HOUSE MEMORIAL 99

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Andy Nunez

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO ASK THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR TO PERMIT THE DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH TO MANAGE THE MEXICAN WOLF POPULATION IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, the livestock industry in New Mexico contributed one billion seven hundred fifty million dollars ($1,750,000,000) in 2012 to the state's economy; and

     WHEREAS, more than fourteen thousand New Mexicans are directly employed by the livestock industry in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the United States fish and wildlife service has implemented a Mexican wolf introduction program in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the United States fish and wildlife service recently enacted new rules to expand the area in New Mexico where Mexican wolves will be released and new wolf packs established; and

     WHEREAS, Mexican wolf depredation and federal interdiction policies have caused economic harm to the livestock industry and local communities in southwestern New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, wolf introduction efforts elsewhere in the United States have led to similar effects and caused decreases in wild deer and elk populations, while wolf populations have increased; and

     WHEREAS, the federal government should consider all of the potential environmental and economic impacts of the revised federal Mexican wolf introduction program; and

     WHEREAS, there are concerns about the federal government's ability to effectively manage Mexican wolves in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the department of game and fish could most effectively manage the Mexican wolf population because of its expertise regarding affected geographical areas and the environmental, ecological and economic issues relating to the management of the Mexican wolf population in New Mexico;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to ask the United States department of the interior to permit the department of game and fish to manage the Mexican wolf population in New Mexico; and

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

- 3 -