45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2001

REQUESTING THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO DEVELOP AN OFFICIAL REGISTRY OF EXISTING COMMUNITY LAND GRANTS IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, community land grants have existed in New Mexico since the beginning of Spanish settlement in the early sixteenth century; and

WHEREAS, the only complete official registry of these land grants is with the federal government; and

WHEREAS, nearly all remaining community land grants are located in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, these remaining community land grants are a living repository of the colorful and grand history and culture of this great state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the secretary of state be requested to develop criteria for the creation of an official New Mexico land grant registry to preserve the historical, cultural and legal record of community land grants; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be sent to the secretary of state.