Joint Travel Committee Meeting Summary (October 7-8, 2003)

The Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Interim Committee met in Beulah on October 7 and 8, 2003.  Staff from the Department of State Parks and Historic Sites provided an update to the Committee regarding the development of a master plan for state parks and historic sites.  The Committee requested draft legislation to establish the criteria and process regarding development of a master plan.  The Department also discussed management and storage issues related to archeological and other artifacts.  The Committee heard testimony regarding boat club leases at Keyhole Reservoir.  The Committee heard testimony related to the issue of reciprocity for snowmobiles and ATVs.  Staff from the University of Wyoming provided information to the Committee regarding the Vore Buffalo Jump.  The Committee also visited the site. 

The Wildlife Consumptive Use Subcommittee updated the Committee on its work and will present draft legislation to the Joint Agriculture Committee relating to pilot projects regarding wildlife damages.  Staff from the Game and Fish Department presented background information regarding the wolf reintroduction and delisting issue.  The Department also provided an explanation of the Wyoming wolf management plan and a comparison of the three state plans.  The Committee did not take action on proposed legislation at this meeting.  The Department also addressed the Committee regarding residency requirements and the Committee received an update from the Residency Subcommittee.  The Committee voted to sponsor legislation related to residency requirements, preference points, and the sale of hunting and fishing licenses.  The Committee has not set a date for its next meeting, but it is tentatively scheduled for the second or third week in January.