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	Papen		DATE TYPED	1/30/04		HB
SHORT TITLE		Funding Sources for Landscape Protection				SB	SJM 24
					ANALYST		Wilson

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
			NFI

Duplicates HJM 37

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

Senate Joint Memorial 24 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 t22 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

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

DW/lg