SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico's Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, the state's first dedicated funding for conservation, is making a significant impact on communities across all 33 counties and most Tribal communities. A coalition of New Mexico organizations supporting the fund has released an interactive map showcasing more than 750 land, water, agriculture, and outdoor recreation projects funded by the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund.
The map, available for viewing at enchantmentfund. org/map, provides detailed information about projects in various counties, shedding light on the remarkable efforts being made to support conservation and community development throughout the state.
Established through the passage of SB9 and signed into law by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on March 23, 2023, the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund comprises two funds: an expendable fund with a one-time appropriation of $50 million, which will distribute $12.5 million annually to existing state programs starting July 1, 2024, and a second investment fund created with an additional $50 million appropriation to distribute through the expendable fund each year once it accrues sufficient interest. Advocates are calling for a total of at least $350 million in combined funding to ensure sustainability, economic resilience, access to federal matching dollars, and to meet the needs of all counties and Tribal communities.
The Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund focuses on a range of conservation-related priorities, including land and water stewardship, forest and watershed health, outdoor recreation and infrastructure, agriculture and working lands, historic preservation, and wildlife species protection.
One of the key areas benefitting from the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund is Cibola County, which has seen several projects receive funding:
1. Acoma Health & Wellness Program: In 2023, the Pueblo of Acoma Health & Wellness Program received $20,000 to provide quality healthcare services, outreach, and health promotion/ disease prevention services to the Pueblo of Acoma and neighboring communities, addressing the health needs of all age groups, including individuals with disabilities and mental health and substance use issues.
2. Cibola Trail Alliance: In 2022 (FY23), the Cibola Trail Alliance received $99,999 for the construction of the Lobo Canyon Trail, creating a 23.8-mile non-motorized multi-use trail on Cibola National Forest Land, enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities and connecting existing recreation sites.
3. Pueblo of Acoma - Sky City Trail: In 2022 (FY23), the Pueblo of Acoma received $99,999 for the Sky City Trail project, which aims to create a four-mile paved trail for bicycle and pedestrian use, promoting physical activity, intercultural understanding, and social engagement while providing informative experiences through solar-powered lights and trail markers.
4. Quartz Hill Trail: In 2021 (FY22), Cibola County received $25,000 for the Quartz Hill Trail project, establishing a 25+ mile nonmotorized recreational amenity within the Zuni Mountains, granting residents and visitors access to various outdoor activities.
5. Ramah Navajo Chapter Fitness Cultural Nature Trail: In 2021 (FY22), a project to build a nature trail supporting running, walking, mountain biking, and snow tubing received $19,320.00, with additional support from Navajo Nation Unhealthy Food Tax Funds.
6. Zuni Landscape Restoration: In 2021, Cibola County received $1,100,000 for a large landscape project aimed at reducing wildfire risk and restoring fire-adapted forested ecosystems, which also provides critical water supply and supports local employment.
7. NMDA - Healthy Soil Program: In 2023, the Lava SWCD received $19,496.50 for a project focused on increasing soil organic matter in high-intensity vegetable production systems, addressing soil erosion, and promoting soil health through various practices.
8. Ramah Ranch Bottomland Restoration: Also in 2023, a project sponsored by Lava SWCD received $14,147.50 to restore clayey bottom land through cover crop planting, bale grazing, and other practices.
9. Incorporating Livestock Grazing, Cover Crops, and Nutrient Management into Soil Health: In 2020, another project sponsored by Lava SWCD received $11,138.10 to evaluate the benefits of incorporating grazing and nutrient management into soil health initiatives.
These projects in Cibola County showase the diverse conservation and community development efforts supported by the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, contributing to the overall wellbeing and sustainability of New Mexico's communities.
The Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund's mission is to provide resources to New Mexico communities, leveraging federal matching dollars and recurring funding for projects with a proven track record, community popularity, or limited prior funding. The new interactive map serves as a valuable resource for the public to explore past and upcoming projects in their local areas. New projects directly supported by Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund dollars are set to begin on July 1, 2024, and will be added to the map in due course.
In a press release, the coalition behind the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund said they are enthusiastic about the opportunities it offers to New Mexico communities, and they look forward to further collaboration with the state legislature to continue delivering these vital resources.
For additional information about the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund and to access the interactive map, visit enc hantmentfund.org. Please note that the map is not a comprehensive government record of the listed programs.