HOUSE ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 45

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

A JOINT MEMORIAL

TO URGE THE NEW MEXICO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO SUPPORT RECREATION AT HERON LAKE STATE PARK.

     WHEREAS, lake and reservoir storage is a key component of effective water management in the state of New Mexico, especially during times of drought; and

     WHEREAS, the level of water is directly related to fishing and boating interests, water quality, species reproductive rates, aesthetic and recreational values of parks, lakes and reservoirs, quality of life and the economy of surrounding areas; and

     WHEREAS, maintaining a permanent conservation or recreational pool at lakes within state parks would protect the natural resources, recreational values, quality-of-life and economic benefits of these state parks; and

     WHEREAS, the release and storage of water at state lakes and reservoirs is governed either by state law, federal law, contract, interstate compact or combinations of two or more of the foregoing; and

     WHEREAS, in the case of Heron Lake state park, existing federal law and bureau of reclamation policies are preventing the storage of additional water from the San Juan-Chama project for longer periods that would benefit recreation and tourism;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico congressional delegation request the bureau of reclamation to evaluate the situation at Heron lake and make recommendations regarding any changes to water management that might improve recreation at Heron Lake state park; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico congressional delegation, the office of the state engineer and the energy, minerals and natural resources department.

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