HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 38

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Thomas C. Taylor

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE STATE GAME COMMISSION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH COORDINATE EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THE WORLD-CLASS TAILWATER TROUT FISHERY BELOW THE NAVAJO DAM ON THE SAN JUAN RIVER.

     WHEREAS, the quality waters section of the San Juan river below the Navajo dam in San Juan county is a world-famous fishery, attracting anglers from across the country and around the world; and

     WHEREAS, the trout fishery on the San Juan river below Navajo dam is an important resource to New Mexicans; and

     WHEREAS, the trout fishery on the San Juan river below Navajo dam generates millions of dollars in revenue that benefit local, regional and state economies; and

     WHEREAS, the San Juan river below Navajo dam supports a vibrant and economically valuable guiding industry; and

     WHEREAS, fishing and recreation on the San Juan river below Navajo dam are beneficial uses of renewable wildlife resources that are essential to the long-term economy of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, fishing is an integral part of the fabric of New Mexico's economy and is an important cultural and traditional activity for all New Mexicans; and

     WHEREAS, the quality waters section of the San Juan river below Navajo dam is facing reduced flow levels and other issues that could negatively impact the fishery and riparian zone; and

     WHEREAS, a need exists to coordinate current and ongoing management activities of the multiple state and federal agencies with jurisdiction over the Navajo dam, fishery and riparian zone of the San Juan river below Navajo dam; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexicans who value the San Juan river trout fishery are eager to participate in a public process for the protection and enhancement of the fishery;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state game commission and the department of game and fish be requested to coordinate with the federal bureau of land management, the federal bureau of reclamation, the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department and appropriate New Mexico academic institutions to plan and implement a program to make the San Juan river fishery and appurtenant riparian zone below Navajo dam the world's finest; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, to accomplish this goal, the department of game and fish be requested to coordinate efforts to implement a long-term plan that prioritizes areas of concern and proposes solutions that will maintain or enhance the San Juan river fishery and riparian zone below Navajo dam; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any plan to maintain or enhance the San Juan river fishery and riparian zone below Navajo dam developed by the department of game and fish in coordination with the federal bureau of land management, the federal bureau of reclamation, the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department and appropriate New Mexico academic institutions shall be thoroughly vetted with the public through public meetings and meetings with recreational and commercial user groups, as well as by posting on the internet; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state game commission and the department of game and fish provide a semiannual progress update on the planning and implementation efforts to the appropriate interim legislative committee; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of game and fish, in coordination with the federal bureau of land management, the federal bureau of reclamation and the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department, seek federal funding and contributions from private industry and interested recreational user groups to complete the planning and implementation activities; and

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

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