HOUSE MEMORIAL 91

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

INTRODUCED BY

Jeff Steinborn

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH TO APPOINT AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ADVISE ON POLICY, PROCEDURES, MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH DEALING WITH LISTED, THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND NONGAME SPECIES.

     WHEREAS, the legislature enacted the Wildlife Conservation Act, declaring, in part, that species of wildlife that may be threatened or endangered should be managed to maintain and enhance their numbers within the carrying capacity of the habitat; and  

     WHEREAS, the Wildlife Conservation Act authorizes and directs the state game commission to establish appropriate regulations to carry out all of the provisions and purposes of the Wildlife Conservation Act;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of game and fish be requested to appoint an advisory committee to advise the commission on policy, procedures, management and research dealing with listed, threatened, endangered and nongame species, and on legislation, including the Wildlife Conservation Act and related statues; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the advisory committee consist of seven members, including:

          A. at least one member who represents a sportsman, hunting or fishing organization;

          B. two members who are wildlife biologists or persons with equivalent academic training related to threatened and endangered species; and

          C. at least four members who represent conservation organizations whose focus includes threatened and endangered species; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the advisory committee members shall:

          A. reside in each congressional district, with no fewer than two and no more than three members from any one district;

          B. serve staggered terms of three years and no more than two consecutive terms;

          C. reflect a diversity of academic or professional backgrounds; and

          D. serve in a voluntary, unpaid capacity and are not entitled to receive per diem or mileage pursuant to the Per Diem and Mileage Act; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the advisory committee meet at least quarterly for a total of five years; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the advisory committee generate an annual report that includes the advisory committee's analysis of the implementation of the Wildlife Conservation Act and related statutes by the department of game and fish; the funding pursued by the department for use in implementing the Wildlife Conservation Act and related statutes and the committee's suggestions regarding additional funding strategies; and the advisory committee's recommendations related to the directives in this memorial; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the advisory committee's annual report shall be published on the web site of the department of game and fish; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state game commission, the director of the department of game and fish and the New Mexico legislative council.

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