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April 28 and 29, 2003
Park County Courthouse: Barling Room
1002 Sheridan Avenue
Cody, Wyoming
Senator Gerald E. Geis, Chairman and Representative James C. Hageman, Vice Chairmen.
Senators Bill Barton, Rich Cathcart, Laness Northup and Bill Vasey.
Representatives Bob Brechtel, Ross Diercks, Elaine Harvey, Layton D. Morgan, Mick Powers, Ed Prosser [April 28 only], Mark Semlek and James J. Slater.
Senators Cale Case and Hank Coe and Representative Michael R. Baker.
Karen Ashcraft Byrne
Please refer to Appendix 1 to review the Committee Sign-in Sheet for a list of other individuals who attended the meeting.
All meeting materials and handouts provided to the Committee by the Legislative Service Office (LSO), public officials, lobbyists, and the public are referenced in the Meeting Materials Index, attached to the minutes. These materials are on file at the LSO and are part of the official record of the meeting.
Chairman Geis called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. [Appendix 3]. The following sections summarize the Committee proceedings by topic. Please refer to Appendix 2 to review the Committee Meeting Agenda.
Pat Tyrrell, State Engineer, talked about temporary changes of water use and points of diversion. 2003 SF0146 and various variations of that bill were discussed. Game and Fish Department introduced materials regarding the use of water in the state. Various groups spoke on behalf of the value of in-channel use. The Committee voted to consider proposed legislation A, C and D with E being considered for appropriate amendments. Senator Vasey voted nay for proposed legislation A and Senator Barton voted nay for proposed legislation D. A subcommittee was appointed, consisting of Vice Chairman Hageman as Chairman of the subcommittee and Senator Northrup and Representatives Morgan, Prosser and Slater as members. The subcommittee will work with the state engineer. [Appendices 4 – 11].
Jim Logan, State Veterinarian, gave the Committee an update on livestock and wildlife diseases. He told them about the effects of Brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone area. He stated that it was a disease of reality, politics and perception. He also talked about the effects and symptoms of Chronic Wasting Disease, West Nile Virus, Scrapie, Trichomoniasis, Rabies and Tuberculosis. He said that mosquitoes bite infected birds and birds eat infected mosquitoes and infect more mosquitoes who pass the West Nile Virus to horses and humans. Thus, it is very important to eradicate mosquitoes. [Appendix 12].
Terry Cleveland, Department of Game and Fish, discussed the history of the department's various methods of compensating agriculture producers for the costs of wildlife forage. He stated that the federal government doesn't pay anything for the costs of the wildlife they own and the state only does because it voluntarily agreed to pay. At present, landowners receive money if they allow hunting on their land. They also receive coupons to redeem and two hunting licenses that must be used by family and can't be transferred. Mike Tess from Montana State University talked about studies that the University had done regarding the cost of feeding wildlife in the Cody area. Several landowners testified that the numbers of wildlife have increased and with the present drought conditions, they cannot afford to feed wildlife. They stated that elk in particular are ruining their grass pastures. Several sportsmen talked about how they shouldn't have to pay any more than they already do for hunting. A subcommittee with Representative Baker as Chairman and Senator Vasey and Representatives Brechtel and Powers as members was appointed to look at this situation and determine pilot programs to address concerns. [Appendices 13 – 24].
Vice Chairman Hageman called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Jeanne Norman, Chief Financial Officer, State Lands and Investments, talked about the responsibilities of the agency and the role of the State Forester after passage of 2003 SF0114 that changed the authority over the State Forester from the Director of State Lands to the Board of State Lands. She stated that the role and responsibilities of the State Forester would not be much different. She stated that the agency was charged with control and management of state land by the Wyoming Constitution and handles state land, mineral rights, timber sales and various programs for grants and loans. The agriculture loans are a good investment for the state because they are loaned at eight percent interest. Dan Perko, acting State Forester, explained the functions of the forestry programs and the fire suppression program.
Mike Besson, Director, Water Development Office, talked about water projects throughout the state and the problems associated with drought conditions. He said that last year there were a lot of studies and this year there will be a lot of construction. He also said that his department was working with the tribes on various water projects. He said there were new members on the Commission and the Committee members were invited to the next meeting of the Water Development Commission. [Appendix 25].
Dick Coulter, Agriculture Statistics Service, explained the system for taxation value of agriculture. Ed Schmidt, Director, Department of Revenue, and Dave Chapman, also with the Department, discussed the agency's role in agriculture taxation. Conservation easement taxation was discussed. Eileen Oakley, Fremont County Assessor, stated that she would tax conservation easements at market value that would probably be the same as without the easement. [Appendix 26].
John Etchepare, Director of the Department of Agriculture, talked about new rules in response to legislation passed regarding pools and spas. He also talked about the wild horse adoption program, an energy project, emergency water development project requirements, a federal dry milk program for giving protein to livestock and a memorandum of understanding between Utah and the Department of Interior regarding roads that Wyoming might want to emulate. He said that the State Fair would be held August 11-16, 2003 and the Committee members were invited to tour the facilities. [Appendix 27].
There was no other business.
The Committee determined that they would meet again on October 20 and 21, 2003 in Newcastle, Wyoming. There being no further business, Chairman Hageman adjourned the meeting at 1:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Senator Gerald E. Geis, Chairman