{"id":22668,"date":"2026-11-09T14:18:04","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T21:18:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/?p=22668"},"modified":"2026-11-09T14:18:30","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T21:18:30","slug":"veterans-are-reminded-to-apply-for-lifetime-state-park-passes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/blog\/2026\/11\/09\/veterans-are-reminded-to-apply-for-lifetime-state-park-passes\/","title":{"rendered":"Veterans are reminded to apply for lifetime State Park passes"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>November 10, 2026\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Veterans are reminded to apply for lifetime State Park passes<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/b>State Parks and Veteran\u2019s Services report 12,640 passes issued<\/span><\/i>
<\/span>since program\u2019s 2025 inception\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

SANTA FE \u2013 As Veterans Day approaches, the New Mexico State Parks Division and New Mexico Department of Veterans\u2019 Services (DVS) are encouraging veterans to take advantage of a benefit that lasts well beyond the holiday: free lifetime access to state parks for eligible New Mexico veterans.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since the program launched July 1, 2025, 12,640 veterans have received a Lifetime Veterans Pass, including, 1,600 since July\u2019s anniversary announcement. The pass covers regular day-use, camping and utility fees for pass holders, opening opportunities to explore New Mexico, spend time outdoors and make memories with family and friends.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVeterans enrich our State Parks every single day, whether they are visiting with family, friends, or serving on our team,\u201d said State Parks Director <\/span>Toby Vel\u00e1squez<\/span><\/b>. \u201cTheir resilience and dedication help make these spaces generational destinations. Truly, honoring their service is a privilege we proudly carry forward.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s clear that the impact of the Lifetime Veterans State Parks Pass continues to grow, NMDVS Secretary<\/span> Jamison Herrera <\/span><\/b>added. \u201cWith more than 12,600 passes now in the hands of New Mexico veterans, we\u2019re seeing how access to our state parks strengthens community connections and supports the wellbeing of those who served. This program is becoming not just a benefit, but a tradition that honors veterans\u2019 service in a meaningful, lasting way.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A benefit for every season<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Veterans can use their passes throughout the year for activities such as hiking, camping, birdwatching and picnicking. The agencies encourage current passholders to plan their next visit. Veterans who have not yet applied are urged to do so immediately.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to apply<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>
<\/span>New Mexico resident veterans can find application information through the Department of Veterans\u2019 Service at <\/span>dvs.nm.gov\/benefits<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>The Lifetime Veteran\u2019s Pass covers regular day-use, camping, and utility fees for the pass holder. Reservation service fees and fees for grouping facilities and special facilities, including cabins and yurts, are not covered. <\/span>
<\/span>
<\/span>For complete details, visit <\/span>emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/fees-permits\/for-veterans<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before traveling, visitors should check their park destination\u2019s operating hours, seasonal access, weather and current conditions at <\/span>emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/know-before-you-go<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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New Mexico State Parks is a division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The Division manages 35 state parks across New Mexico and works to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide recreational and educational opportunities, and promote public safety for the benefit of residents and visitors.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

###<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/pancho_villa_exhibithall_.jpg” title_text=”pancho_villa_exhibithall_” _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Photo: Pancho Villa State Park in Columbus, NM<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:November 10, 2026\u00a0 Veterans are reminded to apply for lifetime State Park passes\u00a0 \u00a0State Parks and Veteran\u2019s Services report 12,640 passes issuedsince program\u2019s 2025 inception\u00a0\u00a0 SANTA FE \u2013 As Veterans Day approaches, the New Mexico State Parks Division and New Mexico Department of Veterans\u2019 Services (DVS) are encouraging veterans to take advantage of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":77,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23,22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22668","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-communications","category-news-releases"],"yoast_head":"\nVeterans are reminded to apply for lifetime State Park passes - State Parks<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/blog\/2026\/11\/09\/veterans-are-reminded-to-apply-for-lifetime-state-park-passes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Veterans are reminded to apply for lifetime State Park passes - 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