SENATE MEMORIAL 95

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2016

INTRODUCED BY

Benny Shendo, Jr.

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 15, 2016 "SUPPORT FOR THE TRAILS OF THE ANCIENTS NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is the birthplace of protected wilderness and lands that not only preserve heritage, but also public lands and water; and

     WHEREAS, protected lands have proven to be good for the New Mexico economy and create sustainable jobs; and

     WHEREAS, protected lands protect priceless historical, archaeological and paleontological resources and provide important habitat for wildlife; and

     WHEREAS, these lands provide a place for renewal of the human spirit and a place for study, reflection, hunting, camping, photography and other activities; and

     WHEREAS, the protection of the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah wilderness study area creates a new opportunity for tourism and historical study in the northwest quadrant of the state; and

     WHEREAS, protection of these lands must occur before they are lost to development, and there is an urgency to support protection; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the federal Wilderness Act, and the protection of this proposed conservation area would add to the important and growing legacy of New Mexico land preservation;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 15, 2016 be declared "Support for the Trails of the Ancients National Conservation Area Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the senate support the protection of the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah wilderness study area and surrounding federal lands and their designation as part of a national conservation area; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the director of the department of game and fish.

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