SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 8

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE STATE PARKS DIVISION OF THE ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT TO COLLABORATE WITH FEDERAL, STATE, TRIBAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO COORDINATE SERVICES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PECOS CANYON IN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY.

     WHEREAS, the Pecos canyon north of the village of Pecos in San Miguel county is one of New Mexico's most scenic and popular recreational areas; and

     WHEREAS, this portion of the Pecos canyon contains an outstanding diversity of resources with local and national significance, including areas of scientific, aesthetic, geologic, natural, cultural and recreational value; and

     WHEREAS, the Pecos canyon area receives several thousand visitors a year for tourism, recreational activities and the enjoyment of the protection of the canyon's natural settings; and

     WHEREAS, the village of Pecos, local business associations, the upper Pecos watershed, state parks, the department of game and fish, the United States forest service, the national park service, San Miguel county, the congressional delegation and other interested partners are working together to promote the Pecos canyon for the good of New Mexico, the village of Pecos and San Miguel county; and

     WHEREAS, residents of San Miguel county and visitors from the region frequent the Pecos canyon as a recreational destination and have done so for many years, and the influx of people and use of the area as a recreational site provide substantial revenue and recognition for the village of Pecos, San Miguel county and the state of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, state legislators and elected officials of the village of Pecos and San Miguel county have supported legislation to fund planning efforts aimed at identifying improvements required to accommodate the use of the Pecos canyon as a recreational area while maintaining the surrounding natural beauty and quality of water and preserving wildlife in the area; and

     WHEREAS, investments in the Pecos canyon could help foster sustainable communities and enhance the economic impacts for the region and the state, while maintaining healthy communities and promoting environmental stewardship in our state parks and New Mexico;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department be requested to work with all applicable federal and state agencies and local governments, tribes and interested stakeholders to develop a Pecos canyon recreation strategic and comprehensive plan for infrastructure, programing and recreational activities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the energy, minerals and natural resources department be requested to report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate interim committees of the legislature by November 1, 2019; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources, the director of the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department and members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.

- 3 -