New Lease Keeps State Parks Open to the Public and Generates Money for Education

SANTA FE, NM – A lease agreement between the State Land Office and Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources

Department will grant the public access to five of New Mexico’s state parks – and generate revenue for public schools.

The five parks are located on 1,122 acres of State Trust Lands across five counties:

• Oasis State Park, Roosevelt County
• Rockhound State Park, Luna County
• City of Rocks State Park, Grant County
• Clayton Lake State Park, Union County
• Bottomless Lake State Park, Chaves County

“We are blessed to have so many unique and scenic places to explore on State Trust Lands,” said State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn. “I appreciate our partnership with the State Parks Division which helps the State Land Office manage these exceptional sites and generate revenue for education.”

The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department will pay $61,052 for the five year-long agreement and public schools are the sole beneficiary of the rentals.

Public school monies are paid into the state’s General Fund and distributed to each school district as appropriated by the state legislature.