HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 48

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

Paul C. Bandy

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH AND THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TO ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES THAT REDUCE CONFLICTS BETWEEN WOLVES AND LIVESTOCK AND TO SEEK WAYS TO PROVIDE INTERDICTION AND COMPENSATION TO AFFECTED PARTIES WHO HAVE SUFFERED ECONOMIC AND OTHER LOSSES AS A RESULT OF THE FEDERAL MEXICAN GRAY WOLF RECOVERY PROGRAM.

     WHEREAS, the Mexican gray wolf recovery program has had a negative impact on local governments, schools, livestock owners and other residents of New Mexico, resulting in millions of dollars in uncompensated economic and other losses; and

     WHEREAS, federal funds have been allocated by the congress of the United States for interdiction and compensation to livestock owners for depredation and other losses associated with wolf recovery and reintroduction programs; and

     WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon the state of New Mexico and the federal government to compensate livestock producers for depredation losses in accordance with a formula that provides equitable reimbursement for livestock depredation losses, including the real value of livestock, which includes the value of an animal plus future revenue losses associated with the loss of the animal; increased management costs; opportunity costs; and reduced value of the ranch;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of game and fish and the United States fish and wildlife service be requested to take proactive measures to reduce conflicts between wolves and livestock and to seek measures to compensate livestock producers for depredation losses in accordance with a formula that provides equitable reimbursement for livestock depredation losses, including the real value of livestock, increased management costs, opportunity costs and reduced value of the ranch; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to New Mexico's congressional delegation, the regional director of the United States fish and wildlife service, the governor and the director of the department of game and fish.

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