SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 40

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

INTRODUCED BY

Dede Feldman

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH TO COOPERATE IN CONDUCTING A STUDY ON OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLE USE.

     WHEREAS, there is not a New Mexico centralized, organized database on which to assess and compare the economic, social, historic, cultural, archaeological and environmental contributions and impacts of non-motorized outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, mountain biking, archaeological exploration, natural resources education, agriculture and ranching with motorized recreation; and

     WHEREAS, other state studies have found that motorized recreation is negatively impacting non-motorized recreation that results in significant costly consequences; and

     WHEREAS, in order for state and local governments to appropriately and adequately address both management problems and solutions, it is essential to have factual and science-based information to make the most prudent choices for expenditure of revenues both in the immediate future and the long run; and

     WHEREAS, there are many sources of information on the economic benefits and costs of both non-motorized and motorized off-road vehicle recreation, but there is not any New Mexico study that has assimilated, analyzed and summarized that information in a central study or created an economic, cultural, social, archaeological and environmental matrix for all recreation users that could serve policymakers and land managers to guide decisions; and

     WHEREAS, goals of sound recreation policy should ensure that income produced from all forms of outdoor recreation exceeds the cost to the public to allow, support and maintain it, and the state's natural, cultural, social, historic and archaeological resources will be protected for use by future generations;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the energy, minerals and natural resources department and the department of game and fish be requested to cooperate with other state agencies to conduct a study and recommend actions to resolve user conflicts, prevent future resource damage and provide greater safety protections for motorized recreation users; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include a compilation and summary of studies done in other states and regions whose data and recommendations are applicable to New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study identify enforcement, monitoring, restoration, institutional and information needs, cost-benefit comparison of motorized and non-motorized recreationists and an inventory of private, federal and state off-road vehicle parks in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include recommendations on what measures need to be in place for the public to have access to statistical information on off-road vehicle accidents, including their locations, types of injuries, incidents, if any, of broken laws and, if required, whether protective gear was worn at the time of injury; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the energy, minerals and natural resources department and the department of game and fish report their findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate interim committee of the legislature by December 31, 2008; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources and the director of the department of game and fish.