Event Recap: Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors (HECHO) Hosts Roundtable Discussion for Full Conservation Funding of Great American Outdoors Act with Senator Tom Udall’s Office

HECHO, in partnership with ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), hosted a virtual roundtable with community leaders and small businesses to discuss the Senate passage of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), and the ways in which the legislation will benefit New Mexico.

Panelists included Senator Udall, HECHO Executive Director, Camilla Simon, HECHO Board Member and Chairman-Elect of the National Wildlife Federation’s Board of Directors, Kent Salazar, Enchanted Circle Trails Association representative, Carl Colonias, Southern NM Trails Alliance representative, Matt Mason, Santa Fe City Councilor, Renee Villarreal, and Roswell City Councilor, Judy Stubbs.

The GAOA supports full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, in addition to supporting national parks, wildlife refuges, ball fields, and city parks while also providing $9.5 billion over five years for deferred maintenance projects at the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Education Schools. The landmark legislation is funded by federal natural resource royalties instead of taxpayer dollars.

In New Mexico, where a billion dollar outdoor industry thrives, legislation like LWCF is critical in protecting public lands and outdoor places that not only support jobs and wages, but also allow for the growth of outdoor recreational activities. 

To watch the roundtable discussion, click the video below.