With over 40 percent of New
Mexico
The state’s outdoor recreational industry brings in about
$10 billion in consumer spending each year accounting for an estimated 10
percent of the state’s gross domestic product, according to the most recent
academic and business studies.
The industry supports close to 100,000 jobs
across the state and generates almost $3 billion in payroll while providing
more than $600 million in taxes to government coffers.
The state Department of
Game and Fish (NMDGF) issued more than 250,000 licenses to resident anglers in
2017 and another 185,000 licenses went to non-residents, according to agency
statistics.
The fly fishing industry on the San Juan River at Navajo Dam
alone produces up to $30 million in business every year while anglers spent
about a total of $268 million statewide, according to department reports.
Hiking, camping, sightseeing, bird watching, golfing,
skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, motorized off-roading and other
activities also contribute greatly to the state’s $10 billion outdoor
recreational economy.
Outdoor enthusiasts represent a large constituency of New
Mexico
What outdoor recreational
activities do you enjoy and when and where was the last time you did so?
 |
| Michelle Lujan Grisham |
Lujan-Grisham:
As a 12th generation New
Mexican and lifelong resident of this state, I’ve been privileged to benefit
from our beautiful lands and natural resources. I hike, bike, fish, and ride
horseback across New Mexico
 |
| Steve Pearce |
Pearce:
Hunting, fishing, and hiking. I take every opportunity I can to enjoy our beautiful state. In line with keeping up with both a Congressional schedule and a campaign schedule, I especially try to find any opportunity afforded me to get outside and hike. Most recently I spent a few hours in the Organ Mountains Lincoln County
Where do you stand
regarding commercial wildlife trapping on public lands?
Lujan-Grisham:
Our land and wildlife
management should work to maintain existing ecosystems and promote animal
welfare. While there are specific instances where individual animals are
causing serious and possibly life or property-threatening damage or
depredation, New Mexico should commit itself to implementing a science-driven,
21st century wildlife stewardship model that reduces the potential to
indiscriminately catch, maim or kill wildlife and domestic pets.
Pearce:
I support limited and regulated trapping on public lands, including commercial trapping when it serves State Game and Fish management interest. New Mexico
Do you support or oppose
changing the law requiring euthanization for rabies testing of wildlife
involved in attacks upon humans such as the case involving the Valles Caldera
trail runner?
Lujan-Grisham:
I would support a study
within the Department of Game and Fish to examine the impact of and
alternatives to the current law, which requires euthanasia in all circumstances
when a human is attacked. We ought to look at possible alternative methods for
testing for and assessment of rabies risk, while ensuring that the Department
of Game and Fish and its staff continue to prioritize keeping people safe from
harm.
Pearce:
Oppose, at this point. I would work with the Department of Health, Game and Fish, and the State legislature to update the law, should it be necessary in the future.
What is your position on
recent proposals to merge the state Department of Game and Fish and the State
Parks Division to maximize resources and improve services?
Lujan-Grisham:
In recent years we’ve seen
legislation and proposals that would expand and/or alter the scope of
operations for NMDGF, or merge it with other agencies.
I support the study of
proposals like merging the department with the State Parks Division that could
potentially help to ensure adequate resources for the management of non-game
species currently under the purview of NMDGF, create efficiencies, Any
such change must be conducted with careful preparation and analysis to ensure
that there are no discontinuities in important services and that that funding
is available for all aspects of service. I will work to evaluate this change,
solicit public and stakeholder input, and ensure any such change is coupled
with adequate funding for the department to meet its goals.
Pearce:
I oppose this proposal. These entities have two unique and vital missions to the success and health of New Mexico
What do you think of the
idea of creating a state office or agency to support and promote outdoor
recreation in New
Mexico
Lujan-Grisham:
I believe that a creating
state office of outdoor recreation, done the right way, is a clear step in the
right direction to promoting and expanding this growing industry. This $10
billion dollar economy is one of New Mexico
Steve Pearce:
I believe it is a premature decision. Game and Fish, State Parks, Forestry, and Tourism all have a role and responsibility to play in providing the best experience possible for New Mexicans and visitors alike. I will work as Governor to ensure they have the management and coordination to continue expanding opportunity and protecting access to our public lands. The State has the proper resources in place to promote our beauty - it needs to focus on coordination and action over the creation of more bureaucracy.
For more news and information please see the Albuquerque Journal's election guide at https://www.abqjournal.com/election2018.
