SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 39

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Dede Feldman

A JOINT MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW MEXICO STATE PARKS SYSTEM AND REQUESTING THAT THE GOVERNOR PROCLAIM AUGUST 31, 2008 AS "STATE PARKS DAY" IN RECOGNITION OF THE DIAMOND JUBILEE OF THE NEW MEXICO STATE PARKS SYSTEM.

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico State Parks System was formally established on August 31, 1933, when Governor Arthur Seligman appointed the first State Park Commission, making New Mexico eligible for federal funds through the New Deal and the Emergency Conservation Work Act; and

     WHEREAS, with construction assistance from the Civilian Conservation Corps, the first four state parks, Santa Fe River- Hyde Memorial State Park, La Joya State Park, Bottomless Lakes State Park and Eastern New Mexico State Park, were established in 1933; and

     WHEREAS, from this humble beginning, the New Mexico State Parks System has evolved to include thirty-four parks that serve over four million visitors annually; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's state parks protect the irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage of New Mexico for present and future generations; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's state parks offer premier locations for recreational activities for the enjoyment of all citizens of the state and visitors to the state; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's state parks provide outstanding opportunities for learning and education, they enhance quality of life and they supply unique backdrops that help to reinforce family connections and reconnect people with nature and culture; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's state parks are a key element in the economy of the state for both urban and rural communities; and

     WHEREAS, on August 31, 2008, the New Mexico State Parks System will celebrate its seventy-fifth anniversary;

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

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that this anniversary be recognized as a milestone that reflects the longstanding commitment of the state of New Mexico to protect its heritage and provide opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that past and present employees of the New Mexico State Parks System be commended for their dedication and accomplishments in building one of the finest state parks systems in the United States; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the governor be requested to designate August 31, 2008 as "State Parks Day" in recognition of the Diamond Jubilee of the New Mexico State Parks System; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Diamond Jubilee of the New Mexico State Parks System be properly observed throughout 2008; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources, the director of the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and to the chair of the State Parks Advisory Board.

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