Bill > SM40

This Memorial expresses New Mexico's opposition to designating any additional land as "wilderness" or "special management areas" next to the existing Pecos wilderness. The Memorial argues that the federal Wilderness Act of 1964, which prohibits motorized vehicles, equipment, and mechanical transport, as well as structures, hinders crucial activities like watershed restoration, flood control, forest management (including thinning and fire suppression), livestock management, and access for law enforcement and search and rescue. It also claims these designations discriminate against the elderly and handicapped, diminish economic opportunities in rural communities, and have recently been implemented without adequate public input. Therefore, the Memorial calls for New Mexico's congressional delegation and federal leadership to be informed of this opposition.