44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

REQUESTING THE STATE GAME COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH WITH THE FEDERAL LAND AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AGENCIES CARRYING CAPACITIES AND HERD SIZE FOR ELK IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, wildlife is an important and desirable asset to all New Mexicans; and

WHEREAS, carrying capacity is the sustainable quantity and quality of forage available and not allocated to other uses; and

WHEREAS, overpopulation of elk can damage the agricultural and rural economy, the health of the herd and other wildlife and established local cultures of New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, rangeland, agricultural land and riparian areas are being degraded and damaged by overpopulations of elk throughout New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, herd management should be conducted in areas where elk depredation and riparian damage cannot be controlled in any other way;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state game commission with the federal land and wildlife management agencies be requested to develop a strategic elk management plan that is based on elk quantity, quality of habitat and the established carrying capacity and includes provisions for all management options to manage and contain the elk herd population when necessary; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state game commission strategic elk management plan be developed through a process, including private landowners and sportsmen; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state game commission and the regional directors of the United States forest service, fish and wildlife service and bureau of land management.