FIFTY-SECOND LEGISLATUREHB 563/a

FIRST SESSION, 2015

March 15, 2015

Mr. President:

    Your CONSERVATION COMMITTEE, to whom has been referred

     HOUSE ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 563

has had it under consideration and reports same with recommendation that it DO PASS, amended as follows:

    1. On page 1, line 21, after the period, insert "The Rio Grande trail shall be a recreation trail for New Mexico residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of New Mexico and the Rio Grande and learn about the culture and history of New Mexico. The trail shall be established in a manner that seeks to minimize environmental impacts and preserve sensitive habitat.".

    2. On page 2, line 22, after "(c)", insert "with specific experience in the stated area of the organization's.

expertise,".

    3. On page 2, line 24, after "(d)", insert "with specific experience in the stated area of the organization's expertise,".

    4. On page 3, line 5, after "commission", insert "as non-voting members".

    5. On page 3, between lines 15 and 16, insert the following new Subsection C and reletter the succeeding subsections accordingly:

         "C. The commission shall collaborate and cooperate with the national park service's historic trails project for the El Camino Real historic trail from Mexico to northern New Mexico when appropriate.".

    6. On page 4, between lines 9 and 10, insert the following new paragraphs and renumber the succeeding paragraphs accordingly:

             "(5) identify appropriate opportunities for river recreation along the trail;

             (6) establish a Rio Grande trail commission web site to publish meeting notices, meeting minutes, commission trail recommendations and other appropriate materials;

             (7) ensure that any recommended designation, construction and use of the trail will minimize environmental impacts;

             (8) endeavor to avoid areas of significant habitat value and ensure that any recommended designation, design, construction or use of the trail will minimize the impact on habitat;

             (9) consider the impacts on private and commercial interests;".

    7. Renumber the succeeding paragraphs accordingly.

    8. On page 4, line 15, strike "and".

    9. On page 5, line 3, strike the period and insert in lieu thereof a semicolon.

    10. On page 5, between lines 3 and 4, insert the following new paragraphs:

             "(13) actively engage the public in the planning process of the Rio Grande trail and display meeting notices, meeting minutes and official commission trail proposals on the Rio Grande trail commission web site;

             (14) where feasible, develop multiple options of trail routing, construction design and potential enhancements;

             (15) prior to making any final decisions regarding trail designation, design and construction, hold public meetings to solicit public input and allow for a written comment period;

             (16) make a final recommendation based on all factors, including public comments and environmental impacts. The secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources shall solicit public comment on any variation from the recommendations of the commission in implementing the trail;

             (17) to the extent feasible, select existing trails for the route of the Rio Grande trail;

             (18) to the extent feasible, in the case of non-motorized existing trails, avoid widening;

             (19) in the case of new trails on public lands, construct the trail for non-motorized use; provided, however, that such trails may, but are not required to be, open to power-driven mobility devices for individuals with mobility impairments; and

             (20) to the extent possible, avoid introduction of non-native material on the trail.".

    11. On page 5, line 12, strike "and" and insert in lieu thereof a comma, and after "establish", insert "and support".,

and thence referred to the FINANCE COMMITTEE.

                               Respectfully submitted,

                               ___________________________________

                               Peter Wirth, Chairman

Adopted_______________________ Not Adopted_______________________

          (Chief Clerk) (Chief Clerk)

                  Date ________________________

The roll call vote was 7 For 1 Against

Yes:      7

No:       Woods

Excused: Martinez

Absent:   None

HB0563CO1.wpd                                              .201393.4