SENATE MEMORIAL 32

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

INTRODUCED BY

Tim Eichenberg

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT CONGRESS BE URGED TO HOLD HEARINGS ON A NEW MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE VALLES CALDERA NATIONAL PRESERVE.

     WHEREAS, the Valles Caldera national preserve is one of New Mexico's most spectacular places and important wildlife habitats, consisting of eighty-nine thousand acres of forest, high-mountain grassland and clear streams nestled into the caldera of an ancient volcano; and

     WHEREAS, hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation are important parts of the way of life in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, accessible and protected public lands benefit local economies by offering a higher quality of life that attracts tourism and high-wage jobs; and

     WHEREAS, the current management experiment at the Valles Caldera national preserve is based on a system set up for the Presidio, an urban area located in San Francisco, California; and

     WHEREAS, it has become clear that the experimental management system for the Valles Caldera national preserve will never generate adequate funding without developing, and thereby destroying, the Valles Caldera itself; and

     WHEREAS, the current experimental management system has failed to provide adequate access to the public for responsible use and enjoyment of the area; and

     WHEREAS, a new management system would improve opportunity for the public to responsibly enjoy the Valles Caldera national preserve, thereby benefiting all residents and helping the local economy; and

     WHEREAS, a new management system would expand access to hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational opportunities for all residents regardless of financial means; and

     WHEREAS, a new management system would improve natural resource management at the Valles Caldera national preserve and put it on more solid financial footing, ensuring that this spectacular place can be enjoyed by present and future generations;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that congress be urged to hold hearings as soon as possible on the establishment of a new management system for the Valles Caldera national preserve, in which the United States forest service, the national park service or the United States fish and wildlife service provide management to improve responsible public access, expand hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational opportunities for the public and place the Valles Caldera national preserve on firm financial footing so that present and future generations can enjoy and experience this spectacular place and benefits to the economy can be fully realized; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico congressional delegation and the chief clerks of the United States house of representatives and senate for distribution to the appropriate committees.

- 3 -