This project is being undertaken for the maintenance and operation of 11 dams and lakes properties located around the state and that are either owned or controlled by the state game commission

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 2 awarded $108,023.76 to the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This formula grant supports the maintenance and operation of 11 state-owned or state-controlled dams and lakes properties throughout New Mexico. Ten of these facilities provide public boating access and recreational opportunities, while one supports waterfowl management activities.

The funded activities encompass essential operational and maintenance services required to preserve the integrity and functionality of these aquatic resource facilities. Specific deliverables include woody vegetation removal, rodent control, erosion control, and operational safeguards to ensure public safety in compliance with state and federal regulations. Additionally, the award provides for the maintenance of boating-related infrastructure such as boat ramps and access facilities located at the ten boating-access properties. These maintenance efforts are critical to sustaining public recreational fishing and boating opportunities and preventing degradation of facility conditions that could compromise public safety or reduce utilization of these public resources.

Dams are required to meet state and federal regulations related to woody vegetation removal and rodent control. Erosion control and specific operational controls to safeguard public safety are also required. Ten of these dams provide boating opportunities and one DAM provides waterfowl management activities. Any required maintenance on the eleventh DAM will be covered by wildlife restoration funding. All the boating access DAM properties contain infrastructure which support boating activities. These also need to be maintained as necessary. If these properties are not maintained use of these properties would be reduced and public safety could be jeopardized.