REQUESTING THE STATE PARKS DIVISION OF THE ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT TO STUDY THE CURRENT STATE PARKS DIVISION FEE SCHEDULE.

WHEREAS, New Mexico's state parks are among the state's finest possessions, protecting irreplaceable natural, cultural and recreational resources, preserving the unique multicultural heritage of the state and serving as tremendous economic assets; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 16-2-7 NMSA 1978, the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources is required to ensure that the state parks division is made as nearly self-supporting as possible; and

WHEREAS, unforeseen acts of nature over the past three years, including fire restrictions and drought conditions, have significantly impacted visitation to and subsequent revenue collections from state parks; and

WHEREAS, there is strong public interest in having a variety of options for admission to state parks, including single-day admissions, annual day-use passes, annual camping passes and other options; and

WHEREAS, it is desirable for visitors to state parks to continue to receive quality services at reasonable and fair rates;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department be requested to conduct a study of the current state parks division fee schedule and park revenues to determine a fair and reasonable fee schedule and to make recommendations concerning the fee schedule; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include a survey of state park systems in surrounding states, an analysis of the current cost-effectiveness of each state park in terms of revenue collected and park operational costs and an estimate of potential revenue increases from additional marketing efforts, capital improvements or additional park programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study also include an analysis of the current cost evaluation of offering several types of annual passes, including an annual camping pass, as well as seasonal and promotional entrance passes, and other offerings to meet the interests and needs of the public; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state parks division be requested to report the findings of the study to the legislative finance committee and the interim legislative water and natural resources committee by September 1, 2003; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources.