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Wildlife trust fund reviewed by Senate panel
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP)--A proposal to preserve the state's wildlife habitat for future generations through a $75 million trust fund received its first review Jan. 25.
Under the Wildlife and Natural Resource Funding Act, only the interest and earnings generated by the account could be spent. Allowable projects would include improving or acquiring habitat and accepting easements that could protect land from development.
A board appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate would evaluate, rank and prioritize proposed wildlife improvement projects--both public and private--and determine which ones to fund.
"We're a state of big game, big spaces and big people, and this is a bold move," Bob Budd, manager of the Red Canyon Ranch near Lander, told the Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee.
Tim Flitner, a Greybull rancher, said the bill could help people like himself trying to stave off developers and preserve a family tradition.
He said he continually turns down offers because he enjoys the scenery, wildlife and cattle work that come with his ranch.
"People want to buy exclusive rights to hunt, fish--water rights or house sites," he said.
But not all ranchers favor Senate File 41.
"To give an appointed and non-elected board control of such resources is to invite disaster," said Doug Cooper, who has a livestock operation near Casper. "We're simply saying, 'Here's a lot of money. Do something nice for wildlife."'
He said the board could decide to preserve the Preble's meadow jumping mouse or "dubious" wildlife such as wild horses to the detriment of livestock, or possibly attempt to stop hunting.
The board could also purchase property to maintain public access to an area but destroy sage grouse breeding grounds in the process.
Cooper urged that "clear, statutory guidelines" be incorporated into the bill to guard against such actions.
Game and Fish Director Terry Cleveland pointed out that the measure would not directly benefit his department.
"This bill is not an avenue to increase Game and Fish funding," he told the committee. Instead, the measure would allow his department to apply for funds, like any other organization or person.
"Healthy and abundant wildlife populations are dependent on healthy habitats to support them," he said.
The bill is sponsored by the Joint Travel Interim Committee.
Money for the trust fund would come from the Legislature's Budget Reserve Account, which is much like the state General Fund in that it can be tapped by lawmakers at any time.
The committee did not immediately vote on the measure.
Date: 1/26/05
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