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A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO SUPPORT

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SABINOSO WILDERNESS.

WHEREAS, the Sabinoso area is located approximately

forty miles east of Las Vegas and twenty-five miles northwest

of Conchas Lake state park in San Miguel county; and

WHEREAS, approximately fifteen thousand acres of

existing federal lands have been proposed as the Sabinoso

wilderness area; and

WHEREAS, the proposed Sabinoso wilderness encompasses

the existing Sabinoso wilderness study area and the Sabinoso

area of critical environmental concern, both established by

the bureau of land management; and

WHEREAS, the area is characterized by long, deep canyons

carved into sandstone mesas with the dominant feature of the

area being the thousand-foot-deep Canon Largo, which connects

to the Canadian river just outside the proposed area; and

WHEREAS, the area contains exceptional scenery,

including the area's many canyons and incredibly broad vistas

across the eastern plains of the area; and

WHEREAS, the area is home to a range of wildlife and

game species, including mule deer, wild turkey, mourning dove,

rabbit, bobcat, coyote and gray fox, and also supports a wide

variety of birds, including red-tailed hawk, American kestrel,

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mountain chickadee and broad-tailed hummingbird, among many

others; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of the Sabinoso wilderness

area will provide continued opportunities for future

generations of New Mexicans to enjoy recreation such as

hunting, hiking, observing wildlife, horseback riding and

experiencing solitude; and

WHEREAS, no private lands will be included or adversely

affected by the creation of the wilderness; and

WHEREAS, the proposed Sabinoso wilderness area protects

existing traditional uses, including grazing and hunting; and

WHEREAS, the proposed Sabinoso wilderness area will

provide sustainable economic opportunities for local

individuals and communities, including hunting, guiding, bed

and breakfasts and other economic benefits;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico

congressional delegation be requested to support the creation

of the Sabinoso wilderness area; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the bureau of land

management be requested to work with the state land office and

department of game and fish to consolidate this unique habitat

and to provide public access to the area for hunting and other

pursuits; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

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transmitted to the New Mexico congressional delegation, the

commissioner of public lands, the director of the department

of game and fish and the state director of the bureau of land

management.