SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 41

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

INTRODUCED BY

Steve Komadina

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO LOOK AT IMPROVING MANAGEMENT OF WILD HORSE HERDS AND REQUESTING THE STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS TO DEVELOP TOURISM PROGRAMS AT NATIONAL WILD HORSE TERRITORIES AND OTHER WILD HORSE RANGES.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico started out with twelve national wild horse territories but now has only three territories; and

     WHEREAS, the wild horse population of New Mexico on federal lands in 1973 was over six thousand, but currently the total wild horse population of New Mexico on federal lands is under four hundred and is targeted at two hundred eighteen; and

     WHEREAS, wild horses of Spanish colonial descent are part of New Mexico's living heritage and history, but they are endangered and may become extinct in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, there are increased efforts in the state to ensure the preservation of the descendants of those horses who came to the new world with the conquistadores, one means being DNA testing of wild horses and removing Spanish-line horses to separate preserves; and

     WHEREAS, like the buffalo, wild horses are emblematic of the old west, and it is the image of wild horses running free across the plains of the west that lives in the hearts and minds of Americans; and

     WHEREAS, it was with this idea in mind that the United States congress recognized that these living symbols of the historic pioneer spirit of the west were fast disappearing from the American scene and passed the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 to protect wild horses; and

     WHEREAS, the wild horse is part of New Mexico's enchantment and essence and an integral part of the Indian, Hispanic, ranching and farming cultures; and

     WHEREAS, although tourism is the second largest industry in the state, the national wild horse territories in New Mexico are not advertised by either the federal or state governments; and

     WHEREAS, the state, in particular, is missing an opportunity to draw thousands of tourists from all over the world who are intrigued by the history, culture and art of the American west;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the federal government be requested to develop the three existing wild horse territories in New Mexico and to open other national wild horse territories in New Mexico where herds currently exist; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the federal government endeavor to maintain a minimum herd size of two hundred in each national wild horse territory for genetic viability and for tourism; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the federal government control wild horse populations by the use of contraception rather than sale of excess animals; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that when overpopulation does exist, the federal government move the excess animals to other wild horse territories, preferably in New Mexico, or place them with private or state wild horse preserves after DNA testing to determine if the horses are Spanish-line descendants; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that helicopters not be used in the state's rugged terrain to round up wild horses, especially during foaling season; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the federal government honor the cultural heritage and history of New Mexico by maintaining Spanish-line and other wild horse populations for the enjoyment and education of New Mexico residents and other visitors to the state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state government be requested to develop advertising and other tourist-related information featuring the wild horses of New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the bureau of land management of the Unite States department of the interior, the secretary of the interior, the New Mexico congressional delegation, the New Mexico tourism department and the governor of New Mexico.

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