Heinrich To Unveil White Sands National Park Bill, Showcase Economic Force Of Outdoor Recreation Industry In Southern N.M.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – On Friday, May 4, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will be in southern New Mexico to unveil legislation to establish White Sands National Monument as a national park and highlight the economic force of the outdoor recreation industry in the region.

At 8:30 a.m., Senator Heinrich will deliver the keynote address at the Las Cruces Outdoor Economics Conference on the inextricable link between conservation and growing the Western economy. The conference is the first event of its kind in New Mexico and will feature business, elected, and outdoor industry leaders from across the West. The outdoor recreation economy in New Mexico generates 99,000 direct jobs, $9.9 billion in consumer spending, $2.8 billion in wages and salaries, and $623 million in state and local tax revenue. Immediately following the conference, Senator Heinrich will join participants on a hike in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

At 1:30 p.m., Senator Heinrich will unveil the White Sands National Park Establishment Act with local elected officials and community leaders. After the press conference, Senator Heinrich will walk the Playa Trail and learn about recent new discoveries related to hearth sites and Ice Age tracks, followed by a short walk on the Dune Life Trail.

At 3:30 p.m., Senator Heinrich will be the featured speaker at a forum on the economic and community impact of establishing White Sands National Park hosted by the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce. The discussion will provide an overview of a new report by Headwaters Economics on the economic benefits of designating White Sands as a national park, and will feature panels with local elected officials and business and community leaders.

***Press interested in attending should RSVP to press@heinrich.senate.gov or call (202) 228-1578.***

Las Cruces - Friday, May 4, 2018

WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich
WHAT: Keynote at Outdoor Recreation Economy Conference
WHEN: From 8:30 to 9 a.m. 
WHERE: Hotel Encanto, Ballroom, 705 S. Telshor Blvd Las Cruces, N.M. 88011

WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich
WHAT: Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Hike
WHEN: From 9:30 to 11 a.m. 
WHERE: Dripping Springs Natural Area, 15000 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, N.M. 88011