Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.

 

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are available on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us).  Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not.  Previously issued FIRs and attachments may also be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

 

 

F I S C A L    I M P A C T    R E P O R T

 

 

 

SPONSOR

Coll

DATE TYPED

1/31/04

HB

HJM 37

 

SHORT TITLE

Funding Sources for Landscape Protection

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST

Wilson

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY04

FY05

FY04

FY05

 

 

 

NFI

 

 

 

Duplicates SJM 24

Relates to SB 291

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

LFC Files

 

Responses Received From

Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)

Game & Fish Department (GFD)

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis of Bill

 

House Joint Memorial 37 requests the GFD and EMNRD to conduct a study to investigate sustainable alternative funding measures to protect New Mexico’s unique landscapes, open spaces, recreation areas and wildlife habitats by December 31, 2004.

 

Significant Issues

 

Wildlife-associated recreation creates annual expenditures of more than $1 billion each year in New Mexico.  Conservation funding for protection and maintenance of outdoor recreation areas, land, water and wildlife is inadequate to meet current and future needs.

 

New Mexico is home to the fourth largest number of plant and animal species in the United States with ninety species of plants and animals that do not exist anywhere else in the world.  One hundred twenty-two species are at risk of extinction and 22 species have been extirpated.

Preventing further loss is in the best interest of the State’s conservation efforts, economic vitality and quality of life.  Alteration and development of natural areas to accommodate the State’s growing population contribute to fragmentation and destruction of habitat.  This growth requires governmental efforts to restore, enhance or acquire lands.

 

Fragmentation and loss of habitat are contributing to the loss of plant and animal species.  Housing and industrial development in new areas continue to put pressure on certain rare species and generally degrade landscapes and open spaces.

 

The GFD and EMNRD staff hope the requested study of sustainable alternative means of funding will identify new funding sources.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

There are no fiscal impacts contained in this memorial.  The study requested by this memorial could lead to the identification of funding sources that would have positive fiscal impacts on the GFD.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

 

The GFD and EMRD can complete the study with existing staff.

 

DUPLICATION, RELATIONSHIP

 

HJM 37 duplicates SJM 24 and relates to SB291, Severance Bonds for Unique Land Acquisitions.

 

DW/lg