webmaster
03-26-2007, 04:56 PM
Summer Recreational Opportunities Look Good
Based on Winter Snowpack Runoff<br><br>
Albuquerque, NM- According to officials at the state departments who are paid to pay attention to such matters, things are looking good for New Mexico's fishermen, water sports enthusiasts and visitors to our State Parks this year; but Steppin' Out suspects the silvery minnow and other fish who swim in our state's rivers and lakes will be happy as well. As a result of average winter snowpack and spring runoff, reservoir levels statewide are projected to be good for recreational opportunities in New Mexico for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July and fish almost everywhere in our state will be glad to know they can put away their sand goggles for a while too.
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spruidososnow.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=center alt="Sierra Blanca in the White Mountains near Ruidoso"></center>
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spsnow.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=right alt="Snow pack on New Mexico's northern mountains">A joint news conference was held in Albuquerque last week with state officials attending including: State Engineer John D’Antonio, Secretary of Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Joanna Prukop, Secretary of Tourism Michael Cerletti, State Parks Division Director David Simon, and New Mexico State Forester Arthur “Butch” Blazer. Believe it or not, most of them were looking pleased and smiling at the same time, and goodness knows that hasn't happened in years!
"If the state receives additional spring rains, it may open the door for an extended recreational season through Labor Day,” said State Engineer John D’Antonio. “At this point, it is too early to tell whether additional rain may be a factor in bringing that about. I do want to emphasize that it will take at least a couple of more years of average or above average snowpack before our reservoirs will returned to pre-drought levels.”
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spmurphylake.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=left alt="Murphy Lake State Park">"Drought in the Southwest is a long-term phenomenon, so we're always concerned about wildfires and low lake levels," said Joanna Prukop, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department. "But, we had decent snowfall this winter, and we're cautiously optimistic that we'll have a good summer for outdoor recreation statewide."
Abiqui, El Vado and Cochiti reservoirs are projected to be at least 100 percent of capacity by Memorial Day Weekend. In fact, based on basin reservoir projections, most basin reservoirs are expected to surpass 2006 numbers and even 2005 capacity levels – including Heron, El Vado, Abiquiu, Elephant Butte, Navajo, Ute and Brantley.
“State Park lakes are in excellent shape this season, and the revamped camping permit is the best camping value in the country,” said State Parks Division Director David Simon.
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/speaglesnest.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=right alt="Eagles Nest State Park">State Parks recently revised its Annual Camping Permit (ACP) to provide a better value for visitors, especially during the busy summer season. The ACP is now good for a full year from month of purchase. To get details on these permits, click here (http://sonewmex.com/banners/nmsp04_ad_horiz.jpg).
In addition, visitors to State Parks will see many new features including a new patio at the Dam Site restaurant at Elephant Butte, several new comfort stations at various parks, and new interpretive exhibits at Sumner Lake State Park, among other improvements. State Parks provides unlimited educational, cultural and interpretive activities throughout the year. More information is available at www.nmparks.com (http://www.nmparks.com/).
"While we are optimistic New Mexico’s water recreational opportunities will remain a mainstay of our spring and summer seasons, remember that the Land of Enchantment is 22 million acres of prairies, deserts and forests, offering every recreational pursuit imaginable,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “Over the past three years, New Mexicans have welcomed 65 million domestic visitors, who have added more than $13 billion to the state’s economy. This has been accomplished through partnerships - public and private - dedicated to overcoming challenges like higher prices at the pump and dry winter seasons, and working to expand tourism opportunities to every corner of the state."
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spbluewater.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=left alt="Blue Water Lake State Park">While New Mexicans and other visitors are enjoying the state’s natural resources, the New Mexico State Forestry Division would like them to remember to be safe when using campfire sites and open cooking areas. While early forecasts are calling for a less severe fire season than last year, danger still remains and all precautions should be taken, such as clearing the area of all debris and brush from around the campfire or outdoor grill.
"We’ve already seen numerous fires across the state on private and public land this year,” said New Mexico State Forester Arthur “Butch” Blazer. “I can’t urge strongly enough that vacationers in our state be sure of any restrictions or rules on the use of fire in the area they plan to visit. While drought conditions have eased in many areas, there is still a lot of dry fuel out there that could catch fire very easily.”
The Office of the State Engineer is charged with administering the state's water resources. The State Engineer has power over the supervision, measurement, appropriation and distribution of all surface and groundwater in New Mexico, including streams and rivers that cross state boundaries. The State Engineer is also Secretary of the Interstate Stream Commission and oversees its staff.
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spfentonlake.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=right alt="Fenton Lake State Park">The Interstate Stream Commission is charged with separate duties including protecting New Mexico’s right to water under eight interstate stream compacts, ensuring the state complies with each of those compacts, as well as water planning.
New Mexico State Parks’ mission is to protect and enhance natural resources, provide recreational facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety and education to benefit and enrich the lives of our visitors.
NEW MEXICO STATE PARKS 2007
When visitors want to hike on scenic trails, boat or water ski in a clean lake, camp with developed and electric facilities or partake in educational events and activities, they are drawn to one of New Mexico’s 34 State Parks. Visitors to any park can camp, hike, walk the trails, learn about history and culture of the area, take in a star party or just relax.
FORECASTED LAKE LEVELS
New Mexico’s state park lakes are in better condition in 2007 than they were in 2006 – and in many cases, 2005. Though this is good news, according to the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the State is still recovering from a drought that took nearly seven years to develop and will take time for reservoirs to fully recover. The NRCS predicts that 2007 spring runoff is expected to be slightly above average in northern New Mexico due to snowmelt runoff. Projected water levels at several parks exceed 2006 and even levels in 2005 – which was considered by some to be a “banner year” in terms of precipitation and higher lake levels.
ELEPHANT BUTTE LAKE STATE PARK
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spelephantbutte.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=left alt="Elephant Butte State Park">Elephant Butte is New Mexico’s largest state park and largest lake. Winter snow pack from 2006/2007 will result in good amounts of runoff. The Interstate Stream Commission estimates that the Butte will be at 500,000 acre-feet (4,383 feet elevation) by Memorial Day.
In March 2007, the Butte had 563,677 acre-feet (4,344 feet in elevation) up 30 percent compared to the same time in 2006, when the lake was at 433,516 acre-feet (4,334 feet elevation). The lake elevation is already 30 feet higher than this time in 2006. At 4,347 feet elevation (602,460 acre feet) the Butte right now is already higher than the lake’s peak level in 2005 (555,420 acre-feet; 4,343 feet elevation) prior to spring runoff.
It is important to note that the Butte has not been full (exceeded 4,407 feet elevation) since 1996. The fact is, even at 25 percent capacity, which is the lake’s current level, the Butte is a huge lake and recreation conditions at that level are still excellent.
All of the park’s boat ramps will be operable for the Memorial Day weekend, which include (from south to north) - Dam Site, Marina Del Sur, Rock Canyon, and Monticello.
OTHER LAKES:
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spnavajolake.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=right alt="Navajo Lake State Park">Of the more than 50 lakes in New Mexico, nearly half (19) of those lakes are managed by the NM State Parks Division. So far this year, most lakes have shown increases in elevation compared to the same period (March) in 2006. Lake levels for parks in the northern portion of the state look excellent, while southern parks will also benefit from runoff. Runoff from late winter snowstorms should keep Navajo Lake near full all summer. Some parks such as Ute Lake are not affected by irrigation demands and should be at or near capacity all summer.
According to the Bureau of Reclamation, Eagle Nest Lake State Park, Sumner Lake State Park and Clayton Lake State Park all show slight increases compared to March 2006. Conchas Lake (below) could increase as well.
PARK STATUS MARCH 2007
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spchart.gif border=1 hspace=3 align=center alt="State Engineer's Lake Water Level Projections"></center>
Even when water levels were down from 2000-2004, visitation remained constant. In fact, in FY 06 (July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006), 4,157,169 people came to state parks - a slight increase in visitation compared to FY05 (July 1, 2004-June 30, 2005) when 4,147,015 took to the parks.
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spvisitors.gif border=1 hspace=3 align=center alt="State Parks Visitor Statistics by Year"></center>
WHAT’S NEW AT STATE PARKS IN 2007?
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spcaballolake.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=left alt="Caballo Lake State Park">State Parks has announced a number of new measures, programs, and facility improvements intended to benefit visitors and park gateway communities in 2007. These include:
ANNUAL CAMPING PERMIT
In January 2007, State Parks Annual Camping Permit (ACP) underwent a change to benefit visitors, making the ACP good for one full year from month of purchase. Previously, the ACP was only good from date of purchase until December 31 of the same year. New Mexico is one of the only states to offer this type of value.
BOATING SAFETY LAW IN EFFECT
As of January 1, 2007, New Mexico’s new boating safety law went into effect, requiring 1) anyone 18 years and under born on or after January 1, 1989 who operates a vessel to have completed a boating safety education course approved by NASBLA and 2) children 12 years old and under are required to wear a personal flotation device while on the deck of a moving vessel.
PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Park visitors will find new and upcoming park improvements at the parks this summer including:
New this summer:
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spsugarite.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=right alt="Sugarite Canyon State Park">Sugarite Canyon State Park - remodeled historic Valve Tender’s house
Sumner Lake State Park - interpretive exhibits and renovated comfort station
Conchas Lake State Park – new comfort station
Ute Lake State Park - comfort station (new this summer) 12 new campsites and boat ramp parking lot (both should be completed by Sept. 2007)
Elephant Butte Lake State Park – new patio at Dam Site restaurant.
Upcoming (scheduled to be completed by fall 2007):
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park – construction of visitor center
Percha Dam State Park- rehabilitation of wetlands
Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park- improvements to chapel, grounds
Eagle Nest Lake State Park – construction of visitor center; new campground
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park – hoof exhibit
OUTDOOR EDUCATION: A SMART CHOICE
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spriograndenaturectr.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=left alt="Rio Grande Nature Center">State Parks provides numerous educational activities throughout the summer including free star parties (guided, interpretive tours of the night sky); kid’s workshops; cultural events and more. Many parks including Rio Grande Nature Center become outdoor classrooms for students who are educated through a hands-on approach. State Parks’ Kids N Parks program has funded transportation grants for 12 NM schools, in order for children to have the chance to learn in an outdoor classroom setting. In addition, State Parks is issuing coupons, through the Public Education Dept, good for one free night of camping for kids and their families.
SOME UPCOMING SPRING/SUMMER EVENTS
Ongoing - Rio Grande Nature Center State Park’s 25th anniversary (Albuquerque) – monthly events scheduled throughout the year, with a birthday celebration on June 23.
April 21, 22 – Percha Dam State Park (T or C) – “4th Annual Migration Sensation”
April 28 - Elephant Butte Lake State Park “S.W. Regional Windrider Regatta”
May 10-13 Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park (Carlsbad) – “21st annual Mescal Roast”
May 12, 13 – Clayton Lake State Park (Clayton) – “Clayton Lake Trout Derby”
May 28- Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park (Angel Fire) “Honoring Veterans on Memorial Day”
Additional calendar of events are available on the state parkes web site. For additional events at any of 34 state parks in the State, log onto www.nmparks.com (http://www.nmparks.com/).
<center><a href=http://www.nmparks.com><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/SPLogo.gif border=1 hspace=1></a><a href=http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/FD/index.htm><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/NewMexicoForestryLogo.gif border=1 hspace=1></a><a href=http://www.newmexico.org/><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/NMDept_Tourism_sm.gif border=1 hspace=1></a><a href=http://www.ose.state.nm.us/><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/StateEngineer_logo.gif border=1 hspace=1></a></center>
[Credit where credit is due: Several of the images used in this article were provided by the New Mexico State Parks Division (http://www.nmparks.com) of the Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources (http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/). Steppin' Out appreciates the privilege of using their images. Naturally, the copyright on all images used remains with the orginal owner.]
Based on Winter Snowpack Runoff<br><br>
Albuquerque, NM- According to officials at the state departments who are paid to pay attention to such matters, things are looking good for New Mexico's fishermen, water sports enthusiasts and visitors to our State Parks this year; but Steppin' Out suspects the silvery minnow and other fish who swim in our state's rivers and lakes will be happy as well. As a result of average winter snowpack and spring runoff, reservoir levels statewide are projected to be good for recreational opportunities in New Mexico for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July and fish almost everywhere in our state will be glad to know they can put away their sand goggles for a while too.
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spruidososnow.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=center alt="Sierra Blanca in the White Mountains near Ruidoso"></center>
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spsnow.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=right alt="Snow pack on New Mexico's northern mountains">A joint news conference was held in Albuquerque last week with state officials attending including: State Engineer John D’Antonio, Secretary of Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Joanna Prukop, Secretary of Tourism Michael Cerletti, State Parks Division Director David Simon, and New Mexico State Forester Arthur “Butch” Blazer. Believe it or not, most of them were looking pleased and smiling at the same time, and goodness knows that hasn't happened in years!
"If the state receives additional spring rains, it may open the door for an extended recreational season through Labor Day,” said State Engineer John D’Antonio. “At this point, it is too early to tell whether additional rain may be a factor in bringing that about. I do want to emphasize that it will take at least a couple of more years of average or above average snowpack before our reservoirs will returned to pre-drought levels.”
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spmurphylake.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=left alt="Murphy Lake State Park">"Drought in the Southwest is a long-term phenomenon, so we're always concerned about wildfires and low lake levels," said Joanna Prukop, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department. "But, we had decent snowfall this winter, and we're cautiously optimistic that we'll have a good summer for outdoor recreation statewide."
Abiqui, El Vado and Cochiti reservoirs are projected to be at least 100 percent of capacity by Memorial Day Weekend. In fact, based on basin reservoir projections, most basin reservoirs are expected to surpass 2006 numbers and even 2005 capacity levels – including Heron, El Vado, Abiquiu, Elephant Butte, Navajo, Ute and Brantley.
“State Park lakes are in excellent shape this season, and the revamped camping permit is the best camping value in the country,” said State Parks Division Director David Simon.
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/speaglesnest.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=right alt="Eagles Nest State Park">State Parks recently revised its Annual Camping Permit (ACP) to provide a better value for visitors, especially during the busy summer season. The ACP is now good for a full year from month of purchase. To get details on these permits, click here (http://sonewmex.com/banners/nmsp04_ad_horiz.jpg).
In addition, visitors to State Parks will see many new features including a new patio at the Dam Site restaurant at Elephant Butte, several new comfort stations at various parks, and new interpretive exhibits at Sumner Lake State Park, among other improvements. State Parks provides unlimited educational, cultural and interpretive activities throughout the year. More information is available at www.nmparks.com (http://www.nmparks.com/).
"While we are optimistic New Mexico’s water recreational opportunities will remain a mainstay of our spring and summer seasons, remember that the Land of Enchantment is 22 million acres of prairies, deserts and forests, offering every recreational pursuit imaginable,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “Over the past three years, New Mexicans have welcomed 65 million domestic visitors, who have added more than $13 billion to the state’s economy. This has been accomplished through partnerships - public and private - dedicated to overcoming challenges like higher prices at the pump and dry winter seasons, and working to expand tourism opportunities to every corner of the state."
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spbluewater.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=left alt="Blue Water Lake State Park">While New Mexicans and other visitors are enjoying the state’s natural resources, the New Mexico State Forestry Division would like them to remember to be safe when using campfire sites and open cooking areas. While early forecasts are calling for a less severe fire season than last year, danger still remains and all precautions should be taken, such as clearing the area of all debris and brush from around the campfire or outdoor grill.
"We’ve already seen numerous fires across the state on private and public land this year,” said New Mexico State Forester Arthur “Butch” Blazer. “I can’t urge strongly enough that vacationers in our state be sure of any restrictions or rules on the use of fire in the area they plan to visit. While drought conditions have eased in many areas, there is still a lot of dry fuel out there that could catch fire very easily.”
The Office of the State Engineer is charged with administering the state's water resources. The State Engineer has power over the supervision, measurement, appropriation and distribution of all surface and groundwater in New Mexico, including streams and rivers that cross state boundaries. The State Engineer is also Secretary of the Interstate Stream Commission and oversees its staff.
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spfentonlake.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=right alt="Fenton Lake State Park">The Interstate Stream Commission is charged with separate duties including protecting New Mexico’s right to water under eight interstate stream compacts, ensuring the state complies with each of those compacts, as well as water planning.
New Mexico State Parks’ mission is to protect and enhance natural resources, provide recreational facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety and education to benefit and enrich the lives of our visitors.
NEW MEXICO STATE PARKS 2007
When visitors want to hike on scenic trails, boat or water ski in a clean lake, camp with developed and electric facilities or partake in educational events and activities, they are drawn to one of New Mexico’s 34 State Parks. Visitors to any park can camp, hike, walk the trails, learn about history and culture of the area, take in a star party or just relax.
FORECASTED LAKE LEVELS
New Mexico’s state park lakes are in better condition in 2007 than they were in 2006 – and in many cases, 2005. Though this is good news, according to the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the State is still recovering from a drought that took nearly seven years to develop and will take time for reservoirs to fully recover. The NRCS predicts that 2007 spring runoff is expected to be slightly above average in northern New Mexico due to snowmelt runoff. Projected water levels at several parks exceed 2006 and even levels in 2005 – which was considered by some to be a “banner year” in terms of precipitation and higher lake levels.
ELEPHANT BUTTE LAKE STATE PARK
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spelephantbutte.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=left alt="Elephant Butte State Park">Elephant Butte is New Mexico’s largest state park and largest lake. Winter snow pack from 2006/2007 will result in good amounts of runoff. The Interstate Stream Commission estimates that the Butte will be at 500,000 acre-feet (4,383 feet elevation) by Memorial Day.
In March 2007, the Butte had 563,677 acre-feet (4,344 feet in elevation) up 30 percent compared to the same time in 2006, when the lake was at 433,516 acre-feet (4,334 feet elevation). The lake elevation is already 30 feet higher than this time in 2006. At 4,347 feet elevation (602,460 acre feet) the Butte right now is already higher than the lake’s peak level in 2005 (555,420 acre-feet; 4,343 feet elevation) prior to spring runoff.
It is important to note that the Butte has not been full (exceeded 4,407 feet elevation) since 1996. The fact is, even at 25 percent capacity, which is the lake’s current level, the Butte is a huge lake and recreation conditions at that level are still excellent.
All of the park’s boat ramps will be operable for the Memorial Day weekend, which include (from south to north) - Dam Site, Marina Del Sur, Rock Canyon, and Monticello.
OTHER LAKES:
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spnavajolake.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=right alt="Navajo Lake State Park">Of the more than 50 lakes in New Mexico, nearly half (19) of those lakes are managed by the NM State Parks Division. So far this year, most lakes have shown increases in elevation compared to the same period (March) in 2006. Lake levels for parks in the northern portion of the state look excellent, while southern parks will also benefit from runoff. Runoff from late winter snowstorms should keep Navajo Lake near full all summer. Some parks such as Ute Lake are not affected by irrigation demands and should be at or near capacity all summer.
According to the Bureau of Reclamation, Eagle Nest Lake State Park, Sumner Lake State Park and Clayton Lake State Park all show slight increases compared to March 2006. Conchas Lake (below) could increase as well.
PARK STATUS MARCH 2007
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spchart.gif border=1 hspace=3 align=center alt="State Engineer's Lake Water Level Projections"></center>
Even when water levels were down from 2000-2004, visitation remained constant. In fact, in FY 06 (July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006), 4,157,169 people came to state parks - a slight increase in visitation compared to FY05 (July 1, 2004-June 30, 2005) when 4,147,015 took to the parks.
<center><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spvisitors.gif border=1 hspace=3 align=center alt="State Parks Visitor Statistics by Year"></center>
WHAT’S NEW AT STATE PARKS IN 2007?
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spcaballolake.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=left alt="Caballo Lake State Park">State Parks has announced a number of new measures, programs, and facility improvements intended to benefit visitors and park gateway communities in 2007. These include:
ANNUAL CAMPING PERMIT
In January 2007, State Parks Annual Camping Permit (ACP) underwent a change to benefit visitors, making the ACP good for one full year from month of purchase. Previously, the ACP was only good from date of purchase until December 31 of the same year. New Mexico is one of the only states to offer this type of value.
BOATING SAFETY LAW IN EFFECT
As of January 1, 2007, New Mexico’s new boating safety law went into effect, requiring 1) anyone 18 years and under born on or after January 1, 1989 who operates a vessel to have completed a boating safety education course approved by NASBLA and 2) children 12 years old and under are required to wear a personal flotation device while on the deck of a moving vessel.
PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Park visitors will find new and upcoming park improvements at the parks this summer including:
New this summer:
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spsugarite.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=right alt="Sugarite Canyon State Park">Sugarite Canyon State Park - remodeled historic Valve Tender’s house
Sumner Lake State Park - interpretive exhibits and renovated comfort station
Conchas Lake State Park – new comfort station
Ute Lake State Park - comfort station (new this summer) 12 new campsites and boat ramp parking lot (both should be completed by Sept. 2007)
Elephant Butte Lake State Park – new patio at Dam Site restaurant.
Upcoming (scheduled to be completed by fall 2007):
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park – construction of visitor center
Percha Dam State Park- rehabilitation of wetlands
Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park- improvements to chapel, grounds
Eagle Nest Lake State Park – construction of visitor center; new campground
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park – hoof exhibit
OUTDOOR EDUCATION: A SMART CHOICE
<img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/spriograndenaturectr.jpg border=1 hspace=3 align=left alt="Rio Grande Nature Center">State Parks provides numerous educational activities throughout the summer including free star parties (guided, interpretive tours of the night sky); kid’s workshops; cultural events and more. Many parks including Rio Grande Nature Center become outdoor classrooms for students who are educated through a hands-on approach. State Parks’ Kids N Parks program has funded transportation grants for 12 NM schools, in order for children to have the chance to learn in an outdoor classroom setting. In addition, State Parks is issuing coupons, through the Public Education Dept, good for one free night of camping for kids and their families.
SOME UPCOMING SPRING/SUMMER EVENTS
Ongoing - Rio Grande Nature Center State Park’s 25th anniversary (Albuquerque) – monthly events scheduled throughout the year, with a birthday celebration on June 23.
April 21, 22 – Percha Dam State Park (T or C) – “4th Annual Migration Sensation”
April 28 - Elephant Butte Lake State Park “S.W. Regional Windrider Regatta”
May 10-13 Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park (Carlsbad) – “21st annual Mescal Roast”
May 12, 13 – Clayton Lake State Park (Clayton) – “Clayton Lake Trout Derby”
May 28- Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park (Angel Fire) “Honoring Veterans on Memorial Day”
Additional calendar of events are available on the state parkes web site. For additional events at any of 34 state parks in the State, log onto www.nmparks.com (http://www.nmparks.com/).
<center><a href=http://www.nmparks.com><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/SPLogo.gif border=1 hspace=1></a><a href=http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/FD/index.htm><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/NewMexicoForestryLogo.gif border=1 hspace=1></a><a href=http://www.newmexico.org/><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/NMDept_Tourism_sm.gif border=1 hspace=1></a><a href=http://www.ose.state.nm.us/><img src=http://sonewmex.com/images/StateEngineer_logo.gif border=1 hspace=1></a></center>
[Credit where credit is due: Several of the images used in this article were provided by the New Mexico State Parks Division (http://www.nmparks.com) of the Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources (http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/). Steppin' Out appreciates the privilege of using their images. Naturally, the copyright on all images used remains with the orginal owner.]