A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE GOVERNOR DESIGNATE AUGUST 10, 2005 AS "NATIVE PLANT DAY" IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has one of the largest numbers of plant habitats in the United States, from Chihuahuan desert to alpine tundra; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico also supports one of the largest numbers of native plant species in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, some of these species are found nowhere else on earth; and

     WHEREAS, these native plants support a large variety of birds and animals, both native and domestic; and

     WHEREAS, our modern way of life inadvertently destroys habitat and introduces noxious weeds, which in their turn replace native forage as well as the state's natural heritage; and

     WHEREAS, in all seasons, New Mexicans enjoy the beauty and variety of these native plants, from sunflowers and purple asters to exotic yuccas and cacti; and

     WHEREAS, there is increasing concern lest many of these native plants become destroyed or eradicated because they are not well enough known;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to designate August 10, 2005 as "Native Plant Day" in New Mexico to honor and showcase the natural heritage of plants that New Mexico provides for all its citizens; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and to the president of the native plant society of New Mexico.