Severe Drought Conditions not Predicted to Dampen
Summer Recreation in New Mexico
(ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico) — Recreational opportunities in New Mexico are abundant this summer
despite severe drought conditions and fire danger, which are predicted to continue throughout the state.
A joint news conference was held today (April 11, 2012) at the Rio Grande Nature Center in Albuquerque
to emphasize that plenty of recreational opportunities exist in New Mexico even without precipitation.
State officials attending included: State Engineer Scott Verhines; Secretary Designate John Bemis from the
New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department; Director of Marketing and
Communications of the New Mexico Tourism Department Veronica Valencia; State Forester Tony Delfin,
and State Parks Director Tommy Mutz.
New Mexico is again experiencing a dry start to the year with precipitation at less than half of normal.
The Office of the State Engineer/Interstate Stream Commission has been working to protect water
resources in a number of ways. They include, but are not limited to, supporting projects that diversify
supply to better plan and respond to drought (such as the surface water diversions for Albuquerque and
Santa Fe) as well as the Ute Reservoir pipeline in eastern New Mexico; allocating relinquishment credits
to the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District and US Bureau of Reclamation to store water this spring in
El Vado Reservoir for release and delivery to farmers and to meet endangered species flow targets later
in the summer; development of a Recovery Implementation Program in the middle Rio Grande that seeks
to avoid endangered species and water user conflicts, especially during drought; working to restore New
Mexico’s share of the Rio Grande Project surface water, and continued maintenance of the temporary
channel into Elephant Butte Reservoir.
Also, the Water Use and Conservation Bureau is implementing a conservation campaign by our Water Use
and Conservation Bureau to reduce household leaks. Local television ads featuring a Roaring Twenties
flapper were targeted at alerting people to fix bad toilet flappers in order to save water and money.
“New Mexico experienced an active La Niña weather pattern again last winter, which resulted in
precipitation so far being well below average in most of the state,” said State Engineer Scott Verhines.
“The La Nina has ended and conditions in the Pacific Ocean have returned to neutral…neither La Nina nor
El Nino…and are predicted to stay neutral through the summer. That suggests that next winter could be
wetter than the last two, which would be a great outcome. Despite the current dry conditions, New
Mexicans can enjoy their summer activities. Because we live in a state with highly variable climate, we
always need to be mindful that water conservation efforts are critical every year. By managing our water
supplies and balancing our needs, New Mexicans can lessen the burden on our streams, rivers and
aquifers. We may value water for different reasons, be it river rafting, gardening, or boating. However,
water conservation unites us and will serve us well as we begin our second hundred years as a state. ”
New Mexico is rich with abundant natural resources. Did you know that that 70 percent of New Mexicans
live within 40 miles of a State Park? There are 35 diverse state parks to explore, including cool lakes,
mountain forests, canyons, desert beauty, and fascinating historical sites—even dinosaur tracks! New
Mexico State Parks offer family-friendly settings, endless recreational opportunities, and hundreds of
special events and educational programs each year. Reservoir levels at state parks vary, but will provide
superb water recreation this season.
“While we are optimistic our water recreational opportunities will remain a mainstay of the spring and
summer travel seasons, New Mexico offers so much more: authentic, off-the-beaten path and rich cultural
experiences that make it the perfect destination for an adventure that feeds the soul,” said Veronica
Valencia, Director of Marketing and Communications for the New Mexico Tourism Department.
“Adventure here is about making a true connection to the land, it’s past and present, and to ourselves.”
“New Mexico State Parks offer a wonderful recreational opportunity close to home for everyone to enjoy,
whether it is boating, hiking or biking, get out and enjoy your state parks,” said John Bemis, Cabinet
Secretary for the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. “But remember, it
doesn’t take much to start a fire, one act of carelessness could prove disastrous, like Smokey says, Only
You Can Prevent Wildfires.”
The potential for destructive wildfire is increasing across New Mexico, as warm and windy weather
continues to dry out vegetation already stressed from mild winter weather. Because of current drought
conditions the New Mexico State Forestry Division is urging residents to establish defensible space to
help protect their homes and property in wildland urban interface areas.
Defensible Space is the area around a structure where combustible vegetation that can spread fire has
been cleared, reduced or replaced. This space acts as a barrier between a structure and an advancing
wildfire. Defensible space can be anything from well maintained landscaping in a backyard to the
significant removal of trees and flammable shrubs from around structures.
The possibility of wildfire is a very real concern. Fire danger in many areas across the state is very high
and State Forestry is urging all residents to be cautious with any use of fire. There are currently no state
fire restrictions in place, however state residents and visitors should log onto www.nmfireinfo.com
throughout the summer to see if any fire restrictions have been imposed in the areas they plan to visit.
“We’ve had fewer fires this year, which is good news as we approach the summer recreation season,” said
New Mexico State Forester Tony Delfin. “However, we must not become complacent, as we all share a
responsibility to not let human-caused wildfires start.
“I hope all New Mexicans will take full advantage of everything the state has to offer this summer,” said
Governor Martinez. “Though drought conditions are still present and we all must take precautions to
prevent wildfires, New Mexico offers summer experiences unlike anywhere else.”
For more information, contact:
Julie Maas, Public Relations Specialist
Office of the State Engineer/Interstate Stream Commission
(505) 383-4093
Veronica Valencia, Marketing & Communications Director
New Mexico Tourism Department (505) 827-7605
Jodi Porter, Senior Editor/Communications Specialist
EMNRD (505) 476-3226
Dan Ware, Fire Prevention and Outreach Program Manager
State Forestry Division (505) 476-3336