New Mexico Department of Wildlife Launches Survey on Offroad Recreation Spending

a dusty overlanding SUV equipped with roof racks and camping gear parked along a rugged dirt trail in a dry desert landscape with scrub brush and distant mesas,

AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.

  • calendar_today October 13, 2026

New Survey for Offroad Recreation Enthusiasts

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife has introduced a new survey aimed at outdoor enthusiasts who engage in offroad recreation. The department is calling for input from individuals who frequently participate in activities such as backpacking, dirt biking, and overlanding in the state's diverse backcountry areas. The initiative seeks to gather data on the costs involved in pursuing these outdoor activities.

Focus on Spending Habits in Outdoor Recreation

Participants in the survey are asked to share details about their spending related to offroad activities. The questions focus on expenditures for gas, food, lodging, gear, and goods from local businesses. By collecting this information, the department aims to understand how much money is currently being spent by those who explore the new mexico outdoors through motorized travel and other backcountry recreation pursuits.

Assessing the Economic Impact of Offroad Activities

The primary goal of the survey, according to the New Mexico Department of Wildlife, is to assess the economic impact of offroad recreation, with a particular emphasis on how it affects rural communities. By quantifying recreation spending, the department hopes to better evaluate the importance of these activities for the local economy.

Involvement of Outdoor Community

The survey is intended for individuals who regularly engage in a variety of offroad pursuits, including dirt biking, overlanding, and motorized travel across the state's backcountry. Feedback from these groups is considered valuable in understanding not just the popularity of outdoor recreation, but also its connection to commerce throughout the region.

How to Participate in the Survey

Outdoor enthusiasts wishing to share their experiences and insights can access the survey online. The department encourages all who spend time on New Mexico’s trails and outdoor spaces, especially those who contribute to rural communities through their recreation spending, to take a few moments to participate. The survey can be found at this link.

Understanding the Role of Offroad Recreation

This effort highlights the growing interest in the role of offroad activities in New Mexico’s outdoor economy. The results could provide valuable insights for both government officials and local businesses interested in supporting the needs of those engaging in backcountry recreation.

Source: krqe.com.