A New Mexico wildlife reform bill introduced today offers a comprehensive, three-pronged approach to modernize wildlife management and protect New Mexico’s rich biodiversity.
New Mexico Deserves 21st Century Wildlife Management
New Mexico is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, which enriches our cultural traditions and drives a $3.2 billion outdoor recreation economy. But our current wildlife management system, largely unchanged since the early 20th century, is no longer equipped to address the challenges of today.
From declining wildlife populations to habitat loss and climate change, it’s clear we need a modernized, equitable system that reflects the values of all New Mexicans. Wildlife for All has led the charge on this front for years, and we’re excited to announce that a broad coalition has come together to support SB5, Game Commission Reform. This reform package bill offers a comprehensive, three-pronged approach to modernize wildlife management and protect New Mexico’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
Updating the Mission for Wildlife
The first step is updating the Department of Game & Fish’s mission to reflect the evolving ways New Mexicans connect with wildlife. For decades, wildlife management in New Mexico has been disproportionately focused on game species, leaving many non-game species without adequate protection. From hikers and birdwatchers to photographers and wildlife advocates, our love for wildlife transcends hunting and fishing alone. However, the Department’s outdated mission and funding limit its ability to manage all wildlife species, leaving many vulnerable to threats like wildfires, flooding, and habitat loss. Modernizing the mission will enable the Department to address today’s challenges and prioritize the conservation of all wildlife, including species critical to healthy ecosystems.
Reforming the Game Commission
The second piece of the package addresses the broken State Game Commission, a decision-making body whose original purpose was to shield wildlife management from politics. But in recent decades, commissions have become very politicized. SB5 addresses this issue with reforms to ensure that the Commission is balanced, science-based, and representative of all New Mexicans. It will establish clear qualifications for Commissioners, ensuring they bring expertise in areas like biology, conservation, and rural and urban interests. It also ensures input from underrepresented groups, such as Indigenous communities, to reflect the diverse values of all New Mexicans. By giving wildlife experts, tribal communities, and all stakeholders across the state a voice, we can build a system that better reflects the diverse values of New Mexicans.
Securing Sustainable Funding
Lastly, SB5 tackles the looming funding crisis. The Department of Game & Fish is primarily funded through hunting and fishing license fees, which haven’t increased in nearly 20 years. This system is unsustainable and excludes many New Mexicans who enjoy and benefit from wildlife in other ways, such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. SB5 proposes modest increases in license fees, along with additional diversified funding sources, like $10 million from the Government Results and Opportunity Fund, to secure sustainable, equitable funding for wildlife conservation. This balanced approach will provide sustainable funding to protect New Mexico’s wildlife and landscapes.
Wildlife conservation must serve everyone, not just a select few. Historically, wildlife management systems across the U.S. have excluded diverse perspectives and prioritized a narrow set of interests. SB5 represents an opportunity to build a more inclusive system that values all New Mexicans and the ways they connect with nature. By addressing structural inequities, we can ensure that wildlife conservation contributes to broader environmental justice goals, benefiting people and ecosystems alike.
SB5 reflects the collective efforts of wildlife advocates, environmentalists, animal protection supporters, hunters, anglers, conservationists, and community leaders who share a commitment to preserving New Mexico’s wildlife heritage. With support from organizations ranging from Animal Protection New Mexico and Audubon Southwest to Trout Unlimited and the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, the reform bill reflects the values of all New Mexicans who cherish our wildlife heritage.
Now is the time to act. By modernizing our wildlife management system, we can ensure thriving ecosystems, healthy wildlife populations, and a sustainable future for generations to come.
