1. A. As part of the wildlife corridors action plan, the department of game and fish [department of wildlife] and the department of transportation shall publish a prioritized "wildlife corridors project list" of projects to be undertaken.

2. B. The department of game and fish [department of wildlife] 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. (1) the potential to reduce wildlife-vehicle collision and enhance safety to the traveling public;
   2. (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. (3) the feasibility and constructability of wildlife corridors infrastructure;
   4. (4) the potential costs and economics of wildlife corridors infrastructure, including benefits or other effects on local communities;
   5. (5) local community support for proposed wildlife corridors infrastructure;
   6. (6) the value of the project to native large mammals and other native species; and
   7. (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.
3. C. On an annual basis following the issuance of the first wildlife corridors project list, the department of game and fish [department of wildlife] 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.

ANNOTATIONS

Bracketed material. — The bracketed material was inserted by the compiler and is not part of the law. Laws 2025, ch. 9, § 11 provided that references in law to the department of game and fish shall be deemed to be references to the department of wildlife.

Effective 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.