FIFTY-SEVENTH WYOMING LEGISLATURE

APPROVED INTERIM COMMITTEE STUDIES

2003 INTERIM

 JOINT TRAVEL, RECREATION AND WILDLIFE INTERIM COMMITTEE

Initial Budget Approved:  $20,000

Topic 1:            Game and Fish Issues

Delisting of endangered species.  The Committee is statutorily required to receive a report on the wolf delisting process.  The Committee will also review the process for other endangered/threatened species in Wyoming and progress in delisting those species.  Legislation may be necessary.

Residency requirements for hunting and fishing.  The current statute has raised concerns regarding domicile requirements under current times when people are traveling and maintaining homes in more than one state.  Legislation is anticipated.

Preference points.  HB 73 failed in the Senate.  Given the public testimony in support of the bill last interim, the Committee will review the legislation for reconsideration and possible modification.

Critical habitat.  Concerns have been raised regarding residential developments impinging on critical wildlife habitat.  The Committee expects to receive a report from the Game and Fish Department on the issue.

Topic 2:            State Parks and Tourism Issues

Master plan for state parks.  The Committee will review a master plan for state parks.  This would include concessionaire issues, the territorial prison state park and historical site and Carissa gold mine issues (assuming SF 86 passes).  Legislation might be required.

Management plan for archives and historic collections. The director of the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources has stated that the state's management plan for archives and historic collections should be reviewed.  The collection is growing and funding obligations of the state are dependent on the state's plan for these collections.  The need for legislation is unknown.

Reciprocity for ATV and snowmobile registration..  This will include a report from the department of state parks and cultural resources of current agreements.  The need for legislation is unknown.