A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE STATE PARKS DIVISION OF THE ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A PROPOSED STATE PARK IN QUESTA, NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, northern New Mexico, including Taos county, is known for its scenic beauty and diverse recreational attractions; and

     WHEREAS, the town of Questa lies on the enchanted circle, one of New Mexico's most attractive and popular scenic byways; and

     WHEREAS, a parcel of land of tremendous recreational value is available in the vicinity of Questa; and

     WHEREAS, acquiring the land for use as recreational property could be a benefit to the state; and

     WHEREAS, the land has a high mountain lake and scenic vistas and is contiguous to other public lands and forests;

     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 study the feasibility of creating a state park in the vicinity of Questa on the available land; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state parks division report its findings to the appropriate interim committee of the legislature by December 1, 2005; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources and to the director of the state parks division.