HOUSE MEMORIAL 64

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Nick L. Salazar

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO ENCOURAGE THE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE TO FORM A MANAGEMENT, PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERSHIP AND TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PROTECT THE GALLINAS WATERSHED AND THE SURFACE WATER SUPPLY DELIVERED FROM THE WATERSHED AND TO PLAN FOR AND MINIMIZE THE IMPACTS OF FOREST FIRES ON THE WATERSHED.

     WHEREAS, the prevalence of forest fires and drought in the state is increasing; and

     WHEREAS, it is inevitable that fire and drought conditions will persist into the future; and

     WHEREAS, it is critical to begin the process of planning for post-forest fire situations with water supply treatment facilities and methods to ensure the delivery of potable water to the residents within San Miguel county; and

     WHEREAS, San Miguel county needs federal partnerships and federal financial assistance to increase forest fire mitigation applications in the Gallinas watershed to address the critical threats to the water supply for a municipal water system that currently serves over five thousand customers in a county with more than twenty-nine thousand residents; and    

     WHEREAS, the identification and implementation of hazardous fuel reduction treatments and post-catastrophic forest fire treatments on United States forest service properties and outreach efforts to create public awareness about existing fire danger are necessary to ensure that the Gallinas watershed and the water it provides are protected against destruction; and   

     WHEREAS, the existing conditions and unmitigated trends of forest fires and droughts threaten the health, safety and welfare of the residents of San Miguel county;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico congressional delegation be requested to encourage the United States forest service to complete a review of the area and conditions surrounding the Gallinas watershed, commit to forming a management, planning and implementation partnership with and provide financial assistance to all local partners so as to protect the Gallinas watershed and its water supply and implement every possible measure to reduce the impact of forest fires and minimize post-fire incidents; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.     

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