SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 13

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

INTRODUCED BY

Cynthia Nava

A JOINT MEMORIAL

SUPPORTING THE IDEA THAT EVERY NEW MEXICO CHILD SHOULD HAVE AMPLE OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is a state rich in diverse natural resources and wildlife, providing residents with traditional and long-valued outdoor recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, boating and hiking; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico children have high rates of obesity and diabetes, with one-third who are overweight and whose diabetes rates have jumped forty percent in the decade from 1990 to 2000; and

     WHEREAS, an emerging body of literature indicates that being in nature is increasingly important for children raised in highly industrialized urban environments; and

     WHEREAS, if integrated into pediatric care, outdoor activity in natural environments has the potential to improve children's mental health and physical well-being; and

     WHEREAS, young people who are environmentally literate and skilled will have a competitive advantage in traditional and emerging natural resource economic sectors; and

     WHEREAS, taking care of natural resources and forming good stewardship habits at an early age are essential aspects of civic engagement; and

     WHEREAS, the wonder and joy of discovery in nature is a quintessential childhood experience, and it promotes health, academic achievement, future economic success and environmental literacy;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it support the idea that every New Mexico child should have the opportunity to:

          A. play outside and explore freely;

          B. watch wildlife in the outdoors;

          C. wade in a clean river, creek, lake or pond;

          D. catch a fish and hunt for food;

          E. camp out under the stars;

          F. plant a seed and visit farms and ranches;

          G. travel a trail;

          H. explore New Mexico's public parks, nature centers and wildlife sanctuaries;

          I. actively care for land, water and wildlife; and

          J. dig in the dirt and learn about the world from the ground up; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the children, youth and families department, the energy, minerals and natural resources department, the department of game and fish, the public education department and the department of health be encouraged to develop and advertise outdoor programs for children; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the children, youth and families department, the energy, minerals and natural resources department, the department of game and fish, the public education department and the department of health.

- 3 -