HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 48
(By Delegates Amores, Guthrie, Hatfield, Palumbo, Spencer,
Staggers, Webster and Wells)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to 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 as an economic engine
supporting vibrant timber and agricultural industries and drawing
tourists from around the world supporting a large segment of the
State of West Virginia's economy; and
Whereas, West Virginia's unique and important 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 unique and important lands are
critical to the continued health of the state's wildlife habitats
which are some of the richest places on Earth for certain types of
plants and animals found only in the Appalachians, and West
Virginia's Wildlife Conservation Action Plan, mandated by the United States Congress, 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 being made by over 40 other states, including large
investments in adjoining states, and lack of sustainable funding
for conserving West Virginia's unique and important lands threaten
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; and
Whereas, It is important for the people of the State of West
Virginia to understand the economic, health, environmental, and
quality of life benefits of our forests, farmlands, natural areas,
wildlife habitat, and waters; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Committee is hereby requested to study potential
funding mechanisms and sustainable sources of revenue to protect
and conserve West Virginia's most important unique, natural, and
rural lands to ensure the quality of life and economic well-being
of present and future West Virginians; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Committee 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.