Guidance on New Mexico State Parks Closure Enforcement

By EMNRD

As directed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in response to COVID-19, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) is extending the New Mexico State Parks closure through April 30, 2020. Scheduled events during this time have also been canceled in the interest of public safety and to comply with the statewide public health order. Camping reservations will be canceled, and State Parks Division fees refunded. New Mexicans need to stay home to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
EMNRD thanks the many New Mexicans who are heeding stay-at-home instructions in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, there are still too many people taking non- essential trips and trying to access closed State Parks land.
Beginning immediately anyone knowingly entering or remaining within a State Park during this closure is subject to law enforcement action. Parks officials are regularly patrolling closed areas. Do not enter any area or facility that is cordoned or fenced off or has signage indicating closed to the public or designated for employees only. Persons violating these closures are subject to citation and/or prosecution with penalties of up to 1 year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Simply put, anyone traveling for non-essential reasons is putting the community at risk. Attempting to enter a park while these public health restrictions are in effect increases the chances of spreading COVID-19 to park staff and local communities, and also puts undue burden on first responders. Stay home, save lives.