Over the years, one of NMRTA's goals has been to turn an abandoned Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountains railroad grade into a 32 mile multi-use/multi-access recreational trail.  Ultimately, this trail will be part of an overall 70 mile loop, which will run south from Alamogordo to Oliver Lee State Park, up the mountain to the National Solar Observatory and north back to Cloudcroft.  The collaborative efforts between the Forest Service, BLM, NM Museum of Space History, City of Alamogordo, NM State Parks and various landowners will help with the completion of this trail.  The NMRTA has already build and maintained over 30 miles of rail-trail and associated signs, viewing decks and trailside benches (see projects for more) and has touched thousands of people through their various programs.

The Association has been instrumental in the construction of the Trestle Recreation Area and the associated trail system on the Sacramento Ranger District near Cloudcroft, NM.  The installation and maintenance of the landscaping, application of wood preservative to the decking, building relationships with land owners and land acquisition organizations has demonstrated the unique goal of protecting the Trestle area for future generations.  The collaboration has been successful since the beginning, bring together various government entities, community organizations, businesses, volunteers and individuals.

NMRTA has volunteered over 5,000 hours in clearing, maintaining and constructing of USFS system trails.  The group has received over $180,000 in grants for trail projects, most of which require a monetary or in-kind contribution of 20-50% of the grant value.  NMRTA has also received $10,000 from the Marion Hakey estate, $5,000 from the Jerry and Patricia Johnson Foundation, and over $12,000 in contributed labor and services from other organizations and individuals.  The Jerry and Patricia Johnson Foundation recently endowed NMRTA ensureing they will continue to be a positive force in the community for years to come.

Through many NMRTA events, hundreds of people have developed a greater appreciation for and sense of ownership in their national forests.  The members have also promoted a greater public appreciation of the Lincoln NNF cultural and natural resources, what it takes to build and  maintain trails and complete environmental compliance documentation.  One example is guided tours of the rail-trail for school kids to learn about railroad history, geology, and natural resources.  The NMRTA has saved an important part of our history and provided a quality trail system for the future.  

- Joe Garcia, Public Affairs Officer, Lincoln National Forest