A. As part of the wildlife corridors action plan, the department of game and fish and the department of transportation shall publish a prioritized "wildlife corridors project list" of projects to be undertaken.
B. The department of game and fish and the department of transportation shall prioritize projects within the wildlife corridors project list by assessing the following criteria, listed in order of importance:
(1) the potential to reduce wildlife-vehicle collision and enhance safety to the traveling public;
(2) the relative current population size of select large mammal species and species of concern or the value of proposed infrastructure that will improve wildlife corridors;
(3) the feasibility and constructability of wildlife corridors infrastructure;
(4) the potential costs and economics of wildlife corridors infrastructure, including benefits or other effects on local communities;
(5) local community support for proposed wildlife corridors infrastructure;
(6) the value of the project to native large mammals and other native species; and
(7) surrounding land-use and ownership, especially tribal lands, and an evaluation of the need for conservation easements or other real estate instrument necessary to maintain the viability of a proposed wildlife corridor.
C. On an annual basis following the issuance of the first wildlife corridors project list, the department of game and fish and the department of transportation shall issue a report to the governor and the legislature stating the progress toward completing the enumerated projects as of the current fiscal year. The report shall represent progress toward completion of a project as a percentage, with a corresponding explanation for the represented number and plans for future progress.
History: Laws 2019, ch. 97, § 4.
ANNOTATIONSEffective dates. — Laws 2019, ch. 97 contained no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, was effective June 14, 2019, 90 days after the adjournment of the legislature.