SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 46

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Richard C. Martinez

A JOINT MEMORIAL

URGING THE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE AND THE GHOST RANCH EDUCATIONAL AND RETREAT CENTER TO CONCLUDE NEGOTIATIONS THAT RESULT IN THE OPENING OF THE GHOST RANCH PIEDRA LUMBRE VISITOR AND EDUCATION CENTER.

     WHEREAS, Ghost Ranch is a national educational and retreat center owned by the Presbyterian church; and

     WHEREAS, the closed Piedra Lumbre visitor center is located on United States forest service land adjacent to Ghost Ranch; and

     WHEREAS, the United States forest service approached Ghost Ranch about operating the visitor center, and from those discussions a concept has evolved for a Ghost Ranch Piedra Lumbre visitor and education center; and

     WHEREAS, such a center would encourage appreciation of northern New Mexico culture and traditions; provide environmental education in land management, ecology and water research, paleontology, geology and archaeology; and provide an economic stimulus by encouraging increased tourist activity and job development in Rio Arriba county; and

     WHEREAS, a visitor and education center would be financially viable with the support of Ghost Ranch and the United States forest service;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it endorse the discussions between Ghost Ranch and the United States forest service regarding the opening of the Ghost Ranch Piedra Lumbre visitor and education center with the hope that those discussions conclude successfully with the opening of the center; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to Ghost Ranch and the United States forest service.

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