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New Mexico Airstrip Network (NMAN)


Downloads:
NMAN_Executive_Overview.pdf
NMAN Steering Team Update Presentation -2024_05


What is NMAN?
The New Mexico Airstrip Network (NMAN) is a coalition of multiple state and federal agencies, organizations, and private land owners with a common goal to increase public access to airstrips to promote tourism and economic development, while conserving the environment.

WHY NEW MEXICO? WHY NOW?

Recreational aviation and backcountry adventures are a growing national trend, supporting a desire for more leisure and family time. Other states such as Idaho have demonstrated success in cultivating aviation tourism, now critical to many portal communities. New Mexico uniquely offers a longer flying season due to a shorter and less severe winter, plus unparalleled diversity, aerial vistas, and terrain.
DOWNLOAD Documents:

NMAN Executive Overview.pdf
NMAN Steering Team Update Presentation-2024_05
NMAN Steering Team Update Presentation-2023-05-24
NMAN Steering Team Update Presentation 2022-03-28
NMAN Update Summary - Spring 2021


Group Photos: 
November 2016 MOU Signing at USFS Region 3: the historic formalization of NMAN. 
For photos from 2020-21 Virtual MOU Renewal Signing, scroll down below.
 NMAN MOU Signing 2016
WHY FORMALIZE WITH A MOU?

Since 2010, the New Mexico Pilots Association (NMPA) and the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) have strived to expand backcountry flying in New Mexico. While progress has been made, a unified effort with partners including the USFS, BLM, state agencies, and recreational organizations such as the NM Council of Outfitters and Guides, will assure success and sustainability.

NMAN is modeled after the Idaho Airstrip Network, formed to develop and improve the inventory of Idaho airstrip assets and quantify and expand economic impact. The NMDOT Aviation Division recognizes Idaho’s demonstrated success as well as those of other western states, and believes New Mexico can benefit by modeling the Idaho process.



BENEFITS
Airstrips offer increased access to New Mexico recreational destinations, enhancing biking, fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, etc. with the associated economic impact on nearby portal communities. Several western states (ID, UT, MT, CO and AZ) have enjoyed growth and impact from backcountry flying, partnering with volunteer organizations such as NMPA and RAF. Remote airstrips also provide access for emergency medical and wildfire operations. 



STRATEGY AND ACTION PLANS

 New Mexico has a wide range of public and private airstrips which offer excellent recreational opportunities, although currently not well utilized. Initial strategy and action plans define a coordinated effort to preserve and enhance airstrip access, and through marketing and education, demonstrate the sustainable value of airstrips as one of New Mexico’s truly unique transportation assets. 

COST

Initially, costs will be administrative and take advantage of the passionate aviation volunteer community. There will be expanded costs for developing and maintaining airstrips which may warrant establishing a fund raising foundation.



FUTURE VISION

New Mexico has a long and rich aviation tradition. Our vision reflects the values and a commitment of partners to maintaining and enhancing air access to New Mexico’s recreational destinations, in which all New Mexicans can take pride.

NMAN Memorandum of Understanding - Virtual MOU Renewal Signing 2020-2021
A strong partnership, making great strides in New Mexico!

NMAN Steering Team 2022