In New Mexico, we cherish our wildlife, which is deeply tied to our cultural traditions and helps sustain our $3.2 billion outdoor recreation economy through hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and more.
Our Department of Game & Fish staff is doing a good job, but our current wildlife management system is outdated and underfunded, while our State Game Commission has been politicized.
This session, we must pass a reform package to give the Department of Game & Fish the tools, authority, and funding to build a 21st-century wildlife management system for future generations.
THIS SESSION, PASS A REFORM PACKAGE TO
GIVE THE DEPARTMENT OF GAME & FISH THE...
TOOLS
AUTHORITY
FUNDING
FOR A 21ST CENTURY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
1. UPDATE THE
DEPARTMENTS MISSION
Fix our patchwork of laws that leave many wildlife unprotected
Clarify existing statutes to avoid potential lawsuits and legal gray areas
Give the Department biologists the tools and authority to make wildlife management decisions using the best available science
Help recover native species so they don't get put on the federal threatened or endangered list
Improve habitats where wildlife live, breed and migrate
2. FIX THE GAME COMMISSION
Add checks and balances to this independent governing body
Ensure legislative input on Game Commission candidates
Make the Commission more representative of all New Mexicans and maintain a balance of urban and rural interests
Establish qualifications for experience and expertise
Ensure qualified Commissioners cannot be dismissed without cause
3. SUSTAIN OUR TRADITIONS & IMPROVE WILDLIFE CONDITIONS
Solve the funding crisis at the Department of Game & Fish
Provide modest license fee increases, which are supported by many New Mexico hunters, anglers and outfitters
Leverage additional federal dollars
Operate state fisheries, support boating access and improve outdoor recreation infrastructure
Ensure conservation funding is balanced more equally among hunters, anglers, wildlife watchers and non-consumptive users
Fund additional conservation work for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
