A recent article written by Friends board member, Andres Romero, was published in the New Mexico Military Museum newsletter. With his permission I’ve reposted it on the Friends website.
Author: dlemke2012
Tourism to Bandelier National Monument, Fort Union National Monument and Pecos National Historical Park creates $20,661,000 in Economic Benefits
Report shows visitor spending supports 231 jobs in local economy
Northern New Mexico – A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 255,637 visitors to Bandelier National Monument, Fort Union National Monument and Pecos National Historical Park in 2019 spent $16,113,000 in communities near these parks. That spending supported 231 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $20,661,000.
“The National Park Service has been slowly and safely increasing access to Bandelier National Monument, Pecos National Historical Park, and Fort Union National Monument, three parks in the national system of parks in the local Santa Fe area that support individual and collective physical and mental wellness,” said Pecos National Historical Park Superintendent Karl Cordova. “We welcome people back to these parks and we are excited to share the story of these places and the experiences they provide. We also feature these parks as a way to introduce our visitors to this part of the country and all that they offer.”
The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas of the U.S. Geological Survey and Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service. The report shows $21 billion of direct spending by more than 327 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 340,500 jobs nationally; 278,000 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $41.7 billion.
Lodging expenses account for the largest share of -visitor spending, about $7.1 billion in 2019. The restaurant sector had the next greatest effects with $4.2 billion in economic output. Motor vehicle fuel expenditures were $2.16 billion with retail spending at $1.93 billion.
Visitor spending on lodging supported more than 58,000 jobs and more than 61,000 jobs in restaurants. Visitor spending in the recreation industries supported more than 28,000 jobs and spending in retail supported more than 20,000 jobs.
Report authors also produce an interactive tool that enables users to explore visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value added, and output effects by sector for national, state, and local economies. Users can also view year-by-year trend data. The interactive tool and report are available at the NPS Social Science Program webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/vse.htm
To learn more about national parks in New Mexico and how the National Park Service works with New Mexico’s communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/newmexico.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube..
Bandelier National Monument – www.nps.gov/band
Fort Union National Monument – www.nps.gov/foun
Pecos National Historical Park – www.nps.gov/peco
Park Announces Plans for 2020 Summer Fishing Season
Pecos National Historical Park will offer summer fishing permits for the Pecos River within the park boundaries. The 2020 summer fishing season will begin June 11th and end August 3rd. Please note that summer fishing hours will be from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Pecos National Historical Park uses an online reservation system. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. A $15 per day fee must be paid online during the online reservation process. Please note that anglers are required to check in and acquire a special use permit at the park visitor center prior to fishing. For more information related to fishing, visit the park website https://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/fishing.htm.
Within the park, three miles of the Pecos River are divided into three sections or “beats.” This approach offers anglers roughly one mile on the Pecos River to fish with up to two other people for the day. Three beats (for up to nine anglers per day) are available on the reservation system.
For more information about the park in general, contact Pecos NHP at (505) 757-7241 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/peco. You will also find our listings on the New Mexico True website (newmexico.org) and Tourism Santa Fe (santafe.org). Please like on us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PecosNHPnps or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pecos_nps).
Pecos National Historical Park is Beginning to Increase Visitor Services
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Pecos National Historical Park is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.
Beginning June 1, Pecos National Historical Park will offer a staffed outdoor information table in front of the E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center to provide orientation information and answer questions. This service will be available between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Summer fishing permits for the Pecos River within the park boundaries will be available for the summer season (June 11 – August 3). Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. A $15 per day fee must be paid online during the online reservation process. Please note that anglers are required to check in and acquire a special use permit at the park visitor center prior to fishing. For more information related to fishing, visit the park website https://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/fishing.htm.
With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:
- The E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center and WNPA Bookstore
- The Forked Lightning Ranch House
- Access to the kivas along the main unit trail
The park grounds are open 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
For more information about the park in general, contact Pecos NHP at (505) 757-7241 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/peco. You will also find our listings on the New Mexico True website (newmexico.org) and Tourism Santa Fe (santafe.org). Please like on us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PecosNHPnps or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pecos_nps).
National Park Service’s Pueblo Parks Group Implements Stage II Fire Restrictions
Due to the increased risk of wildfire in the region, the Pueblo Parks Group, which includes Bandelier National Monument, Fort Union National Monument, Pecos National Historical Park, and Valles Caldera National Preserve, will enter Stage II fire restrictions on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 8:00 AM. These restrictions are necessary to help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires.
Under Stage II restrictions:
• All fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, propane grills, or heating devices is allowed three feet or more from flammable material such as grasses or pine needles.
• Smoking is prohibited, except in enclosed vehicles or buildings.
• Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame is prohibited.
• Operating or using any internal combustion engine off paved or graveled roads is prohibited. Generators are allowed if equipped with an approved spark arresting device and used in an area that is barren or clear of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.
• The use of all firearms and explosives are prohibited, including but not limited to, fuses or blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, and tracers or incendiary ammunition.
• The operation of motor vehicles off established roads, motorized trails or established parking areas is prohibited, except when parking in an area devoid or vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
Several criteria are used to determine when to implement fire restrictions, including fire activity levels, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, and the availability of firefighting resources. Fire restriction criteria are routinely evaluated, and restrictions could be upgraded or downgraded at any time. Therefore, visitors should check the park’s website for alerts. Know before you go. Fire restrictions in New Mexico can be found at www.firerestrictions.us/nm and fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at https://www.nmfireinfo.com.
Hiking at the Civil War Trail in Glorieta
During our time of social distancing, there are a few places that you can get away from the house, get some exercise, breath some fresh air and still stay a healthy distance from folks. The Pecos National Historical Park has the 2.3 mile Civil War Trail the takes you up and down hills through the trees and tells a story of the historic battlefield of Glorieta Pass.
The trail is located behind a locked gate, but you can get the gate code at the Visitor Center at the main park. Be sure to lock the gate after you go in and when you leave. This code changes regularly, so when the park Visitor Center opens again, you’ll need to call for a new one. It’s a little tricky to find.
Here are driving directions:
- Take Interstate 25 Exit 299 and Hwy 50 toward Pecos.
- Turn right at La Joya Road. Watch the speed bumps there are several!
- Turn right at Old Denver Hwy and drive to the end of the road to the locked gate.
- Since the Visitor Center is closed for the moment, the gate code is 9506.
Visitor Center phone: (505) 757-7241
Park website: www.nps.gov/peco
Pecos NHP Offers Free Lecture: The Battle of Glorieta Pass: Gettysburg of the West?
Pecos, NM: At first glance, the similarities are intriguing; Both Gettysburg and the Battle of Glorieta Pass involved Confederate invasions of Union territory, occurred over a three-day period, and resulted in Union strategic victories.
Both Glorieta and Gettysburg are Class A battlefields, a designation given only to sites of decisive conflicts. Despite all this, is it possible that their differences are more significant than their similarities? Let’s talk about it on Thursday, March 26th at 7:00 p.m. at the Vista Grande Public Library!
Dr. Claudia Floyd is retired Professor of History at Stevenson University in Baltimore, Maryland. She was a volunteer at Monocacy National Battlefield and is now a volunteer at Pecos National Historical Park and a guide at the New Mexico History Museum.
Please note, this program will take place at the Vista Grande Public Library, which is located at 14 Avenida Torreon, Santa Fe, NM 87508. Space is limited, so please arrive early.
For more information about the park contact Pecos NHP at (505) 757-7241 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/peco. You will also find our listings on the New Mexico True website (newmexico.org) and Tourism Santa Fe (santafe.org). Please like on us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PecosNHPnps or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pecos_nps).
2020 Civil War Encampment – March 28th
2020 Civil War Encampment
Schedule of Events and Location
Pecos, NM: The annual Civil War Encampment at Pecos National Historical Park will take place Saturday, March 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will bring to life the experience of the Civil War in New Mexico. Interact with living history participants, take a ride in a horse-drawn wagon, witness black powder demonstrations, and hear speakers share their expertise on life during the Civil War in the West. Children of all ages can make crafts, play historical games, and meet the snakes from the American International Rattlesnake Museum.
Schedule of Events:
Black Powder Demonstration
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
See, hear and experience the power of black powder weapons like rifles, cannon and muskets.
Kids’ Activities
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stop by the kids’ tent to create and decorate a 19th century optical illusion toy called a thaumatrope, re-create the Pecos Valley during the Battle of Glorieta with Lincoln Logs, toy soldiers, and horses or have a friendly competition playing the popular Civil War-era game of quoits.
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Travel back in time as you enjoy a free horse-drawn wagon rides between the Visitor Center and the encampment field. The horse rides are a popular attraction, so be sure to arrive early!
Lecture: Field Artillery of the Civil War
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Field artillery provided a heavy punch with a long reach to both Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War. Ken Dusenberry of the Artillery Company of New Mexico will break down the basics of how and why artillery was used in the 19th century with a specific emphasis on the types of artillery used in the Battle of Glorieta and the Battle of Valverde.
Live Snakes!
12:00 p.m. -12:45 p.m.
Join the American International Rattlesnake Museum for a live snake presentation. Learn more about the vital role that snakes play in this rugged environment, the challenges they face, and what we can do to be safe around our slithering neighbors.
Black Powder Demonstration
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
See, hear and experience the power of black powder weapons like rifles, cannon and muskets.
All events are free and open to the public. From I-25 N: Take the Pecos/Glorieta Exit, #299. Left onto overpass, right onto Route 50; proceed on Route 50 for eight miles. At the village of Pecos, take a right at the four-way stop onto Route 63. In two miles, the park will be on your right. From I-25 S: Take the Rowe Exit, #307. Follow signs. From Highway 63, the park will be on your left. Please be sure to check in at the information tent upon arrival to confirm event locations and times.
Many thanks to park partners including the Friends of Pecos National Historical Park, Western National Parks Association, the Artillery Company of New Mexico, the 9th Texas Infantry Unit, 4th Texas Mounted Volunteers, the Civil War Ladies League and the 3rd NM Volunteers Living History Unit from Fort Union National Monument for their invaluable help with this event.
For more information about the park in general, contact Pecos NHP at (505) 757-7241 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/peco. You will also find our listings on the New Mexico True website (newmexico.org) and Tourism Santa Fe (santafe.org). Please like on us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PecosNHPnps or follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pecos_nps).
