JOINT AGRICULTURE, STATE AND PUBLIC LANDS AND WATER RESOURCES INTERIM COMMITTEE

Standard Budget:     $40,000.00

Priority #: 1     State Lands and Investments, including the State Forestry Division

The Committee will review the process of federal notice provided to private property owners within the State of Wyoming and related issues.

The Committee will receive an update on the forest condition and fire danger.

Priority #: 2     Wyoming Livestock Board

The Committee will review the animal cruelty provisions and determine how the various provisions should apply to livestock and household pets and the role of the Livestock board in enforcing the provisions.

The Committee will also conduct a review of the animal welfare provisions and enforcement process.

The Committee will review and update provistions of title 11 of the statutes including the various definitions of "livestock" and the use of other terms including "running at large".

Priority #: 3     Wyoming State Engineer's Office

The Committee will review and clarify provisions related to for groundwater within the State relating to:

a. Clarifying the contested case process.

b. The definition of when a well is determined to be complete.

c. Clarification on adjudication of temporary permits.

d. Determination of whether a series of wells could be considered as one well in certain circumstances.

[Modified by Management Council]

Priority #: 4     Wyoming Department of Agriculture

The Committee will consider issues related to raw milk including a review of what other states have done regarding raw milk.

The Committee will review the pest control compact and determine whether changes to or a repeal of the compact are necessary.

Priority #: 5     Other Topics as Necessary

The Committee requests the authority to study or draft legislation in relation to any topic or emergency that may be presented through the various agencies that fall under the umbrella of agriculture, state and public lands and water. [Deleted by Management Council]

The Committee will invite the Governor to address the Committee on issues related to agriculture, state and public lands and water.

Priority #  5 Agency Budget Review

The Committee will review proposed 2%, 4% and 6% budget cuts as submitted by the supervised agencies designated for the Committee's review last interim. [Study added by Management Council]

Tentative Meeting Schedule:

Spring: May 6 and 7 (Powell, WY)

Fall: September 23 and 24 (Lusk, WY)