pg_0001

SM 12

Page 1

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE NEW MEXICO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

INTRODUCE AND SUPPORT A BILL TO ENSURE THE PRESERVATION OF

THE RIGHT TO RIDE ON PUBLIC LANDS.

WHEREAS, there have been several "right to ride" bills

introduced in congress over the last few years; and

WHEREAS, the bills sought to preserve the use of saddle

and pack animals on public lands on which there is an

historical tradition of the use of saddle and pack animals;

and

WHEREAS, the bills also sought to preserve access to

historical and traditional trails, routes and areas on public

lands, including wilderness areas, national monuments and

other specifically designated areas administered by the

national park service, the bureau of land management, the

United States fish and wildlife service or the forest

service, where there is an historical tradition of use of

saddle and pack animals; and

WHEREAS, the right to ride horses on public lands has

become severely restricted in recent years; and

WHEREAS, it is vitally important to preserve America's

history through the preservation and use of historical trails

and routes that have been used for centuries by riders and

pack animals all over the country, from the earliest Native

pg_0002

SM 12

Page 2

Americans through the pilgrims in the east and mountain men

and pioneers in the west to modern-day hikers, history buffs

and riders; and

WHEREAS, congress needs to act to ensure that Americans

who choose to enjoy public lands on horseback or by using

pack animals should be free to do so;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that members of the congressional

delegation be requested to introduce and support

right-to-ride legislation to ensure use of and access to

historical and traditional travel methods and trails and

routes on public lands; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to each member of the New Mexico congressional

delegation.