A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE STATE PARKS DIVISION OF THE ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT TO EXPAND CITY OF ROCKS STATE PARK, LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS STATE PARK, CONCHAS LAKE STATE PARK AND OASIS STATE PARK.

     WHEREAS, Section 16-2-11 NMSA 1978 requires legislative approval of any acquisition of land for state park purposes prior to the execution of a written agreement binding the state to an expenditure of funds; and

     WHEREAS, there are unique opportunities to protect lands adjacent to City of Rocks state park, Living Desert zoo and gardens state park, Conchas Lake state park and Oasis state park that have outstanding natural, cultural and recreational resources; and

     WHEREAS, acquisition of additional land will improve these parks, enhance visitor experiences and benefit tourism; and

     WHEREAS, the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department can acquire lands only from willing sellers and the willing sellers are present in these locations;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department be requested to enter into agreements to acquire lands to expand these four state parks and that the acquisitions be approved pursuant to Section 16-2-11 NMSA 1978; and

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