WWF and the Wyoming State Legislature

Back when I was a young wildlife biologist, I would occasionally rant and rail about the need to get the politics out of wildlife management. I don't do that anymore. Here's why: The notion of taking the politics out of wildlife conservation is tantamount to taking the role of the people out of wildlife conservation. We cannot and should not do that, because the wildlife resource belongs to them. Let me suggest that no matter how well we do the science, we cannot be any more effective at wildlife conservation that we are at keeping people involved in it.

That's why we are a player at the Wyoming State Legislature. I'm a registered lobbyist and so is Joy Bannon. Both of us have some experience at this game, and speaking for myself, I enjoy doing it. More importantly, we are pretty effective at it.

During the legislative session, one of us is at the capitol nearly every day. Sometimes, we're attending committee meetings, other times we're having conversations with legislators and other lobbyists about our priorities for the session. In any case, we are representing you - the hunters, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts who treasure our wildlife heritage.

As each session progresses, we'll be sending out periodic updates on the progress of legislation that we care about. Stay in touch, and you'll be able to follow the action!

Walt Gasson, Executive Director
Wyoming Wildlife Federation

Priorities - 2010 Budget Session

Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund (WWNRTF) - The current balance of the trust account is approximately $90 million. Governor Dave Freudenthal has proposed investing $5 million in the trust account. In addition, a total of approximately $6 million in project funding is being proposed. For more information on WWNRTF, see http://wwnrt.state.wy.us/index.htm

Illegal fish stocking - Illegal stocking of fish (including walleye, burbot, and others) has resulted in disastrous consequences for fisheries in many parts of Wyoming. The Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee has sponsored a bill to increase the penalty for illegal fish stocking. See http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2010/Introduced/HB0009.pdf.

Aquatic invasive species - A number of exotic species like quagga mussels and zebra mussels, if introduced to Wyoming's streams, lakes, and rivers, could pose serious challenges for native species and ruin boats and equipment. The Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee has sponsored a bill to proactively control the spread of these species. See http://legisweb.state.wy.us/2010/Introduced/HB0018.pdf.

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