Drippings Springs, state parks waive fees to celebrate National Public Lands Day
LAS CRUCES - Admission fees are waived at New Mexico state parks and Bureau of Land Management recreation sites in southern New Mexico on Saturday in recognition of National Public Lands Day.
National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, this celebration brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country. More information about National Public Lands Day can be found at www.publiclandsday.org.
On Saturday, state park day-use fees are waived and there will be free fishing at parks that offer it.
“We invite you to join us for free day-use access and fishing at your New Mexico State Parks and throughout New Mexico’s rivers, streams and lakes,” said Toby Velasquez, Director of New Mexico State Parks. “We want to encourage New Mexicans to get out with their friends and families to enjoy their Land of Enchantment.”
There are 35 state parks in New Mexico. Visit https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/ to see listings for each state park or reserve a camping space at https://www.reserveamerica.com/. State parks within a couple hours' drive of Las Cruces include:
BLM recreation sites and Archaeology Fair
The BLM Las Cruces District will waive entrance fees for visitors to its recreation sites on Saturday. Fee sites include: Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, Aguirre Spring Recreation Site, and Dripping Springs Natural Area.
Site standard amenity and individual day-use fees at these recreation sites and areas will be waived. Other fees, such as overnight camping and group day use will remain in effect.
“During the pandemic, our public lands became a haven for recreation and the simple pleasure of being outdoors. Throughout this time of uncertainty, the outdoors brought people together and deepened our appreciation for the important role these spaces play in our lives,” said Bill Childress, BLM Las Cruces District Manager. "To celebrate National Public Lands Day, we're waiving recreation fees for all of our sites across the district to encourage families to get outside and enjoy their public lands."
Also on Sept. 24, the BLM Las Cruces District will host an Archaeology Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ice Canyon, behind the A.B. Cox Visitor Center, at Dripping Springs Natural Area.
Guests can expect "ancient technology" demonstrations, guided hikes and hands-on activities. There is no entry free for this all-ages event.
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This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Drippings Springs, state parks waive fees to celebrate National Public Lands Day
