A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING A STUDY TO IMPROVE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE PARKS DIVISION OF THE ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT AND THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

     WHEREAS, the mission of the public education department is to create and maintain a customer-focused organization that provides leadership and service to improve education; and

     WHEREAS, the mission of the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department is to protect and enhance natural resources, provide recreational facilities and opportunities and promote public safety and education to benefit and enrich the lives of park visitors; and

     WHEREAS, the public education department and the state parks division are both guided by principles of dedication to education and customer service; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's state parks have unique natural and cultural resources, receive over four million visits annually and offer outstanding opportunities for education outside the classroom; and

     WHEREAS, improved use of the state parks as outdoor classrooms and increased use of the state parks division education staff in schools would help New Mexico's children to learn about and appreciate New Mexico's heritage while meeting content standards, benchmarks and performance standards required in curriculum;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public education department and the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department should be requested to prepare a study outlining opportunities for increased partnerships between the two agencies; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this study be transmitted to the legislative education study committee by November 1, 2005; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of public education and the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources.