Joint Agriculture Committee Meeting Summary (April 28-29, 2003)

The Joint Agriculture, Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee met on April 28 and 29, 2003 in Cody.  The Committee received information concerning a number of agriculture issues including:  possible temporary changes for water use and point of diversion; forage compensation for wild game; and state land and forester issues.  In conjunction with the Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Interim Committee, they formed a subcommittee to address forage compensation for wild game.  The Committee also formed a subcommittee to address concerns about temporary water use.

The Committee was given updates on diseases affecting Wyoming’s livestock and wildlife. The Committee also received an update on water projects; various projects are planned in conjunction with the tribes.  The Committee was informed about agriculture land taxation, new rules for pools and spas, the wild horse adoption program, a federal dry milk program for livestock and a means to use federal roads, based on a memorandum between Utah and the Secretary of Interior.  The Committee will meet again October 20 and 21, 2003 in Newcastle to consider bills related to temporary changes for the use of water and point of diversion, and pilot programs for wildlife forage compensation.