46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

RELATING TO NATURAL RESOURCES; PROVIDING FOR WATERSHED RESTORATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. SECRETARY OF ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES--ADDITIONAL DUTIES.--The secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources shall develop a comprehensive watershed restoration strategy that sets guidelines for coordination with state and federal land management agencies and political subdivisions, including the soil and water conservation districts. The strategy shall focus on removing the overabundance of woody vegetation, particularly non-native species of phreatophytes, that consume excessive amounts of water and on reestablishing the natural ecology of New Mexico. The strategy shall use:

A. incentives to encourage the formation of businesses to clear vegetation;

B. incentives to encourage biomass energy use; and

C. the use of inmates from the corrections department to assist with watershed cleanup.