Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 46
(By Senators McCabe, Foster and Unger)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
sustainable funding methods to conserve land important to West
Virginia's natural resources and economy.
Whereas, The State of West Virginia's rural character, natural
wonders, scenic beauty and recreational opportunities combine to
create an exceptional quality of life for its citizens; and
Whereas, West Virginia's landscapes serve to support vibrant
timber and agricultural industries and draw tourists from around
the world; and
Whereas, West Virginia's lands provide all West Virginians
hunting, fishing, rafting, hiking and other recreational
opportunities important to their health and well-being; and
Whereas, West Virginia's lands are critical to the continued
health of the state's wildlife habitats which are some of the
richest places on earth for freshwater fish, deciduous trees and
other types of plants and animals found only in the Appalachians.
West Virginia's Wildlife Conservation Action Plan, mandated by
Congress and accepted by the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, recognizes that habitat loss is a key issue confronting
conservation of the state's valuable fish and wildlife resources;
and
Whereas, The conversion of rural land to developed land in
West Virginia doubled between 1982 and 1997 (NRCS 2001); and
Whereas, West Virginia is lagging behind land conservation
investments made by over 40 other states, including large
investments in adjoining states, and a lack of sustainable funding
for conserving West Virginia's lands threatens the very resources
that contribute to West Virginia's quality of life; and
Whereas, Repeated polling shows that more than two thirds of
West Virginia voters support public spending to help preserve
forests, mountains and natural areas in West Virginia; therefore,
be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance to study sustainable funding methods to
conserve land important to West Virginia's natural resources and
economy; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance is hereby requested to study potential funding mechanisms
and sustainable sources of revenue to support the conservation of
West Virginia's unique natural resources and important lands that
provide economic, health, environmental and other quality of life
benefits of the forests, farmlands, natural areas, wildlife
habitat, rivers, streams and other open spaces of West Virginia;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2008, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.
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