico Legislature which convenes in session next week.
Owing
to the popularity of trails, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and
Natural Resources Department, State Parks Division has set in motion an
ambitious plan to construct a multi-use trail alongside the Rio Grande
state-wide.
“In
addition to fulfilling the public’s desire for more trails, the Rio
Grande Trail will have positive impacts on New Mexico’s economy,
environment, health and recreational opportunities,” said Environment
New Mexico Associate, Randall Coleman.
State
Parks is overseeing development of the trail from Belen to Sunland Park
where they are already developing river trail in five state parks along
the southern stretch of the Rio Grande. State Parks is undergoing a
corridor study to identify and evaluate potential trail locations and
constraints. Several stakeholder meetings, public workshops and surveys
will be conducted to achieve community input in the planning process.
Environment
New Mexico’s new report highlights the benefits a Rio Grande trail will
provide for New Mexico in terms of the economy, conservation, health
and recreation:
Trails
are becoming increasingly popular nationwide and many are becoming
destinations in and of themselves. The Rio Grande Trail has the ability
to tap into this fervor, contributing to the state’s tourism sector and
the $3.8 billion outdoor recreation industry.
The
trail will provide avenues for historical and environmental educational
opportunities—increasing awareness of New Mexican heritage and the
problems facing the Rio Grande.
Improvement
in public access to the Rio Grande will increase the connection New
Mexicans have to the river and cultivate greater river stewardship.
Trails
provide a number of different outlets for increasing one’s fitness.
Creating or enhancing places for physical activity such as trails can
lead to a 25.6 percent increase in the percentage of people exercising
on three or more days per week.
It
is estimated that New Mexico spends $324 million annually on direct
adult medical costs that can be attributed to obesity. By curbing the
obesity rate, New Mexico stands to save millions in healthcare costs.
The
2004 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan identified trails
as the top recreation priority for the public in New Mexico.
“The
Rio Grande Trail has the ability to preserve the Rio Grande and the
Bosque by increasing public awareness and connection to the river while
at the same time improving recreational opportunities and the health of
New Mexico residents,” said Coleman.
The
trail has already generated popular support in the New Mexico
Legislature. In 2006 the Legislature appropriated $4 million for State
Parks to begin planning and development of the trail, and in 2007 a
joint House and Senate Memorial (HJM49/SJM44) was passed in support of
completing the Rio Grande Trail.
“Despite
all this support, there’s one catch. The major obstacle to trail
development has been the lack of funding. Funding is scheduled to run
dry this summer, following the completion of the planning study. More
funding must be allocated if the Rio Grande Trail is to be realized,”
said Coleman.
“During
the 2008 legislative session, Governor Richardson and New Mexico’s
legislators have a terrific opportunity to support trail funding and
give New Mexico the benefits of a visionary river trail,” concluded
Coleman.
