SENATE MEMORIAL 118

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Jacob R. Candelaria

A MEMORIAL

COMMEMORATING THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FEDERAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ACT AND ENCOURAGING ALL NEW MEXICANS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ACT, TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO OUTDOORS AND ENJOY NEW MEXICO'S GREATEST NATURAL RESOURCES.

     WHEREAS, the national wild and scenic rivers system was created by congress in 1968 to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations; and

     WHEREAS, 2018 is the fiftieth anniversary of the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act; and

     WHEREAS, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act is notable for safeguarding the special character of these rivers while also recognizing the potential for their appropriate use and development; and

     WHEREAS, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act encourages tier management that crosses political boundaries and promotes public participation in developing goals for river protection; and

     WHEREAS, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act recognizes three tiers of rivers: wild, scenic and recreational; and

     WHEREAS, designation neither prohibits development nor gives the federal government control over private property and does not affect existing water rights or the existing jurisdiction of the state and the federal government as determined by established principles of law; and

     WHEREAS, of the two hundred eight rivers in forty states classified as wild and scenic, New Mexico proudly boasts portions of five: the Rio Chama, the east fork of the Jemez river, the Red river, the Rio Grande and the Pecos river; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's rivers are a precious and vital source of recreation, natural enjoyment and economic benefit for all New Mexicans and visitors to the state;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the fiftieth anniversary of the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act be commemorated; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all New Mexicans be encouraged to learn more about the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all New Mexicans be encouraged to take the opportunity to go outdoors and enjoy New Mexico's greatest natural resources; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the United States bureau of land management.

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