44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

DECLARING FEBRUARY 22 AS NEW MEXICO RIVER APPRECIATION DAY.

WHEREAS, New Mexico's "great rivers": the Rio Grande, Rio Pecos, San Juan river, Canadian river and Gila river and their tributary streams have been, from time immemorial, the arteries of life for this arid land; and

WHEREAS, the commerce of New Mexico and the livelihood of so many of its citizens depend upon the precious gifts bestowed upon us by our great rivers, water that sustains our farms and ranches, our villages, pueblos and cities, our bosques and mountain forests, providing water for us to drink and life for the many creatures with whom we share this land; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's great rivers are the source of inspiration, pleasure and spiritual renewal for our citizens of diverse cultures and for the visitors to our state; and

WHEREAS, today our rivers are often polluted, dammed, dredged or depleted; and

WHEREAS, we, who have received so much from our great rivers, so seldom pause to express our appreciation for our rivers and streams and our concern for the future well-being of our rivers and all that depend upon them;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 22, 1999 be declared "Celebrate New Mexico Rivers Day".