Environment (Public Lands)

HB 153 prohibits intentionally harassing, injuring, or killing predatory animals (like wolves or mountain lions) on public lands using vehicles such as cars, trucks, or snowmobiles. It directly affects hunters who use motorized vehicles to pursue predators on public land, banning this practice while allowing government agencies to use aircraft for lawful duties. The bill amends existing wildlife laws to add this vehicle restriction, requires the Game and Fish Commission to create implementing rules, and takes effect July 1, 2026. (Note: This is a procedural bill focused on regulating hunting methods, not creating new programs.)

Wyoming's HB 78 creates a state-administered Forest Health Grant Program to fund projects improving forest conditions on public and private lands. The program covers up to 75% of eligible project costs (50% on federal land), requiring matching funds from other sources, with projects focused on water quality, wildfire risk reduction, forest product production, or wildlife habitat. Grants require attorney general approval and annual reporting to the Agriculture Committee, with a $3 million appropriation from the general fund starting July 2026. The program expires on July 1, 2030, after which unobligated funds will be returned to non-state donors or reverted to the general fund. It directly affects landowners and forest managers seeking funding for public-benefit forest health initiatives.

This bill requires Wyoming's state engineer to conduct groundwater studies every decade in counties with designated groundwater control areas. The studies must assess water usage, determine necessary controls to replenish underground water systems, and may include mapping or test wells. Results must be publicly shared and reported to a legislative committee within 15 days of completion. The state engineer's office is allocated $250,000 specifically for this study, which must be finished by June 30, 2028.

This bill creates a process for designating Wyoming state lands with "significant community value" based on historical, archaeological, wildlife, geological, or botanical features. County commissioners can apply to the Environmental Quality Council, which reviews applications with public hearings and approves designations if the land meets specific community value criteria. Once approved, the Board of Land Commissioners must consider this designation when evaluating any change in land use - including new leases, renewals, or dispositions - requiring individual review instead of routine approval. The bill amends state statutes to implement this requirement, ensuring community input is formally integrated into land management decisions.