New Mexico Economic Development Department

6 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 NEW MEX I CO ECONOMI C DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT the state. The waters include the Upper Rio Grande, the Rio Hondo, and the headwaters of the Jemez. The petition was heard by the Water Quality Control Commission June 14- 16, 2022 and will protect the water quality of these rivers in perpetuity for hunters, anglers, acequias, birders and everyone else living and recreating along their banks. This access to the outdoors is a basic human right – yet it’s one that has often been denied to many of our youth. As a result, our underrepresented kids haven’t had the chance to experience some of the best of New Mexico: Its outside world. In 2020, th e Outdoor Equity Fund, ORD’s second marquee grant program, opened to applications for the first time, awarding $270,000+ to 25 applicants across the state. I t continues to support transformative outdoor experiences that foster stewardship and respect for lands, waters, and cultural heritage. In August 2021, the ORD announced the 57 recipients of the 2021 Outdoor Equity Fund, who together will get more than 22,000 young New Mexicans outside through 2022. This year, the Outdoor Equity Fund has $3 million to invest in this innovative youth programming. Read more about ORD priorities at the office website NMOutside.com.