[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 23 (Monday, March 7, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 1994

                                 ______


                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 7, 1994

  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to introduce the 
Santa Fe National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 1994. This 
legislation, which is also being introduced today in the Senate by my 
colleague Jeff Bingaman, would modify the boundary of the Santa Fe 
National Forest in my district to include the entire area of the 
Atalaya Mountain. The mountain, a pristine, beautiful landmark east of 
Santa Fe, is uniquely deserving of inclusion in the National Forest 
System.
  The rapid growth of New Mexico's capital city in recent years has led 
to overcrowding, increased pollution, explosive growth into the suburbs 
and other impacts on the excellent quality of life in Santa Fe. In 
fact, a recent poll by the Journal North found that a majority of Santa 
Fe residents believe their city is becoming a worse place to live. The 
number one reason cited by poll respondents was the city's growth and 
development.
  In addition to these concerns, recent controversies about development 
of housing and increased land use on Atalaya Mountain have further 
underscored the need for this bill. Many Santa Feans and others 
concerned about maintaining a proper balance between housing and 
development and the preservation of open and urban space saw these 
controversies as a symptom of a greater problem. I share this concern.
  We must ensure that careful thought about where new homes and 
buildings are placed is an essential part of land use management 
planning. The wilderness belongs to everyone and it should be the 
responsibility of the government to protect it from misuse and the 
threats of development. The time has come for responsible land use 
planning that does not sacrifice pristine wilderness in the name of 
development. Such an egregious lack of self-discipline is not only 
threatening to the natural beauty of northern New Mexico, but it says 
that we care more about reckless development than the future health and 
sanctity of our precious natural resources.
  The Santa Fe National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act simply moves a 
boundary to accommodate more land in the national forest, but it also 
marks a significant turning point for the citizens of Santa Fe and for 
everyone who supports responsible environmental policy. As one of my 
constituents said in a commentary in the Santa Fe New Mexican last 
month, this issue is a wake-up call. It is also a statement about our 
values. Passage of this legislation will mean that we value our 
environment. It will mean that we believe that responsible land use 
management should not rely on the expedient desires of growth for 
growth's sake and indifference to the environment.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to ensure 
passage of this legislation this year.
  Text of the bill follows:

                                H.R. --

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of 
     Representatives of the United States of America in 
     Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Santa Fe National Forest 
     Boundary Adjustment Act of 1994''.

     SEC. 2. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.

       (a) Expansion.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall modify 
     the boundary of the Santa Fe National Forest as depicted on 
     the map entitled ``Santa Fe National Forest Boundary 
     Expansion--1994''.
       (b) Map.--The map referred to in subsection (a) shall be on 
     file and available for public inspection in the Office of the 
     Chief Forester, National Forest Service, Washington, D.C.
       (c) Acquisition.--The Secretary of Agriculture is 
     authorized to acquire land depicted on the map described in 
     subsection (a) by exchange with the Bureau of Land Management 
     of the Department of the Interior.
       (d) Effective Date.--For purposes of section 7(a)(1) of the 
     Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-
     9(a)(1)), the boundary of the Santa Fe National Forest, as 
     modified pursuant to subsection (a), shall be treated as if 
     it were the boundary as of January 1, 1965.

     SEC. 3. MANAGEMENT.

       (a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b)(1), the 
     Secretary of Agriculture shall not transfer by exchange, 
     sale, or otherwise, any land or interest in land within the 
     boundary of the Santa Fe National Forest that is acquired 
     pursuant to the boundary expansion authorized in section 
     2(a).
       (b) Easements.--
       (1) Conveyance.--The Secretary may convey to the State of 
     New Mexico easements donated to, and accepted by, the United 
     States.
       (2) Management.--Land or interest in land acquired pursuant 
     to the boundary expansion authorized in section 2(a) shall be 
     managed consistent with the terms and conditions of any 
     easement donated to, and accepted by, the United States with 
     respect to such land or interest in land.

                          ____________________