Arrowhead Economic Analysis
New Mexico State Parks Economic Impact and Contribution Analysis, FY 2019-2024 | Summary Flyer
Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University prepared an analysis of the economic and social benefits of New Mexico State Parks for fiscal years 2019-2024. The purpose of this analysis is to estimate the benefits of New Mexico State Parks’ expenditures, associated visitor spending, and social benefits in New Mexico for fiscal years 2019-2024.
New Mexico State Parks cover more than 188,000 acres in New Mexico and range from desert mesas to forested mountains, and from lakes to historical sites. These parks showcase the unique beauty and rich history of New Mexico, and provide great locations for hiking, fishing, camping, boating, birdwatching, and stargazing.
Parks offer a wide range of benefits to communities including economic benefits, such as visitor spending and local spending in the community, and nonmarket/social benefits, such as conservation benefits, and consumer surplus benefits. This analysis attempts to measure both economic and nonmarket/social benefits using standard methodologies employed in other states and by the National Park Service.