The New Mexico Department of Wildlife has opened a public survey to measure how much motorized backcountry recreation contributes to the state’s economy, with a focus on rural communities. The New Mexico Motorized Backcountry Recreation Economic Impact Study asks participants what they spend on gas, food, lodging, gear and local businesses while dirt biking, overlanding, riding ATVs and side-by-sides, or using motorized access for other outdoor pursuits.
The survey goes beyond traditional off-highway vehicle studies, because the legal definition of an OHV is too narrow to show the full effect on rural economies. “This study measures the economic impacts attributable to back-country outdoor recreation involving motorized vehicles in New Mexico,” the survey introduction states, adding that the information will help keep backcountry access open.
The survey comes amid growing recognition of outdoor recreation’s role in the state economy. Federal data show outdoor recreation contributed $3.6 billion to New Mexico’s economy and supported more than 31,000 jobs in 2024, about 2.5% of the state’s GDP.
The survey takes about five to 10 minutes. More information on OHV rules, riding areas and permits is on the department’s Ride New Mexico site, ridenm.dgf.nm.gov.
Why It Matters
Officials hope the spending data will show how motorized access supports rural economies and help make the case for keeping backcountry trails open.
Editor’s note: Updated Nov. 1, 2026. This story was revised to cite the New Mexico Department of Wildlife public survey it is based on. Learn how Brant.One reports in our editorial standards.
