REQUESTING THE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE STATE LAND OFFICE, THE NEW MEXICO YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS, UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT AND OTHER LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES WORK TO RESTORE THE STATE'S RANGE AND FOREST LANDS FOR IMPROVED WATERSHED FUNCTIONS.

WHEREAS, New Mexico is an arid state with annual precipitation in some areas as low as seven inches; and

WHEREAS, recent droughts have severely affected agricultural economies and the state's ability to meet delivery obligations under interstate compacts; and

WHEREAS, rapid urban and population growth have and will continue to strain the state's water supplies; and

WHEREAS, water resources and related land and vegetative ecosystems must be improved and managed more effectively if water needs of the state are to be adequately met; and

WHEREAS, environmental values, rural economies, cultural values and social benefits can be compatible if management practices are more carefully planned and executed; and

WHEREAS, ranchers such as Sid Goodlow have undertaken conservation measures and vegetation management that has resulted in healthier ecosystems and more water production; and

WHEREAS, the soil and water conservation districts around the state are grass roots organizations with expertise and experience necessary to carry out ecologically sound principles of range improvement and vegetation management to enhance watershed functions and the state's water supply;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the soil and water conservation districts, with cooperation from the state land office, the New Mexico youth conservation corps, be requested to undertake a collaborative effort with the United States forest service, the bureau of land management and other local, state and federal agencies to improve watershed function through vegetative management, range and forest improvement and ecosystem restoration; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the soil and water conservation commission, the commissioner of public lands, the New Mexico youth conservation corps director, the regional directors of the United States forest service and bureau of land management and the New Mexico congressional delegation.