A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH TO DEVELOP A RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE FOR EQUAL ACCESS FISHING IN LAKE MALOYA.

WHEREAS, lake Maloya is in Colfax county just northeast of Raton and is a body of water split by the New Mexico and Colorado state boundary; and

WHEREAS, approximately one-fourth of the lake is in Colorado when water levels are normal to high, and about three-fourths of it is within New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, currently individuals fishing are required to have fishing licenses from either New Mexico or Colorado, or both, to fish those portions of the lake that are on the respective sides of the state line; and

WHEREAS, the primary access for individuals who want to fish at the lake is through New Mexico;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of game and fish be requested to work with the Colorado division of wildlife to explore the feasibility and potential for a reciprocal agreement that allows individuals to fish on both sides of the state line in lake Maloya with either a New Mexico or Colorado fishing license; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of game and fish report on the discussions with the Colorado division of wildlife to the legislature by December 1, 2003; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the department of game and fish.