BLM proposing fee increase for Three River Petroglyph Site in New Mexico

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — If you enjoy hiking and taking photos at one of the Southwest’s hidden treasures, you may have to pay more.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District Office is seeking public input on a proposal to increase fees at Three Rivers Petroglyph Site in Southern New Mexico.

The district is proposing to increase fees for day-use, campground, and group facilities, it said in a news release.

The proposed fee increases are as follows:

1. Day use from $5 to $7;
2. Campsites from $7 to $10;
3. Tour bus fees from $15 to $20;
4. RV hookup campsites from $18 to $25; and
5. Group site fee from $50 to $60 per day.

These changes are proposed to start in late summer 2024.

The site preserves more than 21,000 petroglyphs over 50 acres.

It is located 17 miles north of Tularosa, New Mexico, and 28 miles south of Carrizozo on U.S. 54.

“These fee increases are being proposed to meet growing maintenance needs due to increased visitation and operating costs of the site. It has been more than 12 years since fees have been changed. The new proposed fees will enable the BLM to improve services, add amenities desired by visitors and help ensure the site remains a place the public can be proud of for years to come,” according to a news release sent out by the BLM’s Las Cruces office.

The BLM “is proposing to use the increase in funds to broadly enhance recreational amenities, by adding additional RV sites with utility hookups and shade structures, update the water system, and expand upon and enhance all interpretive exhibits, signage and kiosks across the site,” according to the news release.

You can take a look at the plan to increase fees at https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-fees/business-plans .

The public is invited to provide input about the fee proposal by contacting the BLM Las Cruces District Office by mail at 1800 Marquess St., Las Cruces, NM 88005 Attention: Three Rivers Fee Increase or email the public inbox at blm_nm_lcdo_mail@blm.gov. The comment period runs from April 9 through May 8.

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