New Mexico resident veterans now eligible for lifetime pass to New Mexico State Parks
New Mexico resident veterans are eligible for a free lifetime pass to all New Mexico state parks, which includes entry and camping fees.
House Bill 161, which received bipartisan legislative support earlier this year after being sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Dow, R-Truth or Consequences, was signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The bill provides veterans residing in New Mexico with free access to state parks through unlimited day-use passes and camping passes for areas operated by the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
About 5,000 veterans in New Mexico have signed up and received the passes so far, according to Toby Velasquez, director of New Mexico State Parks.
“We are happy to honor our veterans,” he said.
New Mexico veterans interested in receiving the lifetime pass should contact the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services at vet.benefits@dvs.nm.gov or 1-866-433-8387 for help filling out the form.
“This new benefit shows how much we appreciate our veterans,” Jamison Herrera, Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services, said in a news release earlier this year. “Letting them enjoy our state parks gives them a chance to relax, have fun, and heal in New Mexico’s beautiful outdoors.”
New Mexico resident veterans now eligible for lifetime pass to New Mexico State Parks