HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 16

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Luciano "Lucky" Varela

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE STATE PARKS DIVISION OF THE ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT TO COOPERATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH TO ESTABLISH PECOS CANYON STATE PARK IN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY.

     WHEREAS, the Pecos canyon north of the village of Pecos in San Miguel county is one of New Mexico's most scenic and popular recreational areas; and

     WHEREAS, this portion of Pecos canyon contains an outstanding diversity of resources with statewide, and in some cases, national, significance, including areas of scientific, aesthetic, geologic, natural, cultural and recreational value; and

     WHEREAS, Pecos canyon provides recreational opportunities that serve the entire state as well as visitors to New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the state game commission holds title to lands in Pecos canyon that have been managed by the department of game and fish for protection of fish and wildlife habitat and for recreation; and

     WHEREAS, the Pecos canyon recreational use capacity assessment completed by the department of game and fish in June 2008 concluded that the natural and cultural resources of Pecos canyon would benefit from improved and enhanced management of the lands owned by the state game commission; and

     WHEREAS, the Pecos canyon recreational use capacity assessment suggests that the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department is better suited to directly manage these state-owned lands to maximize the benefits of the Pecos canyon for New Mexico residents and visitors; and

     WHEREAS, the Pecos canyon recreational use capacity assessment satisfies the requirement for a state park feasibility study required by Section 16-2-11 NMSA 1978; and

     WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the residents of New Mexico to designate a state park in Pecos canyon;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department be requested to establish Pecos canyon state park on lands owned by the state game commission and other lands that the state parks division determines to be appropriate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources, the director of the department of game and fish and the chair of the state game commission.

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